Latest news with #HeidiHumphreys
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NRA sues to stop ammunition, firearm excise tax approved by Colorado voters
DENVER (KDVR) — The National Rifle Association joined a number of organizations, alongside an El Paso County resident, suing to stop a 6.5% excise tax on ammunition and firearms that's set to go into effect on April 1. Proposition KK was passed by voters in November with 54.4% of voters affirming the tax, or about 1.68 million voters. The tax revenue would be allocated to school security and mental health services for veterans, domestic and other violence victims and at-risk youth. Governor's desk final hurdle for bill regulating semiautomatic firearms, rapid-fire conversion devices The lawsuit was filed Monday in Denver District Court against Heidi Humphreys, who is the executive director of the Colorado Department of Revenue, and Michael Allen, who is the district attorney for El Paso County. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the tax, citing it as an unfair burden on lawful gun owners and firearms industry businesses. The NRA specifically asked for a declaratory judgment calling the tax unconstitutional and a permanent injunction to prevent enforcement of the tax. 'Colorado's firearms excise tax is an overt assault on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Coloradans and a deliberate attempt to discourage the exercise of constitutionally protected freedoms,' said John Commerford, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, in an announcement of the lawsuit. 'Recently, anti-gun activists in Colorado have been adopting California's radical gun control agenda to systematically erode gun rights in the state. We are pleased to join with other Second Amendment advocates in this lawsuit to protect and defend the fundamental right to keep and bear arms.' The lawsuit's plaintiffs include the Colorado State Shooting Association, the NRA, Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, Magnum Shooting Center — which was described as a leading Colorado firearms retailer. The groups are contending that the tax violates the Second Amendment and that it unfairly targets and singles out gun owners and retailers. Brita Horn elected Colorado GOP Chair on 'unify the party' platform amid year of infighting 'This tax is a direct attack on our Second Amendment freedoms,' said Huey Laugesen, executive director of the Colorado State Shooting Association, in a release. 'Law-abiding Coloradans already pay state and local sales taxes on firearm and ammunition purchases, and now the state is layering on this punitive measure. Alongside our partners, we're holding the state accountable in court to defend Coloradans' right to keep and bear arms without assuming additional tax burdens not placed on others.' The measure is estimated to raise $39 million in state taxes annually. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
21-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Colorado Department of Revenue announces income taxes now processing, new online tool
After a delay pause in processing tax returns, leaving many returns pending, the Colorado Department of Revenue said it's now ready to accept them. The department began processing income tax returns from third-party services on Friday. The state's online filing system was initially estimated to be up by "early February." Officials said that the delay will cause delays in receiving refunds. They also announced a new online tax benefits hub designed to help taxpayers save money. Officials said the tax credit hub is part of the department's effort to spread awareness about available tax credits, subtractions and rebates. The online resource is organized into four groups including families and individuals, seniors and retirees, charitable contributions and climate-friendly. "The Department of Revenue is constantly working to serve our customers and ensure that they can access our resources as effectively as possible," said Heidi Humphreys, Executive Director of the Department of Revenue. "We're proud to offer this new resource." The Department of Revenue said potential savings include dozens of tax breaks such as: Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit - As an example, a couple filing jointly with two kids and an adjusted gross income of $50,000 would receive $1,334 Colorado Child Tax Credit - Up to $1,200 per child (for children under 6) Family Affordability Tax Credit - Up to $3,200 per child under 6 years old and up to $2,400 per child between the ages of 6 and 16 Innovative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit - Up to $7,500 Colorado Promise Higher Education Tax Credit - Varies depending on school; provides eligible students with tuition and fees for their first two years of college Officials encouraged taxpayers to file electronically to cut down on processing time. They said income tax processing will be available through Revenue Online in the coming days. The filing deadline for the 2024 tax year is April 15. Colorado offers an automatic six-month extension for filing as long as payment obligations are satisfied by April 15.
