Tips for Timely Refunds
Avoid Refund Delays
Avoidable taxpayer errors on income tax returns often delay issuance of Colorado income tax refunds. Each year, thousands of state tax returns contain errors or omissions that must then be corrected by the Department of Revenue.
Regardless of method of submission, filers should always be aware of the following when filing a return.
Read instructions carefully. Errors can be avoided if taxpayersunderstand the form and understand which lines may or may not apply to them. When taxpayers are eligible for a credit they should read the Colorado individual income tax booklet instructions and associated FYI publications to confirm they qualify for a specific credit and how to properly file for that credit.
Confirm social security numbers. SSN(s) must be correct. If a joint return is filed, the primary (first) SSN on the Colorado return should always match the order that the SSNs appear on the Federal return each year.
Verify where the refund is to be sent. When Direct Deposit is requested, accurate financial information should be submitted with special attention to account and routing numbers. If a taxpayer wishes to receive a refund by mail, addresses should be complete, including city, state, zip code and other specific information such as apartment numbers.
| PAPER FILERS SHOULD BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL |
Many paper filings are adjusted due to simple errors. These errors mean delays in taxpayers receiving their refunds. When filing a paper return (rather than using an electronic method) common mistakes can be avoided by taking some simple steps:
Attach all W-2s to the 104 return at the appropriate place on the return. All W-2s and 1099 documents used in the calculation on the Colorado Income Tax Withheld Line of the 104 form must be stapled to the paper return where indicated.
Make certain returns are complete. In addition to stapling W-2s to the return, be sure to include all schedules and supporting materials. This is especially important for part-year residents who fill out the 104PN Schedule and those claiming credits on the 104CR Credit Schedule.
Fill out forms completely. Incomplete forms will be adjusted or may be sent a written request for documentation. Be sure to sign the paper return. If filing a joint return both parties must sign the return.
Check the math. Simple calculation errors may result in the return being adjusted or the department manually correcting the returns. Simply double checking the math may save time in receiving a refund.
Put proper postage on the envelope. The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail without the proper postage. If a filer mails in a return without proper postage, it will be returned to sender. This is especially important for those filing on or very near the filing deadlines of April or October.
Most of these errors can be avoided by using any available electronic filing method, including the no-cost Colorado NetFile option.