When I entered my childcare expenses, my state refund jumped to $9,000. That can't be normal?

Oregon offers an "Oregon Kids Credit" and a "Working Families Household and Dependent Care credit" that may have affected your refund amount. 

Depending on your income, (for 2024, it is $25,750 or less), the amount of the Oregon Kids Credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children ages 0 to 5 at the end of the tax year.

The Oregon Kids Credit is refundable, so the portion of the credit that is more than what you owe can be refunded to you.

Oregon also offers the working family household and dependent care credit (WFHDC)  which is a tax credit that helps low- to moderate-income families in paying for pay for the care of their dependents while they're working, looking for work, or attending school.

In order to claim this credit, you must have qualifying dependent care expenses. Qualified expenses must be paid by you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) for care for qualifying individuals to allow you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) to work, look for work, or attend school. See more.
 

Click here for information regarding the Oregon Kids Credit.

Click here for additional information on the Oregon Kids Credit.

Click here for additional information on the Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC).