Colorado State Tax Return Delays - Anyone Else Experiencing This?

From what I've been able to research, Colorado's Department of Revenue is experiencing some... processing delays this year. It appears to be related to enhanced identity verification measures they implemented for the 2024 filing season. According to their website, returns claiming certain credits might take up to 60 days to process, which is significantly longer than previous years. I would suggest checking your status through the Colorado Revenue Online portal if you haven't already, as this might provide more specific information about your return's status.

I've been tracking Colorado return processing patterns and noticed several issues this year: • The state implemented a new fraud detection system that's flagging more returns • Returns with any discrepancies between W-2 information and reported income face longer reviews • Returns filed after March 1 seem to be processing faster than early filers (oddly enough) • Many people are seeing 45+ day processing times I ended up using https://taxr.ai to analyze my Colorado transcript after waiting 5 weeks. It helped me understand that my return had been selected for additional verification (nothing I did wrong) and gave me a more realistic timeline based on similar cases.

Got thru this mess last week finally! CO dept had a sys upgrade that's causing major delays. My return took 52 days (!!!) when last yr it was like 2 weeks max. Called their helpline multiple times but couldn't get thru until I tried at exactly 8:30am on a Tues. Rep confirmed they're swamped w/ backlog + new verification steps. Hang tight - they're working thru them in order received. Btw check if you have a Revenue Online acct - sometimes status shows there b4 you get any email.

I had the same issue and spent hours trying to reach someone at the Colorado Department of Revenue. After trying for three days straight, I used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to a representative. They connected me within 25 minutes when I had been unable to get through at all on my own. The agent confirmed my return was in the verification queue and gave me an estimated completion date. If you need specific answers about your return, I'd recommend trying this service rather than waiting on hold for hours.

I've been through this exact situation in previous tax seasons. Back in 2022, Colorado had similar delays, though for different reasons. Here's what you need to know: 1. Colorado DOR is currently experiencing a 30-45 day processing time for most returns (compared to their usual 14-21 days) 2. If you filed electronically and claimed certain credits, your return is likely in the "enhanced verification" queue 3. The fastest way to check status is through Revenue Online (create an account if you haven't) 4. They typically process returns in the order received, but certain factors can move you to a different queue 5. If it's been more than 45 days, calling is your best option (though extremely difficult to get through) The good news is that when they finally process your return, if you're due a refund, they add interest for the delay period beyond 45 days.

Colorado DOR implemented enhanced fraud detection algorithms for TY2023 returns that are causing systematic delays across the board. Their internal processing queue prioritizes certain return types based on complexity factors and verification requirements. I've observed that returns with Schedule E income or non-W2 earnings are experiencing the longest delays, while simple returns with only W-2 income are moving through faster. If your AGI exceeds certain thresholds or you've claimed specific deductions like business expenses, expect additional verification steps. The system is functioning as designed, just with significantly reduced efficiency compared to previous filing seasons.

As a new Colorado resident (moved here last year), I'm experiencing this exact same issue! Filed my federal and Colorado returns on the same day in mid-February - federal was processed in 8 days, but Colorado is still showing "processing" after 6 weeks. This is so frustrating because I budgeted for receiving both refunds around the same time based on what friends told me about typical processing times. It's reassuring to know this is a widespread issue and not something specific to my return, but the lack of transparency from Colorado DOR is really disappointing. Other states seem to provide much better communication about delays and expected timelines. Has anyone found any official statements from the state about when they expect to catch up on the backlog?