State Revenue Changes and the Colorado State Budget (2015)
This memorandum provides an overview of how changes in tax and fee revenue impact Colorado’s state budget. Pursuant to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) Amendment, the State of Colorado is limited in the amount of revenue from taxes and fees that it can retain and spend. The TABOR Amendment...
Distribution of Marijuana Tax Revenue (2015)
Three state taxes apply to marijuana, but medical and retail marijuana are taxed differently. Both medical and retail marijuana are subject to the 2.9 percent state sales tax, which is applied to most purchases in the state. Additionally, retail marijuana is subject to a 10 percent sales tax,...
Forecast June 2015
Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2016-17. Implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit are described in the report's highlights and executive summary sections. The report is based on current law,...
Colorado's Constitutional Spending Limit (2015)
In 1992, voters approved an amendment to the Colorado Constitution — Article X, Section 20 — known as the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). TABOR limits annual growth in state spending.
Marijuana TABOR Refund (2015)
Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires voter approval of any new taxes. Prior to voter approval, it also requires that voters receive estimates of state spending without new taxes and the new tax revenue. Proposition AA, which authorized the 10 percent sales tax and the 15 percent...
Forecast March 2015
Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2016-17. Implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit are described in the report's highlights and executive summary sections. The report is based on current law,...
Income Tax Checkoffs (2015)
Colorado's individual income tax form allows a taxpayer to make a voluntary contribution to any one of 15 funds, each of which benefits a program or charitable organization (organization). This issue brief provides information on the income tax "checkoff" program and the selection of...
Individual Income Tax (2014)
The individual income tax is the largest source of General Fund revenue, accounting for 60 percent of General Fund collections in FY 2013-14. This issue brief provides a brief history of Colorado income tax rates, discusses the general process for determining Colorado’s individual income tax,...
Disaster Mitigation and Relief Tax Breaks (2014)
In response to natural disasters that have hit Colorado in recent years, the General Assembly has enacted a number of tax breaks aimed at mitigating or relieving the impact of these disasters on taxpayers. Tax breaks can take a number of different forms, such as an income tax deduction,...
State Taxes on Marijuana (2014)
In 2000, voters approved Amendment 20, allowing the possession and use of medical marijuana in Colorado. In 2012, voters approved Amendment 64, legalizing marijuana for use by adults aged 21 and older. Sales of retail marijuana for adult use began on January 1, 2014.
Business Personal Property Tax
This memorandum provides background information on the structure of the business personal property tax and the estimated fiscal impact of eliminating the tax. The first section of the memorandum describes the business personal property tax base, authorized exemptions, filing procedures, and the...
Summary of Tax and Finance Legislation (2014)
The attached document provides a summary of major legislation considered by the General Assembly pertaining to taxes and fiscal policy.
Forecast March 2014
Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2015-16. Implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit are described in the report's highlights and executive summary sections. The report is based on current law,...
Innovative Motor Vehicle Income Tax Credit (2014)
The state innovative motor vehicle income tax credit is intended to reduce the cost of alternative fuel vehicles and incentivize their purchase. This issue brief describes the tax credit, most recently addressed in House Bill 13-1247, and provides information on how its value is calculated.
Colorado Tax Profile and Expenditure Report (2014)
The Office of Research and Analysis at Colorado Department of Revenue prepares, every odd-numbered year, a tax profile and expenditure report for the state as required by §39-21-303, C.R.S. This report is to include information identifying and describing tax expenditures administered by the...
Colorado Tax Profile and Expenditure Report (2012)
The Office of Research and Analysis at Colorado Department of Revenue prepares, every odd-numbered year, a tax profile and expenditure report for the state as required by §39-21-303, C.R.S. This report is to include information identifying and describing tax expenditures administered by the...
Summary of 2009 School Finance Bill, SB09-256
Senate Bill 09-256 amends the Public School Finance Act of 1994 to provide funding for school districts for the 2009-10 budget year. Senate Bill 09-259, the "Long Bill," appropriates most of the money distributed to school districts. Highlights of funding provided to school districts by the two...
Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association Reform Legislation
This issue brief provides a brief description of the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) and summarizes key provisions of Senate Bill 06-235, which modifies PERA's board of directors and attempts to improve its financial situation. Overall, the bill increases the flow of...
Colorado Tax Profile and Expenditure Report 2001 (2004)
The Office of Research and Analysis at Colorado Department of Revenue prepares, every odd-numbered year, a tax profile and expenditure report for the state as required by §39-21-303, C.R.S. This report is to include information identifying and describing tax expenditures administered by the...