During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal stimulus checks played a crucial role in helping millions of Americans cope with job losses, rising expenses, and overall financial stress.
While those emergency relief programs have now ended, the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on many families. This has sparked new interest in whether another round of payments might be on the way.
Lately, there have been online rumors about a possible $800 stimulus check arriving in April 2025. However, no such federal payment has been confirmed. Instead, certain states have launched their own programs to provide localized financial relief. One of the most significant of these efforts is Colorado’s TABOR refund, which could deliver hundreds or even over $1,000 to eligible taxpayers this spring.
What Is the TABOR Refund and Who Is Eligible?
TABOR stands for Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, a law in Colorado that requires the state to return excess tax revenue to residents whenever collections go beyond a set budget limit. This means that when the state collects more money than it is legally allowed to spend, it must refund the surplus to taxpayers.
For spring 2025, the Colorado Department of Revenue expects to refund around $1.4 million in total surplus funds from the 2024 fiscal year.
Here’s what taxpayers in Colorado may receive:
- Up to $1,600 for joint filers
- A smaller but still valuable amount for single filers
The final refund amount depends on adjusted gross income (AGI) and other factors determined by state tax guidelines.
Additional Tax Relief for Colorado Residents
Alongside the TABOR refund, Colorado is offering two more financial benefits in 2025:
- Temporary State Income Tax Rate Reduction
- All residents who file a 2024 tax return will automatically benefit from a temporary reduction in their state income tax rate—from 4.40% to 4.25%. This adjustment provides some extra savings during tax season.
Sales Tax Refund
Full-year residents may also receive a sales tax refund by submitting either:
- A 2024 Colorado Individual Income Tax Return
- Or a Property/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC) Application
To be eligible, this must be filed by October 15, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for Colorado’s 2025 TABOR Refund
To claim the TABOR refund or other associated benefits, residents must meet the following conditions:
- File a 2024 Colorado income tax return or submit a PTC Application by April 15, 2025
- Be a Colorado resident for at least half of the 2024 tax year
- Be 18 years or older as of January 1, 2025
All claims must be submitted through the official Colorado Department of Revenue website. Applicants are required to complete the online form, attach supporting documents, and confirm all personal and financial details before submission.
Is There a Federal $800 Stimulus in April 2025?
To put it simply—no. As of now, there is no federal stimulus check of $800 planned or approved for April 2025. The U.S. government has not announced any nationwide economic relief packages like the ones issued during the pandemic.
Most of the current relief efforts are coming from state-level initiatives, such as Colorado’s TABOR program. So, while there isn’t a new check coming from Washington, states are stepping in to provide targeted help where possible.
If you’re a Colorado resident, the TABOR refund and related benefits provide a real opportunity for financial support in spring 2025. But to take advantage of these programs, it’s important to file your taxes on time and meet all eligibility criteria.
For those hoping for a new federal stimulus, there is no official program planned at this time. However, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on updates from both federal and state agencies—especially as economic conditions evolve.
