This is a bit hard to follow.

You are preparing 2022. There is no kicker credit, because that is an even year.

You state there is no 2022 tax liability. Or, is there no balance owed?

You checked where, online, to see he has a credit? You haven't even filed 2022, yet.

https://revenueonline.dor.oregon.gov/tap/_/

2023 will lookback to 2022. That's why you file in order.

You stated you don't think he qualifies, but for which year filing? That's where I got lost.

https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/individuals/pages/kicker.aspx