Filing your Colorado tax return for 2017 may feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time handling state income taxes. Whether you're an individual, a sole proprietor, or a small business owner, understanding the process is the first step toward meeting your obligations and potentially securing a refund. This guide will walk you through the process clearly and simply to help you complete your tax return accurately.
The 2017 tax year involved specific rules, deadlines, and forms that are still important if you're catching up on past filings. Even if you missed the original due date, it’s not too late to submit your return, pay any taxes you owe, or claim available credits such as the earned income tax credit or child tax credit. Filing also ensures that any money you owe—like a refund—is not left unclaimed.
This article covers everything you need to know to file your Colorado state return, including what forms to use, how to file electronically or by mail, and how to check your refund status. Whether preparing your taxes or seeking expert help, these step-by-step instructions are designed to make the process less of a hassle and more accessible for everyone.
Filing a Colorado tax return for 2017 was required for many residents and nonresidents, depending on their income and tax situation. If you lived or earned income in Colorado during the 2017 tax year, you may still need to file, especially if you haven’t submitted a return or requested an extension. Understanding who is required to file helps avoid penalties and ensures you claim any available refund or tax credit.
You must file a 2017 Colorado tax return if any of the following apply to you:
If you lived in Colorado for all of 2017 and earned income, you must file a state return, even if you filed a federal tax return separately. Filing helps determine whether you owe taxes or are due a refund.
If you moved into or out of Colorado during the year and earned income while living there. In this case, Colorado taxes only the portion of income earned during your time in the state.
Nonresidents who earned income from a Colorado employer or business must file a return for the amount attributable to Colorado sources. This includes wages, business, or rental income generated within the state.
Additionally, you are required to file a return if any of the following conditions apply:
During the 2017 tax year, Colorado applied a flat income tax rate of 4.63% to all taxpayers. This rate was the same for individuals, married couples, and small businesses, regardless of income level. Colorado's rate remained consistent for everyone, unlike the federal government, which uses a progressive tax bracket system.
To determine your Colorado taxable income, you must start with your federal taxable income—the amount listed on your federal tax return after all deductions and adjustments. From there, you would apply any state-specific additions or subtractions. Colorado-sourced capital gains and some forms of retirement income, for instance, could be deducted. Other items, such as interest from municipal bonds issued outside of the state, may need to be added simultaneously.
Although the rate was fixed, you could reduce your tax liability by claiming deductions and tax credits available in the state. These included commonly used options such as the child and earned income tax credits, which were especially helpful for lower-income households. Understanding how your income transitioned from the federal to the state level was essential in calculating what you owed and whether you were due a refund.
The original deadline to file your 2017 Colorado income tax return was April 17, 2018. If you didn’t submit your return by that date, Colorado automatically granted a six-month extension, giving you until October 15, 2018, to file without needing to submit a special request form.
However, the extension applied only to filing your paperwork—it did not delay your obligation to pay taxes. You still needed to pay at least 90% of your estimated tax liability by the April 17 deadline to avoid penalties and interest. If you paid late, the state charged interest at an annual rate of 4%, which increased to 7% if your tax bill remained unpaid more than 30 days past the deadline.
You can still file your 2017 return if you missed both deadlines entirely. Colorado allows taxpayers to submit late returns for several years, although penalties and interest may continue to accrue until your tax debt is settled. Filing now can help you minimize the cost and claim any refund that is still available.
To file your 2017 Colorado tax return correctly, you must use the correct forms for that specific tax year. The main form required by all individual taxpayers—whether they were full-year residents, part-year residents, or nonresidents—is Form DR 0104, titled Colorado Individual Income Tax Return. This form captures your income, deductions, credits, and total tax owed or refunded.
If your tax situation involved more than basic wage income, you likely needed to include one or more supplemental schedules. For example, Form DR 0104AD was used to report allowable subtractions from your federal taxable income, including pension and annuity income, U.S. government bond interest, or up to $100,000 in Colorado-source capital gains.
Taxpayers who moved in or out of Colorado during 2017 needed to complete Form DR 0104PN, which calculates the portion of their income taxable by Colorado. If you were eligible for tax credits such as the child or earned income tax credit, you used Form DR 0104CR to document and claim those amounts. To report any unpaid sales tax from online or out-of-state purchases, you would fill out Form DR 0104US, while Form DR 0104CH allowed you to donate part of your refund to various charitable funds.
If you needed to pay by check or money order, you used Form DR 0900, the payment voucher. To file an amended return because of a mistake or IRS adjustment, you had to use Form DR 0104X. Those who submitted an extension payment would have used Form DR 0158-I to avoid late payment penalties.
Some taxpayers were eligible for additional credits, which required separate forms. For instance, you needed Form DR 0347 if you claimed the child care expenses tax credit, Form DR 0617 for the innovative motor vehicle credit, and Form DR 1305 for the gross conservation easement credit.
All these forms must match the 2017 tax year. You can download them for free from the Colorado Department of Revenue’s website. Using the wrong version of a form—such as one from a different tax year—can cause processing delays or result in your return being rejected.
Filing your Colorado tax return for 2017 involves a series of straightforward steps. Even if you’re preparing your taxes for the first time, this section will guide you through each part of the process to help you avoid errors and ensure your return is complete.
Before you start filling out forms, gather the documents you'll need. This includes your completed federal tax return (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ), which forms the basis of your Colorado return. You’ll also need all W-2s showing wages earned in Colorado and any 1099s that report additional income, such as freelance payments or interest income. Be sure to include receipts or documentation related to deductions or tax credits you plan to claim, such as child care expenses, charitable contributions, or retirement income exclusions.
If you made estimated payments during the 2017 tax year or requested an extension, you must include payment records and a copy of Form DR 0158-I. These help ensure accurate credit is applied to your tax return. Finally, if you moved during the year, prepare a timeline of your Colorado residency dates to determine whether you’re filing as a full-year, part-year, or nonresident.
Enter your personal information, including name, Social Security number, current address, and filing status. If you’re married filing jointly, include your spouse’s information and follow the same order used on your federal return. Be sure to mark your residency status for the 2017 tax year correctly—this determines whether you must complete the DR 0104PN form for prorated income.
In the income section, enter your federal taxable income, not your gross or adjusted gross income. This amount is on line 43 of the federal Form 1040 (or the equivalent line on the 1040A or 1040EZ). Be careful not to mistakenly report your total income, as this can inflate your state tax liability.
Next, complete the addition and subtraction sections. On Line 2, add back any state income tax deduction claimed on your federal Schedule A. Line 3 is for other additions, such as interest from out-of-state municipal bonds or dependent income reported on federal Form 8814. For subtractions, complete Form DR 0104AD and transfer the total to the appropriate line on DR 0104. These subtractions can reduce your taxable income and increase your refund.
Calculate your Colorado tax using the tax tables provided in the DR 0104 booklet. If you were a part-year resident or nonresident, use Form DR 0104PN to calculate the correct tax portion based on your Colorado-source income.
In the credits section of your return, list all the Colorado tax credits you qualify for. Use Form DR 0104CR to claim the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and other available credits. These can directly reduce the amount of tax you owe.
Next, you should report any Colorado income tax your employer has withheld, typically indicated on your W-2. Include estimated tax payments made during 2017, extension payments from Form DR 0158-I, and any credits carried over from previous years. Add all payments and compare them to your calculated tax to determine whether you owe or are due a refund.
Before submitting your return, double-check for common mistakes such as using the wrong federal income figure, failing to attach W-2s or required schedules, or marking the wrong residency status. Once verified, sign and date the return. If filing jointly, both spouses must sign.
Colorado offers multiple filing options for submitting your 2017 tax return. Choosing between paper and electronic filing depends on your comfort level, access to technology, and whether you need to include special forms or documentation.
The most efficient method is to file electronically using Colorado’s Revenue Online system, accessible on any internet-connected device. This free platform provides step-by-step guidance, automatic error checking, and immediate confirmation that your return was received. It also allows you to attach supporting documentation and choose direct deposit for your refund, which can speed up processing by several weeks.
If using commercial tax software, ensure it supports Colorado’s 2017 forms. Some programs may still allow you to submit prior-year returns. Filing electronically is beneficial if you request a refund or want to check your account status quickly.
Suppose you prefer or need to mail your return; print and complete the appropriate 2017 forms. Use the correct mailing address based on whether you are submitting a payment:
These addresses are specific to the Department of Revenue and do not require a street address. If applicable, include all supporting documents, such as W-2s, schedules, and payment vouchers. Keep a copy of everything you submit if you need to access it later.
If your 2017 return shows that you owe state income tax, Colorado provides several convenient payment methods.
You can pay through Revenue Online immediately after filing your return. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks (ACH/EFT). While e-checks are typically free, card payments may involve a small processing cost.
If you prefer traditional payment methods, you can send a check or money order payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Be sure to write “2017 DR 0104” and your Social Security number in the memo line to ensure the payment is credited correctly. Use Form DR 0900 as a payment voucher and mail it to:
Colorado Department of Revenue
Denver, CO 80261-0008
Even if you filed your return after the April 17, 2018, deadline, it’s essential to pay any tax due as soon as possible to minimize penalties. Colorado charges interest at 4% annually on unpaid balances, which increases to 7% if the bill remains unpaid 30 days after the due date. If you need to request a payment plan or estimate the amount owed, Revenue Online offers tools to help you calculate and submit the correct amount.
Once you’ve filed your 2017 Colorado tax return, monitoring the status of your refund or any outstanding balance due is essential. Fortunately, Colorado offers a simple and free way to do this through its Revenue Online system.
To check your refund status, log in to your Revenue Online account at Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline. You’ll need your Social Security number, the refund amount claimed on your return, and the tax year (2017). The system allows you to track the process, confirm receipt of your return, and view any adjustments or correspondence from the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Processing times vary depending on how you filed. Electronic returns are usually processed within 2 to 3 weeks, while paper returns may take 6 to 8 weeks. If you filed an amended return, allow at least 12 to 16 weeks for processing.
For a quicker refund, please consider selecting direct deposit when filing. You'll need your bank’s 9-digit routing number and your account number. Be sure to specify whether the account is checking or savings. If you don’t select direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to the address listed on your return.
Remember that Colorado may intercept your refund if you owe money for back taxes, child support, or other government debts. If you’re unsure why your refund is delayed or reduced, you can submit a request or access support through your Revenue Online account.
Before you file your 2017 Colorado tax return, review each item on this checklist for a few minutes. Ensuring everything is accurate and complete will reduce the risk of delays, rejected returns, or missed refunds.
You can still file your Colorado tax return for 2017 even after the original deadline. The state allows late tax filing for several years, although you may owe interest or penalties. Filing now can help you recover any refund, claim a tax credit, or settle your account. Colorado's Revenue Online platform offers free assistance for simple questions or expert help.
You can file electronically through Colorado’s Revenue Online system or prepare your return using approved software. While many companies no longer support prior years, the state still provides access to the required forms. Filing electronically is faster and can reduce hassle. Complete all sections, attach necessary receipts, and double-check your information before signing and submitting your return to the correct state address.
You may be eligible for the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, or other Colorado-specific tax credits. These reduce how much you owe and may increase your refund. To claim them, fill out the appropriate forms and provide documentation. Consult a tax preparer or expert for guidance if you're unsure about eligibility. Claiming all available credits can help you get the maximum refund for that tax year.
You can check the status of your refund by logging into your account on Revenue Online. You’ll need your Social Security number, tax year, and estimated refund amount to start checking. The system will acknowledge your return and update its status. Filing electronically speeds up the process, while mailed returns may take longer. If you’re waiting, you can use any device to access your account and monitor progress.
If you lost your W-2, contact your employer to request a duplicate. If unavailable, fill out Form DR 0084 and create a replacement W-2 using your final pay stub. Include the document with your return and explain the situation. Accurate income reporting is critical for both your Colorado and federal taxes. Always keep receipts and related documents if the IRS or state has tax-related questions during processing.
Filing a federal tax return does not automatically cover your Colorado state obligations. If you earned income in Colorado, you must also complete a state tax return. The state uses your federal return as a reference but has its own process, forms, and deadlines. Failing to file a state tax return could result in penalties, even if you do not owe taxes. Acknowledging and fulfilling both state and federal filing requirements is essential.
If this is your first time filing or if you're unsure about forms, deductions, or credits, getting expert help is a good idea. A tax preparer or online program can walk you through the process, answer tax-related questions, and help you determine what you owe or could receive. Professional services can reduce errors, save you money, and make it easier to claim all tax benefits you're eligible for.
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