State to send Coloradans information about tax credits they might be eligible to claim
DENVER — This year, Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Department of Revenue, and the Department of Public Health and Environment collaborated on an innovative initiative to share ways to save money.
Starting today, the state is sending mailers to about 47,000 taxpayers who may be eligible for certain state and federal tax credits to encourage them to file. As part of an innovative partnership with a major commercial provider of online tax preparation software, the mailers highlight specific state tax credits for tax year 2024, including:
- Colorado Child Tax Credit, which gives money back to Colorado families, up to $1,200 per child younger than six.
- Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit, which gives money back to Colorado workers, up to $3,915.
- Family Affordability Tax Credit, which gives money back to Colorado families with children younger than 17, up to $3,200 per child.
“Coloradans can save thousands of dollars by claiming these credits,” said Governor Polis. “My administration is laser-focused on supporting families and children and ensuring that Colorado remains one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.”
Executive Director Heidi Humphreys, Department of Revenue highlighted the work to save Coloradans time and money.
“Whether it is helping Coloradans save money on their taxes or save time with DMV2GO and TAX2GO, the Department of Revenue is committed to serving state residents,” Humphreys said.
To possibly receive any of these credits, taxpayers must file a Colorado tax return and claim the credits. Coloradans who have already filed a tax return can still amend their returns to receive the credits.
This is the third year the State of Colorado has contacted taxpayers by mail about potential ways to save through tax credits. Taxpayers may be eligible even if they do not usually file taxes.
“Far too many families miss out on tax credits simply because they don’t know they’re eligible,” said Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan. “By expanding outreach and providing clear, accessible information, we’re ensuring more Coloradans can claim the money they’ve earned. These tax credits can make a real difference in affording essentials like food, housing, and childcare.”
The State wishes to thank Gary Community Ventures and the New Practice Lab for their work in developing this mailer.
INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RETURNS
How to file
- Online - The Taxation Division encourages taxpayers to file electronically to reduce processing time and the potential for errors as well as issues in transit. Taxpayers can currently file with one of the many third-party vendors who offer certified electronic income tax filing products. Income tax processing will be available on Revenue Online in the coming days.
- By mail - Instructions about filing State income tax are available on each form.
The tax filing deadline for tax year 2024 is April 15, 2025; however, the state offers an automatic six-month extension for filing as long as payment obligations are satisfied by April 15.
How to save money
The Taxation Division’s new online tax benefits information hub can help taxpayers save potentially thousands of dollars. Found at Tax.Colorado.gov/SaveMoney, the new online resource offers tax benefits information in an easy-to-understand format and is organized into four high-impact tax groups: families and individuals, seniors and retirees, charitable contributions and climate-friendly.
These four groups house dozens of tax credits and subtractions available to eligible taxpayers. Many of these credits are refundable and can benefit qualifying individuals and businesses, even if they have little or no state tax liability.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Get Ahead Colorado/Hacia Adelante Colorado websites are another essential resource for helping families maximize their tax refunds by providing free, reliable tax information and connections to free tax filing services and support. A new Colorado-specific Tax Credit Calculator makes it easy for individuals to determine their eligibility for valuable tax credits, ensuring more money stays in their pockets. Visit GetAheadColorado.org to learn more.
Useful information
Up-to-date information, including the status of state income tax refunds, is at Tax.Colorado.gov — just click on the “Where’s My Refund” banner. Taxpayers can call the Taxpayer Helpline by phone at (303) 238-7378, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note, translation services are available upon request. To physically visit a Service Center for help, please schedule an appointment. Taxpayers who need low or no-cost help filing state income tax returns should visit Tax.Colorado.gov/Community-Tax-Help for additional resources.