STATEWIDE – The Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) advises taxpayers to start planning and organizing their records now for income tax filing season. Starting early can save time if taxpayers realize they need to obtain additional records. There are a few steps taxpayers can take to prepare for the upcoming income tax filing season:

1. Start gathering records. Taxpayers should collect any documents, information or      forms that are required to file their taxes. This includes the documentation needed to support tax credits or subtraction claims. Taxpayers should check for W-2 and 1099 statements by mail or other distribution methods. This information should be put in a safe place until the taxpayer is ready to file. ?

2. Find answers to common questions about state taxes online. Visit Colorado.gov/Tax for information about how to file and pay Colorado income taxes. There is a Quick Answers library arranged by tax type that’s just a click away and easily accessible from the homepage, so there’s no need to call CDOR.

3. Decide how you will file your Colorado 2017 tax return.

• Revenue Online. Revenue Online, CDOR’s online filing system at Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline allows businesses, individuals and tax professionals to file tax returns, make payments and maintain accounts. Filing through Revenue Online is free, secure and convenient. It remains the fastest and safest way to upload requested supporting tax documents to CDOR. Taxpayers can file a return without logging into the system. However, filing a tax return does not automatically set up an account. Due to security measures, Revenue Online is not available to taxpayers who are filing Colorado taxes for the first time. Taxpayers can complete the following steps in Revenue Online for free without a Login ID:

- File a tax return.

- Check refund status.

- Upload electronic copies of tax documentation.

- Make a payment.

• Federal and State Electronic Filing. This is another filing option available by utilizing tax software or hiring a tax professional. Paper copies of returns should not be mailed to the CDOR when submitting electronically. Duplicate returns cause delays in processing.

• Paper. Filing on paper will take longer to process and increases chances of errors, which delays refunds. Taxpayers should only file on paper if they cannot use one of the electronic filing methods. Paper forms and booklets are still available at participating public libraries, driver license offices and taxpayer service centers, as well as in the Instructions/Forms section at Colorado.gov/Tax. All income tax forms and supporting schedules must be submitted and mailed together. Failure to return all applicable schedules and supporting documentation results in processing delays or denied credits and refunds.

The Colorado Department of Revenue’s Taxation Division is committed to protecting personal taxpayer information and providing quality customer service to assist in voluntary compliance with state tax laws.