Colorado Department of RevenueCDORColorado taxesDivision of Motor VehiclesColorado gaming enforcement

Colorado Department of Revenue: Overview and Functions

Colorado Department of Revenue The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) serves as the primary revenue service for the state of Colorado. Established in 1941, this state agency is responsi...

Colorado Department of Revenue

The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) serves as the primary revenue service for the state of Colorado. Established in 1941, this state agency is responsible for the critical task of collecting the majority of state taxes and managing essential regulatory functions that ensure public safety and legal compliance across various industries.

Headquartered at the State Capitol Annex on 1375 Sherman Street in Denver, the department operates with a substantial annual budget of $926,000,000 to maintain its wide-reaching infrastructure and enforcement capabilities. Currently, the agency is led by interim Executive Director Heidi Humphreys.

Key Facts

  • Founded: 1941
  • Headquarters: State Capitol Annex, Denver, Colorado
  • Annual Budget: $926,000,000
  • Primary Role: Tax collection and regulatory enforcement
  • Executive Leadership: Heidi Humphreys (Interim Executive Director)

Core Responsibilities and Services

The Colorado Department of Revenue manages a diverse portfolio of services that impact nearly every resident and business in the state. Its primary mandate is the collection of taxes, which funds essential state services. Beyond fiscal duties, the DOR is the central authority for issuing state identification cards and driver licenses through its specialized divisions.

In addition to financial and identification services, the department acts as a regulatory watchdog. It enforces state laws governing several high-impact industries, including gaming, liquor, tobacco, racing, auto dealers, and marijuana.

Organizational Structure

To manage its broad jurisdiction, the DOR is organized into several specialized divisions, each focusing on a specific area of taxation or enforcement.

Taxation and Licensing

  • Taxation Division: Manages the collection of state taxes.
  • Division of Motor Vehicles: Handles driver licensing and vehicle registration.
  • Auto Industry Division: Regulates the operations of auto dealers.

Regulatory Enforcement

The department maintains several enforcement arms to ensure that state laws are followed within specific commercial sectors:

  • Enforcement Division: General oversight of legal compliance.
  • Division of Gaming: Regulates the state's gaming industry.
  • Liquor Enforcement Division: Oversees the sale and distribution of alcohol.
  • Marijuana Enforcement Division: Manages the legal framework for marijuana.
  • Division of Racing: Regulates racing activities within the state.

State Lottery

The Colorado Lottery also operates under the umbrella of the Department of Revenue, contributing to the state's overall financial resources.

Colorado Department of Revenue Summary
Attribute Details
Year Formed 1941
Jurisdiction Colorado
Annual Budget $926,000,000
Key Services Tax collection, Driver Licenses, Industry Enforcement
Official Website cdor.colorado.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of the Colorado Department of Revenue?

The primary purpose of the DOR is to collect most types of state taxes and enforce laws regarding specific industries such as gaming, liquor, tobacco, and marijuana.

Where is the Colorado Department of Revenue located?

The headquarters are located at the State Capitol Annex, 1375 Sherman Street, Denver, Colorado.

Which division handles driver licenses and ID cards?

The Division of Motor Vehicles is responsible for issuing state identification cards and driver licenses.

What industries does the DOR regulate?

The DOR enforces laws related to gaming, liquor, tobacco, racing, auto dealers, and marijuana.

Who is the current executive leader of the department?

The department is currently led by Heidi Humphreys, who serves as the interim Executive Director.