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Aug
16
Category Archives: Colorado Legislature
Aug
06
Understanding TABOR Refund History: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding TABOR Refund History: A Comprehensive Guide
The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) is a cornerstone of Colorado’s fiscal policy, enacted in 1992 to limit state and local government revenue growth and return excess funds to taxpayers. The TABOR refund history reflects decades of surplus distributions, evolving mechanisms, and economic impacts, making it a critical topic for Colorado residents. This guide dives deep into the historical context, refund mechanisms, amounts, eligibility criteria, and key milestones of TABOR refunds, offering a detailed, SEO-optimized resource for understanding this unique program. Whether you’re a long-time Coloradan or new to the state, this article provides clear, actionable insights to help you navigate and claim your refunds.
Since its inception, TABOR has mandated that surplus revenue—beyond inflation and population growth limits—be refunded through methods like sales tax refunds, income tax rate reductions, and direct payments. Over the years, refund amounts have varied based on economic conditions, with notable payouts like the $750 single-filer refund in 2022 and the projected $1,700 in 2025. By exploring the history of TABOR refunds, residents can better understand eligibility, filing deadlines, and how to maximize their financial benefits.
Table of Contents
What Is TABOR and Why Does It Matter?
The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, approved by Colorado voters in 1992, caps government revenue growth to the rate of inflation plus population growth. When state revenue exceeds this limit, the surplus must be returned to taxpayers unless voters approve retaining it. This mechanism ensures fiscal discipline and directly benefits residents through refunds. Understanding the TABOR refund history is essential for Coloradans to anticipate payments, meet filing requirements, and stay informed about legislative changes that may affect future refunds.
For example, in 2023, eligible taxpayers received $800 (single filers) or $1,600 (joint filers) through sales tax refunds, a shift from earlier years when amounts varied by income. This guide breaks down these changes, offering lists and tables to clarify how refunds have evolved and what to expect in 2025.
Historical Overview of TABOR Refunds
The evolution of TABOR refunds showcases Colorado’s commitment to returning excess revenue to its citizens. Below is a detailed timeline of key milestones in TABOR’s history, highlighting legislative changes, refund mechanisms, and significant payouts.
Timeline of TABOR Refund Milestones
- 1992: Voters approve TABOR, establishing revenue limits and mandating refunds for surplus funds.
- 1997: First TABOR refunds issued, primarily through sales tax refunds, marking the beginning of surplus distributions.
- 2005: Referendum C allows the state to retain some surplus revenue for five years, temporarily reducing refunds.
- 2017: Senate Bill 17-267 prioritizes reimbursements to local governments for property tax exemptions before issuing refunds.
- 2021: Temporary income tax rate reduction from 4.55% to 4.50% for all filers, alongside sales tax refunds.
- 2022: Permanent income tax rate reduction to 4.40% approved by voters, with $750 single-filer and $1,500 joint-filer refunds issued as “Colorado Cash Back” checks.
- 2023: Senate Bill 23B-003 standardizes refunds at $800 (single) and $1,600 (joint), simplifying the process.
- 2024: Income tax rate reduced to 4.25% due to a $1.5 billion surplus threshold, with sales tax refunds projected at $326 (single) and $652 (joint).
- 2025: Forecasted refunds reach up to $1,700 for eligible filers, driven by strong economic growth in technology and tourism sectors.
This timeline illustrates how TABOR refunds have adapted to economic and legislative shifts, ensuring taxpayers benefit from surplus revenue.
TABOR Refund Mechanisms: How They Work
TABOR refunds are distributed through specific mechanisms, which have evolved to balance fiscal responsibility and taxpayer benefits. Below is a comprehensive list of the primary refund methods used historically and their applications.
Aug
06
TABOR Refund for Seniors-What You Should Know
TABOR Refund for Seniors-What You Should Know
The TABOR refund for seniors in Colorado is a vital financial benefit under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), ensuring eligible residents, particularly those aged 65 and older, receive a portion of surplus state revenue. For 2023, single filers can claim an $800 refund, while joint filers may receive $1,600, with additional benefits like the Property Tax/Rent/Heat (PTC) Rebate for low-income seniors. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step roadmap to maximize your refund, including eligibility criteria, filing requirements, and free tax assistance options, optimized for seniors navigating Colorado’s tax system in 2025.
Understanding the TABOR refund process can feel daunting, but it’s a straightforward opportunity to boost your finances. Whether you’re a retiree living on Social Security or a senior with modest income, this article breaks down everything you need to know in clear lists and tables. From filing deadlines to income thresholds, we’ll ensure you’re equipped to claim your refund confidently. Let’s dive into the specifics to help you secure your Colorado TABOR refund without stress.
Table of Contents
What Is the TABOR Refund for Seniors in Colorado?
The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, enacted in 1992, mandates that Colorado refunds excess state revenue to taxpayers when collections exceed a constitutional cap. For seniors, this refund is particularly significant, as many rely on fixed incomes. In 2023, the state simplified the process with the DR0104EZ form for those with minimal income, making it easier for older adults to claim their share. Additionally, seniors aged 65 or older with low income may qualify for the PTC Rebate, enhancing their financial relief.
Aug
06
Colorado’s TABOR-exempt revenue has increased nearly 30% since 1996, study finds
Colorado’s TABOR-exempt revenue has increased nearly 30% since 1996, study finds
State spending that is exempt from Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights has increased by nearly 30% over the past 30 years, according to a report by the public policy think tank Common Sense Institute.
While TABOR places a limit on how much revenue the state can retain each fiscal year, certain sources — such as voter-approved changes, federal funds, and state enterprises — are exempt.
According to the Bell Policy Center, enterprise funds are state-owned “businesses” that provide goods or services in exchange for revenue. Examples include the state lottery and the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise (CHASE).
Aug
06
State’s unfunded mandates leave local taxpayers holding the bill
State’s unfunded mandates leave local taxpayers holding the bill
Bobbie Daniel
Mesa County is proud of how we’ve managed our local budget. We’ve kept spending in check, rebuilt our reserves since the Great Recession and honored the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) by refunding tens of millions of dollars back to the people who earned it.
Just last December, we returned $11.5 million to Mesa County taxpayers. A few years earlier, it was $12 million. That’s money staying right here in our local economy, funding family businesses, school clothes and food on the table instead of disappearing into bigger bureaucracies.
When the property tax crisis hit last year, Mesa County was also one of the few local governments in Colorado that actually lowered its mill levy, deliberately reducing taxes for our residents at a time when they needed relief most. That’s a concrete example of how we put taxpayers first and honor the spirit of TABOR, while still balancing our budget and funding essential services.
But even as we work diligently to protect your dollars, there’s a troubling dynamic unfolding that every taxpayer in Colorado should understand. Local governments across our state, from Mesa County to the Eastern Plains, are being forced to shoulder more and more costs from mandates dreamed up in Denver, while the state quietly walks away from the bill.
During just the past two years, Mesa County identified nearly $10 million annually in unfunded mandates from the state. That’s money redirected from public safety, roads and essential community services.
It’s like the state government going out for a lavish dinner, ordering everything on the menu, and then slipping out the back door, leaving counties and local taxpayers stuck picking up the tab.
And these costs keep piling up. Each new layer of rule making and regulation becomes another invoice sent straight to local communities.
The most glaring example right now is Rule 31, which imposes sweeping new methane rules on landfills. Mesa County already complies with rigorous federal standards on methane. Yet this new state rule would force us to spend $9 million up front, plus another $1 million every single year after, to fix a problem we’ve already solved. Only the state could figure out how to “fix” what’s already fixed — and still send you the invoice.
It’s the same story with the sudden law requiring all landfills to install new liners, forcing us to shell out $2 million on infrastructure we didn’t even need.
Aug
06
Colorado’s budget gap means more money in taxpayers’ pockets
Colorado’s budget gap means more money in taxpayers’ pockets
Have Colorado lawmakers cried wolf about the state’s budget too many times?
The state legislature, after recently reconciling a billion-dollar “budget shortfall” due mostly to a relentless overspending habit, is now back in the barber chair for yet another fiscal haircut.
And while legislators are still overspending and overpromising, state revenue reductions from taxpayer-friendly policy changes in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) are now in play as well. This means politicians have less to spend, while Colorado taxpayers keep more money in their own pockets.
Crying wolf
Beginning at the end of 2024, legislators began sounding the alarm over a $1.2 billion budget hole for fiscal year 2025-26.
What was termed a “shortfall” was actually a combination of cooling inflation, the depletion of one-time COVID-19 relief funds, a slew of new special interest tax breaks, and ballooning healthcare costs, all running smack into Colorado’s constitutionally guaranteed taxpayer protections.
State government was living beyond its means, but instead of facing reality, majority Democrats instead blamed the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) and the wealthy not paying their fair share.
Contrary to the doomsaying by legislators, the budget was quietly reconciled, and without any significant cuts to healthcare, K-12 education, and higher education (which alone account for over 70 percent of General Fund appropriations).
Beyond that, the state budget, prior to passage of OBBBA, was actually expected to grow by over 3.5 percent, or nearly $1.5 billion, hardly a crisis by conventional standards.
The One Big Beautiful Bill
On July 30, legislative leadership met with analysts from the governor’s office and Legislative Council Staff to learn more about the impacts of the OBBBA on the state budget.
Despite slightly different estimates, both groups of analysts agreed that a significant budget deficit would emerge this year, due to the immediate impacts of the OBBBA on state tax collection.
Aug
06
Conservatives vs Liberals On Colorado Spending Priorities
Aug
06
TABOR Essentials
Aug
06
The 2025 Special Session Better NOT Be A TABOR Money Grab
Jul
30
Colo. Conservative Group Says New OT Law Violates TABOR
Colorado’s new overtime law, which requires overtime deducted from federal gross income to be added back to a taxpayer’s federal taxable income for state income tax, violates TABOR….
To read the rest of this story, please click (HERE) to go to Law360.