Where is my refund?
Typically, The IRS and Colorado issue refunds within 21 days of transmission. In some cases, it takes a bit longer to receive a refund. For example, if you are receiving Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, The IRS does not start processing those returns until it matches wage documents to filer accounts. This process is usually complete the third week of February.
If you want to check the status of your refund follow the links below:
IRS: https://sa.www4.irs.gov/wmr/
Colorado: https://www.colorado.gov/revenueonline/_/#2
| 2026 Fort Collins VITA Sites |
**** IMPORTANT **** Foreign Students and Scholars: This is not where you schedule an appointment or walk-in for tax help. Regular VITA sites are not staffed with certified volunteers to assist you with your taxes. You will be sent away if you arrive at a regular site for tax assistance. Further, if you schedule an appointment at a regular site, you are taking away the opportunity for others in the community to receive help. Visit our foreign student page to begin the process of scheduling an appointment for help with your taxes.
We are returning to:
Fort Collins Senior Center: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8AM – 12 Noon Appointment Only
1200 Raintree Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525
Click Here to schedule an appointment
Old Town Library: Monday, Thursday 1PM – 4 PM Walk-In
201 Peterson Street Fort Collins, CO 80524
At 9 AM on our tax days, Old Town Library posts a large list on the wall where clients print their name and the current time. Pick up a 2025 Form 13615-C Intake Form at the Library front desk and fill it out before you return. Please come back by 12:30 PM to be checked in based on the order of names printed on the large list. If you are late returning you may lose your place in line.
Colorado State University: Saturday 10AM – 2PM Walk-In
CSU closes to new clients once the maximum capacity of clients has been reached for the day. This often times happens before noon. Plan on arriving early for the best chance to get help.
501 West Laurel Fort Collins, CO 80523 Park in Lot 305 and follow the signs to the basement of the old Rockwell Hall building. The site opens 2/14, and is closed for Spring Break.
Windsor Library Monday 3PM – 6PM Appointment Only
720 3RD Street Windsor, CO 80550
Click Here to schedule an appointment
Foreign Students and Scholars Saturday by appointment only. CLICK HERE to be directed to the foreign students and scholars page.
More appointments at the Senior Center and Windsor Library are added as we approach the dates they cover. This helps ensure we have proper staffing. If all of the appointments are taken, check back later or consider walking into the Old Town Library or CSU tax sites.
Skip the Line by Completing Your Intake Paperwork Early
It is faster and more accurate if you complete your intake paperwork before your arrive at a tax site. This gives you time to review last year’s taxes in order to ensure you have received all of your documents. It also speeds up your time at walk-in sites. You will need to print a complete set of consents and a 13614-C in either English or Spanish. Click on the correct links below:
CSU English CONSENTS English 13614-C
CSU Spanish CONSENTS Spanish 13614-C
Do you need to get your IPPIN reissued?
If you were the victim of identity theft, were suspected of identity theft, or requested an Identity Protection Pin (IPPIN), you must include this number in order to e-file your return. The IRS mails IPPINs in January, but sometimes they get overlooked. First, double check your junk mail pile. If the letter is not there, follow this link to request a replacement letter. It takes up to 21 days for The IRS to process your request and mail a letter.
IRS launches new web page to streamline tax fraud and scam reporting
IR-2026-26, Feb. 26, 2026
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the launch of a new web page that allows taxpayers to confidentially report suspected tax fraud, scams, evasion, or other tax-related illegal activities, as well as internal-facing improvements that will enhance how referrals are used to stop illegal activity. READ MORE
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It’s not too early to get ready for the 2026 tax season
IR-2025-116, Nov. 26, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to take steps now to prepare for the upcoming filing season by visiting IRS.gov/GetReady for tips on what is new and what to consider before filing. This is the first in a series of special IRS “Get Ready” reminders to help taxpayers prepare in early 2026 for the upcoming tax filing season. A little advance work preparing paperwork and organizing information now can help with filing tax returns quickly and accurately.
It is important for taxpayers to get ready now because the One, Big, Beautiful Bill can significantly affect federal taxes, credits and deductions. The IRS and Treasury are working to implement the new legislation, including providing information on the new tax deductions, such as no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest, the new temporary deduction for seniors and others. The IRS will release new information as it becomes available. READ MORE
IRS updates frequently asked questions on the Premium Tax Credit
IR-2025-127, Dec. 23, 2025
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today updated frequently asked questions in Fact Sheet 2025-10 PDF related to changes to the Premium Tax Credit made under the One Big, Beautiful Bill and to related provisions that no longer apply.
The Premium Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit that helps eligible individuals and families with low or moderate income with the cost of their health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the Exchange.
OBBB made a number of changes to the Premium Tax Credit, including removing the limitations on repayment of excess advance payments of the premium tax credit for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2025.
The FAQs have been updated to delete the questions about certain Premium Tax Credit rules that do not apply after tax years 2020 and 2021.
Look out for new tax scams
The IRS and CO are warning that fraudulent individuals are sending texts to get banking information due to a problem depositing refunds. No tax agency contacts taxpayers by text. Do not click on any links included in the texts or respond to the texts. If The IRS of CO are unable to deposit a refund, a paper check is generally issued to the confirmed address on file. If you recently moved, it is important to have mail forwarded. If you need to check the status of your refund, click on the following links:
For more information about common scams click here IRS or here CO.
Further, there is no stimulus or extra TABOR refunds. If you have already received your refund(s) for the year, disregard any notices promising additional funds. The only contact you may receive is notices in the mail asking for additional information. If you need assistance with understanding those notices, feel free to contact us (970)599-1765 or email us.
IRS issues FAQs on Form 1099-K threshold under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill; dollar limit reverts to $20,000
IR-2025-107, Oct. 23, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued frequently asked questions in Fact Sheet 2025-08 PDF regarding the dollar threshold for filing Form 1099-K under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.
IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026, including amendments from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill
IR-2025-103, Oct. 9, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the tax year 2026 annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions, including the tax rate schedules and other tax changes. Revenue Procedure 2025-32 PDF provides details about these annual adjustments.
Colorado TY2025 payable in 2026 TABOR Updates
$54,000 or less $20 ($40 MFJ)
$54,001 – $110,000 $26 ($52 MFJ)
$110,001 – $176,000 $30 ($60 MFJ)
Colorado Special Session Updates
Visit https://leg.colorado.gov/2025-special-session-bills-authorized-sponsor-pre-release for more information regarding introduced, defeated, amended, and passed legislation regarding the Colorado Special Session. At this time, we are unable to answer specific questions about future TABOR refunds or other Colorado credits.
IRS to phase out paper tax refund checks starting with individual taxpayers
IR-2025-94, Sept. 23, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service, working with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, today announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will be phased out beginning on Sept. 30, 2025, as required by Executive Order 14247, to the extent permitted by law. This marks the first step of the broader transition to electronic payments.
The IRS will publish detailed guidance for 2025 tax returns before the 2026 filing season begins. Until further notice, taxpayers should continue using existing forms and procedures, including those filing their 2024 returns on extension of a due date prior to Dec. 31, 2025. READ MORE
BEGINNING IN 2026, YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A REFUND FROM THE IRS. THERE ARE LIMITED EXCEPTIONS THAT WILL DELAY RETURN PROCESSING. IF YOU DO NOT BRING DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION, WE WILL SEND YOU HOME TO GET THE INFORMATION IN ORDER TO FINISH YOUR RETURN.
Treasury, IRS issue final regulations on new Roth catch-up rule, other SECURE 2.0 Act provisions
IR-2025-91, Sept. 15, 2025
WASHINGTON —The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued final regulations addressing several SECURE 2.0 Act provisions relating to catch-up contributions. (Catch-up contributions are additional contributions under a 401(k) or similar workplace retirement plan for employees who are age 50 or older.) The final regulations include final rules related to a SECURE 2.0 Act provision requiring that catch-up contributions made by certain higher-income participants be designated as after-tax Roth contributions.
The final regulations provide guidance for plan administrators to implement and comply with the new Roth catch-up rule and reflect comments received in response to the proposed regulations issued in January.
The final regulations also provide guidance relating to increased catch-up contribution limits under the SECURE 2.0 Act for certain retirement plan participants, in particular employees between the ages of 60-63 and employees in newly established SIMPLE plans. READ MORE
IRS assesses $162 million in penalties over false tax credit claims tied to social media
R-2025-90, Sept. 8, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is alerting taxpayers about a growing number of fraudulent tax schemes circulating on social media that promote the misuse of credits such as the Fuel Tax Credit and the Sick and Family Leave Credit. These scams have led thousands of taxpayers to file inaccurate or frivolous returns, often resulting in the denial of refunds and steep penalties.
Since 2022, the IRS has seen a surge in questionable refund claims fueled by misleading social media posts and bad actors posing as tax experts. Many of the posts falsely claim that all taxpayers are eligible for credits they do not actually qualify for, such as those meant for self-employed individuals or businesses. The IRS routinely publishes and updates a list of frivolous positions on IRS.gov that could lead to the imposition of penalties.
“These schemes are not only misleading but can cost taxpayers dearly,” said James Clifford, IRS Director Return Integrity and Compliance Services. “People who follow this advice could end up with rejected claims and a penalty of up to $5,000 in addition to any other penalties that might apply. So far, the IRS has imposed over 32,000 penalties costing taxpayers more than $162 million. It’s in the taxpayer’s best interest to stay informed.” read more
Treasury, IRS issue FAQs to address the accelerated termination of several energy provisions under OBBB
IR-2025-86, Aug. 21, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) in Fact Sheet 2025-05 relating to the modification of sections 25C, 25D, 25E, 30C, 30D, 45L, 45W, and 179D under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB).
These FAQs provide guidance on several energy credits and deductions that are expiring under OBBB and their termination dates.
The FAQs also provide clarification on the availability of the new clean vehicle credit, the energy efficient home improvement credit and the residential clean energy credit, among others.
More information about reliance is available.
One Big Beautiful Bill Deductions Quick Facts
FS-2025-03, July 14, 2025
Below are descriptions of new provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, as Public Law 119-21, that go into effect for 2025.
“No Tax on Tips”
- New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, employees and self-employed individuals may deduct qualified tips received in occupations that are listed by the IRS as customarily and regularly receiving tips on or before December 31, 2024, and that are reported on a Form W-2, Form 1099, or other specified statement furnished to the individual or reported directly by the individual on Form 4137.
- “Qualified tips” are voluntary cash or charged tips received from customers or through tip sharing.
- Maximum annual deduction is $25,000; for self-employed, deduction may not exceed individual’s net income (without regard to this deduction) from the trade or business in which the tips were earned.
- Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).
- Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
- Self-employed individuals in a Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB) under section 199A are not eligible. Employees whose employer is in an SSTB also are not eligible.
- Taxpayers must:
- include their Social Security Number on the return and
- file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.
- Reporting: Employers and other payors must file information returns with the IRS (or SSA) and furnish statements to taxpayers showing certain cash tips received and the occupation of the tip recipient.
- Guidance: By October 2, 2025, the IRS must publish a list of occupations that “customarily and regularly” received tips on or before December 31, 2024.
- The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for taxpayers claiming the deduction and for employers and payors subject to the new reporting requirements.
“No Tax on Overtime”
- New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals who receive qualified overtime compensation may deduct the pay that exceeds their regular rate of pay – such as the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” compensation — that is required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and that is reported on a Form W-2, Form 1099, or other specified statement furnished to the individual.
- Maximum annual deduction is $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers).
- Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).
- Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
- Taxpayers must:
- include their Social Security Number on the return and
- file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.
- Taxpayers must:
- Reporting: Employers and other payors are required to file information returns with the IRS (or SSA) and furnish statements to taxpayers showing the total amount of qualified overtime compensation paid during the year.
- Guidance: The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for taxpayers claiming the deduction and for employers and other payors subject to the new reporting requirements.
“No Tax on Car Loan Interest”
- New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals may deduct interest paid on a loan used to purchase a qualified vehicle, provided the vehicle is purchased for personal use and meets other eligibility criteria. (Lease payments do not qualify.)
- Maximum annual deduction is $10,000.
- Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers).
- Qualified interest: To qualify for the deduction, the interest must be paid on a loan that is:
- originated after December 31, 2024,
- used to purchase a vehicle, the original use of which starts with the taxpayer (used vehicles do not qualify),
- for a personal use vehicle (not for business or commercial use) and
- secured by a lien on the vehicle.
If a qualifying vehicle loan is later refinanced, interest paid on the refinanced amount is generally eligible for the deduction.
- Qualified vehicle: A qualified vehicle is a car, minivan, van, SUV, pick-up truck or motorcycle, with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds, and that has undergone final assembly in the United States.
- Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
- The taxpayer must include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the qualified vehicle on the tax return for any year in which the deduction is claimed.
- Reporting: Lenders or other recipients of qualified interest must file information returns with the IRS and furnish statements to taxpayers showing the total amount of interest received during the taxable year.
- Guidance: The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for interest recipients subject to the new reporting requirements.
Deduction for Seniors
- New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals who are age 65 and older may claim an additional deduction of $6,000. This new deduction is in addition to the current additional standard deduction for seniors under existing law.
- The $6,000 senior deduction is per eligible individual (i.e., $12,000 total for a married couple where both spouses qualify).
- Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers).
- Qualifying taxpayers: To qualify for the additional deduction, a taxpayer must attain age 65 on or before the last day of the taxable year.
- Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
- Taxpayers must:
- include the Social Security Number of the qualifying individual(s) on the return, and
- file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.
- Taxpayers must:
All of the mentioned deductions are NON REFUNDABLE CREDITS. They will reduce your tax burden, but ARE NOT refundable.
For more information click here to redirected to the IRS website.
Check your withholding to avoid surprises at the tax office. The IRS has tools to help you estimate your withholding.
For employees, withholding is the amount of federal income tax withheld from your paycheck. The amount of income tax your employer withholds from your regular pay depends on two things:
- The amount you earn.
- The information you give your employer on Form W–4.
For help with your withholding, you may use the Tax Withholding Estimator. You can use the Tax Withholding Estimator to estimate your income tax for next year. The Tax Withholding Estimator compares that estimate to your current tax withholding and can help you decide if you need to change your withholding with your employer.
More details about the Tax Withholding Estimator and the latest withholding tables can be found on Tax Withholding Estimator FAQs. Click Here to go to The IRS tax withholding calculator.
Understanding Communications from the Internal Revenue Services (IRS)
*** The IRS will never initiate contact with you by email. ***
For more information visit: IRS privacy guidance about email contact | Internal Revenue Service.
What taxpayers should do if they receive mail from the IRS
IRS sends notices and letters when it needs to ask a question about a taxpayer’s federal tax return, let them know about a change to their account or request a payment. Do not panic if something comes in the mail from the IRS – they are here to help.
When a taxpayer receives mail from the IRS, they should:
Read the letter carefully. Most IRS letters and notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes any steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer’s account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
Review the information. If a letter is about a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with the original return. If the taxpayer agrees, they should make notes about the corrections on their personal copy of the tax return and keep it for their records. Typically, a taxpayer will need to act only if they do not agree with the information, if the IRS asked for more information or if they have a balance due.
Take any requested action, including making a payment. The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account. The IRS offers several options to help taxpayers struggling to pay a tax bill.
Reply only if instructed to do so. Taxpayers do not need to reply to a notice unless specifically told to do so. There is usually no need to call the IRS. If a taxpayer does need to call the IRS, they should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of their tax return and letter.
Let the IRS know of a disputed notice. If a taxpayer does not agree with the IRS, they should follow the instructions in the notice to dispute what the notice says. The taxpayer should include information and documents for the IRS to review when considering the dispute.
Keep the letter or notice for their records. Taxpayers should keep notices or letters they receive from the IRS. These include adjustment notices when the IRS takes an action on a taxpayer’s account. Taxpayers should keep records for three years from the date they filed the tax return.
For more information on IRS notices or letters you can search for it by number or topic (find the CP or LTR number on the right corner of the letter) go to website: Understanding your IRS notice or letter | Internal Revenue Service
IRS Resources
Identity Theft Link: Identity Theft Central | Internal Revenue Service
Scam Link: Recognize tax scams and fraud | Internal Revenue Service
For your Return Transcript: Get your tax records and transcripts | Internal Revenue Service
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance locator: Get Free Tax Prep Help
Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator: IRS Local Office Locator | Internal Revenue Service
Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAC): Taxpayer Advocate | Internal Revenue Service
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC): Low Income Taxpayer Clinics | Internal Revenue Service
If you still need help, please contact us (970)599-1765. Do not leave personal tax information on the message. A volunteer will call you back and either assist you on the phone or schedule an appointment beginning in June.
Don’t wait on hold; use IRS online tools for faster help
IR-2025-22, Feb. 12, 2025
WASHINGTON — With the 2025 filing season underway and the anticipated high demand for IRS phone lines around the Presidents Day holiday, the Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to visit IRS.gov and use online tools to get immediate answers. READ MORE