Tax structure
Oregon does not have . . .
- General sales and use tax
- Receipts/revenue tax
- Inventory tax
- Worldwide unitary tax
- Motor vehicle excise tax
- State capital tax on asset value
- Direct levies on intangible properties, such as stocks, bonds or securities
Personal income tax
A maximum tax rate of 9 percent applies to single returns on taxable income greater than $7,600 and to joint returns on taxable income greater than $15,200 (2009).
Corporate income tax
A 6.6 percent tax is applied against the net Oregon income of corporations doing business in the state. Corporations that operate in more than one state pay corporate excise taxes based on an apportionment formula. In Oregon, the formula is based solely on company sales within the state. Company payroll and capital investments do not increase tax exposure in Oregon.
Property tax
Except for voter-approved bond issuances, property taxes are constitutionally limited to no more than 1.5 percent of real market value. The increase in valuation of property for tax purposes is limited to three percent per year. The average tax per $1,000 of taxable value was $15.78 as of the 2007–2008 tax year.
More tax information: Department of Revenue
Utilities and telecommunications
Electric utilities
- Tax credits and low-interest loans for energy conservation and renewable energy investments are available through the Oregon Department of Energy.
- The Energy Trust of Oregon promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy development in the state and offers cash incentives for businesses investing in energy efficient equipment.
- Electricity costs for Oregon's commercial and industrial customers are well below the national average.
Sustainable energy information (PDF)
Gas utilities
- Three utilities distribute natural gas to Oregon customers. Large customers have many service options with choices among various classes of service.
- All Northwest distributors offer competitive commodity portfolios to industrial customers.
- Two major interstate transmission pipelines bring wholesale suppliers to the region, providing capacity and competitive prices.
Oregon's energy suppliers
US Energy Information Administration: electricty prices by state and natural gas prices by state
Voice and data networks
- Telecommunication networks and wireless broadband is becoming as much a part of Oregon's infrastructure as highways, bridges, water and electricity. Oregon's investment in telecommunication networks gives Oregon businesses a competitive advantage.
- Oregon communities are served by a progressive group of telephone companies, cable companies, wireless companies and competitive access service providers offering an extensive mix of voice and data services.
- Oregon's fiber network provides multiple loops within the state, providing redundant and consistent service.
Oregon service providers
Infrastructure Development
Immediate Opportunity Fund
The Immediate Opportunity Fund, managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation, supports construction and improvement of streets and roads. It may be used when other sources of financial support are unavailable or insufficient, and is limited to economic development projects that affirm job retention and/or creation.
Supporting Business and Community development
The Special Public Works Fund provides funding for municipally-owned facilities that support economic and community development. Oregon supports business development of real property where the process is complicated by potential contamination. The Brownfield Redevelopment Fund is a direct loan and grant program designed to assist in site evaluation and clean-up.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Many Oregon municipalities have set up "urban renewal" plan areas in which long-term increases in property values are used to fund commercial and industrial growth and development efforts through property tax revenue.
More information:
Oregon Department of Revenue
An Urban Renewal paper including history, case studies, policy issues and latest developments (PDF)
Oregon Urban Renewal District Map, 2005 (PDF)
Association of Oregon Redevelopment Agencies case study, May 2003 (PDF)
Workers' compensation
Since the Oregon Workers' Compensation system was reformed in 1990, employers saved more than $10 billion in premium costs as premium rates have fallen by nearly 60 percent and are now among the very lowest found in the U.S. With a focus on business, safety and efficiency, Oregon has created an insurance system that is a benefit to employers. Actual rates depend on worker classifications, insurance carrier and other factors. For new operations, the Ombudsman can offer more specific ideas of future cost if provided with certain details.
More information: Oregon's workers' compensation system and State Accident Insurance Fund (SAIF) Corporation.
Unemployment insurance
Unemployment insurance monies fund an insurance program for covered workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Legislation adopted in 2005 will deliver further, sustainable reductions in this common payroll cost for both new and experienced employers. More information
Rates and benefits
Unemployment Insurance Tax
Licenses, permits and registrations
Department staff can provide technical assistance in the form of environmental regulation summaries, meeting facilitation with regulators and permit process coordination. The following are the most common permits. Other permits not listed also may be required:
Air Quality: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulates air emissions primarily through Title V and Air Contaminant Discharge Permits.
Hazardous Waste: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality regulates hazardous waste in Oregon. Permits are required for the transport, storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
Water Quality: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulates discharges into waters primarily through National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) permits. Other water quality permits include storm water permits, erosion control permits and oil spill contingency plans.
Wetland or Waterway: Both state and federal agencies regulate the removal or fill of material that impact wetlands and waterways. In most instances, a single permit application may be filed with either the Oregon Department of State Lands or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Department of State Lands issues permits for the removal or filling of material that impact wetlands and waterways. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates removal and fill activities that impact jurisdictional waters.
Water Rights: Most water users without access to municipal sources must obtain a permit or water right. Applicants apply to the Water Resources Department to use water from all sources including surface waters such as lakes and streams as well as groundwater wells.
Oregon Land Use Law: The Department of Land Conservation and Development is responsible for ensuring that locally developed land use management plans meet the requirements of Oregon's comprehensive statewide land use planning goals.
Local Building/Zoning Permits and Energy Codes: You will need to contact your local government. To find out how to contact a local government visit the Oregon Bluebook.
The state of Oregon official Oregon License Directory; a single source for licenses, certifications, permits and registrations. Start-up, expansion
Data and related information
Real estate
|
