TABOR Tax Rebate Delivers Big — Here’s Who Gets Up to $1,130 Back

In 2025, over 3.2 million Coloradans are set to receive tax rebates under Colorado’s TABOR (Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights) program. These payments reflect a constitutional requirement that excess state revenue be refunded to eligible residents.

What Is TABOR & Why Refunds Are Triggered

Colorado’s TABOR is a constitutional amendment passed in 1992 that caps how much revenue the state may collect and spend. When the government brings in more than the allowed limit (after accounting for inflation and population growth), that excess (“surplus”) must be returned to taxpayers in the form of refunds.

In 2024, Colorado collected roughly $1.7 billion in excess revenue, making the 2025 TABOR refunds possible.

Because of this surplus, Colorado is also reducing its state income tax rate from 4.40% to 4.25% for the 2024 tax year refunds.

Who Qualifies for the 2025 TABOR Refund

To be eligible for TABOR refunds (for the 2024 tax year, paid in 2025), you must meet all of the following:

• Be at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2025
• Be a full-year Colorado resident in 2024
• File a Colorado state income tax return (Form DR 0104) or file a Property/Rent/Heat (PTC) Rebate application if your income is low and you don’t normally file returns.
• Use a valid Social Security number or ITIN
• Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return

In recent tax seasons, Colorado added a check-the-box “opt in” for the TABOR refund on tax forms, so be sure to mark that box — otherwise the refund might not be issued.

2025 Refund Amounts & Payout Tiers

Refunds vary by adjusted gross income (AGI) and by whether you file single or joint. Below is a breakdown for the 2024 tax year refunds to be paid in 2025:

AGI Range	Single Filer Refund	Joint Filer Refund
Up to $53,000	$177	$354
$53,001 – $105,000	$240	$480
$105,001 – $166,000	$277	$554
$166,001 – $233,000	$323	$646
$233,001 – $302,000	$350	$700
Over $302,000	$565	$1,130

Thus, the maximum refund for a joint filer is $1,130 under the highest bracket. Many taxpayers will receive amounts in the hundreds, depending on income and filing status.

Keep in mind, these figures represent the sales tax refund / TABOR refund portion, separate from other tax credits or rebates you may receive.

Timing & How Refunds Are Issued

When Refunds Arrive

• If you file by April 15, 2025, refunds often arrive mid to late April 2025
• If filing later (but by the extension deadline, October 15, 2025), refunds should be sent within 60 days of your return being processed.
• Electronic deposits typically arrive faster (2 weeks after processing) while paper checks may take 6–8 weeks after issuance.

Refund Processing & Status

You can check your refund status via the Colorado Department of Revenue’s “Where’s My Refund” tool.

Colorado warns of potential delays due to identity verification processes or other review flags.

Income Tax Rate Reduction

At the same time as issuing refunds, Colorado is permanently reducing its state income tax rate from 4.40% to 4.25% for the 2024 tax year, which further benefits taxpayers.

What Changes Could Affect TABOR Refunds

• Because new tax credits and deductions (especially for families and seniors) are diverting revenue, future TABOR refund amounts are projected to decline drastically.
• Legislative forecasts suggest 2026 refunds may drop to $41 (single) / $82 (joint).
• Additionally, some proposals consider challenging or repealing TABOR, which could change or halt refunds entirely.

The 2025 TABOR refunds present a substantial opportunity for Coloradans to reclaim part of their tax dollars — with refunds ranging from $177 to $1,130 depending on income and filing status.

As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, opt in when filing your return or rebate application, and submit by deadlines, the refund should come automatically.

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