How to Fill Out the Colorado Tax Form (DR 0104)
Completing the Colorado Individual Income Tax Form requires gathering your income documents before you start. Follow these steps to fill out DR 0104 accurately using FormsPal's online PDF editor:
- Gather your documents – Collect W-2 forms, 1099s, and records of all income sources, plus your Social Security number and filing status.
- Enter personal information – Fill in your name, mailing address, Social Security number, and filing status in the header section of the DR 0104.
- Report federal taxable income – Carry over your adjusted gross income and federal taxable income from your completed federal Form 1040.
- Calculate Colorado additions and subtractions – Use the DR 0104AD schedule to add back non-Colorado income or subtract eligible Colorado deductions from your federal income.
- Determine your Colorado tax – Apply the current Colorado flat income tax rate to your Colorado taxable income. Colorado uses a single flat rate for all income levels.
- Claim credits and voluntary contributions – Use the DR 0104CR for income tax credits and the DR 0104CH for voluntary contributions to Colorado charitable funds.
- Calculate your refund or balance due – Subtract withholding, estimated tax payments, and credits to determine whether you receive a refund or owe additional tax.
- Submit your return – File electronically through Colorado Revenue Online or mail a paper return to the Colorado Department of Revenue by the April deadline.
Who Needs to File the Colorado Tax Form?
You must file a Colorado income tax return (DR 0104) if you are a Colorado full-year resident with income above the state filing threshold, a part-year resident who earned income while living in Colorado, or a nonresident who received wages, rental income, or business income from Colorado sources.
Members of the U.S. military stationed in Colorado or with Colorado-source income may also need to file the DR 0104, following special rules for military pay under Colorado and federal law.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Colorado Tax Form
What is the Colorado DR 0104?
The DR 0104 is the official Colorado Individual Income Tax Return. Full-year residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents use it to report Colorado state income tax. It corresponds to the federal Form 1040 at the state level.
When is the Colorado tax form due?
The Colorado individual income tax return is due April 15, the same deadline as the federal return. Colorado grants an automatic six-month extension to file, but any tax owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
Can I file the Colorado tax form online?
Yes. Colorado taxpayers can file electronically through Revenue Online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website or through approved tax software. FormsPal lets you complete and download the PDF version of the DR 0104 to prepare your return before filing.
What other forms come with the Colorado tax return?
The DR 0104 package includes the DR 0104AD for income subtractions, DR 0104CH for voluntary contributions, DR 0104CR for tax credits, and DR 0900 as a payment voucher. Most filers need at least the DR 0104 and DR 0104AD.
Where do I mail the Colorado income tax return?
Mail your Colorado tax return to the Colorado Department of Revenue, PO Box 17500, Denver, CO 80217-0500. If you expect a refund, mail to PO Box 17011, Denver, CO 80217-0011. Include the DR 0900 payment voucher if you owe a balance.
