Has anyone's Colorado state return been processed yet? Filed 1/29, still pending after 6+ weeks

Colorado returns are definitely moving slower this year! I've been tracking this across multiple forums and seeing consistent patterns: • Colorado DOR implemented new verification protocols for 2024 • Average processing times showing 8-10 weeks (vs 4-6 weeks last year) • Returns with credits or deductions face additional scrutiny • Electronic filers seeing slightly faster turnaround than paper • Their system updates are sporadic - many see no movement then sudden completion Your timeline is still within normal parameters for this season!

I work with Colorado returns frequently, and there's definitely been a slowdown this year. As of March 15th, the Colorado DOR announced they were prioritizing returns filed before February 1st, which includes yours. By March 25th, they should be moving to the next batch. Their internal goal is to have January submissions completed by April 12th. If you don't see movement by then, that would be the appropriate time to contact them directly.

Colorado is experiencing major backlog issues this year. I've been researching this extensively. They had a system update in December that's causing verification delays. Your January 29th filing puts you in the second processing batch. Most people are seeing 45-60 day processing times for state returns even with clean filings. Don't worry yet - this is happening to almost everyone.

Colorado's DOR is notorious for their "black box" processing system! Even their phone lines are completely jammed this time of year. I was in the same boat last April - needed to know why my return was stuck for 9 weeks. Tried calling 14 times without getting through (seriously, who has time for that?). Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to a human who confirmed my return was just waiting in the verification queue. Nothing was wrong, just standard delays. Saved me from refund anxiety disorder - it's a real condition, I swear!

Looking at the Colorado Department of Revenue's official website (https://tax.colorado.gov/processing-times), they're currently showing extended processing times for all returns. According to their March 12th update, electronic returns are taking 6-8 weeks minimum. Paper returns are even longer at 10-12 weeks. I'd recommend checking their "Where's My Refund" tool at https://tax.colorado.gov/wheres-my-refund for the most current status. Stay calm - this is affecting most Colorado filers this season.

What filing software did you use? I've noticed in previous years that certain preparation platforms have different transmission protocols with Colorado. Last year my TurboTax Colorado return took 7 weeks while my brother's TaxAct return took only 4 weeks despite filing on the same day.

Be very careful about contacting Colorado too early about your return. Last year I called after waiting just 5 weeks and they flagged my return for "taxpayer inquiry" which actually moved it to a different processing queue and delayed it by another 3 weeks! I learned you should only contact them after their stated processing time has fully elapsed. For e-filed returns this year, that's 8 weeks minimum. I'd wait until at least March 26th before making any inquiries.

Colorado changed their verification system. Huge backlog now. Everyone's waiting longer. My return from January 15th just finished. Yours should be soon. State budget issues causing staffing problems too. Just wait it out.

Did you claim any Colorado-specific credits or deductions on your return? The Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit or Enterprise Zone credits tend to trigger additional review processes. I'm curious if there's something specific about your filing that might be causing the delay?