Governor Polis, DOR Announce Tax Relief for Those Impacted by Colorado Wildfires

Department of Revenue Waiving Penalties for Late Income Tax Extension Filings, Sales Tax Payments

DENVER - In response to several wildfires burning throughout Colorado, Governor Jared Polis and the Department of Revenue are offering help to people and businesses affected by the 2026 fires for which Governor Polis declared an emergency including the Aspen Acres, Ferris, Gold Mountain, Willow, Sharpe, Poitrey Canyon, Snyder, Green Ridge and Big Sheep Fires. This applies to all residents and businesses in Dolores, Montezuma, Lake, Mesa, Pueblo, Custer, Ouray, Las Animas, Baca, Routt, San Miguel and Huerfano counties. This list will expand based on any new emergency declarations from Governor Polis.

"No Coloradan should have to choose between rebuilding a life and meeting a tax deadline. By extending these deadlines for people and small businesses, we're helping Coloradans impacted by wildfires get the time and space needed to recover, without the added pressure of late fees," said Governor Polis.

"The Department of Revenue stands ready to help Coloradans affected by these wildfires," said Taxation Division Senior Director Brendon Reese. "We hope that by waiving late filing penalties that impacted Coloradans can focus on rebuilding and recovering from these devastating fires. Please reach out to us so that we can help."

More Time to File and Pay Taxes

The Department of Revenue extended the deadlines for some state tax filings to December 31. This applies to:

• Income tax extensions that are otherwise due on October 15.
• Sales taxes that are otherwise due between July 20 and October 20.

Taxpayers can contact DOR to request penalty waivers for other taxes and fees due in October, including marijuana, fuel, and the retailer delivery fee. Taxpayers affected by the wildfires have until November 6, 2026, to file these taxes. This relief applies only to state taxes. The tax relief does not apply to municipal taxes collected by home-rule cities, such as Pueblo, Cortez, Durango and more.

For more information, please visit Tax.Colorado.gov/Wildfire_Tax_Relief.

How to Get Help

The Department will not automatically apply the tax deadline waiver. Eligible taxpayers must call to request an extended deadline after receiving a bill.

To make a request, please call the Department of Revenue at:

• Phone Number: 303-238-SERV (7378)
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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