The Oregon Department of Revenue continues to follow the IRS and match their tax relief provisions for taxpayers in declared disaster areas. This includes areas affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and the California wildfires. The tax relief postpones various Oregon tax filing and payment deadlines. Details on the federal relief can be found at www.irs.gov/newsroom under “Tax Relief in Disaster Situations.” The beginning of the period of relief depends on when the disaster situation occurred. All affected taxpayers will have until January 31, 2018 to file returns and pay any taxes originally due during the relief period. Taxpayers who qualify include those whose principal place of business, residence, or location of tax records is in the disaster area as well as relief workers affiliated with a government or philanthropic organization assisting in relief efforts. Affected taxpayers are eligible for an abatement of interest and penalty during this period. If you receive a billing notice from Revenue related to a late filing or a late payment caused by a disaster situation, follow the instructions in the notice to request a waiver of penalty, interest, or both. The recent fires in Oregon didn’t result in a disaster declaration from the federal government. However, Oregon provides relief when an event impedes a taxpayer’s ability to comply with tax deadlines. Late-filing and payment penalties may be waived on a case by case basis for such situations. You can visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get forms, check the status of your refund, or make payments. You can call (503) 378-4988 or (800) 356-4222 (toll-free) or email questions.dor@oregon.gov for additional assistance. For TTY for hearing or speech impaired, call (800) 886-7204.
