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Coloradoans Get Tax Refunds, Delays

DENVER (CBS4) - Colorado taxpayers can expect to get at least a little bit of money back this year, but the refunds could be delayed by security measures.

In the basement of the Colorado Department of Revenue, a machine processes refund checks at a rate of 6,000-an-hour. This year it's taking longer for some returns to get the check processing stage.

"We are ensuring that tax refunds claimed here at the Colorado Department of Revenue, state tax dollars are going to the right person," said Ro Silva with the Colorado Taxation Division.

Returns that show red flags will be further reviewed.

"There are many layers of things ... various characteristics that we look for to ensure that the return and the refund are valid," Silva told CBS4.

Some checks are going out without a hitch, others may be delayed up to 60 days.

"Some of the things that we do include contacting the taxpayer by letter to ensure that it is really you who filed this return," Silva explained.

AARP Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide Program (Credit: CBS)

This is a good year to file a state tax return, because every taxpayer is eligible to get some money back. At 40 sites across Colorado, the AARP Tax-Aide program is helping people file their returns for free.

LINK: AARP Tax-Aide

"They come to us because maybe they're not aware of how to do taxes and that's what we're here for," said Kathy Martz, a volunteer for the program.

There are no restrictions on who can access the AARP program, although preference is given to seniors and low-income people. So far this year, the certified AARP volunteers have filed more than 7,000 tax returns in Colorado. It's a particular pleasure, because state filers are getting refunds.

"Many of them are not aware that it's available to them," Martz told CBS4.

There is a Taxpayer Bill of Rights or TABOR refund that could get you anywhere from $13 to $41, twice that for couples filing jointly. The Earned Income Tax Credit is also back this year in Colorado. Taxpayers who qualify for the Federal credit can get 10 percent back from the state too.

"Most working families are going to qualify for that at the median income," Martz added.

With refunds available, make sure you file those state taxes. And if you think you're experiencing a delay, you can go to the Department of Revenue's website and track your refund by clicking on the Where's My Refund link.

LINK: Colorado Department of Revenue

Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.

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