I'm moving:(

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

Mark, one thing I forgot to mention in the list of political hot points was the kicker. How could I, at this time of year? Bud will definitely need to be brought up to date on that little doozy!

For inquiring minds, the "kicker" is a tax situation here in Oregon. At the end of the year, the state decides if there is a surplus of collected taxes (the amount of the surplus is stated in the statute). If there is, taxpayers receive a "kicker" check with their share of the surplus, just like getting an "extra" tax refund. I love getting mine. There are many people in Oregon who think the state should keep the money since it's already been collected and spend it on programs such as schools and other people-centric services. However, there are those that think that if the state budgets so much and collects more, there should be a refund, just like the normal refunds we get if we overpay as an individual. Not only that, but you can volunteer to have the state keep your kicker if you want.

Personally, I support the kicker. I feel an analogy would be going into a store and buying something that costs $15. If you give the clerk a $20 bill, you expect $5 change. Oh yeah - your change would be exactly $5 in Oregon because we have no sales tax. YIPPEE!!!

[tomegun]

What is the highest the kicker has ever been?
My state of residence is Alaska so I'm somewhat familiar with getting money back. The most I ever got was $995, but it got to around $2k at one point.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by tomegun

What is the highest the kicker has ever been?
My state of residence is Alaska so I'm somewhat familiar with getting money back. The most I ever got was $995, but it got to around $2k at one point.

It's a percentage of how much you paid in the first place. Although I think there might be an upper cap? I'm not sure about that. I'll never get into that bracket! We also found out the hard way this year that if they think you owe them money, even if you don't, they'll keep the kicker and apply it to their supposed debt. We're going to have to fight that one out this month. Ours would have been around $500.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

Ours would have been around $500.

Mine was almost $700 this year. I spent it all on sex, drugs and rock 'n roll, but without the sex or the drugs.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Mine was almost $700 this year. I spent it all on sex, drugs and rock 'n roll, but without the sex or the drugs.

And the rest, you squandered, I suppose.