When will Colorado start processing tax returns? Anyone else's high?
Wondering when Colorado is going to start processing state returns this year? I'm comparing with my situation from last year, and I'm already waiting way longer than I did then. My federal return has already been accepted and is being processed, but Colorado still shows as "pending" on the state portal. And just curious - is anyone else's tax bill higher this year? As an independent contractor, I'm seeing a pretty significant increase compared to last year, despite my income being about the same. I know my rights as a taxpayer and I'm not paying a penny more than I legally owe, but this seems excessive.
22 comments


Ethan Moore
Colorado started processing returns on January 29, 2024. Here's what's happening with your return: 1. First, they process federal returns in batches 2. Then they begin state returns, with priority on e-filed returns 3. Next, they verify your information against employer-reported data 4. Finally, they issue refunds or process payments The state is experiencing a 35% increase in filing volume compared to last year, causing delays. It's frustrating as hell, but most returns are taking 4-6 weeks right now instead of the usual 2-3 weeks. And yes, many contractors are seeing higher taxes this year because the state adjusted some deduction limits.
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Yuki Kobayashi
•Thx for the breakdown! I was wondering why my CO return was taking so long. Def didn't have this issue last yr. Guess I'll stop checking the portal every 2 hrs lol.
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Carmen Vega
•Per Colorado Department of Revenue Regulation 39-21-113, they must process returns within 45 days of receipt or pay interest on refunds. This deadline is rapidly approaching for early filers. I recommend documenting your submission date immediately.
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QuantumQuester
•This waiting game is like watching paint dry in slow motion. I've been checking my status every morning like it's the weather forecast, hoping for sunny skies and a deposit in my account. Thanks for explaining what's happening behind the scenes.
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Andre Moreau
•Last year my Colorado return took exactly 27 days to process. I submitted on February 2nd and got my refund direct deposited on March 1st. This year I submitted January 31st and I'm still waiting. The state website just says "in process" with no other details.
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Aisha Mahmood
Are you sure your Colorado return was actually accepted? I've seen cases in previous years where the tax software showed "submitted" but there was actually an error preventing state processing. In my experience with Colorado returns, you should be able to check the status on the Revenue Online portal. As for the higher taxes, I'm seeing this with several clients this year - particularly for contractors who didn't make estimated quarterly payments. Have you checked if you're being assessed underpayment penalties?
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Zoe Stavros
•I think my return was accepted... the confirmation email said it was transmitted successfully, but maybe I should double-check. Would the Revenue Online portal specifically tell me if there was an error?
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Jamal Harris
•Are contractors required to make quarterly payments in Colorado even if federal quarterly requirements aren't met? I'm worried I might have missed something important here!
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Mei Chen
•Would it make sense to file an amended return if I discover I missed deductions? Or is it better to wait until this one processes first?
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Liam Sullivan
Colorado is processing returns now. They started January 29. E-filed returns process faster. Paper returns take longer. Processing times are 4-6 weeks currently. Higher volume this year. Check your withholding for next year. Many contractors seeing increases. Make sure you claimed all eligible deductions. Home office? Internet? Phone? Equipment purchases?
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Amara Okafor
•So if I e-filed on February 15th, I should probably expect to see something by the end of March? Is there any way to check if they've actually started processing my specific return?
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CosmicCommander
•I've been claiming home office deductions for years, and I'm still seeing a tax increase. The real issue is that Colorado adjusted several deduction limits downward while simultaneously increasing the assessment rate for certain business categories. This isn't just about missing deductions.
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Giovanni Colombo
I encountered a similar delay with my Colorado return last month. After waiting 5 weeks with no updates on the Revenue Online portal, I decided to contact the Colorado Department of Revenue directly. Called their main line multiple times but couldn't get through due to high call volume. Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to connect with an agent after several failed attempts. The representative confirmed my return was in the verification queue due to a mismatch between reported income and what my clients submitted on 1099s. If you're experiencing extended delays, I'd recommend verifying there are no discrepancies in your filing that might be triggering additional review.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
I'm so stressed about my Colorado taxes this year too! But I'm skeptical about using services that charge money just to talk to someone at the tax department. Shouldn't this be free?? We already pay taxes! And now we have to pay more just to find out about our taxes?? It feels like they're making it intentionally difficult so these companies can profit off our frustration. I'm barely making ends meet as it is with these higher taxes!
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Dylan Cooper
I felt the same way until March 12th when I spent exactly 4 hours and 27 minutes on hold with Colorado DOR and then got disconnected. After that, I tried Claimyr on March 13th and got through to an agent in 18 minutes. Found out my return was held up because they needed additional verification of my business expenses. Was able to resolve it that day and my refund was approved on March 15th. Sometimes paying a small fee is worth saving hours of frustration, especially when you need answers quickly.
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Sofia Ramirez
For Colorado returns with higher tax bills, consider these options: • Review your withholding status immediately • Calculate if quarterly estimated payments would benefit you • Check if you qualify for the Colorado Self-Employment Tax Deduction • Verify all business expenses are properly categorized • Look into the Colorado Enterprise Zone credits if applicable • Consider setting up a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) for tax advantages I've seen processing times vary significantly based on filing method and complexity. E-filed returns with straightforward income sources are processing in 3-4 weeks, while more complex returns are taking 6+ weeks currently.
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Dmitry Volkov
Colorado seems to be processing returns somewhat slower this year, possibly due to their new verification system. From what I've observed, they appear to be prioritizing refund returns over balance-due returns, which might explain some of the delays if you owe money. It's also worth noting that the state typically processes returns in batches rather than continuously, so you might see no movement for weeks and then suddenly get a status update.
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StarSeeker
I filed my Colorado return exactly 37 days ago and just got the deposit yesterday! I was shocked by how much higher my taxes were - $1,247 more than last year on almost identical income. I called the Colorado Department of Revenue and spent 96 minutes on hold before speaking to someone who explained that they changed how they calculate deductions for independent contractors. The whole system is way more complicated than I expected for a state return!
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Fatima Al-Maktoum
I'm dealing with the exact same frustration! Filed my Colorado return on February 8th and still showing "pending" while my federal was processed weeks ago. What's really bothering me is that my tax liability jumped by almost $900 this year even though my 1099 income was actually slightly lower than 2023. I've triple-checked my deductions and everything looks correct. Has anyone figured out specifically which deduction limits Colorado changed? I'm wondering if it's worth having a tax professional review my return before it finishes processing, or if I should just wait it out and potentially file an amended return later if needed.
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Aaron Boston
•I'm in almost the exact same boat! Filed mine on February 10th and still pending. The $900 increase is brutal - I'm seeing similar numbers despite comparable income. From what I've gathered reading through this thread, it sounds like Colorado adjusted several deduction limits downward this year, especially for contractors. @Sofia Ramirez mentioned some specific deductions to check - might be worth reviewing those. I m'debating whether to wait it out or get professional help too. This whole process has been way more stressful than it should be!
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Freya Pedersen
I'm experiencing the exact same delays and tax increases! Filed my Colorado return on February 12th and it's still showing "pending" on the Revenue Online portal. Like many of you, my federal return was processed weeks ago. What's really concerning is that my tax bill increased by about $750 this year despite my income being roughly the same as last year. I've been an independent contractor for 3 years and this is the first time I've seen such a significant jump. I'm starting to wonder if I should contact the Department of Revenue directly or just wait it out. The uncertainty is really stressful, especially when you're budgeting around expecting a refund and suddenly owing money instead. Has anyone had luck getting specific information about what deduction changes are causing these increases?
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Khalil Urso
•I'm dealing with the exact same situation! Filed on February 14th and still pending, with my tax bill up about $650 from last year on similar income. The waiting is driving me crazy - I keep refreshing that portal hoping for an update. From what I've read in this thread, it sounds like Colorado made some changes to contractor deductions that are hitting a lot of us. @Giovanni Colombo mentioned using Claimyr to get through to someone at the department - I m'seriously considering it at this point because the uncertainty is killing me. At least knowing WHY the increase happened would help me plan better for next year. This whole experience has me questioning whether I need to start making quarterly payments going forward.
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