e-File Options
The Colorado Department of Revenue encourages taxpayers to file their taxes electronically. Electronic filing, or "e-filing," has revolutionized filing state and federal income tax returns. Preparing and submitting returns can be easier and less time-consuming than ever. Various Internet, telephone and tax preparation services provide individuals with choices to fit their life style. Whether you prepare forms yourself or use a professional there is an electronic filing option for you. More than half of Colorado taxpayers submit their taxes electronically and receive their refund faster.
The Colorado Department of Revenue offers two FREE electronic filing services to file Colorado income tax returns, Colorado NetFile and Colorado TeleFile. Most Colorado filers are eligible to use these options. Some taxpayers may qualify for the File for Me Option.
Some Colorado taxpayers have the convenience of filing their state return online. NetFile is available 24-hours a day, every day throughout the income tax season. This convenient, accurate and secure electronic filing system not only save filers time but help speed the process of getting income tax refunds. NEW: If you owe tax and you use NetFile, you're given the option to pay your tax by credit card or electronic check.
Some Colorado taxpayers have the convenience of filing their state return by touch-tone telephone. TeleFile is available 24-hours a day, every day throughout the income tax season. This convenient, accurate and secure electronic filing system not only save filers time but helps speed the process of getting income tax refunds.
File for Me
File for me is another electronic filing option available through the Colorado Department of Revenue NetFile and TeleFile services where the Department of Revenue calculates and files your individual income tax return electronically. As you begin to use either NetFile or Telefile, follow the instructions when the File for Me option is presented.
Who is qualified to use File for Me? Not everyone qualifies to use this option. To use File for Me taxpayers must meet ALL the following requirements:
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Must have been a full-year Colorado resident during the tax year (part-year/nonresidents do not qualify);
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All income must be reported on W-2 forms;
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Cannot itemize deductions on their federal income tax return;
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Cannot claim any dependents except themselves;
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Cannot be claimed as a dependent by anyone else; and
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Cannot be blind or 65 or older.
The Federal/State Electronic Filing (FSEF) program is a federal electronic filing system that enables taxpayers to file both federal and state returns together in one computer transmission. FSEF is a service provided by many tax professionals and available to taxpayers directly via some tax software providers. This option may be free or low-cost for qualified filers. Colorado has offered this service since 1994. Find an Approved e-file provider.
Which electronic filing option is best for you?
| NetFile (*) | TeleFile (*) | IRS E-file with tax preparer (~) | IRS E-file online with approved vendor (~) | |
| Colorado resident for entire tax year | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Part-year resident or | yes (^) | yes | yes | |
| Nonresident | yes (^) | yes | yes | |
| First Time Filer | yes | yes | ||
| Simple return | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Complex return | yes | yes | yes | |
| Child Care credit | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Other Credits | yes | yes | yes |
All electronic filers can expect to receive their Colorado refunds in 7 to 14 business days.
(*) Free services offered by the Colorado Department of Revenue. File state returns only.
(~) IRS E-file using Federal/State Electronic Filing (FSEF) program.
(^) If you have filed with Colorado previously.
Additional Links
For Tax Professionals
For All Filers
TaxColorado.com - Department of Revenue Colorado Taxes main page
Internal Revenue Service e-file information
myincometax.state.co.us - Access your Colorado income tax account and find the status of an income tax refund