Don't Forget to Use Your Political Tax Credit
Evan Manvel
It's that end of year time when we're scurrying around getting things done.
One of the quickest, easiest things you can do is make sure you use your Oregon Political Tax Credit! Boy do I sound like a furniture salesman on cable TV!
Oregon is a wonderful place for many reasons, one of which is our unique political tax credit. I think of it as our form of public campaign financing, a small investment in engaging people in democracy.
Here's the Deal: $50/$100 is Yours to Direct
Oregon allows you to subtract donations to political groups or campaigns from your state taxes - up to $50 for individuals, or $100 for couples filing jointly. If you owe taxes, you can subtract your contribution from what you owe. If the state owes you a refund, they will add it to your refund check.
This is a tax credit, not a deduction, so every dollar comes back to you! (Presuming you pay at least $50/$100 in state taxes.)
You can't use this credit for charities. It can only be used when you contribute to a political group like Bike Walk Vote PAC, OLCV PAC, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, Basic Rights Oregon Equality PAC, Future PAC, NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon PAC, Senate Democratic Leadership Fund, BusPAC, etc. -- or candidate campaigns in Oregon, including all those mayoral candidates, legislative candidates, soil and water conservation district candidates, etc.
And if you - like most regular BlueOregon readers - have already given your tax credit, remind your friends! Pick a PAC to promote and send this on. I vaguely remember fewer than 3% of Oregonians use this tax credit. You might be shocked at how many people haven't heard about it but would love to use it.
Happy holidays. And feel free to mention your own favorite PAC in the comments.
Disclaimer: feel free to talk to your tax advisor if you have one. This message isn't financial advice and all that. Read more at Oregon Tax Credit.com, a site Kari Chisholm created including where to claim your $50/$100 on the Oregon short form or long form.
You don't have to file long confusing tax forms to get this credit! It's super easy! And can I interest you in this lovely loveseat? it's half off for today only!
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8:39 a.m.
Dec 22, '11
Disclaimer two: I'm the co-chair at Bike Walk Vote PAC.
11:25 a.m.
Dec 22, '11
And if you have used up your tax credit remember that contributions to nonprofits who are 501(c)(3) organizations are tax deductible for itemizers...see http://bit.ly/vmygw1
12:50 p.m.
Dec 22, '11
Here's the ActBlue directory of Oregon candidates.
7:11 p.m.
Dec 23, '11
Last in line, and oft not mentioned, are your local, hardworking County Democratic Party Orgs. Yes, of course, full disclosure here, I chair the Mult Dems (that's www.multdems.org !!) We are a bunch of hardworking folk at the local level, and we make a difference. Whether filling volunteer shifts at every campaign level, distributing ballot drop weekend slate cards, staffing summertime event tables, sponsoring local candidate debates & forums plus a whole lot more, we endeavor to engage and educate.
That 50 bucks goes a long way with us; we penny pinch to try to get maximum impact with our funds. It's on the County Party shoulders to help push back against infiltration of the Tea Party into local elected positions whether it's a town council position or a local School Board. So please support your local Party - to find your County Party in Oregon. go to www.dpo.org
AND, if you are inclined to make a $50 donation to the Multnomah County Dems, please turn that $50 donation into $75 ($65 for PCPs) and purchase a ticket to our annual BIG GIG, the 2012 Celsi Champagne Celebration (Friday, Feb. 17) You still can get that $50 tax credit and for just a little more attend one of the best cocktail/fundraisers of the year! Unless you hide behind the food tables, you'll definitely have an opportunity to sidle up to an Elected or 2 and have a chat.
Tix are at www.multdems.org too.
Buy Local!!!
Pitch complete.
8:13 p.m.
Dec 23, '11
Very well said. We've all had a pretty intense lesson the past year in how much the majority matters. County parties work to get majorities that will vote for making people's lives better. And they work for or against ballot measures as each case requires as well. They do it for cheap but they can't do it for nothing; you can't even run a volunteer organization without some resources.
8:32 p.m.
Dec 23, '11
Also, for Celsi, you can get in for $65 if you are now or become a Pillar of the Party....ie you give $10/month ($120/year). You can buy tickets and/or become a Pillar at WWW.multdems.org
10:47 p.m.
Dec 24, '11
AND... If you live in awesome Washington County, you might please consider making a contribution to one of your favorite local candidates or the Washington County Democratic Party. You can find links to candidates, local groups and the Party Donate button at www.washcodems.org. (Full disclosure, I am currently the vice chair of the Party, and I invite you all to attend our meetings and events, and join us as we work to help elect good Democrats to office. And donate your dough. Thanks and Happy New Year!)