Guide to Using the AARP Foundation Property Tax-Aide Self Service Site
How to Use Our Self-Service Tool to Apply for the Colorado Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC)
The AARP Foundation Property Tax-Aide self-service tool has been designed to simplify state property tax relief applications. By using the tool, you will be able to easily verify if you qualify for the Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit program in Colorado and then complete the application. Upon completion of the application, you can download and/or print the application with the information you have entered. Then, mail the application to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
What Do You Need Before You Begin an Application
Before you begin, there are a few documents and pieces of information you’ll need to have on hand in order to complete your application:
- If you’re applying as homeowner, you’ll need the amount of property tax paid in 2023
- If you’re applying as a renter, you’ll need the total rent you paid for January 1—December 31, 2023, if any
- The total heat/fuel expenses you paid to heat your home in 2023, if any. If applying as a renter, don’t include any heat or fuel expenses that were included in your rent payments.
- If you did not live at the property you’re listing on the application for all of 2023, you’ll need a list of all places you’ve lived throughout the year, as well as the dates you lived at each location
- Driver license or ID number and expiration date for you and your spouse (if applicable.) Please note, the Department of Revenue might request additional proof of Colorado residency if your license or ID was not valid for the full year
- If you are applying as totally disabled for all of 2023 and receiving payment of full benefits from a bona fide public or private plan or source based solely on such disability, you must include a copy of your disability statement that is less than 90 days old. The statement must be provided by the agency that pays the benefits. Veterans Administration Award letters must show the disability percentage at 50% or more.
- If you’re a first time flier, you must provide proof of Colorado residency. f you did not hold your Colorado driver license or ID card from January 1–December 31, 2023, you must include a copy of your lease or rental agreement.
If you’re filing on behalf of a deceased person, you’ll need to include a completed copy of Colorado Form DR-0102 and a copy of the death certificate along with your application. (Please note that our self-service tool will not help you complete a Form DR-0102.)
For Applicants Who Don’t Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Individuals who do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN may still be eligible for the PTC rebate. These individuals will need to use a different form called the Alternate ID PTC Rebate Application, or Colorado form DR-0019. Please note our self-service doesn’t complete Form DR-0019. This application can access an application at https://tax.colorado.gov/alt-ID-PTC-Rebate.
Important! You’ll Need to Complete Your Application in One Session
Please note that your PTC application will not be saved. If you start an application, you will need to finish it in the same session. Otherwise, you will need to start over from the beginning.
What to Expect When Using The Self-Service Tool
Before starting the application, you will be asked to complete a brief demographics survey. This information will help us understand who participates and who does not participate in our programs so we may improve AARP Foundation Property Tax-Aide’s programs and outreach activities. We do not maintain your name or address information in our database, so none of your answers will be linked to your name or address. Whether or not you answer these questions will have no effect on your participation in Property Tax-Aide or any other AARP Foundation program. We would appreciate it if you would answer all of the questions to the best of your ability. However, you are free to select “Prefer not to answer” for any questions you do not want to answer.
Below is a step-by-step guide that you can refer to as you use the self-service tool:
Step 1: Click the link at the bottom of the page to redirect to the self-service tool
Step 2: Review and complete the consent form. Enter your name and check the first box to provide consent. (It is optional to check the second box to receive information about other services from AARP Foundation. If you do check the second box, you’ll be asked to provide an email address.) Scroll to the bottom of the screen and click Next.
Step 3: Read the demographic survey instructions and click Next.
Step 4: Complete the brief demographics survey. When you have answered all the questions, click Next at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5: You’ll answer some questions to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the PTC program. When you’re done, a pop-up box will appear letting you know, based on your answers, if you may or may not meet the eligibility criteria. If the pop-up box suggests that you may meet the eligibility criteria, click the continue button to advance to the application.
Step 6: Enter your information into the fields on the screen, then click Review
Step 7: Review to ensure that the information you entered is correct. If you need to make a change, you can do so directly on the screen. When you have completed your review, check the box and then print or download your application.
Step 8: Sign the application and mail it to the Colorado Department of Revenue, along with copies of the required documents.