Recently, the Oregon Legislature passed a tax amnesty program with the hope of raising $16.2 million in additional revenue. (See Revenue Impact of Proposed Legislation (pdf)) The amnesty applies to corporate income and excise tax, personal income tax, inheritance tax, and transit district (self-employment) taxes. Any Oregon taxpayer with any of these underreported taxes or unfiled tax returns for any period prior to January 1, 2008 will be eligible to apply. (For a copy of the bill see SB880-B (pdf))
- Short time period: The tax amnesty program is only open for 50 days, beginning on October 1, 2009 and closing on November 19, 2009.
- Minimal Benefit: The only benefits being offered are the waiver of one half of the interest and all penalties. Not much of an incentive.
- No Taxes Waived: All the taxes due and the reduced interest must either be paid in full within 60 days of the application or be paid under an installment plan on or before May 31, 2011. Failure to complete an installment plan voids the amnesty benefits.
- Gotcha Penalty: Anyone who is eligible for this program, but fails to apply will be subject to an additional 25% penalty. This penalty can apply to tax adjustments discovered after November 19, 2009. Also any taxpayer who has received a notice of delinquency or notice of assessment from the Oregon Department of Revenue for any year that would be eligible for the amnesty program cannot participate.
This program is a "cruel joke" because:
- The amnesty program is only open for 50 days.
- The amnesty offer is minimal. There is no provision to compromise taxes.
- Anyone who is currently delinquent with Oregon taxes is probably not eligible.
- An eligible taxpayer who chooses not participate will have an additional 25% penalty added on.
- If there is a tax adjustment after the amnesty program has closed it is possible that the additional penalty can be assessed even though the tax payer was not aware of additional tax liability during the 50 day election period.
In conclusion it is hard to see that this program will help either the state of Oregon or its taxpayers.
