The DR 8453 form serves as a declaration for taxpayers who are filing their Colorado income tax returns electronically. It confirms that the information provided in the electronic return matches the information on the taxpayer's federal and state tax returns. This form is essential for ensuring that all parties involved, including the taxpayer and any electronic return originator (ERO) or preparer, agree on the accuracy of the submitted information.
All taxpayers must sign the DR 8453 form when filing. If the tax return is a joint return, both spouses are required to sign. The form must be signed and dated at the time of filing for the electronic submission to be considered complete. If a taxpayer is using an ERO or a tax preparer, that individual must also sign the form, confirming their role in the filing process.
Several key pieces of information are necessary for the DR 8453 form:
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The taxpayer's total income from federal Form 1040.
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The taxable income reported on federal Form 1040.
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The amount of tax reported on Colorado Form 104.
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The amount of Colorado withholding tax.
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The refund amount indicated on Colorado Form 104.
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The amount owed as reported on Colorado Form 104.
Additionally, the form requires the taxpayer's and, if applicable, the spouse's Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as well as the submission ID assigned by the preparation software.
No, you should not mail the DR 8453 form to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Instead, retain it with your records. The form is primarily for documentation purposes to confirm the accuracy of the electronic filing. However, if requested by the Colorado Department of Revenue, you may need to provide a paper copy of this declaration and any related documents during the statute of limitations period.
If the DR 8453 form is not signed by all required parties, the electronic tax return will not be considered complete or filed. This could lead to delays in processing your return, potential penalties, or issues with your tax liability. It is crucial to ensure that the form is signed and dated properly to avoid complications with your tax filing.