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Navigating the intricacies of Colorado's tax system is made easier with the Colorado Tax Form booklet, a comprehensive guide tailored for full-year, part-year, and nonresident individuals. This guide not only simplifies the process of filing individual income taxes in Colorado but also includes various schedules and forms which are necessary for different taxpayer scenarios. Key components within the booklet include the main DR 0104 2019 Colorado Individual Income Tax Form, schedules for voluntary contributions (DR 0104CH), individual income tax payment (DR 0900), subtractions from income (DR 0104AD), and part-year resident/nonresident tax calculation (DR 0104PN), among others. Additionally, it covers the consumer use tax reporting schedule (DR 0104US) and individual credit schedule (DR 0104CR), offering a detailed disclosure of average taxes paid by households across a spectrum of income brackets. It also provides crucial information regarding the filing process, permissible deductions and subtractions, as well as tax credits and how to claim them. One can find specific details tailored for various filing statuses, including those for military service members, and guidance on how to approach situations involving deceased persons. The booklet emphasizes the importance of electronic filing for accuracy and expediency and provides the mailing addresses for submissions with and without payment. Overall, the Colorado Tax Form booklet is a vital resource for understanding your tax obligations and benefits in the state of Colorado.

Colorado Tax Example

(11/04/19)

BOOKLET INCLUDES:

104

Book

Instructions

DR 0104

 

 

Related Forms

2019

Full-Year, Part-Year and Nonresident Individuals

Colorado Individual Income Tax Filing Guide

This book includes:

DR 0104 2019 Colorado Individual Income Tax Form

DR 0104CH 2019 Voluntary Contributions Schedule

DR 0900 2019 Individual Income Tax Payment Form

DR 0104AD 2019 Subtractions from Income Schedule

DR 0158-I 2019 Extension Payment for Colorado Individual Income Tax DR 0104PN Part-Year Resident/Nonresident Tax Calculation Schedule 2019 DR 0104US 2019 Consumer Use Tax Reporting Schedule

DR 0104CR Individual Credit Schedule 2019

Disclosure of Average Taxes Paid

Colorado Income Tax Table

Description of Voluntary Contribution organizations

MAILING ADDRESS FOR FORM DR 0104

WITH

WITHOUT

PAYMENT

PAYMENT

Mail To

Mail To

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

Denver, CO 80261-0006

Denver, CO 80261-0005

These addresses and zip codes are exclusive to the Colorado Department of Revenue, so a street address is not required.

Page 2

Disclosure of Colorado Expenditures and Revenues

** Due to rounding, the values in each chart may not sum to 100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues by Source

 

 

 

Expenditures by Function

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Transportation

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.9%

 

 

3.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Justice

 

 

 

& Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes

 

 

6.4%

 

Education

29.7%

 

 

 

 

 

41.1%

Business, Community

 

 

39.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

& Consumer Affairs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.2%

 

 

 

 

 

Interest & Rents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License, Permits

Charges for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

& Fines

 

 

 

Social Assistance

 

 

 

Goods & Services

 

 

 

 

2.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35.2%

 

 

 

 

20.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure of Average Taxes Paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calendar Year 2016

 

 

 

Average Family Money Income 1

 

 

 

 

$0

$15,000

$30,000

$40,000

$50,000

$70,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

 

 

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

to

and

Weighted

State Taxes and Fees

$15,000 2

$29,999

$39,999

$49,999

$69,999

$99,999

$149,999

$199,999

more

Average 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Individual Income 4

$83

$319

$719

$1,063

$1,567

$2,428

$3,850

$5,696

$16,241

$2,544

Sales 5

$285

$347

$468

$487

$582

$712

$923

$1,204

$2,480

$690

Gasoline and Gasohol 6

$92

$117

$156

$178

$202

$240

$274

$288

$437

$198

Licenses 7 and Registrations 8

$91

$126

$162

$171

$188

$224

$250

$250

$259

$179

Alcoholic Beverages 6

$4

$3

$4

$6

$6

$9

$14

$18

$42

$9

Cigarettes and Tobacco 6

$44

$42

$48

$49

$49

$52

$50

$34

$42

$46

Total State Taxes and Fees

$598

$955

$1,557

$1,955

$2,595

$3,665

$5,361

$7,491

$19,501

$3,667

Local Taxes and Fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential Property 5

$666

$1,024

$1,363

$1,316

$1,652

$2,128

$2,998

$4,259

$9,964

$2,240

Sales and Use 5

$446

$544

$733

$763

$912

$1,115

$1,444

$1,886

$3,882

$1,081

Specific Ownership 8

$94

$136

$177

$188

$209

$250

$282

$282

$292

$198

Occupation 9

$2

$6

$9

$11

$15

$22

$31

$44

$136

$23

Total Local Taxes and Fees

$1,208

$1,709

$2,282

$2,278

$2,788

$3,515

$4,755

$6,470

$14,273

$3,542

Federal Taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Individual Income 4

$609

$1,166

$2,273

$3,377

$5,318

$8,716

$14,652

$24,598

$100,649

$12,224

Medicare 10

$106

$303

$483

$630

$843

$1,198

$1,746

$2,478

$12,382

$1,595

Social Security 10

$455

$1,294

$2,067

$2,693

$3,607

$5,121

$7,347

$7,347

$7,347

$3,536

Total Federal Taxes

$1,170

$2,762

$4,824

$6,699

$9,768

$15,035

$23,745

$34,422

$120,377

$17,356

Total Taxes and Fees Paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Households

$2,977

$5,426

$8,663

$10,932

$15,150

$22,214

$33,861

$48,384

$154,152

$24,565

Taxes Paid by Employers 11

$561

$1,597

$2,551

$3,323

$4,450

$6,319

$9,093

$9,825

$19,729

$5,131

Federal data and other data sources are used to estimate average taxes paid when actual data are unavailable for most tax types.

The methodology for some estimates and income class categories changed from 2014 due to changes in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES), therefore estimates from prior years may not be comparable.

1Estimate of income uses the CES definition of “money income” which includes all sources of income, taxable and nontaxable, as well as transfer payments (such as public

assistance, supplemental security income, food stamps, and other benefits or contributions).

2Some taxpayers family money income estimate was negative. Negative income is associated with self-employment and investment losses. These taxpayers were excluded

because we cannot reliably assign them to the income categories used in this table.

3The weighted averages were calculated for each row using the average tax paid for each income class multiplied by the total number of filers in that income class. This

report’s weighted average values are not comparable to prior reports’ average values.

4Estimate is based on values from state and Federal income tax returns.

5Estimate is calculated using the CES proportion of income for the tax on that item for each class, multiplied by the Colorado average income value for each class.

6Industry data (e.g., average prices) was used to estimate the tax paid based on the CES value for that item. Then, the estimate was calculated using the CES proportion of

income for the tax on that item for each class, multiplied by the Colorado average income value for each class.

7The total state collections for drivers licenses was divided by the total number of filers, yielding a flat fee across all income classes.

8The registrations and specific ownership fees/taxes paid were estimated using the total state collections and the CES average number of vehicles for each income class.

9Total local occupation fees collected were distributed by income class.

10Medicare and Social Security taxes were estimated based on income subject to these taxes.

11Employers pay taxes to Medicare and Social Security on the employees’ behalf.

Table of Contents

Disclosure of Average Taxes Paid

2

DR 0900: Individual Payment Form

25

Using this Guide: Filing Instructions

3

DR 0158-I: Extension Information and Form

27

Taxpayer Service and Assistance

8

DR 0104PN: Part–Year Resident/Nonresident

 

Tax Table

15

Tax Calculation Schedule

29

DR 0104: Colorado Return for All Resident Types

17

DR 0104US: Consumer Use Tax Reporting Schedule..

33

DR 0104CH: Voluntary Contributions Schedule

21

DR 0104CR: Individual Credit Schedule

35

DR 0104AD: Subtractions from Income Schedule ..

23

Voluntary Contribution Information

39

How To Use This Filing Guide

This filing guide will assist you with completing your Colorado

Income Tax Return. Please read through this guide before

starting your return. Once you finish the form, file it with a computer, smartphone or tablet using our free and secure

Revenue Online service at Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline. You may also file using private e-File software or with a paid tax preparer. You significantly reduce the chance of errors by filing your return electronically. If you cannot file electronically for any

reason, mail the enclosed forms as instructed. All Colorado

forms and publications referenced in this guide are available for download at Colorado.gov/Tax, the official Taxation website.

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

This points out a topic that is the source of common

filing errors. Filing your return on Revenue Online will reduce the risk of errors; however, it is important

to understand the information on your return. Errors

cause processing delays and erroneous bills.

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 electronic filing through

Revenue Online or most tax software, mailed with

the DR 1778 or attached to your paper return.

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 in the Education and Legal Research section at Colorado.gov/Tax.

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 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 and you are:

A full-year resident of Colorado, or

A part-year Colorado resident who received taxable income while residing here or

Not a resident of Colorado, but received income from sources within Colorado.

Colorado residents must file this return if they are required to 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

Page 3

postmarked by April 15. An automatic extension to file is

granted until October 15, but there is no extension to pay. See page 27 for more information.

Deceased Persons

Legal representatives and surviving spouses may file a return on behalf of a deceased person whose date of death was

during the tax year. 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 represen- tatives 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.

To claim a refund on behalf of a deceased person: you must submit a copy of the death certificate with the DR 0102 when filing the return.

Filing Status

You must file using the same filing status on both your federal and Colorado income tax returns. Any two individuals who legally file a joint federal income tax

return must also file their Colorado income tax return jointly. Individuals filing a joint return must list the

taxpayer names and Social Security numbers (SSN) 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.

Claiming Credits from a Pass-through Entity

Individuals claiming tax credits as a partner or shareholder must obtain from the partnership or S corporation a federal Schedule K-1 or other statement reporting the name and employer identification number (EIN) of the partnership or S corporation and the type and amount of the credit. The Colorado Department

of Revenue verifies the credit claims of partners and shareholders by reviewing the partnership or S

corporation’s return. The Schedule K-1s or statements

may be submitted through Revenue Online, through tax software or may be attached to a paper return.

Line–by–Line Instructions for the DR 0104

First, complete the federal income tax return you will file with the IRS 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 deductions.

Residency Status

Mark the appropriate box to designate your residency status.

The DR 0104 and any tax payment owed are due April 15, 2020. Revenue Online will accept returns as timely filed until midnight. Returns that are mailed must be

If you are filing a joint return, 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.

d) Line (b) minus line (c), but not less than $0

Page 4

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 the DR 0104PN. You must submit the DR 0104PN with your return.

Persons Traveling or Residing Abroad

If you are traveling or residing outside the United States

on April 15, the deadline for filing your return is June 15, 2020. If you need additional time to file your return, you will automatically have until October 15, 2020, to file. Interest is

due on any tax paid after April 15, 2020. To avoid any late

payment penalties, you must pay 90% of your tax liability by June 15, 2020, file your return by October 15, 2020 and pay any remaining tax due at the time of filing. When filing your return, mark the “Abroad on Due Date” box on Revenue

Online or the paper return.

Active Duty Military

Under federal law, a military servicemember’s state of legal

residence does not change solely as the result of the service-

member’s assignment for service in another state. Consequently, a Colorado resident who enters into military service will remain a Colorado resident unless they officially change their state of

legal residence as described in DD Form 2058.

In general, military servicemembers who are Colorado residents are subject to the same income tax filing requirements as other

Colorado residents, even if they are serving in another state.

These requirements are described on the preceding page, under the heading “Who Must File This Tax Return.”

However, any military servicemember who spends at least 305 days of the tax year stationed outside of the United States on

active military duty may elect to be treated as a nonresident.

The servicemember may make this election by filing a return and checking the applicable box on Form 104PN.

Military servicemembers who are stationed in Colorado, but

are not Colorado residents, are not required to pay Colorado tax on their military income. However, any other Colorado source income of a nonresident servicemember is subject to

Colorado taxation.

Please see “Military Service Members — Special Filing Information” webpage on our website for additional information.

The residency rules described above for military servicemembers also apply generally to a

servicemember’s spouse if the spouse is residing with the servicemember either inside or outside of Colorado in compliance with the servicemember’s military orders. If a servicemember and their spouse

are nonresidents stationed in Colorado, any wages earned by the spouse for work performed in Colorado are not subject to Colorado taxation. The military spouse must complete a DR 1059, provide a copy to their employer when hired for employment, and submit a copy to the Department, along with a copy of their military ID card, when they file their Colorado return each year. The DR 1059 may be filed with the Department through Revenue Online, with DR 1778,

or as an attachment to a DR 0104 filed by paper.

Name and Address

Provide your name, mailing address, date of birth, Social

Security number, as well as the state of issue, last four digits, and the date of issuance of your state issued ID card in the provided spaces. If filing Married Filing Joint, provide the spouse’s information where prompted. Provide the spouse’s 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:

• Form 1040 line 11b

If your federal taxable income is a negative amount, be sure to enter the amount as such on your Colorado return. If submitting a paper return, put the negative amount in parentheses, for example ($1,234).

Do not enter your total income or wages on this line because it 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.

Enter $0 if you filed Form 1040 or 1040SR but did not itemize

your deductions on Schedule A.

Taxpayers who deduct general sales taxes on Schedule A

line 5a, Form 1040 or 1040SR, are not required to calculate this addback. If you deducted state income tax on Schedule

A line 5a, complete the worksheet below to calculate the Income Tax Deduction.

We recommend that you read publication FYI

Income 4 for special instructions before completing the worksheet below.

Complete the following worksheet to determine your state

income tax deduction addback.

a)

Is the amount on federal Form 1040 or

 

 

1040SR Schedule A line 5d greater than

 

 

the amount on federal Form 1040 or

 

 

1040SR Schedule A line 5e?

 

 

No. Enter the state income tax

 

 

deduction from federal Form 1040

 

 

or 1040SR Schedule A line 5a.

 

 

Yes. Subtract the amounts on federal

 

 

Form 1040 or 1040SR Schedule

 

 

A lines 5b and 5c from the

 

 

amount on line 5e. Enter the

 

 

result, but not less than $0.

$

b) Total itemized deductions from federal

 

 

Form 1040 or 1040SR Schedule A line 17

$

 

 

 

c)

The amount of federal standard deduction

 

 

you could have claimed (See instructions

 

 

federal Form 1040 or 1040SR line 9 for

 

 

2019 federal standard deductions.)

$

$

Transfer to line 2 of the DR 0104 the smaller amount from line (a) or (d) of the worksheet above.

Line 3 Other Additions

Enter the sum of the following and specify which addition(s)

in text box:

• 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.

Improper distributions from a qualified state tuition program for which tuition program contribution subtraction was previously claimed. See FYI

Income 44 for additional information.

Dependent child income—the amount from IRS Form 8814 line 14 or $1,050, 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 your federal charitable deduction for a conservation easement that is also claimed for a Colorado tax credit. Complete the DR 1305 Part D.

• 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.

Any expenses incurred by a taxpayer with respect to expenditures made at, or payments made to, a club that restricts membership on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, creed, religion, color, ancestry or national origin.

Distributions from a medical savings account not made for an eligible expense.

Charitable hunger relief credit addback—the

amount of your federal charitable deduction for a donation for which a Credit for Food Contributed to

Hunger-Relief Charitable Organizations is claimed.

Line 4 Subtotal

Enter the sum of lines 1 through 3.

Line 5 Subtractions from the DR 0104AD Schedule, line 20

Transfer the amount from the DR 0104AD line 20 to report

any subtractions from your Federal Taxable Income. These subtractions will change your Colorado Taxable Income from

the amount of Federal Taxable Income. See instructions in the income tax booklet for additional guidance on completing this schedule. Do not enter negative amounts. To ensure faster processing of your paper return, the amount entered

Page 5

on line 5 must exactly match the amount on the DR 0104AD.

You must submit the DR 0104AD with your return.

Line 6 Colorado Taxable Income

Subtract line 5 from line 4. This is your Colorado taxable income and is the figure used to determine how much Colorado tax is owed, if any.

Part-Year Residents or Nonresidents Go To the DR 0104PN. Full-Year Residents Continue To Line 7

Line 7 Colorado Tax

The income tax rate is currently 4.5%. Full-year residents should refer to the tax table in this booklet. Determine the tax by the amount listed on line 6. Part-year residents and nonresidents

should transfer the apportioned tax amount from the DR 0104PN line 36. You must submit the DR 0104PN with your return.

Line 8 Alternative Minimum Tax

Enter the amount of any Alternative Minimum Tax. 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 9 Recapture of Prior Year Credits

Enter any credit claimed in prior years that is subject to recapture under Colorado law.

Line 10 Subtotal

Sum of lines 7 through 9.

Tax Credits

Visit Colorado.gov/Tax/Income-Tax-Credits to read more

about which tax credits can be claimed on this form.

Line 11 Nonrefundable Credits

Complete the DR 0104CR to claim various nonrefundable credits. Transfer the amount from the DR 0104CR line 41 to

this line. The nonrefundable credits used from the DR 0104CR combined with the total Nonrefundable Enterprise Zone Credit

used cannot exceed line 10. To ensure faster processing of your paper return, the amount entered on line 11 must exactly

match the amount on the DR 0104CR. You must submit the

DR 0104CR with your return.

Scan and submit any required documentation through Revenue Online E-Filer Attachment, attach

to your electronic return or mail paper documentation with the DR 1778 E-Filer Attachment.

Line 12 Nonrefundable Enterprise Zone Credits

Use your tax software, Revenue Online or the DR 1366 to calculate the total amount of Nonrefundable Enterprise Zone

Credits being used to offset the current year tax liability.

Complete the DR 1366 and transfer line 87 to this line. The total Nonrefundable Enterprise Zone Credit used combined with nonrefundable credits from the DR 0104CR cannot

exceed the amount on line 10. You must submit the DR 1366 and a copy of each certificate with your return.

The Department strongly recommends electronic filing for taxpayers with enterprise zone credits. Failure to file electronically may result in delays processing your return.

Page 6

Line 13 Strategic Capital Tax Credits

Use your tax software, Revenue Online or the DR 1330 to calculate the total amount of nonrefundable Strategic Capital Tax Credits being used to offset the current year tax liability. Complete the DR 1330 and transfer amount on line 5b to this

line. The total nonrefundable Strategic Capital Tax Credits used combined with nonrefundable credits from lines 11 and

12 cannot exceed the amount on line 10. You must submit the

DR 1330 and a copy of each certificate with your return. The Department strongly recommends electronic filing for taxpayers with Strategic Capital Tax credits. Failure to file

electronically may result in delays processing your return.

Please include a copy of each Strategic Capital Tax Credit Certificate

Line 14 Net Income Tax

Sum of lines 11, 12, and 13. Subtract that sum from line 10. This cannot be a negative number.

Line 15 Use Tax

Enter the amount from the DR 0104US schedule line 7. If you

did not have any purchases from retailers who do not collect

Colorado state sales tax, then leave this line blank and DO

NOT fill out the DR 0104US schedule. For more information on your consumer use tax obligation, including how to use the new

annual customer reports from non-collecting retailers, please

visit Colorado.gov/Tax/UseTax. If you are reporting use tax on this return, you must submit the DR 0104US with your return.

Line 16 Net Colorado Tax

Sum of lines 14 and 15.

Line 17 Colorado Income Tax Withheld

Enter the sum of all Colorado income tax withheld as reported on W-2, W-2G and/or various 1099 statements.

Enclose your Colorado withholding forms where indicated or, if filing electronically, scan and submit them through Revenue Online E-Filer Attachments.

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 income tax from 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 because these specified amounts should be listed on line 21.

Line 18 Prior-year Estimated Tax Carryforward

Enter the amount, if any, from your 2018 Colorado DR 0104 line 27.

Line 19 Quarterly Estimated Payments

Carefully review your payment(s) before completing this

line. Use Revenue Online (Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline) to verify estimated taxes paid on your account. Doing so will reduce processing delays. Most taxpayers who have made

quarterly estimated payments used the DR 0104EP to remit these payments. Refer to FYI Income 51 for more information about Estimated Payments.

Line 20 Extension Payment

Enter the amount, if any, you remitted with the DR 0158-I to ensure 90% of your tax was paid by the filing due date.

Line 21 Other Prepayments

Enter the sum of payments remitted on your behalf because

you received Colorado income from:

an estate as a beneficiary – remitted using the

DR 0104BEP, and/or

partnership or shareholder agreement–remitted using the DR 0108, and/or

a real estate transaction that closed during the tax year for which you are filing this return

– remitted using the current DR 1079.

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

Line 22 Gross Conservation Easement Credit

Complete all applicable parts of the DR 1305. Enter the

amount from the DR 1305G line 33. You must submit the

DR 1305G with your return.

Line 23 Innovative Motor Vehicle and

Innovative Truck Credit

Complete one Form DR 0617 for each vehicle, truck, trailer, or modification claimed, then enter the amount (or sum) from

each DR 0617 line 9 and/or line 18. You must submit each DR 0617 with your return. NOTE: If you assigned the credit to a financing entity you will not submit a Form DR 0617. For

additional information, please refer to FYI Income 69.

For each Form DR 0617, you must also submit copies

of the title, purchase invoice, lease agreement, or conversion receipts, along with proof of permanent Colorado registration for each vehicle for which you

are claiming a credit. For financing entities that accept assignment of the credit, a completed Form DR 0618 must be submitted for each vehicle claimed.

Line 24 Refundable Credits

Complete the DR 0104CR to claim various refundable credits. Transfer the amount from the DR 0104CR line 8 to this line.

You must submit the DR 0104CR with your return.

See the DR 0104CR 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 25 Subtotal

Sum of lines 17 through 24.

Line 26 Federal Adjusted Gross Income

Refer to your 2019 federal income tax return to complete this line:

• Form 1040 line 8b

If your federal adjusted gross income is a negative amount, be sure to enter the amount as such on your Colorado return. If submitting a paper return, put the negative amount in parentheses, for example ($1,234).

Compare lines 16 and 25. If line 16 is greater, skip to line 38. If line 25 is greater, continue to line 33.

Line 33 Overpayment

Subtract line 16 from line 25.

Line 34 Estimated Tax Carryforward

Enter the amount, if any, you would like to be available for

2020 estimated tax.

Line 37 Refund

Subtract line 34 from line 33. This is the amount of your refund. You have the option of authorizing the Department

to directly deposit these funds to your bank or CollegeInvest account. Otherwise, a refund check will be mailed to the

address you have designated on this return.

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 below to assist you in finding the account and routing numbers.

Did you know you can now direct deposit your tax refund into a new or existing CollegeInvest

account? Please contact 1-800-448-2424 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, 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 38 Net Tax Due

Subtract line 25 from line 16. 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 42.

Line 39 Delinquent Payment Penalty

Calculate any penalty owed for delinquent filing or payment.

The penalty is the greater of $5 or 5% of the net tax due for the first month after the due date and increased by 0.5%

for each additional month past the due date. The maximum penalty is 12%. If you prefer not to calculate this penalty, the

Department will bill you.

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Line 40 Delinquent Payment Interest

Calculate any interest owed for delinquent filing or payment.

The interest rate is 6% of the net tax due. If you prefer not to

calculate this interest, the Department will bill you. Interest on

any bill issued that remains unpaid after 30 days of issuance will increase to 9%.

Line 41 Estimated Tax Penalty

To calculate this penalty, complete the form DR 0204. Enter any estimated tax penalty owed on this line. You must submit the DR 0204 with your return. If you over compute your estimated tax penalty from what the Department calculates, any amount of overpayment of penalty will be refunded to you.

Scan and submit the form DR 0204 through Revenue Online E-Filer Attachments or submit the form to your paper return.

Line 42 Amount You Owe

Enter the sum of lines 38 through 41. You have three payment options. Please note: 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 by the filing due date.

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 Electronic Funds

Transfer (EFT). A nominal processing fee may apply. If you file a paper return, you may still choose to pay electronically. Visit Colorado.gov/ RevenueOnline 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 form

DR 0900 and mail with your payment. Make payable to “Colorado Department of Revenue” and clearly write your Social Security number and “2019 DR 0104” on the memo line. Be sure

to keep a copy of the money order or note the check number with your tax records.

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.

Third Party Designee

Mark the “Yes” box to allow the Colorado Department of Revenue to discuss this tax return with the paid preparer or designee who signed it. This authorization is valid for any period of time and can be revoked with a written statement to the Department. Revocations must declare the return filing

period and tax type, 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, the taxpayer is granting the designee the ability to:

Provide any missing information needed for the processing of the return, and

Call the Department for information about the return, including the status of any refund or processing time, and

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Receive upon request copies of notices, bills or transcripts related to the return, and

Respond to notices about math errors, intercepts and questions about the preparation of the return.

This designation does not allow the third party to receive any

refund check, bind the taxpayer to anything (including any additional tax liability), or otherwise represent the taxpayer

before the Colorado Department of Revenue. In order to expand the designee’s authorization, complete the DR 0145

Power of Attorney for Department-Administered Tax Matters and submit via Revenue Online.

W-2s and 1099s

When filing a paper return, all W-2s and/or 1099s that show Colorado income tax withholding must be attached to the front of the form where indicated. When

filing an electronic return, attach scanned copies of all W-2s and/or 1099s that show Colorado income tax withholding to the e-filed tax return. If you are unable to

attach W-2s and/or 1099s to your e-filed return, submit through Revenue Online, Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline.

Taxpayer Service and Assistance

Revenue Online and Secure Messaging

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 Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline to get started.

Taxation Website

Visit the official Colorado Department of Revenue’s Taxation Division website, Colorado.gov/Tax, for tax

forms, FYI publications, education resources, legal research and more.

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, Room 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

Use the year-to-date (YTD) Colorado wages and withholding amounts from your final paycheck

stub to complete a Substitute W-2, form

DR 0084 and submit both with your return.

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 on your behalf using the best information available.

There is no statute of limitations for assessment 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

DR 0104X. 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 the DR 0104X 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 FOR ANY CHANGES WITH YOUR AMENDED RETURN. YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL SCHEDULES, 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 the DR 0104EP. 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, if any. 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 or a paid tax professional

to help you complete your return.

Federal Earned Income Tax 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 IRS.gov or by calling Colorado United Way at 211. Additional information regarding CHP+ may be found at CCHP.org or by calling 1-800-359-1991.

Line-by-Line Instructions for the DR 0104AD - Subtractions from Income Schedule

If you use this schedule to claim any subtractions from your income, you must submit it with the DR 0104.

Line 1 State Income Tax Refund

Refer to your federal income tax return to complete this line. If you did not complete federal Schedule 1,

Form 1040 or 1040SR, enter $0. Otherwise, enter the amount from line 10, Schedule 1, Form 1040 or 1040SR.

Line 2 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.

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 3 Pension and Annuity

Subtraction

You might be eligible to subtract the income you earned from a

pension or annuity. We recommend that you read publication

FYI Income 25 if this applies to you. This subtraction is allowed only for pension or annuity income that is included in your federal taxable income. The amount of subtraction you can claim is also limited based upon your age.

As of December 31, 2019, if 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

At least 55 years old, 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

Younger than 55 years old 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.

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 4.

Submit copies of all 1099R and SSA-1099 statements with your return. Submit using

Revenue Online or attach to your paper return.

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Line 4 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 3 to see what amount qualifies. We recommend that

you read publication FYI Income 25 if this applies to you.

Take precautions to report the subtraction on the correct line. The first person listed on the return shall report on line 3 and the second person listed shall report on line 4.

Line 5 Military Retirement Subtraction

You might be eligible to subtract the income you earned from your military retirement benefits. We recommend

that you read publication FYI Income 25 if this applies to you. This subtraction is allowed only for military

retirement income that is included in your federal taxable income. To qualify, you must have been 54 years of age or younger as of December 31,2019. If you meet the age requirement, then you are entitled to subtract $4,500

or the total amount of your taxable military retirement benefits, whichever is smaller.

Military retirement benefits should not be intermingled between spouses. Each spouse must meet the

requirements for the subtraction separately and claim the subtraction only on their military retirement benefits. Any qualifying spouse military retirement benefits should be reported on line 6.

Submit copies of all 1099R statements with your return. Submit as attachments when e-filing or using Revenue online, or include with your

paper return.

Line 6 Spouse Military Retirement

Subtraction

If the secondary taxpayer listed on a jointly filed return is

eligible for the military retirement subtraction, enter the qualifying amount on this line. Review the instructions for line 5 to see what amount qualifies. We recommend that you

read publication FYI Income 25 if this applies to you.

Take precautions to report the subtraction on the correct line. The first person listed on the return must report on line 5 and the second person listed must report on line 6.

Line 7 Colorado Capital Gain

Subtraction

You might be eligible to subtract some or all of the capital gain included in your federal taxable income, if the gain is derived from the sale of tangible personal property or from the sale of real property located in Colorado. The amount of this subtraction is limited to $100,000. We recommend that you read publication FYI Income 15 if this applies to you.

You must complete and submit the DR 1316 with your 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.

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Line 8 CollegeInvest Contribution

Contributions to CollegeInvest 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.

The three fields on line 8 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 (e.g.

grandparent, friend,) complete the three 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.

Do NOT deduct contributions made by your employer/ business to your College Invest account on this line. To claim pass-through credits for employer contributions to employee 529 qualified state tuition account, please refer to the instructions on form DR0289 and report the credit on applicable credit schedule.

Line 9 Qualifying Charitable Contributions

Taxpayers who make charitable contributions that would be eligible for a federal income tax deduction, but do not claim federal itemized deductions on Schedule A of form 1040 or 1040SR, might be eligible to deduct a portion of their contribution on this form. We recommend that you read publication FYI

Income 48 if this applies to you. Use the worksheet on the next

page to determine your qualifying contribution.

(a) Did you itemize your deductions on Schedule

 

 

A of federal form 1040 or 1040SR?

Yes

No

 

 

 

(b) 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 9; 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 11 and

12 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 9.

Enter the total contributions in the space provided and the subtraction after the $500 adjustment on line 9.

Do not enter an amount on this line if you already

deducted your charitable donation on Schedule A of the federal 1040 or 1040SR form. Otherwise, you will be issued an assessment that will likely include

penalty and interest.

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. Submit using Revenue

Online or attach to your paper return. Do not send receipts of items that were purchased for donation.

Line 10 Qualified Reservation Income

List any amount of income that was derived wholly from reservation sources by an enrolled tribal member who lives on the reservation, which was included as taxable income on

the Federal income tax form.

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

Line 11 PERA/DPSRS Subtraction

If you made contributions to PERA between July 1, 1984, and December 31, 1986, or to Denver Public Schools District No. 1 Retirement during 1986 and your 2019 federal taxable income includes pension income, see FYI Income 16 to determine if you can take a subtraction for any of your pension income.

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

Do not list the amount of contributions you made as an employee this past year.

Line 12 Railroad Benefit

List any 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 submit with your paper return.

Line 13 Wildfire Mitigation Measures

Enter the 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.

Submit copies of receipts for qualified costs for wildfire

mitigation for your property. Submit using Revenue

Online or submit with your paper return.

Line 14 Colorado Marijuana Business Deduction

For Colorado-licensed marijuana businesses, list any

expenditure that is eligible to be claimed as a federal income tax deduction but is disallowed by section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code because marijuana is a controlled substance under federal law.

To calculate this deduction, you must create pro forma federal schedule(s) for Business Profit or Loss as if the federal government would have allowed the expenditures from the marijuana business. The Colorado deduction shall be the difference between the profit/loss as calculated on the ACTUAL schedule(s) filed with the federal return and the pro

forma schedule(s) described above.

You must submit both the pro forma federal schedule(s) and the actual federal schedule(s) with your Colorado return when claiming this deduction. Submit using Revenue Online or submit with your paper return.

Document Properties

Fact Detail
Form Name and Year DR 0104 2019 Colorado Individual Income Tax Form
Content Included Instructions, schedules for voluntary contributions, tax payments, subtractions from income, extensions, part-year/nonresident calculation, consumer use tax reporting, and individual credits
Mailing Address for Submission Different addresses for submissions with and without payment, specific to the Colorado Department of Revenue
Filing Guide Assists in completing the Colorado Income Tax Return; recommends using Revenue Online for filing
Electronic Filing Encouraged to reduce errors and processing delays; available via Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline
Due Date April 15, with an automatic extension to October 15 (no extension to pay)
Filing Status Rules Must match federal return; special instructions for married filing jointly or separately
Special Filing Situations Includes provisions for deceased persons, military service members, persons traveling or residing abroad
Tax Calculation and Credits Provides detailed instructions for calculating Colorado tax, alternative minimum tax, and claiming various credits
Governing Law Colorado Revised Statutes and regulations specific to Colorado Department of Revenue for state income tax

Guide to Writing Colorado Tax

Filing your Colorado Tax Form can seem like a daunting task, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help simplify the process. Colorado residents, part-year residents, and non-residents who have earned income from Colorado sources may need to file a Colorado income tax return depending on their circumstances. It's important to use the correct forms and to fill them out accurately to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your return or lead to incorrect bills. The Colorado Department of Revenue recommends filing electronically via their Revenue Online service to reduce the chance of errors, but paper filing is also an option. Below are the steps to guide you through filling out the Colorado Tax Form, ensuring you comply with the state tax obligations.

  1. Download the required forms from the Colorado Department of Revenue website or obtain a booklet that includes all the needed forms.
  2. Start with the Colorado Individual Income Tax Form (DR 0104), using your completed federal income tax return for reference.
  3. Residency Status: Indicate your residency status by marking the appropriate box.
  4. Name and Address: Fill in your name, mailing address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Include the same information for your spouse if filing jointly.
  5. Line 1: Enter your Federal Taxable Income from your federal tax return.
  6. Line 2: Calculate any State Addback if applicable and record the amount.
  7. Line 3: Sum up Other Additions, providing specifics in the text box as instructed.
  8. Line 4: Compute the Subtotal by adding lines 1 through 3.
  9. Line 5: Enter Subtractions from the DR 0104AD Schedule, line 20.
  10. Line 6: Subtract line 5 from line 4 to find your Colorado Taxable Income.
  11. If you are a Part-Year Resident or Nonresident, redirect to the DR 0104PN at this point. For Full-Year Residents, proceed to Line 7.
  12. Line 7: Calculate your Colorado Tax, applying the current tax rate to the amount on line 6.
  13. Line 8: Note any Alternative Minimum Tax if needed.
  14. Line 9: Record any Recapture of Prior Year Credits.
  15. Line 10: Sum lines 7 through 9 for the subtotal.
  16. Line 11: Enter Nonrefundable Credits from DR 0104CR, line 41.
  17. Line 12: Record Nonrefundable Enterprise Zone Credits from DR 1366, line 87.
  18. Review the entire form for accuracy. Attach any required schedules, such as DR 0104AD, DR 0104CR, and DR 1366, along with your supporting documents.
  19. Decide how you will file: electronically via Revenue Online or by paper. If filing by paper, ensure you use the correct mailing address for forms with or without payment.
  20. Submit your completed Colorado Tax Form along with any payment due by the filing deadline.

Remember, it’s important to take your time and ensure all the information is correct before submitting your Colorado Tax Form. This careful approach can help avoid processing delays and ensure you comply with Colorado's tax laws.

Your Questions, Answered

What forms and schedules are included in the Colorado individual income tax filing guide?

The Colorado individual income tax filing guide includes several forms and schedules necessary for different filing situations. These include the DR 0104 Colorado Individual Income Tax Form, the DR 0104CH Voluntary Contributions Schedule, the DR 0900 Individual Income Tax Payment Form, the DR 0104AD Subtractions from Income Schedule, the DR 0158-I Extension Payment for Colorado Individual Income Tax, the DR 0104PN Part-Year Resident/Nonresident Tax Calculation Schedule, the DR 0104US Consumer Use Tax Reporting Schedule, and the DR 0104CR Individual Credit Schedule.

Where should I mail my Colorado tax form DR 0104?

If you are mailing your DR 0104 form with a payment, send it to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Denver, CO 80261-0005. If you are mailing the form without a payment, send it to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Denver, CO 80261-0006.

What is the due date for filing Colorado tax returns?

Colorado tax returns are due by April 15th. If the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date is the next business day. An automatic extension to file until October 15th is available, but it does not extend the time to pay any tax due. Taxpayers must pay at least 90% of their tax liability by the original due date to avoid penalties.

How can part-year residents and nonresidents calculate their Colorado taxes?

Part-year residents and nonresidents should calculate their Colorado taxes using the DR 0104PN Part-Year Resident/Nonresident Tax Calculation Schedule. This schedule allows income to be prorated so that tax is only calculated on income earned while residing in or derived from sources within Colorado.

What are the requirements for filing as a deceased person's representative in Colorado?

A legal representative or surviving spouse may file a return on behalf of a deceased person by indicating the deceased status on the return, filing the return through Revenue Online or by mail, and submitting a copy of the death certificate. If filing by mail, marking the box next to the deceased person's name, writing "DECEASED" above the return's tax year, and including the appropriate designation such as "FILING AS SURVIVING SPOUSE" or "FILING AS LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE" is necessary, along with attaching form DR 0102.

How do I determine my filing status on my Colorado tax return?

You must use the same filing status on your Colorado tax return as you did on your federal return. Married couples who file a joint federal return must also file a joint Colorado return, listing names and Social Security numbers in the same order as on the federal return. For married filing separately, omit your spouse's name and Social Security number.

What documentation is required for claiming credits from a pass-through entity?

Individuals claiming tax credits as a partner or shareholder from a pass-through entity must obtain a federal Schedule K-1 or similar statement reporting the partnership or S corporation's name, employer identification number (EIN), and the type and amount of the credit. This information should be submitted through Revenue Online or attached to a paper return to the Colorado Department of Revenue for verification.

Common mistakes

When filling out the Colorado Tax Form, individuals often encounter certain pitfalls that can lead to errors in their tax filing process. Recognizing and avoiding these mistakes can streamline the filing process and ensure accuracy in tax calculation and submission. Here are ten common mistakes:

  1. Incorrect mailing address: Taxpayers sometimes send their forms to the wrong address, depending on whether they are making a payment with their return. The Colorado Department of Revenue has distinct addresses for returns with and without payments.

  2. Filing status errors: Some individuals mistakenly file under the incorrect status or do not align their filing status with that of their federal return. The same status must be used for both federal and Colorado returns.

  3. Not reporting all income: Failure to include income from all sources, including those outside of Colorado for part-year and nonresident filers, can result in underreporting and potential penalties.

  4. Miscalculating the State Addback, especially for those who itemize deductions on their federal return and need to add back certain state tax deductions for their Colorado taxes.

  5. Omission of credits or incorrect calculation of nonrefundable and refundable credits: Taxpayers sometimes overlook various state credits or incorrectly calculate their values, leading to a higher tax liability or lost refund opportunities.

  6. Incorrect Federal Taxable Income entry: Taxpayers should ensure that the income reported on their Colorado form matches the federal taxable income reported to the IRS. Discrepancies can lead to audits or adjustments.

  7. Failing to claim deductions or subtractions accurately, such as not properly documenting or calculating subtractions for certain state-specific deductions on the DR 0104AD form.

  8. Forgetting to attach required documents, like W-2s, 1099s, or supporting documentation for subtractions and credits, which can delay processing and impact refund timing.

  9. Incorrect math or calculation errors, especially when manually completing the forms, can lead to underpayment or overpayment of taxes.

  10. Not signing the form: An unsigned tax return is considered invalid and will not be processed until corrected, delaying any potential refund.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure that your Colorado tax filing process is smooth and error-free. Always double-check your work and consider using electronic filing methods to reduce the risk of errors.

Documents used along the form

When filing your Colorado Tax Form, it’s crucial to understand that various other forms and documents might be necessary to complete your tax return accurately. These forms serve specific purposes, ranging from reporting additional income to calculating deductions or credits. Here’s a concise overview of some forms and documents commonly used alongside the Colorado Tax Form:

  • W-2 Form: This is an essential document provided by your employer. It reports your annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck.
  • 1099 Form: There are several types of 1099 forms, each reporting different kinds of income such as independent contractor earnings (1099-MISC), interest income (1099-INT), and dividend income (1099-DIV).
  • Schedule A (Form 1040): Used for itemizing deductions when filing your federal return. If you itemize deductions on your federal return, you may need to reference this when filling out your Colorado tax form, especially if making adjustments to your state return.
  • Schedule C (Form 1040): This form is used by sole proprietors to report the income or loss from a business. Information from Schedule C may impact your Colorado tax return if it affects your federal adjusted gross income.
  • Schedule D (Form 1040): Used to report capital gains or losses. This affects your federal adjusted gross income, and consequently, your Colorado tax liability.
  • Schedule E (Form 1040): Utilized for reporting income or loss from rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporations, estates, trusts, and residual interests in REMICs. It affects your federal adjusted gross income, which in turn impacts your Colorado tax responsibilities.

Understanding how each of these forms interacts with your Colorado Tax Form is essential for an accurate tax filing process. They each carry specific details that might affect your overall tax calculations. Always ensure you have gathered all necessary forms and documents before starting your tax preparation. This helps in avoiding errors and ensures that your tax return accurately reflects your financial year.

Similar forms

The Colorado Tax form is similar to the IRS Form 1040, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Both forms are used to report individual income, calculate taxes owed, and identify any refunds due to the taxpayer. The Colorado form, like the IRS Form 1040, requires taxpayers to report their income from various sources including wages, salaries, tips, and investment income. Additionally, taxpayers can claim deductions and credits to lower their taxable income, such as for charitable contributions or educational expenses. Both forms require the detail of dependents and calculate tax based on the taxable income after deductions and credits.

Another document similar to the Colorado Tax form is the Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions. In particular, when taxpayers in Colorado choose to itemize deductions on their federal return, they must navigate similar considerations on their state return, such as when deducting state income tax or general sales tax. The Colorado form references federal itemized deductions by requiring adjustments for specific items like state and local tax deductions. This ensures that federal and state tax liabilities are properly aligned and that taxpayers do not double-dip on tax benefits not allowed at the state level.

The Colorado Tax form also shares similarities with the DR 0104AD, Subtractions from Income Schedule, which is a supporting document for the main Colorado tax return. This form allows taxpayers to subtract certain income items from their taxable income, effectively reducing their state tax liability. Items like pension and annuity income, social security benefits, and specific deductions for military service members are mirrored in the concept of adjusting gross income found on federal forms like the IRS Schedule 1 (Form 1040), Additional Income and Adjustments to Income. By subtracting these amounts, taxpayers can lower their taxable income on their Colorado tax return, similar to adjustments made for federal tax purposes.

Dos and Don'ts

When it comes to completing the Colorado Tax Form, attention to detail can save you from unnecessary errors or delays. Here are some essential dos and don'ts to guide you through the process:

  • Do read the Colorado Individual Income Tax Filing Guide before you start filling out the form. This will give you a clear understanding of the requirements and instructions.
  • Do use the Colorado Department of Revenue's free and secure Revenue Online service for filing, if possible, to reduce the chance of errors.
  • Do ensure you file using the same status on both your federal and Colorado income tax returns. Any two individuals who legally file a joint federal income tax return must also file their Colorado income tax return jointly.
  • Do make sure all the information entered matches your federal income tax return, especially your federal taxable income, to avoid discrepancies.
  • Do provide all required supporting documentation for subtractions and tax credits, as missing documentation can lead to processing delays or denial of the credits/subtractions.
  • Don't forget to check the due date and ensure your tax form is submitted on time. Remember, there are different deadlines for electronic filing and mailing.
  • Don't overlook the importance of accurately calculating your tax, especially if you're a part-year resident or nonresident. Make sure to fill out the DR 0104PN Part-Year Resident/Nonresident Tax Calculation Schedule if this applies to you.
  • Don't neglect to review your form for errors or incomplete information before submitting. Double-check your Social Security numbers, addresses, and all figures entered.

Misconceptions

Understanding Colorado tax forms is crucial for accurately filing state taxes and ensuring compliance. However, there are several misconceptions that often confuse or mislead taxpayers. Below are ten common misunderstandings about the Colorado Tax form and their clarifications:

  • Misconception: You only need to file state taxes if you owe money. Truth: All Colorado residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents who earn income from Colorado sources must file a return, whether they owe additional taxes or not.
  • Misconception: The Colorado tax rate is negotiable. Truth: The Colorado income tax rate is fixed at 4.63% for all taxpayers and is not subject to negotiation or change by individuals.
  • Misconception: You can file your Colorado taxes anytime during the year. Truth: Colorado tax returns are due by April 15, following the same schedule as federal taxes, with extensions available under specific conditions.
  • Misconception: Electronic filing is optional. Truth: While Colorado allows paper filing, electronic filing is encouraged for its efficiency and reduced error rate. In some cases, electronic filing may be mandated.
  • Misconception: Part-year residents are taxed the same as full-year residents. Truth: Part-year residents and nonresidents use the DR 0104PN to calculate their taxes based on their income earned while a resident or from Colorado sources, potentially leading to different tax obligations.
  • Misconception: Military income is always taxed in Colorado. Truth: Active military members who are Colorado residents but stationed outside the state can apply for nonresident status, and their military income won't be taxed. Nonresident military stationed in Colorado are not taxed on their military income either.
  • Misconception: All income is taxable in Colorado. Truth: Certain types of income, such as bond interest from non-Colorado state or local governments issued after May 1, 1980, are taxable, while others may qualify for subtractions.
  • Misconception: Tax deductions and credits on your federal return apply to Colorado taxes. Truth: While many deductions and credits are similar, Colorado has its own rules and schedules for subtractions and credits which may differ from federal tax laws.
  • Misconception: The addresses for mailing tax forms with and without payment are the same. Truth: Colorado provides different mailing addresses for returns with payment versus those without, to streamline processing.
  • Misconception: You must pay to file Colorado taxes online. Truth: Filing Colorado taxes online through the Colorado Department of Revenue's free and secure service, Revenue Online, does not incur a fee.

Understanding these key points can help ensure that Colorado taxpayers accurately complete their tax forms, avoid common errors, and maintain compliance with state tax laws.

Key takeaways

When it comes to navigating the intricacies of Colorado tax forms, understanding the essentials can greatly simplify the process. Here are some key takeaways that every taxpayer should know:

  • Different Forms for Varied Needs: The booklet contains not just the standard DR 0104 form but also schedules for voluntary contributions, tax payment, and subtractions from income, among others. This variety underscores the importance of selecting the right forms for your specific tax situation.
  • Electronic Filing Is Preferred: For accuracy and efficiency, the state encourages filers to use online services or e-File software. Electronic filing minimizes errors, speeding up the processing of your return.
  • Understanding Your Residency Status: Whether you're a full-year resident, a part-year resident, or a nonresident, your filing requirements vary. It's crucial to correctly determine your residency status as it affects how you report income and what taxes you owe.
  • Due Dates and Extensions: Typically, returns are due by April 15. However, an automatic extension to October 15 is available for filing -- but not for payment. Understanding the difference between these deadlines can help avoid interest and penalties.
  • Proper Documentation Needs: For certain subtractions and credits, you must provide documentary evidence. Submitting the required documentation correctly the first time prevents processing delays or denials.
  • Filing Status Consistency: Your Colorado filing status must match your federal return. This requirement ensures consistency across your tax filings and can affect the tax benefits you're eligible for.
  • Addressing Military Personnel's Taxes: Special rules apply to military servicemembers and their spouses, especially regarding residency and source of income. Understanding these nuances is critical for correctly filing your return.
  • Attention to Detail Is Key: From ensuring the accuracy of income reported to correctly claiming credits and deductions, careful attention to detail can help avoid common missteps that lead to delays or incorrect tax bills.

Each of these takeaways highlights an aspect of the Colorado tax filing process that demands attention. By understanding these points, taxpayers can navigate the process more smoothly, ensuring compliance and maximizing potential benefits.

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