The Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit can be claimed using the Colorado state tax form DR 1703. The DR 1703 must be filed with your Individual State Income Tax Return. This form can be completed electronically or by paper. For more information on where to access the form and instructions, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's (DOR) Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit website.

Qualifying early childhood educators could get up to $1,500. The amount of money you receive depends on your credential level, with higher levels receiving a larger credit. For more information on tax credit amounts, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's (DOR) Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit website.

Qualifying early childhood educators must be Colorado residents to receive this credit.

Those professionals who are also Colorado Residents may now qualify for the Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit.

In order to qualify for this credit, you must have:

• A federal adjusted gross income (AGI) less than or equal to $75,000 if filing a single return or less than equal to $150,000 if filing jointly

• Held an Early Childhood Professional Credential issued by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood for at least part of the income tax year, and

• Been either the licensee of an eligible program or employed by an eligible program for at least six months of the income tax year. "Eligible program" means either an early childhood education program as defined in section 26.5-2-202(3), C.R.S. or a licensed family child care home. "Family child care home" has the same meaning as set forth in section 26.5-5-303(7), C.R.S. An eligible program must have held at least a level one quality rating pursuant to the Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System (Coloradoshines.com/programs) during the income tax year.