Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregonians who have skipped out on paying their taxes might get a break.  Lawmakers are considering a bill to grant amnesty to people who haven’t paid up.  And they’re hoping the olive branch will yield big dividends.

Salem correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

If you haven’t paid your state income taxes in Oregon in the past, listen up.

The Legislature is considering a bill that would give you the chance to wipe the slate clean.  

You’d still have to pay those back taxes as well as any interest that’s accrued.  But the state would waive some potentially significant penalties and you wouldn’t have to look over your shoulder anymore.

Democratic Senator Ginny Burdick says it’s not about giving tax cheats a break.

Senator Ginny Burdick:  “Frankly it’s a method of raising more revenue.  I mean, if people have not filed that means they’re not paying taxes at all.”

Burdick predicts the state could bring in some $10 million in unpaid taxes.  

A spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Revenue says the state has never offered a tax amnesty program.  A similar effort failed in the Legislature in 2005.

Online:

Oregon Senate Bill 880