Representative Lauren Boebert is celebrating a significant victory against the “tyrannical” IRS following their announcement that Colorado taxpayers won’t need to pay federal income taxes on their state refunds this season.
No Federal Taxes on State Refunds
“Major victory today as TABOR refunds will not be the next victim of a tyrannical IRS that was seeking to ignore a 30-year-old rule that protects Coloradans from unnecessary taxation,” Boebert announced on Tuesday.
IRS Shakes Congressional Ground
Previously, the IRS had stated that state refunds under TABOR, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, might be taxable, urging Colorado taxpayers to postpone filing their 2024 taxes until a resolution was reached.
This move caused a stir in Colorado’s congressional line-up
Year-Long Battle
“For the better part of a year, the bipartisan Colorado delegation and I have been fighting to protect Colorado taxpayer TABOR refunds from being seized by the IRS,” Boebert continued.
Decades of TABOR
TABOR, an amendment approved by voters in the state constitution in 1992, sets a limit on the tax revenue Colorado can retain and mandates refunds of any excess to its taxpayers.
$3 Billion TABOR Refunds
This limit, calculated based on population growth and inflation, has recently led to record refunds for Coloradans. 2022 saw returns close to $3 billion, with individuals getting $750 and joint filers $1,500.
In the current tax season, Coloradans anticipate record refunds of $800 each.
The September 5 Letter
Over the past year, Boebert has actively engaged with the IRS, sending three letters to discourage the agency from taxing these TABOR refunds. On September 5, she sent a letter to Daniel Werfel, Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service to advocate for the continuation of the long-standing practice of not taxing TABOR refunds.
Bipartisan Efforts
Additionally, Boebert co-signed two bipartisan letters from the state’s congressional team, urging the IRS to not tax state refunds while reviewing payments made during the pandemic. “TABOR refunds have long existed prior to the pandemic, and Coloradans should not be penalized as a result,” she noted.
The October 16 Letter
In the public comment letter sent by Colorado’s bipartisan delegation on October 16th concerning TABOR refunds, Boebert emphasized, “TABOR refunds should not be considered includible in an individual’s Federal gross income and therefore should not be subject to further taxation.
She continued, “TABOR refunds have long existed prior to the pandemic, and Coloradans should not be penalized as a result.”
The February 10 Letter
In a letter dated February 10, addressed to then-acting IRS Commissioner Douglas O’Donnell, the ten Colorado lawmakers expressed concern about the timing of potential tax announcements. They stated, “A late announcement during tax season will cause Coloradans unnecessary stress as they prepare to file,”
Colorado’s Lawmakers Concerned
The ten Colorado lawmakers added, “Potential new rules promulgated within months of the filing deadline, with the possibility of costing taxpayers a significant amount of money, would impose unnecessary financial distress on countless Coloradans.”
Boebert Cleared of Domestic Violence Charges
Boebert recently secured another legal win, being cleared of allegations regarding domestic violence. The allegations were withdrawn by her ex-husband, Jayson Boebert, who initially claimed she punched him in a restaurant in Silt, Colorado, where they were trying to improve their relationship.
Police Confrontation
Jayson was arrested on misdemeanor charges related to the incident on Saturday. He reportedly resisted police involvement after making a 911 domestic violence call and was forcibly removed. Additionally, he’s charged with engaging in a physical altercation with their 18-year-old son and brandishing a rifle as the son contacted the authorities.
The couple’s divorce was completed in October.
Boebert’s District Switch
This altercation occurred shortly after Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert made headlines for switching her congressional district, thereby avoiding a potential rematch with a Democratic rival who significantly outraised her.
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