Last updated: June 19, 2026
Bottom line
If you worked in 2025, lived in Colorado for all or part of the year, cared for a child, or paid for child care so you could work, check both federal and Colorado tax credits before you file. Many families must file a federal return and a Colorado return to get these credits, even when income was low.
The main credits to check are the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the Colorado EITC, the federal Child Tax Credit, the Colorado Child Tax Credit, the Colorado Family Affordability Tax Credit, and child care expense credits. The national tax guide can help you compare federal credits with other states, but this page is about Colorado.
This is general information, not tax advice. Tax rules can change, and your own facts matter. Use official tools, free tax help, or a qualified tax professional if you are not sure what to claim.
If you need help before a refund arrives
A tax refund can help, but it is not fast emergency aid. If rent, food, utilities, child care, or shelter is the problem today, use the emergency help page while you work on your return. You can also start with SNAP in Colorado or utility help for bills that cannot wait.
If the April filing date passed, do not assume you lost every refund. Refund claim deadlines apply, but a late return may still be needed to claim EITC, child credits, or withheld tax. A free tax site can help you decide the next safe step.
Where to start
1. Check work income
EITC is for people with earned income. Earned income can include wages, tips, self-employment income, and some gig work. Child support, Social Security, unemployment, and interest are not earned income for EITC.
2. Check each child
A child may need to meet age, relationship, residency, and tax ID rules. If another adult may claim the same child, get help before filing.
3. File the right returns
Start with your federal return, then use those numbers for your Colorado return. Colorado credits often need extra state forms.
For a wider help plan, use the Colorado help page and the Colorado assistance guide with this tax page. Tax credits are one part of help, not the whole safety net.
Quick credit table for Colorado parents
| Credit | What it helps with | Basic 2025 rule to check | Where to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal EITC | A refundable federal credit for workers with low or moderate earned income. | Maximum 2025 credit is $649 with no qualifying child, $4,328 with one, $7,152 with two, and $8,046 with three or more. | Use the IRS EITC tables first. |
| Colorado EITC | A refundable Colorado credit based on federal EITC or a Colorado-only calculation. | Colorado lists the 2025 credit at 50% of the federal EITC. For 2026 and later, current state guidance lists 25%. | Read the Colorado EITC guide carefully. |
| Federal Child Tax Credit | A federal credit for qualifying children under 17. | For 2025, the maximum Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per qualifying child. The refundable ACTC can be up to $1,700. | Check Schedule 8812 before filing. |
| Colorado Child Tax Credit | A refundable state credit for eligible children under age 6. | For 2025, single and head of household filers use AGI bands up to $77,000. | Use the Colorado child credit page. |
| Family Affordability Tax Credit | A Colorado refundable credit for eligible children under age 17. | For 2025, single and head of household filers may qualify with AGI up to $85,000. | Check the Family Affordability credit page. |
| Child care credits | Credits for care costs paid so you could work or look for work. | Federal Form 2441 rules apply. Colorado has its own care credits and income limits. | Start with Form 2441 rules and receipts. |
Federal and Colorado EITC
The Earned Income Tax Credit is for workers. For 2025 returns filed in 2026, the IRS says the EITC amount depends on earned income, filing status, investment income, and the number of qualifying children. You can use the EITC Assistant to check your situation before you file.
For 2025, the IRS income limit for a single, head of household, married filing separately, or qualifying surviving spouse filer is $50,434 with one qualifying child, $57,310 with two, and $61,555 with three or more. The investment income limit is $11,950 or less. These are limits, not promised refund amounts.
Colorado also has a refundable EITC for residents. Most people must claim and be allowed federal EITC to claim the Colorado credit. Colorado says the state EITC is 50% of the federal EITC for tax year 2025. Part-year residents may have to prorate the state credit.
Colorado also has an important path for some ITIN filers and some younger workers who cannot claim federal EITC. If that may apply, the Colorado COEITC page explains when DR 0104TN may be needed. If your family uses ITINs, ask free tax help before guessing.
Reality check
EITC returns can be delayed when wages, self-employment income, tax IDs, or child residency records do not match. Keep proof of where the child lived, school records, medical records, child care records, and any custody papers that apply.
Child tax credits in Colorado
Colorado parents may need to check three child credits. The federal Child Tax Credit is on your federal return. The Colorado Child Tax Credit and the Family Affordability Tax Credit are on your Colorado return.
For 2025, IRS instructions say the federal Child Tax Credit maximum increased to $2,200 per qualifying child. The Additional Child Tax Credit, which can be refundable, can be up to $1,700 per qualifying child. The child generally must be under age 17 at the end of 2025 and must have the required valid Social Security number for the federal CTC and ACTC.
The regular Colorado Child Tax Credit is for eligible children under age 6. For 2025, Colorado treats single, head of household, and married filing separately as single filers for this credit. The child must generally meet federal child tax credit relationship and residency tests, but Colorado says a child does not need a Social Security number for the Colorado child credit.
The Colorado Family Affordability Tax Credit is for tax years 2024 and 2025. It is for eligible children under age 17. Children age 5 and younger may be able to qualify for both the Colorado Child Tax Credit and the Family Affordability Tax Credit.
| Colorado credit | Child age | 2025 single/head of household AGI | Highest listed 2025 amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Child Tax Credit | Under age 6 | $77,000 or less | Up to $1,200 per eligible child |
| Family Affordability Tax Credit | Under age 6 | $85,000 or less | Up to $3,273 per eligible child |
| Family Affordability Tax Credit | Age 6 to 16 | $85,000 or less | Up to $2,455 per eligible child |
To claim Colorado child credits, you usually file DR 0104, DR 0104CR, and DR 0104CN. The state DR 0104CN page explains the form, and the Colorado credit assistant can help with the regular state child credit.
Child care tax credits
If you paid for care so you could work or look for work, check child care credits. This is different from the Child Tax Credit. It is about care costs, not just having a child.
Federal Form 2441 is used to figure the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit. You may need the provider name, address, taxpayer ID number, and the amount paid. Care for a child usually must be for a qualifying child under age 13, but special rules can apply for a dependent who cannot care for themselves.
Colorado has a refundable child and dependent care expenses credit for Colorado residents. The state says the credit is allowed only if federal adjusted gross income does not exceed $60,000. For tax years 2025 and earlier, Colorado bases this credit on the federal credit you actually claimed and were allowed.
Colorado also has a low-income child care expenses credit for some 2025 and earlier returns. The state says this credit is for certain resident taxpayers with federal AGI of $25,000 or less who had eligible care expenses for children under age 13 and could not claim the federal child care credit because they had no federal income tax liability. Colorado says this low-income credit is repealed beginning with tax year 2026, so use the correct year rules.
For state filing, the Colorado care credit page explains the regular credit, and the low-income care credit page explains the older low-income rule. Outside tax season, the Colorado child care page may help with child care assistance.
Free and low-cost filing help
Free tax help is worth checking when you have EITC, child credits, custody questions, ITINs, self-employment, old notices, or child care receipts. A good preparer should explain the return before you sign it.
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| VITA/TCE | People who qualify for IRS-certified free filing help. | The IRS VITA/TCE help page lists locator tools and basic rules. |
| IRS Free File | People filing their own federal return online. | For 2025 returns, IRS Free File lists partner offers and AGI rules. |
| Colorado Revenue Online | Filing a Colorado state return after your federal return is ready. | Colorado says Revenue Online can file state returns for free. |
| Tax Help Colorado | Finding free Colorado tax sites. | Tax Help Colorado lists free tax locations and season updates. |
| 2-1-1 Colorado | Tax help plus food, rent, utility, or local support needs. | 2-1-1 tax help lists free preparation paths and local support. |
| Get Ahead Colorado | Tax credit education and bilingual filing paths. | Get Ahead Colorado connects families to free filing and credit tools. |
Documents checklist
Bring more papers than you think you need. Missing documents can stop a free tax site from finishing your return. For a wider benefit file, use the ASMOM documents checklist before appointments.
| Bring this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Tax sites and preparers must confirm who is filing. |
| SSN or ITIN letters | Needed for you, your children, and anyone else on the return. |
| W-2, 1099, and gig records | These show wages, self-employment, unemployment, interest, and other income. |
| Child care records | Receipts, provider name, provider address, and tax ID may be needed for Form 2441. |
| Child residency proof | School, medical, child care, or benefit records can help if a child claim is questioned. |
| Bank account information | Direct deposit is usually safer and faster than waiting for a paper check. |
| IRS or Colorado notices | Bring letters about identity checks, denied credits, missing forms, offsets, or old returns. |
| Last year’s return | Helps with identity checks, AGI, carryovers, and fixing old mistakes. |
If someone needs an ITIN, the IRS Form W-7 page explains how to apply or renew before filing.
Deadlines and filing after April 15
The normal federal and Colorado filing date for 2025 individual returns was April 15, 2026. Colorado has an automatic six-month filing extension to October 15, but the state says the extension is for filing, not for paying tax owed. Read the Colorado deadline page if you owe tax.
If you are due a refund, filing late may still matter. If you owe tax, filing and paying as soon as you can may reduce penalties and interest. Use the Colorado tax forms page when you need DR 0104, DR 0104CR, DR 0104CN, DR 0104TN, DR 0347, or other current forms.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not filing because income was low. You may still need to file to get refundable credits.
- Using the wrong filing status without checking Head of Household rules.
- Claiming a child who did not live with you long enough under the tax rules.
- Forgetting DR 0104CN for Colorado child credits.
- Forgetting DR 0347 for Colorado child care expense credits.
- Using care costs paid by someone else or paid through a benefit plan.
- Guessing on ITIN or SSN rules instead of getting help.
- Ignoring an IRS or Colorado notice because it feels scary.
If your refund is delayed, reduced, or denied
Refund delays are common when a return includes EITC, ACTC, identity checks, missing forms, self-employment income, or a child claimed by more than one person. The IRS says refunds with EITC or ACTC cannot be issued before mid-February by law, and many early filers must wait longer for the bank or card to receive funds.
For an IRS issue, use Where’s My Refund, read the notice, and respond by the deadline. If the IRS denied or reduced EITC, CTC, ACTC, ODC, or AOTC before, the IRS denied credit page explains when Form 8862 may be needed for a later return.
For a Colorado issue, use the state income tax page to find refund tools, payments, notices, and forms. If Colorado rejects a refund claim or sends a notice of deficiency, the Colorado protest page explains that a timely written protest may be needed.
If the tax problem is large, old, or tied to an audit, collection, identity issue, or denied credit, check the IRS LITC locator for free or low-cost tax dispute help. For benefits problems that are not tax issues, the ASMOM denied benefits guide can help you sort notices and deadlines.
Backup options while waiting
Use real assistance paths if the refund will not arrive soon enough. For cash aid, start with Colorado TANF and ask how county rules work. For rent or housing problems, check housing help and local programs.
If child support, custody paperwork, or a tax claim conflict is part of the problem, check child support and legal help for next steps. For local help with forms, transportation, food, or basic needs, the national Community Action guide may help you find nearby agencies.
Phone scripts
Calling a free tax site
“Hi, I live in Colorado and need help filing my 2025 federal and state returns. I may qualify for EITC, child credits, and child care credits. Do you have appointments, and what should I bring?”
Calling 2-1-1 Colorado
“Hi, I need free tax filing help near my ZIP code. I may also need food, rent, or utility help while I wait for a refund. Can you help me find both tax help and basic needs programs?”
Calling after a tax notice
“Hi, I received a notice about my tax return. I want to understand what documents are needed, the deadline, and how to send copies. Can you walk me through the notice?”
Calling about child care records
“Hi, I paid for child care in 2025 so I could work. Can you give me a receipt with the provider name, address, tax ID, dates of care, and total amount I paid?”
Resumen en español
Si trabajó en 2025 y vive en Colorado, revise el EITC federal y el EITC de Colorado. También revise los créditos por hijos, el crédito Family Affordability y los créditos por cuidado infantil.
Para recibir muchos de estos créditos, normalmente debe presentar una declaración federal y una declaración de Colorado. Si tiene preguntas sobre ITIN, custodia, cuidado infantil, ingresos de trabajo por cuenta propia o una carta del IRS, busque ayuda gratis antes de presentar.
No ignore cartas del IRS o de Colorado. Lea la fecha límite, guarde copias y pida ayuda antes de enviar documentos importantes.
FAQ
Can a Colorado parent claim both federal and Colorado EITC?
Yes, if the parent meets the rules. Many Colorado residents who claim federal EITC can also claim Colorado EITC. Colorado also has special rules for some ITIN filers and some younger workers who cannot claim federal EITC.
Do I need to file taxes if I made very little money?
You may need to file to get refundable credits, even if you do not owe tax. Free tax help can check EITC, child credits, child care credits, and withheld tax.
What Colorado form claims child credits?
Colorado generally uses DR 0104, DR 0104CR, and DR 0104CN for the Colorado Child Tax Credit and Family Affordability Tax Credit. Use the correct form for the tax year you are filing.
Can ITIN filers get the Colorado EITC?
Some can. Colorado allows some residents to claim Colorado EITC with DR 0104TN when they could not claim federal EITC only because of SSN or ITIN issues. Other EITC rules still apply.
Can I claim child care costs paid to a babysitter?
Maybe. The care must meet tax rules, and you usually need the provider’s name, address, tax ID, and payment records. Ask free tax help before claiming informal care if your records are weak.
What should I do if my refund is delayed?
Check the IRS or Colorado refund tool, read any notice, and respond by the deadline. If the delay involves EITC, ACTC, identity checks, or a disputed child claim, get tax help before filing again.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified June 19, 2026, next review September 19, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.