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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Our View: Past time to deal with derelict houses ... Flies-only season starts Tuesday on upper Rogue ... Spring chinook might benefit from new boundary ... Our View: Past time to deal with derelict houses ... Flies-only season starts Tuesday on upper Rogue ... Spring chinook might benefit from new boundary ... Oregonians will get $402 million in 'kicker' rebates Comment By Jonathan J. Cooper Associated Press MailTribune.com By Jonathan J. Cooper Associated Press Posted Aug. 26, 2015 at 11:23 AM By Jonathan J. Cooper Associated Press Posted Aug. 26, 2015 at 11:23 AM » Social News SALEM — Oregon will send $402 million back to taxpayers next year after the state collected more than expected in personal-income taxes over the last two years, state economists said Wednesday. The estimated median rebate under Oregon's "kicker" law will be $124, though the value varies significantly based on income. Oregon's kicker law was created in the 1980s as a check on government growth. It's triggered when the state collects at least 2 percent more than anticipated during a two-year budget cycle. When that happens, the additional money is kicked back to taxpayers. Tax increases from 2013 and the economic recovery helped Oregon generate about 3 percent more than anticipated in personal income taxes during the 2013-2015 budget period. In the past, kicker rebates have arrived as a check shortly before the holidays, making them a beloved feature of state tax laws. Because of a change made in 2011, however, the money will now come as a credit when Oregonians file their taxes next year. The kicker money will increase the size of a refund or decrease the final tax bill. The value of an individual's kicker is based on their 2014 state tax bill. The top 1 percent of taxpayers — who earn at least $336,000 a year — will get an estimated $4,614 and the bottom 20 percent will get $10, according to economists. Oregonians last received kicker rebates in 2007, when $1.1 billion was returned to taxpayers. Supporters of the kicker law say unexpected money belongs with taxpayers. Critics say it prevents the state from saving during good times to avoid budget cuts during lean times, contributing to a volatile state budget. By Jonathan J. Cooper Associated Press MailTribune.com By Jonathan J. Cooper Associated Press Posted Aug. 26, 2015 at 11:23 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501