Tax Day 2024: Oregon Department of Revenue expects 2.2 million tax returns filed by Monday midnight deadline

(Update: adding video, comment from Oregon Department of Revenue spokesman)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In case you need another reminder that it's not just another Monday but Tax Day too, midnight is the deadline to file tax year 2023 state and federal personal income tax returns, or for an extension.

Robin Maxey, public information officer with the Oregon Department of Revenue, said Monday, "in the last two weeks, we've received and processed more than 400,000 returns, and it's going to be more than 500,000 returns or or more, based on those that we've received."

Maxey says filing electronically and choosing direct deposit will get folks the fastest return.

As of Sunday, the state has processed 1.67 million returns, and it's expecting the total to reach 2.2 million by the end of Monday. So far, the department has returned 1.4 million refunds.

"(The Department of) Economic Analysis projects how much revenue the state will take in over each two-year budget cycle," Maxey If revenue comes in at 2% higher than those projections." He continued, "Then all of the money over the projection is returned to taxpayers in the form of a tax credit, which we commonly refer to in Oregon as the kicker."

Oregon expects to return more than $5 billion in surplus revenue through the kicker. That amounts to almost 45% of taxes Oregonians paid in 2022. Taxpayers will receive their kicker as part of their refund, or the kicker can reduce the tax owed.

"We've paid out just right at about $33 billion of the $5.6 billion kicker," Maxey said, "and what this year's kicker means is that we have more people that are getting refunds, more than anything."

Taxpayers filing by mail must postmark their returns by Monday or take their returns to a local drop box. Here in Bend, folks can stop by the Department of Revenue on Simpson Avenue and drop off tax returns in their drop box.

"If you don't think you can get them done by tonight, by midnight tonight, then I would say it's time to file an extension," Maxey said.

Once a taxpayer files for an extension, the deadline moves to October 15th.

"One thing people should understand about an extension -- an extension is an extension to file. It's not an extension to pay," Maxey said. "So if you don't pay, if you're if you're unable to pay your taxes now and will need to pay them when you when you file your extension, there will be penalties and interest."

If you file an extension on Federal taxes, you don't have to do anything additional to get an automatic extension on your Oregon taxes. But for an extension on just state taxes, you'll have to file directly on the ODR website.

On average, it takes about two weeks for people to see their tax refunds. You can track it with the "Where's my Refund?" tool on the Department of Revenue website.

In these last hours, the department wants to remind taxpayers of the tools available to make the experience easier for both those who haven’t yet filed their 2023 return and those who have.

Free filing options

The Department Revenue reminds those who haven’t yet filed, that filing electronically is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund. Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.

New this year, the department is also offering Direct File Oregon, which allows taxpayers to file their Form OR-40 through Revenue Online. Direct File Oregon is not currently linked with the IRS Direct File. Taxpayers will need to file a separate federal return with the IRS before filing an Oregon return with Direct File Oregon through Revenue Online.

Information about other available free tax preparation tax preparation software is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free or reduced cost assistance.

What’s My Kicker? calculator

In 2024 Oregon is returning $5.61 billion in surplus revenue to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. Taxpayers will receive their kicker as part of their refund, or the kicker can reduce the tax they owe.

Taxpayers, who have not filed their 2023 return, should not guess at their kicker amount. They can determine the amount of their kicker using the What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the tool, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2022 and 2023.

Where’s my refund? tool and video

Taxpayers wondering about the refund on their 2023 tax year return, can use the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check its status and, if they want more information, watch a video outlining the refund timelines to better understand the process.

Doug, the new virtual assistant

The agency’s new virtual assistant Doug is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Revenue Online to answer general tax questions. 

Doug, an avatar Oregon fir tree, is located in the upper right hand corner of the Revenue Online homepage.  With just a few clicks of the keyboard, users will be able to access instant, helpful, insightful answers. It's important to note that Doug does have some limitations. The virtual assistant is pre-programmed with answers to common questions, therefore, users with detailed questions pertaining to their unique circumstances are encouraged to consult their tax preparer or contact the department directly.

If you file a paper return

Taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2023 return and file a paper return should make sure it’s post-marked by Monday or place it in one of the drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Gresham, Eugene, Medford, and Bend.

DOR staff will be on hand in the atrium of the Salem headquarters building until 5 PM to accept and stamp tax returns as having been filed timely.

Filing an extension. 

Individuals who are not able to file by midnight can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the Internal Revenue Service. If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to October 15, 2024.

Taxpayers should only request an Oregon extension if they:

• Don’t have a federal extension.
• Owe Oregon taxes.
• Can’t file your return by April 15, 2024.

Remember that having a filing extension is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers who can’t pay the full amount they owe, should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.

First quarter 2024 estimated payments due Monday

Monday is also the due date for first quarter estimated payments. In most cases, taxpayers must make estimated tax payments for tax year 2024 if they estimate their tax after withholding and credits (including refundable credits) will be $1,000 or more when they file their 2024 Oregon return. Taxpayers can make their payments on Revenue Online or mail their payment with a voucher. Taxpayers mailing their payment should mail it separately from their return or other correspondence. Oregon Estimated Income Tax Instructions, Publication OR-ESTIMATE, can be found on the Revenue website.  

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.