Would Proposition NN end Colorado TABOR refunds? Under current state estimates, it would eliminate refunds for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 budget years if voters approve it. Future results would depend on state revenue. Proposition NN would not change a refund you receive because you overpaid income tax.
The statewide measure on the Nov. 3 ballot would let Colorado keep and spend some revenue that the current TABOR limit would otherwise require the state to refund. Here is what the 2026 Colorado Blue Book says voters are deciding.
What would a yes or no vote do?
A yes vote would raise the state revenue limit by an amount tied to prior K–12 education spending. Colorado could keep revenue above today’s TABOR limit, up to that new limit, and direct it according to the measure’s spending rules. Revenue above the new limit would still be refunded.
A no vote would leave the current TABOR refund rules in place. It would also leave current funding levels for the programs named in the measure. A no vote does not guarantee a refund in every year: refunds occur only when state revenue exceeds the existing limit.
How could Proposition NN affect your refund?
The Blue Book estimates that the measure would reduce total taxpayer refunds by $329.9 million for budget year 2026–27 and $521 million for 2027–28. On those forecasts, TABOR refunds would be $0 for those two years if NN passes. Actual revenue may differ from the forecasts.
For a concrete example, the Blue Book’s table estimates a 2027 TABOR refund of $28 for a single filer with $100,000 in adjusted gross income under current law, versus $0 under NN. Its example assumes the standard deduction and no other deductions. It is an illustration, not a promise about a particular taxpayer.
A TABOR refund is different from an ordinary tax refund. If you paid more income tax than you owed, the repayment of that overpayment would not change because of Proposition NN.
Where would the retained money go?
First, the state would reimburse local governments for specified property-tax exemptions. Remaining money would go to a new Children’s Account. During the first ten years, the measure directs spending toward K–12 education and programs that support children. It names teacher pay and retention, career and technical courses, smaller classes, disability and school services, preschool, and child care among the uses and priorities.
After ten years, a set amount would remain dedicated each year to certain K–12 uses. The legislature could direct any remaining account money to other purposes. School districts and charter schools would have to post spending information online, and the state auditor would report on retained revenue and its use.
Is NN the same as Amendment 87 or Proposition 137?
No. Amendment 87 concerns Colorado’s income-tax structure. Proposition 137 concerns existing sporting-goods sales-tax revenue. NN changes how much revenue the state may keep above the current TABOR limit. The Blue Book says Proposition 137 could reduce the amount actually retained under NN if both pass.
To weigh the trade-off, compare the possible loss of future TABOR refunds with the measure’s spending rules. Read the official analysis and measure text, then make your own decision. If your ballot is ready, use our Eagle County ballot-return guide to check official return options and deadlines.
Source check: Colorado General Assembly’s 2026 Blue Book and Proposition NN ballot analysis, reviewed Oct. 30, 2026. The featured image is an AI-generated illustration of a generic mountain school; it does not depict a specific Eagle County campus.
