December 15, 2020 3:35 a.m.

On Monday Governor Kate Brown announced new measures that will be taken by the Oregon Department of Revenue to provide tax relief to small businesses suffering from the economic impacts of COVID-19.

A release said the measures will eliminate penalties and interest on 2019 income tax due from Oregon businesses who are struggling to pay tax bills amid COVID-19 restrictions.

Brown said she has heard from business owners across the state about the struggle to keep their doors open during these difficult times. Brown said “Small business owners who play by the rules shouldn’t face penalties and fees because COVID-19 has robbed them of their livelihood”. The release said in March, the Department of Revenue implemented measures to help all taxpayers navigate COVID-19.

The additional tax relief provisions apply to Personal Income, Corporate Excise and Corporate Income taxes:

*100 percent penalty waivers on 2019 income tax due from businesses that are impacted by COVID-19

*100 percent interest waivers on 2019 income tax due from small businesses that are impacted by COVID-19 and have less than $5 million in gross annual receipts.

*Continuing to provide extended payment plans of up to 36 months for any taxpayer impacted by COVID-19 when entering into an approved payment plan

In addition, Brown has directed the Oregon Department of Revenue to extend the due date of the amusement device tax on lottery machines for the second quarter of tax year 2020 from January 14th, 2021 to April 14th of next year. Brown said this will provide additional relief for Oregon restaurants and bars experiencing economic hardship.