Rep. Vicki Berger’s latest newsletter gives a personal kicker update.

March’s rosy economic forecast confirmed that Oregonians will receive their first kicker check in six years. State economists estimate that $1.1 billion in personal income tax rebates will be returned to Oregonians this fall. The median kicker check is projected to be $271, meaning half will be higher and half will be lower. The average check would be $633.00. You can get a more precise estimate of your kicker once you have completed preparing your 2006 tax returns.

The calculation is simple. On the Oregon Form 40, multiply the amount listed on line 42 by 21.7%. If you use the short form multiply the amount listed on line 18 by 21.7%.

Final kicker amounts won’t be known until September, after the books are closed on the 2005-’07 budget.