If you’re living in Boulder, Colorado, and eligible for the Food Tax Rebate (FTR) program, you could get up to $325 back this year. But time is running out—the last date to apply is June 30, 2025. This program helps low-income individuals and families get some money back on the food taxes they’ve paid over the past year.
Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how the rebate system works, and how to apply before the deadline.
What Is the Food Tax Rebate Program?
The City of Boulder’s Food Tax Rebate (FTR) has been helping people since 1967. The main goal is to ease the burden of food-related sales taxes for those with limited income.
In 2025, you can receive:
- $325 for families
- $106 for individuals
This rebate is not a bonus—it’s money you already paid in the form of local food taxes, and now you’re just getting some of it back.
Why Does Food Tax Vary Across States?
In the US, food taxes differ based on local and state government rules. Some states like Montana and Delaware don’t charge any sales tax on groceries. Others, like Massachusetts, apply reduced rates on food items.
There are two major types of taxes to understand:
- Excise Taxes – These are applied to specific products like sugary drinks, alcohol, and luxury foods.
- Sales Taxes – These are general taxes applied at the time of purchase, and they can include food items depending on the state.
Understanding these taxes helps you know how much you’re really spending at the grocery store—and how the rebate helps reduce that.
Who Can Apply for the $325 Rebate?
To qualify, you must have:
- Lived in Boulder, Colorado for the entire 2024 calendar year, and
- Fall into at least one of the following categories:
- Aged 62 or older
- Have a disability
- A parent or guardian of children under 18 in your home
Unhoused individuals are also eligible. If you don’t have a fixed home address, you can still apply if you are receiving help from a city-approved homelessness service provider.
Income Limits to Qualify
There’s also an income limit for applicants. To be eligible:
- A single person’s income must be below $51,100
- For each additional person in the household, the limit increases by $7,300
So, for example:
- A family of 4 must have a total income below $73,000 for 2024.
Important Dates and How to Apply
The application window runs from April 15, 2025, to June 30, 2025. You must apply by June 30—either online, in person, or by mail (postmarked by June 30).
Ways to apply:
- Online: Visit the City of Boulder’s official website.
- In-person: Pick up a physical form from city offices.
- By mail: Submit your completed application before the deadline.
If you applied for this program last year, you will automatically receive a new application form in the mail this year.
City staff will also be available to help with applications starting from April 15, either in person or over the phone.
The City of Boulder’s Food Tax Rebate program is a great way to get back up to $325 if you meet the eligibility criteria. It supports seniors, families, the disabled, and the unhoused with the rising cost of food. But you must act fast—the last date to apply is June 30, 2025.
Make sure to check your eligibility, gather your documents, and submit your application on time. This simple step could give your household a helpful financial boost this year.
