Have Questions?

Visit the File Your Taxes page to find three free, easy ways to file your tax return.

• You can file your tax return online using MyFreeTaxes.

• You can file your tax return with just your phone using GetYourRefund. You will be connected with an IRS-certified tax preparer who will help you complete and file your tax return virtually.

• You can get help filing your tax return in person by making an appointment at a Colorado VITA/TCE site or at an AARP Tax Assistance site. View the full list of sites here or view the map of vita sites.

Other tax filing resources are available when you search online, but they may not be free. Many online tax filing services have hidden fees or will require that you pay a fee to e-file your return. All tax filing services featured on the Get Ahead Colorado website are safe, secure, and completely free.

Even if you make little income and are not required to file a tax return, you likely qualify for some tax credits. You are especially likely to qualify for tax credits if you have children. To claim this money, you need to file a tax return.

Filing a tax return may also serve as useful documentation when applying for other benefits, like financial aid for college or a home loan.

Most tax benefits — including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit — are only available to people who cannot be claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return. Most individuals who are full-time students between the ages of 19-24 are someone else's dependent (typically their parent or guardian) — unless they can prove that they pay for over half of their living expenses, including housing, food, medical/dental, and personal expenses.

Generally, if you are between the ages of 19 and 24, you should file your tax return if you are not a full-time student and made over $4,300 in the tax year.

Even if you can be claimed on another person's tax return, you may still benefit from filing a tax return if you had a job and taxes were withheld from your paycheck. When filing a return to claim any unused withholdings, make sure to indicate you can be claimed on someone else's tax return.

Visit Get Help to find free resources and services to get help. For example, you can get free in-person help filing your tax return by visiting a Colorado VITA/TCE or AARP Tax Assistance site near you. You can also contact 2-1-1 by visiting www.211colorado.org, calling (866) 760-6489 toll-free, or texting your ZIP code to 898-211 to get help or ask questions.

April 15, 2024, is the IRS tax deadline. You need to file your taxes on or before April 15, 2024, to receive your tax credit money without delay. But remember, the sooner you file your tax return, the sooner you’ll be able to get your money back. If you expect to receive a W-2 or other tax forms (like a 1099), make sure you wait until you have those with you before you start your tax return.

If you think you need more time to file your taxes, you can request an extension from the IRS. You can request an extension by filling out Form 4868.

Whether you file your taxes online on your own, file your taxes in person at a VITA site, or file your taxes remotely, you will need:

• A photo ID, like a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.

• A Social Security (SSN) card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter for yourself and each person listed on the tax return, such as your spouse or your children.

• Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return. You may need the birth certificates of the children for whom you are claiming the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

• W2s, 1099s, and other tax-related documents that show income you earned during the year. If you don’t have your W2(s), contact your employer to ask if/when the W2(s) were mailed. If you did not receive it/them, contact the IRS.

• A checking or savings account number and bank routing number to receive your refund by direct deposit, or your mailing address to have a check mailed to you.

• Prior year tax returns, if you have them. To find your tax information from last year, check the tax software you used, or ask the tax preparer you worked with last year for a copy of your prior return. If you cannot get a copy of your prior year's tax return, you can order a “tax transcript” from the IRS using their online tax record tool. The IRS can provide tax transcripts for the past three years.

• Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), if you have one. Learn more about an IP PIN here.

• Some free, secure tax filing websites may require you to have an email address.

If you went to school, owned a home, donated money, paid for childcare, or paid for health insurance, you may need some additional documents:

• If you paid for child care, note the total amount paid to your childcare provider and their name, address, phone number, and Tax ID number.

• If you own a home or other property, make sure you have your mortgage interest statement and property tax statement.

• If you donated money or other items to tax-exempt institutions like nonprofits or charities, note how much or what you gave to each organization.

• If you are in school, make sure you have your Form 1098T as well as a record, like receipts, of any education-related expenses such as tuition, books, fees, and supplies.

• If you bought health insurance on the marketplace, make sure you have your Form 1095-A.

• If you qualify for the Colorado Rent-Heat rebate, gather your rent receipts and heating bills.

Remember, your tax situation may be different from last year. If this is not your first time filing taxes, it might be helpful to have a copy of your previous year’s tax return. If you are married and filing jointly, plan to have your spouse present to sign your tax forms before you file.

Have more questions or need more help? Check out our Get Help section or call 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 Colorado to get free help with tax-related questions.

Available in multiple languages: Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Diné, English, Farsi, French, Karen, Karenni, Nepali, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya/Tigrigna, Ukrainian, Vietnamese.

Many people who are not authorized to live in the United States worry that filing taxes increases their exposure to the government, fearing this could result in deportation. If you already have an ITIN, then the IRS has your information unless you moved recently. You are not increasing your exposure by renewing an ITIN or filing taxes with an ITIN.

Current law generally prohibits the IRS from sharing tax return information with other agencies, with a few important exceptions. For instance, tax return information may, in certain cases, be shared with state agencies responsible for tax administration or with law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution of non-tax criminal laws. The protections against disclosing information are set in law, so they cannot be reversed by a presidential executive order or other administrative action unless Congress changes the law.

Knowing the potential risks and benefits involved, only proceed with an ITIN application or tax filing if you feel comfortable. This information does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an immigration attorney if you have any concerns.

Taxes can be a bit more challenging if you’re a rideshare driver. Get the information you need to maximize your income and file your taxes correctly at Rideshare Tax Help. You’ll find what expenses qualify as a deduction, how to pay taxes as you go, tax organizers, and more.