As the calendar approaches Jan. 28, 2026, many Americans are scanning their bank accounts and news feeds for financial relief. Social media posts have fueled rumors of new federal stimulus checks, but official sources confirm no nationwide payments will be issued at the federal level this month.
Instead, only Colorado has announced direct payments tied to its Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) — a long-standing constitutional mechanism that requires the state to return surplus revenue to residents.
How Colorado’s TABOR Refund Works
Colorado voters approved TABOR in 1992 to limit state government revenue and ensure any surplus is returned to taxpayers. When the state collects more than legally allowed under TABOR caps, it distributes the excess as a refund to eligible residents.
For the most recent cycle:
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Single filers may receive up to approximately $565
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Married couples filing jointly may receive up to approximately $1,130
The payments are issued either through direct deposit or mailed checks, depending on residents’ prior state tax filings. While the exact timing may vary, some payments are expected to reach recipients around Jan. 28.
“This is a refund of money already collected in taxes, not new government spending,” said tax expert Laura Jenkins. “It’s important for residents to understand eligibility is limited — not everyone receives the same amount.”
Why It’s Being Called “Juicy”
Compared with smaller state rebates or federal tax credits, Colorado’s TABOR refunds can feel substantial, especially for households facing rising costs of living. For eligible residents, the payment can provide a noticeable boost to household budgets.
However, financial analysts caution against labeling the refund a “stimulus check” in the traditional sense. It is a state tax refund, not a federal relief measure, and it only applies to those who qualify under the program’s eligibility rules.
What About Other States?
Although several states have tax rebates, property tax relief, or dividend-style payments, none are issuing broad, one-time payments tied to Jan. 28. For example:
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Alaska issues its annual Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) to residents, typically in mid-January, funded by state oil revenues. Most 2026 PFD payments were distributed by Jan. 15.
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New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania provide various tax credits or rebates for eligible residents, but these payments are spread over months and are not tied to a specific date.
No Federal Stimulus Payment
There is no federal stimulus check scheduled for Jan. 28, 2026. Rumors of $1,000–$2,000 federal payments circulating on social media are false. The IRS and U.S. Treasury have issued no guidance confirming any new federal deposits.
Experts warn Americans to verify any stimulus claims directly through official state revenue departments or the IRS. Scammers often exploit viral posts to trick people into sharing personal information.
How Residents Can Prepare
Eligible Coloradans should:
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Check their state tax filings to ensure direct deposit or mailing information is up to date
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Review TABOR eligibility rules to confirm qualification
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Monitor official state communications from the Colorado Department of Revenue for payment timing updates
Bottom Line
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Only Colorado is issuing large direct payments to eligible residents in late January 2026.
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Payments are part of state tax refunds under TABOR, not a federal stimulus program.
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Not all Americans are eligible, and no nationwide federal checks are being issued on Jan. 28.
While the term “juicy” has circulated online, the payment is best understood as a meaningful state refund for eligible Coloradans, providing a welcome boost for some households but not a universal relief check.
Who Qualifies for Colorado’s Jan. 28, 2026 TABOR Refund
| Category | Who Qualifies | Approx. Refund Amount | How It’s Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single filers | Residents of Colorado who filed state taxes for the previous year and meet TABOR criteria | Up to $565 | Direct deposit or mailed check |
| Married filing jointly | Colorado couples who filed joint state taxes | Up to $1,130 | Direct deposit or mailed check |
| Dependents/Children | No separate payment; amounts included in parent/guardian’s refund | N/A | Included in primary filer’s payment |
| Recent movers | Residents who moved into Colorado during the previous tax year may be eligible if they filed state taxes | Variable | Direct deposit or mailed check |
| Ineligible | Non-Colorado residents, federal-only filers, or those not meeting TABOR criteria | $0 | N/A |
Key Notes:
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Payments are state tax refunds, not federal stimulus checks.
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Timing may vary; some eligible residents could receive payments around Jan. 28, 2026, but there is no fixed nationwide date.
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Residents should verify direct deposit information with the Colorado Department of Revenue to ensure timely delivery.
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This refund is one-time for this cycle and depends on state revenue surplus; future payments are not guaranteed.
FAQ: Colorado’s Jan. 28, 2026 TABOR Refund
Q1: Is this a federal stimulus check?
A: No. This is a state-level tax refund under Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), not a federal payment.
Q2: Who is eligible?
A: Only Colorado residents who filed state taxes for the previous year and meet TABOR criteria. Single filers, married couples filing jointly, and households with dependents may qualify. Non-Colorado residents are not eligible.
Q3: How much will I get?
A: Refund amounts vary:
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Single filers: up to $565
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Married couples filing jointly: up to $1,130
Q4: How will I receive the money?
A: Payments are sent via direct deposit or mailed check, depending on the information on your state tax return.
Q5: When will the payment arrive?
A: Some refunds may arrive around Jan. 28, 2026, but exact timing can vary.
Q6: Is this a one-time payment?
A: Yes. The refund applies to this TABOR cycle only and depends on state revenue surpluses. Future payments are not guaranteed.
Q7: Do I need to apply?
A: No separate application is required. Eligibility is determined based on your state tax filing and residency.
Q8: Where can I check my payment status?
A: Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website or contact their office for updates on your TABOR refund.
