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Oregon Governor Announces Tax Relief for Businesses, Individuals

Posted on Dec. 17, 2020

Small businesses in Oregon are set to receive additional tax relief as COVID-19 restrictions tighten in response to a surge in cases. 

The office of Gov. Kate Brown (D) announced new measures for businesses that have been affected by the pandemic, including full waivers of penalties on 2019 income tax and full waivers on interest for 2019 income tax owed. The interest waivers are only available for businesses with less than $5 million in annual gross receipts.

The governor’s office also said on December 14 that the state will continue to provide "extended payment plans of up to 36 months for any taxpayer impacted by COVID-19 when entering into an approved payment plan." 

The announcement also says that the due date for lottery machine taxes for the second quarter of 2020 will be extended from January 14, 2021, to April 14, 2021. That measure is intended to help the state’s restaurants and bars, which have generally been hurt by pandemic-related restrictions. 

“I have heard from business owners across the state about the struggle to keep their doors open during these difficult times," Brown said in a statement. "Small business owners who play by the rules shouldn’t face penalties and fees because COVID-19 has robbed them of their livelihood.”

The tax relief follows measures approved in March to help reduce stress on taxpayers, including an extension for 2019 tax returns and payments. 

Oregon’s announcement follows those by other states that have offered economic aid to businesses in response to increased COVID-19 cases and further lockdown orders.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced December 8 that in response to extended restrictions relating to the pandemic, the state would provide an additional $50 million in funding for grants to small businesses, and that the state would again extend a previous proclamation from March “waiving and suspending laws and rules relating to tax penalties, fees, interest, and due dates in order to provide tax relief through the Department of Revenue.”

And Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) of California also recently announced new tax relief for small businesses. 

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