Wealthy Reap the Most as Revenue Rush Triggers U.S. State Rebates
- Tax repayments arrive as economies recover from recession
- Critics say laws offer help to those who need it least
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In another sign that U.S. states are recovering from the Great Recession, a handful are triggering mechanisms that repay taxpayers when coffers overflow, and the wealthiest are receiving the most.
At least seven states have such laws. Oregon this year paid back $402 million to taxpayers. Colorado and North Carolina set off similar triggers. The product of taxpayer revolts aimed at checking government’s growth, the laws typically call for a rebate or reduction in income-tax rates when revenue exceeds benchmarks.