January 23, 2023 9:30 a.m.

All Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own returns in 2023 can file electronically at no cost using one of Oregon’s free file options.

A release from the Oregon Department of Revenue said the department has begun processing 2022 state income tax returns, as the Internal Revenue Service has begun processing federal returns, as well.

Several free file options are available on the department’s website: www.oregon.gov/dor. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements.

ODR said taxpayers that don’t meet the income requirements for guided preparation can file for free using Oregon Free Fillable Forms. Those forms perform basic calculations and are ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. A detailed series of steps for using free fillable forms are available on the agency’s electronic filing page: https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/individuals/Pages/electronic-filing.aspx

The release said refunds will be issued starting February 15th. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns matches what employers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.