As Americans continue to navigate rising costs and economic uncertainty, stimulus checks remain a hot topic. While the federal government has not announced any new nationwide stimulus for April 2025, Colorado residents have reason to be hopeful. Thanks to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) program, thousands of eligible Coloradans could receive refunds of up to $1,600 this year.
The TABOR program allows the state of Colorado to return surplus tax revenue to its residents. With a $1.4 billion budget surplus reported for the 2024 fiscal year, the state is preparing to distribute generous refunds in spring 2025. This isn’t just a financial bonus—it’s a form of relief for many families still feeling the impact of inflation and the pandemic.
Let’s take a closer look at who qualifies, how much you could get, and how to apply.
What Is the TABOR Refund and Why Is It Happening?
TABOR stands for Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, a Colorado law that limits how much tax revenue the state can keep. When the state collects more than it’s allowed to spend, it must return the extra money to taxpayers.
In 2025, TABOR has been activated again because Colorado ended the 2024 fiscal year with significant extra revenue. This year’s refund is not a fixed yearly payment, but triggered by extraordinary surpluses like the one in 2024.
There are two types of relief being offered in 2025:
1. Income Tax Rate Reduction
All residents who file a 2024 state tax return will benefit from a temporary reduction in the state income tax rate—from 4.40% to 4.25%.
2. Sales Tax Rebate Payment
This is the actual refund payment most people are referring to. It can go up to $1,600 for those filing jointly.
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 TABOR Payment?
To receive the TABOR sales rebate, you must meet three main requirements:
- You must have lived in Colorado for at least half of 2024
- You must be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2025
- You must file a 2024 Colorado state income tax return or submit a PTC (Property/Rent/Heat Rebate) application by October 15, 2025
Even if you don’t owe taxes, you may still qualify for the rebate as long as you submit a proper return or PTC form.
How Much Will You Get?
The amount of your TABOR refund will depend on your adjusted gross income, your filing status, and other financial details reviewed by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Here’s what’s been confirmed so far:
- Up to $1,600 for joint filers
- Smaller amounts for individuals or those filing separately
- Final refund amounts will be determined closer to the disbursement date, based on revenue analysis
How to Apply for Your TABOR Refund
Applying for the TABOR refund is easy and done online through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s official website. Here are the steps:
- Visit the official Colorado tax website
- Log in or create an account
- Fill in the rebate form or file your 2024 state return
- Upload documents if required
- Submit before October 15, 2025
Make sure to double-check your personal information and banking details for faster payment processing.
While there is no confirmed federal stimulus check for April 2025, Colorado’s TABOR refund could provide a helpful financial lift for many residents. With potential payments of up to $1,600, it’s one of the most meaningful state-level benefits available right now. For eligible households, this refund could help cover rising living costs, pay off debts, or build up some emergency savings.
So, if you live in Colorado and meet the requirements, don’t miss your chance. File your state return or submit your application before the deadline and claim your share of the surplus.
