November 25, 2019 3:30 a.m.
The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has adjusted the “kicker” for the 2018 tax year from more than $1.5 billion to $1.6 billion.
A release issued by the agency on Friday said that means an increase in the amount returned to taxpayers. The state hasn’t issued kicker checks since 2007. The surplus will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2019 state personal income tax returns filed in 2020.
The release said taxpayers are eligible to claim the kicker if they filed a 2018 tax return and had tax due before credits. Those who do not have a filing obligation for 2019 must still file a 2019 tax return to claim their credit.
The state may use part or all of a taxpayer’s refund, including the kicker, to pay any state debt, such as tax due for past years, child support, court fines or school loans.
A “What’s My Kicker” calculator will be active on the Revenue Department website for income tax filers when filing season opens in January.