Frequently Asked Questions

CDOR sends periodic updates and communications through the NACTP distribution email list — this email list is not maintained by Colorado. If you have not been receiving updates from CDOR, please ensure that your contact information is up to date by sending an email to webmaster@nactp.org

Please include your vendor ID and desired contact email.

All developers submitting for review and approval are required to have a 4 digit vendor ID number per product. The NACTP manages the database of 4-digit vendor ID numbers. These numbers are applied to vendor's substitute tax forms and software products enabling the revenue agencies to easily identify which vendor produced which form. This ID number is unique to each vendor across all tax types and jurisdictions. A vendor does not need to be a NACTP member to be assigned a vendor ID number. To request a NACTP vendor ID number, click the link below:
Click here for the NACTP Vendor ID Request Form

In prior years CDOR received forms that were printed double-sided or duplexed. CDOR's imaging system generates an error when two separate forms are duplexed on the same sheet of paper. This is a printing issue and not a design issue. As a solution, an additional blank page has been added to forms and instruction with an odd number of pages. 

Blank Page Waiver
Some vendors have added code to their software that prohibits double-sided printing or duplexing. In this case, a waiver can be requested by sending an email to DOR_FD_Vendor@state.co.us

2D review is the testing of a 2D barcode and the data they contain. When scanned, that data is mapped to certain fields. Each year our 2D team puts together a testing package that includes some of the most used tax forms.

The 2D test package is made up of 5 tests. 

• Each test should be in its own PDF and in the correct order that the test is provided. 

The term 1D refers to the type of barcode used on Colorado's Tax forms. During the review, we check for a number of different things such as:

• Layout and wording

• Barcode scans

• Account type formats

• Date formats

• Scanline placement and check digit calculations

Substitute forms should be identical to the forms provided by CDOR. For more details on the review process, please see DR 4694.

The department will reply to the submission email with the approval status within ten (10) business days of receipt of form submission(s). If the form is delayed due to internal processes, the department will send an e-mail with the expected timeline.

1.  Send an email to fd_vendor@state.co.us. In the subject line, include the vendor ID, vendor name, the type of submission (courtesy copy, new or resubmission) and the DR number(s). (DR numbers can be placed in the body of the email.)

2.  Each form submission should have its own PDF, containing both samples.
   For example, an email contains 2 PDFs:

   • • DR 0104EP_9999.pdf
       - Sample 1
       - Sample 2

     • DR  0106EP_9999.pdf
       - Sample 1
       - Sample 2

3.  Forms within each PDF are complete and in numerical order

4.  Two (2) samples per DR number are filled with unique variable realistic dummy data - not  "xxx" or "999"

   • Some coupon/scanline forms require a third sample

5.  The revision date matches the date on the sample form(s) on the current year tax page 

6.  Form submissions have been Finalized

7.  The form number must be included in the title and/or the body of the emails submission. We are no longer requiring an approval sheet.

A limitation is  something included in the developer specifications, that your program cannot duplicate. The two most common limitations are:

• Program does not allow the creation of a blank page

• Vertically centering data

Please note, that listing a limitation does not guarantee a waiver will be granted. Additionally, it is expected that strides are made to improve any limitations the following year. 

• Approved: Form(s) that are approved and will need no further review.

• Approved with Note: Form(s) met the requirement and are approved. They will require no further review, however, there are notes on how to improve the scanning of the form for future submissions.

• Courtesy Copy: If CDOR updates a form, one blank courtesy copy will be requested for vendor forms that are previously approved.

• Not Approved: Form(s) will need to be resubmitted until it meets all of the proper standards.

• Rejected: Form(s) have not met the preliminary standards and must be corrected before a full review can be started.

The current year Letter of Intent can be found on the SFD Home page and Developer Specifications page . Click here to access the SFD Home page. Click here to access the Developer Specifications page.