In an effort to protect taxpayer information and Colorado state income tax refunds, the Colorado Department of Revenue (Department) is taking additional precautions to combat emerging tax filing fraud, which is occurring nationwide. Taxpayers may experience a slight delay in receiving income tax refunds as the Department performs a risk assessment of filing information and refund requests. The Department is working to ensure refunds will be delivered to taxpayers who are entitled to them – not to parties trying to file fraudulent income tax returns and diverting the funds to themselves.
Colorado income tax refunds that were requested to be direct deposited may be converted to a paper check. The taxpayer will receive the check and a letter in the mail. Sending a paper check to the taxpayer’s mailing address is intended to prevent criminals from easily diverting fraudulent refund to their own prepaid, reloadable cards or debit cards.
Receiving a paper check does not mean a taxpayer’s identity has been compromised. It is a safeguard measure implemented by the Department. If you receive a letter and paper income tax refund check from the Colorado Department of Revenue this year and you have not filed your tax return yet or you are not expecting a refund, you may call the fraud hotline number included in the letter. The Department appreciates taxpayers’ patience and understanding while it takes necessary steps to protect Colorado income tax refunds.
For general information about Colorado state taxes, visit the Colorado Taxation Web site www.TaxColorado.com