Have you used your tax credit this year? Today's the deadline.
Kari Chisholm
As progressives, we often lament the role that big money plays in politics. And there's certainly no shortage of ideas for reforming the campaign finance system.
But here in Oregon, we've already got one important and innovative campaign finance reform that boosts the political power of small donors -- but only if you participate.
The Oregon Political Tax Credit is a $50 per person tax credit that refunds to you the first $50 you donate each year to a political organization - candidate campaign, ballot measure campaign, federal PAC, or state political committee.
To put it another way: the State of Oregon gives each tax-paying Oregonian a $50 gift. But you can't keep it. Instead, you must either pay it back in state taxes -- or donate it to a qualified political campaign or cause. (Assuming you're paying at least $50 in state taxes this year.)
Since 2009 was an off-year in Oregon politics, it's entirely possible that you haven't donated yet this year.
So, make a $50 donation today - and know that you'll get it all back as soon as you file your taxes. Here's ActBlue's directory of Oregon federal and state candidates and political committees. (Local candidates can't use ActBlue.)
If you've already donated, use the comments to tell us where you donated - and make a pitch to our readers for your favorite cause.
Learn more about the Oregon Political Tax Credit at OregonTaxCredit.com.
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connect with blueoregon
Dec 31, '09
Thanks for the reminder. Got my $50 in for Chris Dudley.
Dec 31, '09
We sent our $100 for the 2009 credit to M66/67. And after January 1 , we can send another $100 for the 2010 credit.
voteyesfororegon.org
Dec 31, '09
You would deprive Oregon by taking these tax credits and income offsets?
This after railing against those greedy businesses and high income earners!
Seriously, I have no objections to making donations to whatever candidate or political action one chooses, but I find it a bit hypocritical that you would advocate these tax credits while criticizing the equally legal tax credits that businesses use.
Aren't you interested in paying your fair share, too? Or is this sentiment for others?
Dec 31, '09
Why should the state pay for politicians to run for office.
Dec 31, '09
Mike M - First, this credit gives the comman man and woman a voice in the process by giving them a way to support candidates of their choosing. And, second, a clarification on the credit itself - it is limited to qualified organizations, there is a ceiling ($50 for single filers and $100 for joint), it is not refundable and you can't carry unused credits forward. This is distinctly different from the credits corporations bury in their tax returns and/or sell to others and/or carry forward and/or pass through.
Dec 31, '09
Just sent my $50 in to support Dan Rayfield's run for the Oregon Senate. He's a good guy and would work hard for the voters.
Dec 31, '09
Thanks! I almost forgot!
Jan 4, '10
Posted by: Ms Chan | Dec 31, 2009 11:29:32 AM
Mike M - First, this credit gives the comman man and woman a voice in the process
Oh, thank you, thank you for letting me have a "voice" in MY government! BTW, cash<>speech.
As progressives, If I ever bother with this blog again, I will start every post with, "As a Democrat".
How is giving money to people that want to be in gov in stead of giving it to people that are in gov, a credit?
I wouldn't give the sweat off my left nut, based on the performance of both parties this year, and the continuing irrationality of the alternatives.
<hr/>11:26 a.m.
Oct 19, '10
would be great to get this up on the site for this year.