Where’s My Refund?
Track your refund status instantly with Revenue Online, where you will see the same refund status information our staff sees. The information is updated regularly, so you can check your refund status daily.
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Refund Timeline
Each tax return is unique so the amount of time before you receive your refund will vary. On average, expect to wait:
- 3-5 weeks when you file electronically and request a direct deposit refund
- Up to 3 months when you send in a paper return and request a paper refund check
If you are expecting a direct deposit of your refund, it should automatically show up as an electronic transaction on your bank account within the estimated timelines listed above. It can take up to 7 business days for a direct deposit to show up on your bank account after your refund has been approved.
If you have not received your refund within the timelines above, learn more about next steps at Direct Deposit Refund.
After your refund has been approved, it usually takes 7-10 business days for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver refund checks, but occasionally it can take up to 45 days. If you haven’t received your check after 45 days from when it was issued, or if you suspect that it has been destroyed, lost, or stolen, please call 303-238-7378 and request to have a refund reissue form mailed to you.
Why Your Refund May Take a Little Longer
There are a few situations that can slow down your refund:
- You filed a paper return
- You elected to receive your refund via paper check.
- There were errors on your return. (You will receive a letter if this occurs.)
- Some returns are identified for additional review. (You will receive a letter if this occurs.)
- You moved recently and have not updated your address with the Tax Division. (Mail-forwarding does not apply to letters related to refunds and identity verification.)
Letters You May Receive During Refund Season
Department of Revenue letters are not forwarded:
Letters related to refunds and identity verification are not included in mail-forwarding. To ensure that you receive letters from the Department of Revenue, check your address and keep it updated by logging in to Revenue Online.
If you receive a letter from the Department of Revenue with a validation key, you are being asked to verify your identity before receiving your refund. This routine taxpayer identification process was implemented to detect and prevent increasing amounts of refund fraud that involves identity theft. Learn more about identity verification.
If you received a “Rejection of Refund Claim” letter from the Colorado Department of Revenue, the state has denied part or all of your refund. This could happen if the state determined that you do not qualify for a credit you claimed, your refund request was incomplete, or the documentation provided does not support the amount requested. If you disagree with this determination, you have the right to protest or appeal within a strict timeframe. Get started at Protest Rights & Process.
If you received a “Notice of Deficiency” letter from the Colorado Department of Revenue, the state has determined that you may owe more taxes than you reported. If you disagree with this determination, you have the right to protest or appeal within a strict timeframe. Get started at Protest Rights & Process.
If you received an “Intercepted Refund” letter, your Colorado state tax refund was applied to an outstanding debt you owe, rather than being issued to you directly. Learn more at Intercepted Refund.
As a security measure against tax fraud, your direct deposit refund may be converted to a paper check and mailed to you. If this happens, a letter will be included to explain the change.
If you have moved or changed addresses recently, this paper refund and letter will be marked as “do not forward.” This means that mail forwarding will not be applied. If you suspect that your refund was mailed to an address where you no longer live, please call 303-238-7378. We can help you update your address and mail you a refund reissue form.
Video Guidance About Refunds
Learn how to track your refund status, get familiar with estimated timelines, understand why a direct deposit might be converted to a paper check, and find out when to start the refund check reissue process.
We’re Here to Help
The Colorado Tax Division cannot offer personalized tax advice. Please consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
If you are unable to find the information you need on this website or Revenue Online, get in touch:
- Visit us at a Taxpayer Service Center
- Call us at our Taxpayer Service Helpline
- Get extra assistance with Community Tax Resources
Explore how to set up and manage your Revenue Online account, send secure messages, and submit supporting documentation if needed.
Learn about specific tax issues by exploring our video library, signing up for upcoming webinars, or watching recordings of previous webinars.
In Colorado, we are committed to protecting your income tax refund and securing your tax filings. Learn about how we prevent tax fraud and how to protect yourself from tax scams.