Make tax season easier

Salem — Now that the excitement of the gift-giving season has come to a close, many Oregonians’ thoughts will turn to the anticipation of something even bigger—claiming their share of the state’s all-time record $5.6 billion kicker tax credit.

The good news is anyone who filed a 2022 Oregon income tax return is all set to claim their kicker on their 2023 return next year. The not so good news? Filing taxes often creates anxiety, worry, and stress.

For those who dread tax season every year, the Oregon Department of Revenue says there’s no reason to let tax season make you sweat. Taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing your 2023 tax return easier in 2024—and lower your heart rate in the process.

“Most people don’t want to think about their taxes until it’s time to fill out their returns,” said Revenue’s Megan Denison. “But doing a few simple things in the weeks before tax season can make filling out your return and filing on time less stressful.”

The first thing taxpayers should do if they hope to claim their share of the kicker next year is to make sure they have filed a 2022 return. The department received more than 2.2 million 2022 tax returns so most taxpayers have done that, but for those who haven’t, filing a 2022 tax return should be their first priority.

Electronic filing is closed until late January so taxpayers who still need to file a 2022 return will need to either download and use a paper form or wait until electronic filing is open again.

“Until taxpayers file their 2022 return, the department can’t calculate their kicker. So make sure you file your 2022 return before you file your 2023 return claiming your kicker,” Denison said.

Next, she said, following the suggestions below will make filing a tax year 2023 return in 2024 simpler and less stressful.

View your account information online

Taxpayers can make sure their information is current at Revenue Online, the state’s online tax portal. While there, taxpayers can use the “What’s My Kicker” calculator, view their 1099-G (available by January 31, 2024), and verify any estimated tax payments they’ve made.

Gather and organize your tax records

Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and help avoid errors. Include:

• Forms W-2 from your employer(s)

• Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers.

• Forms 1099-K, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, or other income statement if you worked in the gig economy.

Use a bank account to speed tax refunds with direct deposit

File electronically, choose direct deposit and get a refund faster. Information is available at the IRS website.

Choose a reputable tax return preparer

To get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments, visit http://www.oregon.gov/dor, email questions.dor@oregon.gov.