Colorado Form 104 Instructions

How To Use This Filing Guide

This filing guide will assist you with completing your Colorado Income Tax Return. Once you finish the form, file it with a computer, smartphone, or tablet using our free and secure Revenue Online service at www.Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline Or, you may file using private e-file software or with a tax preparer. By filing your return electronically, you significantly reduce the chance of errors and you will receive your refund much faster. If you cannot file electronically for any reason, mail the enclosed forms as instructed.

Please read through this guide before starting your return.

The following symbols appear throughout this guide and point out important information, reminders, and changes to tax rules.

CAUTION! This points out a topic that is the source of common filing errors. Filing your return on Revenue Online will limit errors somewhat; however, it is important to understand the information on your return. Errors cause processing delays and erroneous bills.

TIP: Several subtractions and tax credits require you to provide supporting documentation. This symbol points out those requirements. If the additional documentation is not provided, it will cause processing delays or denial of the credits/subtractions. These documents can be scanned and attached to your Revenue Online or electronic filing, mailed with the DR 1778, or attached to your paper return.

FYI: In-depth tax information is available in our easy to understand FYI Publications, which include examples and worksheets. This symbol lets you know when such a publication is available for a subject. All FYI publications are available at www.TaxColorado.com

Filing Information

Who Must File This Tax Return

Each year you must evaluate if you should file a Colorado income tax return. Generally, you must file this return if you were:

A full-year resident of Colorado; or
A part-year Colorado resident who receives taxable income while residing here; or
Not a resident of Colorado, but receives income from sources within Colorado;

and

Are required to file a federal income tax return with the IRS for this year; or
Will have a Colorado income tax liability for this year.

CAUTION! Colorado residents must file this return if they file an income tax return with the IRS, even if they do not have a Colorado tax liability. Otherwise, the Department may file a return on your behalf and our return might not consider your unique tax situation. Also, the only way to determine if you are entitled to a refund is to file a return.

Due Date

Form 104 and any tax payment owed are due April 15, 2014. Revenue Online will accept returns as timely filed until midnight. Returns that are mailed must be postmarked by April 15th. An automatic extension to file is granted until October 15th, but there is no extension to pay. See 25 for more information.

Deceased Persons

Legal representatives and surviving spouses may file a return on behalf of a deceased person. Surviving spouses may complete the return as usual and indicate the deceased status on the return. They can file the return and submit a copy of the death certificate through Revenue Online. Legal representatives may file the return and submit a copy of the death certificate through Revenue Online, but they must complete the Third Party Designee portion of the return. Either a surviving spouse or legal representative can avoid problems when filing on paper by marking the box next to the name of the deceased person; writing "DECEASED" in large letters in the white space above the tax year of the return; writing "FILING AS SURVIVING SPOUSE" or "FILING AS LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE" after their signature; and attaching the DR 0102 and a copy of the death certificate to the return.

TIP: To claim a refund on behalf a deceased person, complete form DR 0102 and submit it, as well as a copy of the death certificate, when filing the return.

Filing Status

CAUTION! You must file using the same filing status on both your federal and Colorado income tax returns. Parties to a Civil Union should refer to federal tax law to determine the correct filing status. For Married Filing Joint, you must list the taxpayer names in the same order on both the federal and Colorado returns. For married filing separate, do not list your spouse's name or SSN on the return.

Line by Line Instructions

First, complete the federal income tax return you will file with the IRS. You must complete your federal return first because you will use information from that return on your Colorado income tax return.

Colorado income tax is based on your federal taxable income, which has already considered your exemptions and deductions.

Residency Status

Mark the appropriate box to designate your residency status. If Married Filing Joint, and one person is a full-year Colorado resident and the other is either a part-year resident or a nonresident, mark the Part-Year Resident/ Nonresident box.

Part-Year Colorado Residents and Nonresidents. Tax is prorated so that it is calculated only on income received in Colorado or from sources within Colorado. We recommend you review publication FYI Income 6 if this applies to you. You will calculate your prorated tax by completing Form 104PN.

Persons Traveling or Residing Abroad. If you are traveling or residing outside the United States on April 15th, the deadline for filing your return is June 16, 2014. If you need additional time to file your return, you will automatically have until October 15, 2014 to file. Interest is due on any payment received after April 15, 2014. To avoid any late payment penalties you must pay 90% of your tax liability by June 16, 2014. When filing your return, mark the "Abroad on Due Date" box on Revenue Online or on the paper return.

Active Duty Military. Residency is determined by your Home of Record, which means you remain a resident of the state where you enlisted unless you have officially changed your Home of Record with your branch of the military. Your Home of Record can be found on your military form DD214 or Leave and Earnings Statement. We recommend you read publication FYI Income 21 if this applies to you.

Those with a Colorado Home of Record should file this return, even if stationed elsewhere. Those serving abroad or outside the USA at least 305 days of the year may file as a nonresident. You must mark the nonresident status-305 day exception box on Form 104PN.

Those with a Home of Record from any other state, but who are stationed in Colorado, are not required to pay Colorado tax on their military income. However, any nonmilitary income received while stationed in Colorado is taxable here (for example: part-time work, rent payments received, etc.)

TIP: Those who were married to a serviceperson at the time of enlistment can also maintain their spouse's Home of Record for tax purposes, if holding their own job in Colorado. You must complete the DR 1059 and submit it to your employer when you are hired. Submit a copy of the DR 1059 and your military ID card on Revenue Online, with the DR 1778, or, if filing on paper, attached to your return. You must complete a new DR 1059 each calendar year.

Name and Address . Provide your name, mailing address, and Social Security number in the provided spaces. If filing Married Filing Joint, provide the spouse information where prompted. Provide the spouse information ONLY if filing a joint return, otherwise leave blank. All Departmental correspondence will be mailed to the mailing address provided. We recommend you read publication FYI General 2 for the Privacy Act Notice.

Line 1 Federal Taxable Income

Refer to your federal income tax return to complete this line:

1040EZ form use line 6
1040A form use line 27
1040 form use line 43

If your federal taxable income is a negative amount, or less than zero, be sure to enter the amount as such on your Colorado return (in brackets if mailing a paper return).

CAUTION! DO NOT enter your total income or wages on this line - doing so will make your tax too high. The Department will compare the amount you list here to the return you file with the IRS, so be very careful to complete this correctly.

Additions

Line 2 State Addback

Refer to your federal income tax return to complete this line:

1040EZ form: enter $0
1040A form: enter $0
1040 form:
- If Schedule A was used:
  - Income Tax Deduction: use the worksheet below
  - General Sales Tax Deduction: enter $0
- If you DID NOT use Schedule A, enter $0

We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 4 for special instructions before completing the worksheet.

Complete the following schedule to determine your state income tax deduction addback:
a) State income tax deduction from line 5, Schedule A, federal form 1040	$
b) Total itemized deductions from line 29, Schedule A, federal form 1040	$
c) The amount of federal standard deduction you could have claimed (See instructions line 40, federal form 1040 for 2013 federal standard deductions).	$
d) Line (b) minus line (c), but not less than $0	$

Transfer to line 2 the smaller amount from line (a) or (d) of the worksheet above.

Line 3 Other Additions

Enter the sum of the following, which can be selected from a drop-down menu on Revenue Online:

Bond interest - the amount of any interest earned from bonds issued by any state or political subdivision, excluding any bonds issued by the State of Colorado or its political subdivisions on or after May 1, 1980. Calculate the appropriate amount by subtracting the amortization of bond premiums and expenses (required to be allocated to interest income by Internal Revenue Code) from the gross amount of state and local bond interest. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 52 if this applies to you.
Lump-Sum distribution - the amount of any lump-sum distribution from a pension or profitsharing plan that was reported on IRS form 4972, excluding any estate tax paid.

CAUTION! Distributions included here are subject to 10-year averaging on the federal return. If your lump-sum distributions are not subject to 10-year averaging and were included in your federal taxable income (line 1), DO NOT report them on line 3. The amount included here might be eligible for the pension subtraction on lines 7 or 8.

Dependent child income - the amount from IRS form 8814, line 14, or $1000, whichever is smaller. Include this income only if you elected to report your child's income on your federal income tax return.
Charitable gross conservation easement - the amount of any charitable contribution taken as an IRS deduction that will be claimed as a gross conservation easement credit on the Colorado return. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 39 if this applies to you.
Alien labor - the amount of expenses for unauthorized alien labor services. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 64 if this applies to you.
Partnership/Fiduciary - the amount of any fiduciary adjustment or partnership modification that increases your federal taxable income.

Line 4 Subtotal

This line is automatically calculated by Revenue Online, or enter the sum of lines 1 through 3 if filing a paper return.

Subtractions

Line 5 State Income Tax Refund

Refer to your federal income tax return to complete this line:

1040EZ form, enter $0
1040A form, enter $0
1040 form, enter the amount from line 10

Line 6 U.S. Government Interest

Enter the sum of all interest earned from U.S. government bonds, treasury bills and other obligations of the U.S. or its territories, possessions, and agencies that you reported on your federal income tax return and is calculated as part of your federal taxable income. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 20 if this applies to you.

CAUTION! DO NOT include interest earned from Federal National Mortgage Association and Government National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae). Dividends from mutual funds may not be 100% exempt.

Line 7 Pension and Annuity Subtraction

You might be eligible to subtract the income you earned from a pension or annuity. We recommend that you read publications FYI Income 18 and 25 if this applies to you. Enter the qualifying amount if you:

Earned income from a pension/annuity that was not a premature distribution;

and

It was included on your federal income tax return and is calculated as part of your federal taxable income;

or

It was a lump-sum distribution that was reported on line 3 above;

and

As of December 31, 2013 you:

Were age 65 or older, then you are entitled to subtract $24,000 or the total amount of your taxable pension/annuity income, whichever is smaller;

or

Were at least 55 years, but not yet 65, then you are entitled to subtract $20,000 or the total amount of your taxable pension/annuity income, whichever is smaller;

or

Were younger than 55 years, and you received pension/annuity income as a secondary beneficiary (widow, dependent child, etc.) due to the death of the person who earned the pension/ annuity, then you are entitled to subtract $20,000 or the total amount of your secondary beneficiary taxable pension/annuity income, whichever is smaller. If this applies to you, please list the Social Security number of the deceased in the space provided.

CAUTION! Pension/annuity income should not be intermingled between spouses. Each spouse must meet the requirements for the subtraction separately and claim the subtraction only on their pension/annuity income. Any qualifying spouse pension/annuity income should be reported on line 8.

TIP: Submit copies of all 1099R and SSA-1099 statements with your return. Submit using Revenue Online or attach to your paper return.

Line 8 Spouse Pension and Annuity Subtraction

If the secondary taxpayer listed on a jointly filed return is eligible for the pension and annuity subtraction, enter the qualifying amount on this line. Review the instructions for line 7 to see what amount qualifies. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 25 if this applies to you.

CAUTION! If only one spouse qualifies for the pension/ annuity subtraction on a jointly filed return, take precautions to report the subtraction on the correct line. The first person listed on the return shall report on line 7 and the second person listed shall report on line 8.

Line 9 Colorado Source Capital Gain Subtraction

You might be eligible to subtract the income you earned from a Colorado-source capital gain. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 15 if this applies to you. The amount of this subtraction is limited to $100,000 and qualifies if the capital gain was:

Earned from the sale of real or tangible personal property that was located in Colorado at the time of the sale transaction;

and

Included on your federal income tax return and is calculated as part of your federal taxable income;

and

Acquired on or after May 9, 1994 and was owned continuously for five years prior to the sale transaction date.

TIP: Complete and submit the DR 1316. Revenue Online allows you to directly enter the DR 1316 by clicking the EDIT button. Paper filers should attach this form to their return. Take precaution to completely fill out each item of this form. Be as detailed as possible, especially when providing property descriptions, ownership, and dates of acquisition and sale.

Line 10 Tuition Program Contribution

Contributions to qualified Colorado tuition savings plans can be deducted from your return. The contribution must have been included on your federal income tax return and calculated as part of your federal taxable income. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 44 if this applies to you.

CAUTION! The 3 fields on line 10 should be left blank if the taxpayer and/or spouse are the CollegeInvest account owners who set up the account for the student beneficiary. If you are not the account owner (grandparent, friend) complete the 3 additional fields. To report contributions to more than one account you must file electronically. DO NOT deduct contributions made to a tuition savings plan for another state or any tuition you paid while attending school.

Line 11 Qualifying Charitable Contributions

Taxpayers who make donations to charity, but do not claim federal itemized deductions on Schedule A of form 1040, might be eligible to deduct a portion of their donation on this form. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 48 if this applies to you. Use the worksheet below to determine your qualifying contribution:

(a) Did you itemize your deductions on Schedule A of federal form 1040?	Yes No
(b) As an individual or a business, did you deduct charitable contributions on the federal form?	Yes No
If you answered Yes on either (a) or (b) above, enter $0 on line 11; you do not qualify for this subtraction. If you answered No on both (a) and (b) above, continue below.
(c) Enter the amount you could have deducted as charitable contributions on lines 16 and 17 of federal Schedule A.	$
(d) Colorado adjustment	$500
(e) Subtract line (d) from line (c). This is the qualifying amount. If the amount is greater than $0, transfer to line 11.

Enter the total contributions in the space provided and the subtraction after the $500 adjustment on line 11.

CAUTION! DO NOT enter an amount on this line if you already deducted your charitable donation on Schedule A of the federal 1040 form. Otherwise, you will be issued an assessment that will likely include penalty and interest.

TIP: For claims greater than $5,000, submit the receipts you received at the time of donation. For in-kind donations, submit an itemized list of the donated items and their fair market value. DO NOT send receipts of items that were purchased for donation. Submit using Revenue Online or attach to your paper return.

Line 12 Qualified Reservation Income

List any amount of income that was derived wholly from reservation sources by a recognized tribal member, which was included as taxable income on the Federal income tax form.

TIP: Submit proof of tribal membership, residence, and source of income. This must be submitted only every three years by taxpayers claiming this subtraction.

Line 13 PERA/DPSRS Subtraction

List the amount of contributions made to PERA between 7/1/1984 and 12/31/1986 or contributions made to Denver Public Schools District No. 1 Retirement during 1986. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 16 if this applies to you.

TIP: Submit a copy of your previously taxed contribution. PERA statements can be obtained from www.copera.org or by calling 1-800-759-7372. Submit using Revenue Online or attach to your paper return.

CAUTION! DO NOT list the amount of contributions you made as an employee this past year.

Line 14 Railroad Benefit

List any Tier I or II railroad retirement benefits that you reported on your federal income tax return and is calculated as part of your federal taxable income. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 25 if this applies to you.

Submit copies of all RRB-1099 and RRB-1099R Statements. Submit using Revenue Online or attach to your paper return.

Line 15 Wildfire Mitigation Measures

Enter half (50%) of any amount incurred in performing wildfire mitigation on your land, up to $2,500. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 65 to properly calculate this subtraction.

TIP: Submit copies of receipts for costs associated with wildfire mitigation for your property. Submit using Revenue Online or attach to your paper return.

Line 16 Other Subtractions from Federal Taxable Income

Click the EDIT button on Revenue Online to complete this line, or enter the sum of allowable deductions. See the Income Tax Index at www.TaxColorado.com under "Subtractions" for qualifying subtractions.

CAUTION! DO NOT include amounts that were earned outside Colorado, net operating losses, K-1 adjustments, military income, wage adjustments or donations made to the Military Family Relief fund on this line. Include a clear explanation of the subtraction being claimed on your return.

Line 17 Subtotal

This line is automatically calculated by Revenue Online, or enter the sum of lines 5 through 16 if filing a paper return.

Line 18 Colorado Taxable Income

This line is automatically calculated by Revenue Online. If filing a paper return, subtract line 17 from line 4. This is your Colorado taxable income, and is the figure used to determine how much Colorado tax is owed, if any.

Line 19 Colorado Tax

The income tax rate is currently 4.63%, which is a reduction from the 1999 rate of 4.75% and the 1998 (and prior) rate of 5%. This line is automatically calculated by Revenue Online. Full-year residents should refer to the tax table on pages 21 and 22 of this booklet. Determine the tax by the amount listed on line 18. Part-year residents and nonresidents should transfer the apportioned tax amount from line 36 of Form 104PN. For Revenue Online, click the red ERROR button to jump to the 104PN.

Line 20 Alternative Minimum Tax

Enter the amount of any alternative minimum tax by clicking the EDIT button on Revenue Online, or by entering the amount on your paper filing. Generally if you pay alternative minimum tax on your federal income tax return you will pay the same for your Colorado return. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 14 if this applies to you.

Line 21 Recapture of Prior Year Credits

Enter any historic property preservation credit or any other credit claimed in prior years that is subject to recapture under Colorado law.

Line 22 Subtotal

This line is automatically calculated by Revenue Online, or enter the sum of lines 19 through 21.

Tax Credits

Line 23 Nonrefundable Credits

Complete Form 104CR to claim various nonrefundable credits. For Revenue Online, click the EDIT button to complete Form 104CR. Or, if filing a paper return, transfer the amount from line 39 of Form 104CR to this line.

TIP: Scan and submit any required documentation through Revenue Online, E-Filer Attachment, or attach to your electronic return. Or, mail paper documentation with the DR 1778 E-Filer Attachment form.

Line 24 Enterprise Zone Credits

Use your tax software, Revenue Online or form DR 1366 to calculate the total amount of enterprise zone credits being used to offset the current year tax liability. The total enterprise zone credit used cannot exceed the amount from line 22.

Line 25 Net Tax

This line is automatically calculated by Revenue Online, or subtract lines 23 and 24 from line 22.

Line 26 Colorado Income Tax Withheld

If using Revenue Online, the sum of step 2 is automatically transferred to this line. Or, for paper returns, enter the sum of all Colorado income tax withheld as reported on W-2, W-2G or various 1099 statements.

TIP: Staple your Colorado withholding forms where indicated. Or, if filing electronically, scan and submit them through Revenue Online E-Filer Attachments.

CAUTION! Failure to submit your withholding forms will result in the credit being denied. Do NOT include withholding for federal income tax, income tax from another state, or local governments. Be certain to exclude amounts withheld from Colorado real estate sales by nonresidents, nonresident beneficiary withholding, or Colorado partnership or S Corporation income withholding for nonresidents as these specified amounts should be listed on line 30.

Line 27 Prior-year Estimate Tax Carryforward

Enter the amount, if any, from your 2012 Colorado Form 104, line 31.

Line 28 Quarterly Estimate Payments

Enter the sum of all quarterly estimated tax payments you remitted for this tax period. Most taxpayers will have used Form 104EP to remit such payments. We suggest that you read publication FYI Income 51 if this applies to you.

Line 29 Extension Payment

Enter the amount, if any, you remitted with the DR 158-I to insure 90% of your tax was paid by April 15.

Line 30 Other Prepayments

Enter the sum of payments remitted on your behalf because you are a nonresident who received Colorado income from:

a real estate transaction - remitted using DR 1079
partnership or shareholder agreement - remitted using DR 0108
an estate as a beneficiary - remitted using 104BEP

Be sure to mark corresponding box(es) as appropriate.

Line 31 Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

Complete the Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit Schedule, DR 0617. Enter the amount from line 36 of the DR 0617.

TIP: Submit copies of the bill of sale or purchase agreement and the Colorado vehicle registration for each vehicle for which you are claiming a credit.

Line 32 Refundable Credits

Complete Form 104CR to claim various refundable credits. For Revenue Online, click the EDIT button to complete Form 104CR. Or, if filing a paper return, transfer the amount from line 9 of Form 104CR to this line.

TIP: See the 104CR for the required documentation for the credit claimed. Submit using Revenue Online, attach to an electronically filed return as a PDF or attach to your paper return.

Line 33 Subtotal

This line is automatically calculated by Revenue Online, or enter the sum of lines 26 through 32.

Line 34 Federal Adjusted Gross Income

Refer to your 2013 federal income tax return to complete this line:

Line 4 of 1040EZ form
Line 37 of 1040 form
Line 21 of 1040A form

If your federal adjusted gross income is a negative amount or less than zero, use a minus (-) if filing electronically or (in brackets) if filing a paper return.

Compare lines 25 and 33 - if line 33 is greater, go to line 35. If line 25 is greater, go to line 54 (or to make a donation go to line 37).

Line 35 Overpayment

This amount is automatically calculated by Revenue Online, if applicable. Paper filers should calculate this line by subtracting line 25 from line 33.

Line 36 Estimated Tax Carryforward

Enter the amount, if any, you would like to be available for 2014 estimated tax.

Line 37-51 Voluntary Contributions

If you would like to donate money to one of the organizations available as part of Checkoff Colorado, enter the desired amount here. See the back page of this booklet for more information about each of these charitable organizations.

Line 52 Subtotal

This line is automatically calculated by Revenue Online, or enter the sum of lines 36 through 51.

Line 53 Refund

Subtract line 52 from line 35. This is the amount of your refund. You have the option of authorizing a transaction by the Department to directly deposit these funds to your bank account. Otherwise, a refund check will be mailed to the address you have designated on this return. If you use Direct Deposit, you will receive your refund 1 to 2 weeks faster than a paper check.

Direct Deposit - Enter the routing and account numbers and account type. The routing number is 9 digits. Account numbers can be up to 17 characters (numbers and/or letters). Include hyphens, but do NOT enter spaces or special symbols. We recommend that you contact your financial institution to ensure you are using the correct information and that they will honor a direct deposit. See the sample check on page 11 to assist you in finding the account and routing numbers.

CAUTION! Did you know you can now direct deposit your tax refund into a new or existing CollegeInvest account? Please contact 800-448-2424 or visit CollegeInvest.org for more information.

Intercepted Refunds - The Department will intercept your refund if you owe back taxes or if you owe a balance to another Colorado government agency or the IRS. If you are filing a joint return and only one party is responsible for the unpaid debt, you may file a written claim to: Injured Spouse Desk, 1375 Sherman Street, Room 240, Denver CO 80261. Claims must include a copy of your federal income tax return or federal form 8379 and copies of all W-2, W-2G, or any 1099 statements received by both parties. DO NOT attach your claim to this return, it will not be processed.

Line 54 Net Amount Due

This amount is automatically calculated by Revenue Online, otherwise subtract line 33 from line 25. Also, if you made any donations to charitable organizations add line 52 to the subtotal. This is the amount you owe with this return. If you are filing after the due date (or valid extension), or you owe estimated tax penalty continue to the next line. If you are filing timely and do not owe penalty or interest, go to line 58.

Line 55 Delinquent Penalty

Calculate any penalty owed for delinquent filing or payment. The penalty is 5% of the net tax due for the first month after the due date, and ½% for each additional month past the due date. The maximum penalty is 12%. Or, if you prefer not to calculate this penalty, the Department will bill you if due.

Line 56 Delinquent Interest

Calculate any interest owed for delinquent filing or payment. The interest rate is 3% of the net tax due. Or, if you prefer not to calculate this interest, the Department will bill you if due. Interest on any bill issued that remains unpaid after 30 days of issuance will increase to 6%.

Line 57 Estimated Tax Penalty

To calculate this penalty, complete the DR 0204. Enter any estimated tax penalty owed on this line. Scan and submit the DR 0204 through Revenue Online, E-Filer Attachments. Or, if filing on paper, attach the form to your paper form.

Line 58 Amount You Owe

Enter the sum of lines 54 through 58. You have three payment options:

Pay Online - After submitting your return on Revenue Online, you will be given the opportunity to submit an online payment with your credit card, e-check, or by EFT. A nominal processing fee may apply. If you file a paper return, you may still choose to pay electronically. Visit our Web site for details.
Pay by Mail - If filing by Revenue Online or other electronic filing method and you wish to send a check or money order, complete the DR 0900 and mail with your payment. Make payable to Colorado Department of Revenue, and clearly write your Social Security number and "2013 Form 104" on the memo line. Be sure to keep a copy of the money order or note the check number with your tax records. If filing a paper return, enclose your check or money order in the envelope provided and mail with your return.
Payment Plan - The Department will issue a bill for any unpaid balance due. When you receive the bill you may set up a payment plan as instructed on the bill. Any assessment made by the Department will likely include delinquent payment penalty and interest. The only way to avoid paying penalty and interest is to pay in full before April 15, 2014.

Third Party Designee

You may authorize a person other than you (or your spouse) to discuss this tax return with the Department. This authorization is valid for any period of time, and can be revoked by you with a written statement to the Department. Revocations must designate that the Third Party Designee is being revoked and must be signed and dated by the taxpayer and/or designee. By completing this area of the return, you are granting the designee the ability to:

Provide any missing information needed for the processing of your return; and
Call the Department for information about your return, including the status of your refund or processing time; and
Receive upon request copies of notices, bills or transcripts related to your return; and
Respond on your behalf to notices about math errors, intercepts, and questions about the preparation of your return.

This designation does not allow the third party to receive your refund check, bind you to anything (including any additional tax liability), or otherwise represent you before the Colorado Department of Revenue. If you would like to expand the designee's authorization, complete the DR 0145, Power of Attorney for Department-Administered Tax Matters and submit via Revenue Online.

Taxpayer Service and Assistance

Revenue Online . The department offers many services through Revenue Online. You can file or amend a return, submit required return attachments, monitor your account activity, pay taxes, check the status of a refund, file a protest and send a secure message to department staff. Visit www.Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline to get started.

Taxation Web Site . Visit the official Colorado Taxation Web site, www.TaxColorado.com to get forms, FYI Publications, Common Questions and more.

Secure Messaging . Contact Department of Revenue support staff electronically through Revenue Online. This service is secure and confidential. Register for Revenue Online to get started.

Tax Information Index . The official Department Web site www.TaxColorado.com offers a Tax Information Index that is alphabetical by topic, which provides quick links to FYI Publications, answers to commonly asked questions, forms, regulations and Colorado Revised Statutes for a variety of tax topics.

Call Center . Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

303-238-SERV (7378)
TTY/TDD 800-659-2656

Walk-in Assistance . Forms and information are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Denver - 1375 Sherman Street

Colorado Springs - 2447 North Union Boulevard

Fort Collins - 3030 South College Avenue

Grand Junction - 222 South 6th Street, 208

Pueblo - 827 West 4th Street, Suite A

Common Issues. Did Not Receive W-2 Statement from your employer

Contact your employer to request a copy; or
Your final paycheck stub should list the year-todate (YTD) Colorado wages and withholding, which can be used to file using Revenue Online. Or, if filing a paper return, complete a Substitute W-2, DR 0084 and attach it to your return; or
If neither option works, contact the IRS or the Department of Revenue, who might have your W-2 information available.

Records Retention . Keep all documentation you used to prepare your return at least 4 years after the due date, which is the statute of limitations for the Department to make changes to your return. However, if the Department does not receive your return, they may file one on your behalf using the best information available. There is no statute of limitations if a return is not filed.

Correcting Errors or Changing a Return . Individual income tax returns from 2009 and forward may be amended electronically through Revenue Online. Filing and amending returns in Revenue Online is a free service. You may amend online even if the original return was filed on paper. Revenue Online has all the information from your original return - you will not need to re-enter everything. If you cannot amend online, you may file the Form 104X. Make sure you use the appropriate form version for the year you are amending. If you are changing your Colorado return because the IRS made changes to your federal return, you must file Form 104X within 30 days of being notified by the IRS. You must amend your Colorado return in this case, even if there is no net change to your tax liability. It is very important that you submit all schedules and supporting documentation with your amended return EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT CHANGING THOSE VALUES.

Estimated Tax Requirements . If you expect next year's Colorado tax liability to be greater than $1,000 after subtracting credits, you should make estimated tax payments using Form 104EP. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 51 for additional information.

Filing Errors and Incomplete Information . It is important to read all the information available for your specific tax situation and to submit all required documentation with your return. Failure to do so may result in delayed processing of your return and refund. We recommend that you file using Revenue Online to avoid common mathematical errors. You may also opt to use a commercial tax preparation software program at home or to use a paid tax professional to help you complete your return.

Federal Credit and Colorado Insurance Programs . Individuals whose income does not exceed certain thresholds and/or have qualifying children may be eligible for a refund resulting from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and/or low-cost health insurance through Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). You may obtain additional information regarding the EITC online at www.irs.gov or by calling Colorado United Way at 211. Additional information regarding CHP+ may be found at www.cchp.org or by calling 1-800-359-1991.