DENVER — This year, the state is going the extra mile to help Coloradans save money by contacting thousands of taxpayers who may be eligible for $8 million in unclaimed tax refunds.
“Its no secret that filing taxes is too costly and complicated, but the state is taking proactive action to ensure Coloradans get every dollar you deserve from your tax returns. Coloradans who receive a notice can submit this prefilled online form in less than 10 minutes, putting extra money back in your pocket,” said Governor Jared Polis.
The State has started sending notices to at least 20,000 Colorado taxpayers that they are possibly eligible for at least $8 million in unclaimed tax refunds. These notices, which will be sent through June 30, 2026, are part of an effort to help hardworking Coloradans maximize their tax returns and not leave money on the table.
This collaborative effort between Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), the New Practice Lab from New America, and Gary Community Ventures, who used existing data to create prefilled tax returns, makes it easier than ever before for eligible Coloradans to save time and money.
Taxpayers who receive a notice will find directions on how to review and file an amended return, a process that takes less than 10 minutes online and could result in thousands of dollars saved. Eligible taxpayers can expect to receive the correct amount of prior tax credits and withholdings in a few weeks after submitting the amended return.
Executive Director Heidi Humphreys, Department of Revenue highlighted the work to save Coloradans time and money.
“This effort is a great example of good governance and innovation,” Humphreys said. “The Department of Revenue is willing to go the extra mile to help Coloradans save money and our actions demonstrate that.
“Too many families lose out on money they have already earned because of red tape and unnecessary hurdles,” said Representative Manny Rutinel. “We are cutting through the clutter to help people get their refunds without the hassle. It is about putting money back in people’s pockets and making government work the way it should.”
"Colorado is leading the way in making it simpler for people to get the tax refunds they are owed, putting more money in the pockets of Coloradans, and cutting through the bureaucracy," said Representative Emily Sirota
“This campaign is proof Colorado is serious about addressing affordability and helping families get the resources they need to thrive. The Colorado Department of Revenue is showing what it means to be a revenue agency that works for the people - ensuring Coloradans get every dollar they're owed,” said Santhosh Ramdoss, CEO of Gary Community Ventures.
To receive this money from prior tax refunds and withheld wages, taxpayers, who receive a letter, should log on to Revenue Online with the code in their notice, review their data and file the amended return.
Background
This innovative effort was made possible by the Earned Income Tax Credit Data Sharing Act of 2024, which empowers the Department of Revenue to work with other state agencies to save Coloradans money. The bill’s sponsors, who were instrumental in it being signed into law, are: Sen. Chris Hansen, D - Denver County, Rep. Emily Sirota, D - Arapahoe and Denver counties, and Rep. Manny Rutinel, D - Adams County.
Useful information
Up-to-date information, including the status of state income tax refunds, is at Tax.Colorado.gov. 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.
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