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Information for Tax-Exempt Organizations
Income and Excise Tax

If you are an exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Sections 501(c) through (f), 501(j), 501(n), 521, or 529, you are exempt from Oregon Corporation taxes [ORS 317.080 (1)–(8)]. Apply to the Internal Revenue Service for exempt status. You don’t have to apply to the Oregon Department of Revenue. There are some exceptions, however. If you are an organization shown below, contact us for more information.
  1. Nonprofit homes for the elderly [ORS 317.080(9)].
  2. People’s utility districts established under Oregon Revised Statutes, chapter 261 [ORS 317.080(10)].
If you are exempt from Oregon tax and do not have unrelated business taxable income, an Oregon tax return is not required. Unrelated business taxable income is defined in IRC Section 512. If you do have unrelated business taxable income, file a Form 20 (Oregon Corporation Excise Tax Return). Attach a copy of your federal Form 990T. Some religious organizations that qualify under IRC Section 501(d) may file as partnerships.

If you are exempt from federal tax but not exempt for Oregon, you must file a Form 20. Attach a copy of your federal Form 990T.

Homeowner’s associations may elect to be treated as tax-exempt organizations. The association must make the election no later than the time prescribed by law for filing the return. A copy of the Form 1120-H filed with the Internal Revenue Service will constitute this election when filed with the Department of Revenue. Tax-exempt status will only exempt the association from tax on the exempt function income. The association must file Oregon Form 20 and report any taxable income defined by federal law.

Withholding

If you have Oregon employees, you are subject to payroll taxes and need to register your organization with the department. For registration information, call 503-945-8091. Request the booklet, “Oregon Business Guide.” To order, call the Oregon Business Information Center at 503-986-2200.

Corporations classified under IRC Section 501(c)(3) may be exempt from TriMet and Lane Transit taxes. You must send a copy of your federal determination letter with your request for exempt status to: Business Division, Oregon Department of Revenue, PO Box 14800, Salem, OR 97309-0920.

Sales/Use Taxes

Oregon doesn’t have sales or use taxes and doesn’t issue exemption certificates. If you need an exemption from paying sales tax in another state, contact the Corporation Division of the Secretary of State’s Office at 503-986-2200.

Property Tax

An organization exempt from federal or state excise/income taxes may not be exempt from Oregon property taxes. Check with your local assessor to see if you qualify for exemptions, and if filing is required.

Proxy Tax

A “proxy tax” is imposed on otherwise exempt organizations similar to that imposed under IRC 6033(e). Under federal law, an exempt organization is required to report to its members the portion of their dues or other payments spent on lobbying activities. If the exempt organization does not comply, a federal return must be filed reporting and paying tax on those expenditures. In such cases, lobbying expenses are allocated or apportioned to Oregon and subject to Oregon tax at the corporate tax rate. (ORS 314.256)

Registration

Nonprofit corporations must register with the Office of the Secretary of State, Corporation Division. The address is: 255 Capitol St NE, Suite 151, Salem OR 97310-1327. Telephone: 503-986-2200. Visit their Web site at www.oregon.gov/SOS.

The Oregon Department of Justice regulates charitable activities in Oregon. You may also need to register with them. Write to: Justice Department, Charitable Activities Section, 1515 SW 5th Ave., Suite 410, Portland OR 97201. Telephone: 971-673-1880. Visit their website at www.oregon.gov/ODJ.


Taxpayer assistance

General tax information
     Salem: 503-378-4988
     Toll-free from an Oregon prefix: 1-800-356-4222

Asistencia en español
     Salem: 503-378-4988
     Gratis de prefijo de Oregon: 1-800-356-4222

TTY (hearing or speech impaired; machine only):
     Salem: 503-945-8617
     Toll-free from an Oregon prefix: 1-800-886-7204

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Call one of the help numbers for information in alternative formats.


E-mail: corp.help.dor@state.or.us

 
Page updated: July 18, 2007

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