Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
If you worked in 2025, cared for a child, or paid for child care so you could work, you may be able to claim federal and Colorado tax credits. The biggest ones for many Colorado single mothers are the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit, the federal Child Tax Credit, the Colorado Child Tax Credit, the Colorado Family Affordability Tax Credit, and child care expense credits.
You usually must file a federal return and a Colorado return to get these credits. This can be true even if your income was low and you do not think you owe taxes. The national tax credits guide can help you compare federal credits with other states, but this page focuses on Colorado.
This is general information, not tax advice. Tax rules can change, and your facts matter. Use official tools, free tax help, or a qualified tax professional before you file if you are unsure.
If you need help fast
If you need food, shelter, rent help, utility help, or child care now, start with the Colorado emergency page and the local support page while you work on your tax return.
If the April 15 filing date passed, do not assume you lost every refund. The IRS says a past-due return may still be needed to claim a refund or credits such as EITC, but refund claim deadlines apply. The IRS past-due return page explains the time limits.
If you received an IRS or Colorado tax notice, read the whole letter before calling. Do not ignore it. Notices often explain what document is missing, what deadline applies, and how to respond.
Where to start
1. Check the federal EITC
Use the IRS EITC tables to see the 2025 income limits and maximum credit amounts. You need earned income, and investment income must be within the IRS limit.
2. Check Colorado credits
Colorado has its own refundable credits. The state credit FAQ gives a quick view of Colorado EITC, the Colorado Child Tax Credit, and the Family Affordability Tax Credit.
3. Get free filing help
Many families can use VITA, TCE, Tax Help Colorado, IRS Free File, or Colorado Revenue Online. This is safer than guessing when credits, custody, ITINs, or old notices are involved.
If you also need benefits while waiting for a refund, check SNAP in Colorado, Colorado TANF, and utility help. A tax refund can take time.
Quick credit table for Colorado parents
| Credit | What it may help with | Basic 2025 rule to check | Where to start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal EITC | A refundable federal credit for workers with low or moderate earned income. | For tax year 2025, the maximum credit ranges from $649 with no qualifying child to $8,046 with 3 or more qualifying children. | Use the IRS EITC Assistant. |
| Colorado EITC | A refundable Colorado credit based on the federal EITC. | Colorado lists the credit at 50% of federal EITC for tax year 2025 and 25% for 2026 and later under current guidance. | Read the Colorado EITC guide. |
| Federal Child Tax Credit | A federal credit for qualifying children. | For 2025, Schedule 8812 instructions list a maximum CTC of $2,200 per qualifying child and ACTC of up to $1,700. | Use Schedule 8812. |
| Colorado Child Tax Credit | A refundable state credit for eligible children under age 6. | For 2025, single and head of household filers use income bands up to $77,000 for this regular Colorado child credit. | See the Colorado Child Tax Credit. |
| Family Affordability Tax Credit | A refundable Colorado credit for eligible children under age 17. | For 2025, single and head of household filers may qualify up to $85,000 AGI; joint filers use the state limit shown for that year. | Check the Family Affordability credit. |
| Child care expense credits | Credits for work-related care costs. | Federal Form 2441 rules apply. Colorado also has credits with income limits and special low-income rules. | Start with Form 2441 rules. |
Federal EITC and Colorado EITC
The Earned Income Tax Credit is for people who worked and had earned income. Earned income can include wages, tips, self-employment income, and some other work income. The IRS income limits change each tax year.
For 2025 returns filed in 2026, the IRS lists these maximum federal EITC amounts: $649 with no qualifying child, $4,328 with one qualifying child, $7,152 with two qualifying children, and $8,046 with three or more qualifying children. These are maximums. Your real amount depends on income, filing status, and the number of qualifying children.
Colorado also has a refundable EITC for Colorado residents. For 2025, Colorado lists the state EITC as 50% of the federal EITC. For 2026 and later, Colorado guidance lists 25% under current law. Part-year residents may have to prorate the state credit.
Most taxpayers must claim the federal EITC to claim the Colorado EITC. Colorado has an important exception for some ITIN filers and certain younger workers who cannot claim the federal EITC. If this may apply to you, the Colorado COEITC page explains DR 0104TN.
Reality check
EITC errors can delay a refund. The child must meet IRS rules for age, relationship, residency, and other tests. If another adult may claim the same child, get help before filing. The IRS child rules page explains the basics.
Child tax credits in Colorado
Colorado parents may need to check three different child credits: the federal Child Tax Credit, the Colorado Child Tax Credit, and the Colorado Family Affordability Tax Credit. They are not the same credit.
The federal Child Tax Credit is claimed on your federal return. For 2025, IRS Schedule 8812 instructions say the maximum Child Tax Credit increased to $2,200 per qualifying child. The refundable Additional Child Tax Credit can be up to $1,700 per qualifying child. The instructions also list SSN rules for the taxpayer and child.
The regular Colorado Child Tax Credit is for eligible children under age 6. For 2025, Colorado lists these amounts for single filers, head of household filers, and married filing separately filers: $1,200 per eligible child at AGI of $26,000 or less, $600 at AGI of $26,001 to $51,000, and $200 at AGI of $51,001 to $77,000. Joint filers use higher bands.
The Colorado Family Affordability Tax Credit is for tax years 2024 and 2025. It is for eligible children under age 17. For 2025, the maximum is $3,273 for each eligible child under age 6 and $2,455 for each eligible child age 6 to 16, with lower amounts at higher AGI levels. Children age 5 and younger may be able to qualify for both the regular Colorado Child Tax Credit and the Family Affordability Tax Credit.
To claim Colorado child credits, you generally file DR 0104, DR 0104CR, and DR 0104CN. The state child credit form page and the credit assistant can help you check which form applies.
Child care tax credits
If you paid someone to care for your child so you could work or look for work, you may be able to claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit. For most single mothers, 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 credit. You may need the provider’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number, plus the amount you paid. Care for a child usually must be for a qualifying child under age 13, though special rules apply for a spouse or dependent who cannot care for themselves.
Colorado has a refundable child and dependent care expenses credit for Colorado residents, but income limits apply. Colorado says the credit is allowed only if federal AGI does not exceed $60,000. For tax years 2025 and earlier, Colorado bases the credit on the federal credit you actually claimed and were allowed.
Some very low-income Colorado families may qualify for a separate low-income child care expenses credit if they cannot claim the federal child care credit because they have no federal income tax liability. Colorado says this low-income credit is only for taxpayers with federal AGI of $25,000 or less and eligible expenses for children under age 13. The state low-income care credit page explains those rules.
For help finding child care help outside tax season, see Colorado child care.
Free and low-cost filing help in Colorado
Free filing help matters because EITC, child credits, child care credits, ITIN rules, and custody questions can be easy to get wrong. Start with official or nonprofit options before paying a preparer you do not know.
| Option | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| VITA and TCE | People who qualify for IRS-certified free tax help. | The IRS VITA/TCE page explains the programs and locator tools. |
| 2-1-1 Colorado | Finding local tax sites and other basic needs help. | The 2-1-1 tax page lists free in-person filing help for qualifying households. |
| Get Ahead Colorado | Colorado credit education and bilingual help paths. | Get Ahead Colorado is a Colorado public information campaign about tax credits and free filing. |
| IRS Free File | Filing your own federal return online. | IRS Free File offers free federal filing options; some partners may include free state filing. |
| Colorado Revenue Online | Filing a Colorado return online. | Colorado says Revenue Online can file a state return for free after your federal return is ready. |
| Tax Help Colorado | Finding nonprofit tax sites in Colorado. | Tax Help Colorado helps families search for free sites. |
Documents checklist
Bring more than you think you need. Missing papers are one of the most common reasons a return is delayed or a free tax site cannot finish the return the same day.
| Bring this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Free tax sites and tax preparers must confirm who is filing. |
| SSN or ITIN letters | Needed for you, your children, and anyone else listed on the return. |
| W-2 and 1099 forms | These show wages, self-employment, unemployment, interest, and other taxable income. |
| Child care receipts | Needed if you claim care expenses. Try to get the provider name, address, and tax ID. |
| School or medical records | These can help show where a child lived if the IRS or Colorado asks later. |
| Bank information | Direct deposit is usually faster and safer than waiting for a paper check. |
| IRS or state notices | Bring any letters about old debts, identity checks, denied credits, or missing forms. |
| Last year’s return | Helps with AGI, carryovers, identity checks, and correcting old mistakes. |
If someone in your family needs an ITIN, the IRS Form W-7 page explains the application and renewal form.
Deadlines and filing after April 15
Colorado lists April 15 as the normal income tax filing due date and October 15 as the automatic six-month filing extension date. The state deadline page also says the extension is for filing, not for paying tax due.
If you expect a refund, filing late may still be worth doing. If you owe tax, filing and paying as soon as you can may reduce penalties and interest. If you are unsure, ask free tax help or the Colorado Department of Revenue before waiting.
Colorado forms for the tax year, including DR 0104, DR 0104CR, DR 0104CN, DR 0104TN, and DR 0347, are listed on the Colorado tax forms page.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not filing because your income was low. You may still need to file to get refundable credits.
- Using Single filing status without checking whether Head of Household fits your facts.
- Claiming a child who did not live with you long enough under IRS rules.
- Forgetting Colorado DR 0104CN when claiming Colorado child credits.
- Forgetting DR 0347 when claiming Colorado child care expenses credit.
- Using child care costs that were already paid by an employer plan, subsidy, or another person.
- Guessing about an ITIN or SSN issue instead of getting help.
- Ignoring an IRS or Colorado notice because you are scared or busy.
If your refund is delayed, reduced, or denied
Refund delays are common when a return has EITC, ACTC, identity checks, missing forms, or a child claimed by more than one person. The IRS EITC refund timing page says refunds with EITC or ACTC cannot be issued before mid-February by law.
For Colorado refunds, use the state refund tools from the income tax page. If the state asks for proof, send copies, not your only original, unless the official instructions say otherwise.
If a credit was denied before, you may need to answer a notice or file an extra form in a later year. Do not keep refiling the same return without reading the notice. If the amount is large or you are accused of fraud, talk with a qualified tax professional, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, or legal aid.
For other Colorado needs while waiting, see housing help, child support, and legal help.
Backup options if the refund will not arrive soon
A refund can help with bills, but it should not be the only plan if rent, food, child care, or utilities are due now. Use real assistance paths while your tax return is being processed.
- For school, training, or college costs, check education grants.
- For health coverage and clinic help, start with healthcare help.
- For pregnancy or baby items, see baby gear help.
- For a wider state overview, use the Colorado help page.
Phone scripts
Calling a VITA or Tax Help site
“Hi, I am a Colorado parent and I want help filing my 2025 federal and Colorado returns. I may qualify for EITC, child credits, and child care credits. Do you have appointments, and what documents should I bring?”
Calling 2-1-1 Colorado
“Hi, I need free tax filing help and I may also need food, rent, or utility help while I wait for a refund. Can you search for tax sites and basic needs programs near my ZIP code?”
Calling Colorado tax help
“Hi, I am trying to claim Colorado child credits. Can you tell me which forms are needed with DR 0104, and whether DR 0104CN, DR 0104CR, DR 0104TN, or DR 0347 applies to my situation?”
Calling after a notice
“Hi, I received a notice about my tax return. I want to understand what is being requested, the deadline, and where to send copies of my documents. Can you walk me through the notice?”
Resumen en espanol
Si trabajo en 2025 y vive en Colorado, puede revisar el EITC federal y el EITC de Colorado. Tambien revise los creditos por hijos, el credito de Family Affordability y los creditos por cuidado infantil.
Para recibir estos creditos, normalmente debe presentar una declaracion federal y una declaracion de Colorado. Si tiene preguntas sobre ITIN, custodia, cuidado infantil o una carta del IRS, busque ayuda gratis de VITA, 2-1-1 Colorado, Get Ahead Colorado o un preparador de impuestos confiable.
No ignore cartas del IRS o del estado. Lea la fecha limite, guarde copias y pida ayuda antes de enviar documentos importantes.
FAQ
Can a single mother in Colorado claim both federal and Colorado EITC?
Yes, if she 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 certain 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 are not sure you owe tax. Free tax help can check whether filing is worth it for EITC, child credits, or child care credits.
What Colorado form claims the 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 current tax-year forms and instructions.
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 matter.
Can I claim child care costs if I paid a babysitter?
Maybe. The care must meet federal and state rules, and you usually need provider information and proof of payment. Ask free tax help before claiming informal care if 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 May 19, 2026, next review August 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.