Reprieve near for delinquent Ore. taxpayers
Monday, July 27, 2009 4:33 PM PDT
SALEM (AP) — Delinquent Oregon taxpayers will be given a 50-day amnesty period this fall that will let them make good on unpaid back taxes and avoid paying penalties. The 2009 Oregon Legislature created the state’s first-ever amnesty program mainly because of the budget squeeze, and also because similar programs have been a success in other states, a key lawmaker said Friday.
‘‘It’s an idea whose time finally came. And our economic situation certainly helped speed it along,’’ said Sen. Ginny Burdick, who is chairwoman of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee.
Based on the experience of other states, the Oregon amnesty is expected to drum up more than $16 million in badly needed revenue for the state, the Portland Democrat said. Under the measure, which recently was signed into law by Gov. Ted Kulongoski, the amnesty period would run from Oct. 1 through Nov. 19 for those who have unpaid personal, corporate or inheritance taxes.
