Chapter 526
Oregon Laws 2011
AN ACT
HB 2541
Relating to
inheritance tax; creating new provisions; amending ORS 105.645, 111.025,
114.075, 116.083, 116.173, 116.303, 116.343, 118.005, 118.007, 118.010,
118.013, 118.016, 118.100, 118.140, 118.160, 118.171, 118.225, 118.260,
118.280, 118.300, 118.350, 118.525, 129.250, 305.490 and 314.415; repealing ORS
118.009, 118.019, 118.220, 118.240, 118.470, 118.810, 118.820, 118.830,
118.840, 118.855, 118.860, 118.865, 118.870, 118.875 and 118.880 and section 3,
chapter 806, Oregon Laws 2003; and prescribing an effective date.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
SECTION 1. ORS 118.005 is amended to
read:
118.005. As used in ORS 118.005 to
118.840, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) “Beneficiary” means the recipient
of a beneficial interest in property or the income therefrom transferred in a
manner taxable under ORS 118.005 to 118.840.
(2) “Department” means the Department
of Revenue.
(3) “Director” means the Director of
the Department of Revenue.
(4) “Executor” means the executor,
administrator, personal representative, fiduciary, or custodian of property of
the decedent, or, if there is no executor, administrator, fiduciary or
custodian appointed, qualified and acting, then any person who is in the actual
or constructive possession of any property includable in the estate of the
decedent for [inheritance] estate
tax purposes whether or not such estate is subject to administration.
(5) “Federal taxable estate” means
the taxable estate as determined under subtitle B, chapter 11 of the Internal
Revenue Code.
[(5)]
(6) “Gross estate” has the meaning given that term in section 2031 of
the Internal Revenue Code.
[(6)
“Nonresident decedent” means an individual who is domiciled outside of Oregon
at the time of death.]
(7) “Oregon taxable estate” means
the federal taxable estate with the adjustments provided by ORS 118.010 (3).
[(7)]
(8) “Passes” includes any case where for the purposes of ORS 118.005 to
118.840 a taxable transfer takes place or is deemed to take place.
[(8)]
(9) “Personal representative” means personal representative as defined
in ORS 111.005.
[(9)
“Resident decedent” means an individual who is domiciled in Oregon at the time
of death.]
[(10)
“Transfer” or “transfer of property” means a transfer that is subject to the
federal estate tax imposed under subtitle B, chapter 11 of the Internal Revenue
Code.]
SECTION 2. ORS 118.007 is amended to
read:
118.007. Any term used in ORS 118.005
to 118.840 has the same meaning as when used in a comparable context in the
laws of the federal Internal Revenue Code relating to federal estate taxes,
unless a different meaning is clearly required or the term is specifically
defined in ORS 118.005 to 118.840. Any reference in ORS 118.005 to 118.840 to
the Internal Revenue Code means the federal Internal Revenue Code as amended
and in effect on December 31, [2000]
2010, except where the Legislative Assembly has specifically provided
otherwise.
SECTION 3. ORS 118.010 is amended to
read:
118.010. [(1) A tax is imposed upon a transfer of property and any interest
therein, within the jurisdiction of the state, whether belonging to the
inhabitants of this state or not, which passes to or vests in any person or
persons, or any body or bodies politic or corporate, in trust or otherwise, or
by reason whereof any person or body politic or corporate shall become
beneficially entitled, in possession or expectation, to any property or
interest therein or income thereof.]
[(2)
The tax imposed under this section shall equal the maximum amount of the state
death tax credit allowable against the federal estate tax under section 2011 of
the Internal Revenue Code.]
(1) As used in this section:
(a) “Nonresident decedent” means an
individual who is domiciled outside of Oregon on the date the individual dies.
(b) “Resident decedent” means an
individual who is domiciled in Oregon on the date the individual dies.
(2) A tax is imposed upon a transfer
of the property of each:
(a) Resident decedent; and
(b) Nonresident decedent whose estate
includes any interest in:
(A) Real property located in Oregon;
or
(B) Tangible personal property located
in Oregon.
(3) The Oregon taxable estate to be
used for purposes of computing the tax imposed under this section shall be the
federal taxable estate:
(a) Increased by:
(A) The deduction for state estate,
inheritance, legacy or succession taxes allowable under section 2058 of the
Internal Revenue Code; and
(B) If the decedent is a surviving
spouse owning the property at death, the value of the following property unless
included in the federal taxable estate:
(i) Property for which a deduction for
Oregon special marital property under ORS 118.016 was previously allowed; or
(ii) Property for which a separate
Oregon election under section 2056 or 2056A of the Internal Revenue Code was
previously allowed; and
(b) Reduced by:
(A) The value on the date of the
decedent’s death of all Oregon special marital property under ORS 118.013; and
(B) Any other applicable exclusions or
deductions.
(4) The tax imposed under this section
shall be calculated by applying the rates in the following table. If the Oregon
taxable estate is at least the amount in column 1, but less than the amount in
column 2, the tax is the amount in column 3, increased by the excess above the
amount in column 1 multiplied by the percentage in column 4:
____________________________________________________________________________
1 2 3 4
$1,000,000 $1,500,000 0 10.0%
1,500,000 2,500,000 50,000 10.25%
2,500,000 3,500,000 152,500 10.5%
3,500,000 4,500,000 257,500 11.0%
4,500,000 5,500,000 367,500 11.5%
5,500,000 6,500,000 482,500 12.0%
6,500,000 7,500,000 602,500 13.0%
7,500,000 8,500,000 732,500 14.0%
8,500,000 9,500,000 872,500 15.0%
9,500,000 1,022,500 16.0%
____________________________________________________________________________
[(3)]
(5) In the case of a resident decedent owning [property outside of the jurisdiction of this state at the time of death],on
the date of the decedent’s death, real property located outside Oregon or
tangible personal property located outside Oregon, the tax imposed under
this section shall be the amount determined under subsection [(2)] (4) of this section
multiplied by a ratio. The numerator of the ratio shall be the sum of the [appraised] value of the decedent’s real
property located in Oregon, tangible personal property located in Oregon and
intangible personal property [located
both in and outside of Oregon]. The numerator may not include any
intangible personal property subject to a tax imposed, as a result of the death
of the decedent, by another state or country. The denominator of the ratio
shall be the total [appraised] value
of the decedent’s gross estate.
[(4)(a)]
(6) In the case of a nonresident decedent owning [property within the jurisdiction of this state at the time of death],
on the date of the decedent’s death, real property located in Oregon or
tangible personal property located in Oregon, the tax imposed under this
section shall be the amount determined under subsection [(2)] (4) of this section multiplied by a ratio. The
numerator of the ratio shall be the sum of the [appraised] value of the decedent’s real property located in Oregon[,] and tangible personal property
located in Oregon [and intangible
personal property located in Oregon]. The denominator shall be the total [appraised] value of the decedent’s gross
estate.
[(b)
Intangible personal property of a nonresident decedent shall not be included in
the numerator of the ratio used to determine the tax under this subsection if a
similar exemption is made by the laws of the state or country of the decedent’s
residence in favor of residents of this state.]
[(5)
In the case of decedents dying before January 1, 2003, if federal estate tax
credits other than the state death tax credit result in no federal estate tax,
no tax shall be imposed under this section.]
[(6)]
(7) Payment, in whole or in part, of [inheritance and] estate taxes from funds of an estate or trust on
any benefit subject to tax under ORS 118.005 to 118.840 is not to be considered
[as] a further taxable benefit, when
such payment is directed by the decedent’s will or by a trust agreement.
[(7)]
(8)(a) If the federal taxable estate is determined by making an election
under section [2032 or 2056] 2031(c),
2032, 2032A, 2056 or 2056A of the Internal Revenue Code or another
provision of the Internal Revenue Code, or if a federal estate tax return is
not required under the Internal Revenue Code, [the Department of Revenue may adopt rules providing for a separate
election for state inheritance tax purposes.] an executor may make
separate elections for state estate tax purposes under that same provision.
(b) An executor may make elections
under ORS 118.013 and 118.140 and section 2056 of the Internal Revenue Code for
state estate tax purposes.
(c) Elections described in this
subsection are irrevocable.
SECTION 4. ORS 118.013 is amended to
read:
118.013. [(1) For purposes of computing the tax imposed under ORS 118.010, the
taxable estate to be used for computing the maximum amount of the state death
tax credit allowable under section 2011 of the Internal Revenue Code shall be
the taxable estate determined for federal estate tax purposes, reduced by the
value on the date of death of the decedent of all Oregon special marital
property in the estate.]
(1) As used in this section and ORS
118.016, “permissible distributee” has the meaning given that term in ORS
130.010.
(2) Oregon special marital property
consists of any trust or other property interest, or a portion of a trust or
property interest:
(a) In which principal or income may
be accumulated or distributed to or for the benefit of only the surviving
spouse of the decedent during the lifetime of the surviving spouse;
(b) In which a person may not transfer
or exercise a power to appoint any part of the trust or other property interest
to a person other than the surviving spouse during the lifetime of the
surviving spouse; and
(c) For which the executor of the
estate of the decedent has made the election described in ORS 118.016 (1).
(3) If a trust or other property
interest would qualify as Oregon special marital property under subsection (2)
of this section except that the trust or other property interest allows
principal or income to be distributed to other persons in addition to the
surviving spouse, the executor may elect to set aside a share of the trust or
other property interest as a separate share of the trust or property interest
or as a separate trust, which shall qualify as Oregon special marital property
if:
(a) The executor makes the election
described in ORS 118.016 (1);
(b) Each [beneficiary who is living at the time the election is made and who may
be entitled to a distribution from the share during the lifetime of the
surviving spouse] permissible distributee makes the election
described in ORS 118.016 (2);
(c) The surviving spouse makes the
election described in ORS 118.016 (2); and
(d) All [elections] statements of election are attached to the [inheritance] estate tax return
filed with respect to the estate of the decedent, or are filed or maintained as
records as otherwise prescribed by the Department of Revenue by rule.
SECTION 5. ORS 118.016 is amended to
read:
118.016. (1) The executor of an estate
containing property that the executor seeks to qualify as Oregon special
marital property under ORS 118.013 shall make an election under this subsection
in order for the property to be Oregon special marital property. The election
shall be made:
(a) By attaching a statement to the [inheritance] estate tax return
for the estate of the decedent that identifies the trust or other property
interest that constitutes Oregon special marital property and that affirms that
the identified property meets the requirements of Oregon special marital
property under ORS 118.013 and will be administered as required under ORS
118.013; or
(b) In such other manner as the
Department of Revenue prescribes by rule.
(2) For a trust or other property
interest described in ORS 118.013 (3), in order for any portion of the trust or
other property interest to be Oregon special marital property, in addition to
the election of the executor described in subsection (1) of this section, the
surviving spouse and each [beneficiary
who is living at the time of the election and] permissible distributee
who may be eligible for a distribution from the trust or other property
interest [during the lifetime of the
surviving spouse] shall make an election and provide written consent
that is in substantially the following form:
______________________________________________________________________________
CONSENT TO
ESTABLISHMENT OF
OREGON SPECIAL
MARITAL PROPERTY
(a) ELECTION TO BE SIGNED BY ALL [BENEFICIARIES] PERMISSIBLE
DISTRIBUTEES EXCEPT THE SURVIVING SPOUSE: Each of the undersigned
acknowledge and consent to a portion of the ____________ (name of trust or
other property interest) being set aside as a separate share or trust in order
to qualify for the Oregon special marital property election in accordance with
ORS 118.013, for the primary purpose of reducing or eliminating the Oregon [inheritance] estate tax due on
the estate of ____________ (name of decedent). The undersigned together
with the surviving spouse constitute all of the persons living on the date of
this election who may be entitled to a distribution during the lifetime of the
surviving spouse from the __________ (name of trust or other property
interest). Each of the undersigned, both on behalf of the undersigned and on
behalf of the unborn lineal descendants of the undersigned, irrevocably agrees
to release all rights to [distributions
from] any current interest in the Oregon special marital property
during the lifetime of the surviving spouse. Each of the undersigned agrees
that all other provisions of the _________ (name of trust or other property
interest) shall remain in effect and that, upon the death of the surviving
spouse, any remaining Oregon special marital property shall be distributed as
otherwise provided in the trust or other property interest.
Signature of: _________
([beneficiary] permissible distributee)
Signature of: _________
([beneficiary] permissible distributee)
(b) ELECTION TO BE SIGNED BY THE
SURVIVING SPOUSE: I am the surviving spouse of ____________ (name of decedent).
I acknowledge and consent to a portion of the ____________ (name of trust or
other property interest) being set aside as a separate share or trust in order
to qualify as Oregon special marital property under ORS 118.013, for the
primary purpose of reducing or eliminating the Oregon [inheritance] estate tax due on the estate of ____________
(name of decedent). I, together with all of the other individuals executing the
election in accordance with ORS 118.013, constitute all of the persons living
on the date of this election who are permissible distributees or who may
be entitled to a distribution from the Oregon special marital property to which
this election applies [and who might be
entitled to a distribution during my lifetime]. I agree that all other
terms, conditions and provisions that apply to the ____________ (name of trust
or other property interest) shall apply to the Oregon special marital property
to which this election applies, and that upon my death, any remaining Oregon
special marital property shall be distributed as otherwise provided in the
trust or other property interest.
Signature of: ____________
(surviving
spouse)
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this
____ day of____, 2____.
______________
Notary Public
of Oregon
My commission
expires: _________
______________________________________________________________________________
(3) Elections made under this section
are irrevocable.
(4) The custodial parent or court
appointed guardian of a [minor
beneficiary] permissible distributee who is a minor, or any person who
is authorized under ORS 130.110, may sign the election on behalf of the [minor beneficiary] permissible
distributee and the unborn lineal descendants of the [minor beneficiary] permissible distributee.
SECTION 6. ORS 118.100 is amended to
read:
118.100. (1) The tax provided for in
ORS 118.010 shall take effect at and accrue upon the death of the decedent.
A return shall be filed and the tax shall be paid to the Department of
Revenue on the date the federal estate tax is payable or, if no federal
estate tax return is required, no later than nine months following the date of
death of the decedent. If [interest
is paid on federal estate tax installments resulting in a reduction of the
federal estate tax, and] the department determines, pursuant to an amended
return or refund claim, that the amount of tax imposed by ORS 118.010 is less
than the amount theretofore paid, the excess tax shall be refunded by the
department with interest at the rate established by ORS 305.220 for each month
or fraction thereof during a period beginning 45 days after the due date of
the return or on the date the amended return or refund claim is filed,
whichever is later, and ending at [to]
the time the refund is made.
(2) If the amount of federal estate
tax reported on a [United States] federal
estate tax return is changed or corrected by the Internal Revenue Service or
other competent authority, resulting in a change in the [maximum state death tax credit allowable under the federal estate tax
law] Oregon taxable estate, the executor shall report the change or
correction in federal estate tax to the department. If the federal change or
correction results in a reduction of the [allowable
state death tax credit] Oregon taxable estate, the report of the
change or correction shall be treated by the department as a claim for refund
pursuant to ORS 305.270 and, notwithstanding the limitations of ORS 305.270,
shall be deemed timely if filed with the department within two years after the federal
correction was made. If the change or correction results in an increase in the
[state death tax credit allowable on the
federal estate tax return] Oregon taxable estate, the department may
issue a notice of deficiency within two years after the federal change or
correction was made or within two years after receiving a report of the federal
change or correction, whichever is the later. Any executor filing an amended
federal estate tax return shall also file an amended return with the department
within 90 days thereafter.
(3)(a) In the case of an estate that
contains property that is valued under section 2032A of the Internal Revenue
Code for federal estate tax purposes (relating to the valuation of certain farm
or other property) and that ceases to qualify for valuation under section
2032A, an additional tax under ORS 118.005 to 118.840 shall be imposed[. The additional tax shall equal the amount
of any increase in the state death tax credit allowable under section 2011 of
the Internal Revenue Code that is] in the amount attributable to the
change in the value of the estate resulting from the imposition of additional
federal estate tax under section 2032A.
(b) The department shall be notified
of the disqualification of the property from valuation under section 2032A in
the same time and manner as the federal Internal Revenue Service is notified of
the disqualification.
(c) The period for assessment of the
tax imposed under this subsection, including any penalty or interest, shall be
two years from the date on which the department receives the notice described
in paragraph (b) of this subsection.
(d) The other provisions of ORS
118.005 to 118.840 and ORS chapter 305 shall apply to the additional tax
imposed under this subsection in the same manner in which those provisions
apply to the tax imposed under ORS 118.010.
(4) For purposes of this section, a
change or correction of a [United States]
federal estate tax return is deemed to be made on the date of the
federal audit report.
(5) The executor shall, upon request
of the department, supply a copy of the [United
States] federal estate tax return which the executor has filed or
may file with the federal government, or a copy of any federal agent’s report
upon any audit or adjustment of the [United
States] federal estate tax return.
(6) The executor shall explain, on
the return, how the reported values were determined and attach copies of any
appraisals.
SECTION 7. ORS 118.140 is amended to
read:
118.140. [(1) As used in this section, “natural resource property” means real
property as defined in ORS 307.010 that at the decedent’s death:]
[(a)
Is in farm use, as defined in ORS 308A.056, or is used as one or more farm use
homesites, as defined in ORS 308A.250, related to that real property; or]
[(b)
Is used as forestland, as defined in ORS 321.201, or is used as one or more
forestland homesites, as defined in ORS 308A.250, related to that real
property, not to exceed 5,000 acres.]
[(2)(a)
A credit against the taxes otherwise due under ORS 118.005 to 118.840 shall be
allowed based upon the value of the following property:]
[(A)
Natural resource property.]
[(B)
If the decedent or a person described in subsection (3)(c) of this section was
licensed under ORS chapter 508, property that is:]
[(i)
Used in the conduct of a fishing business as defined in section 1301(b)(4) of
the Internal Revenue Code, including boats, gear, equipment, vessel licenses
and permits and commercial fishing licenses and permits; or]
[(ii)
Used to process and sell the catch of a commercial fishing business in fresh,
canned or smoked form directly to consumers, including a restaurant with
seating capacity of less than 15 seats at which catch from the fishing business
is prepared and sold.]
[(C)
Tangible and intangible personal property devoted to use as a farm or used for
farm or forestry purposes, including:]
[(i)
Timber, trees and improvements;]
[(ii)
Crops, both growing and stored; and]
[(iii)
Forestry and farming equipment.]
[(D)
Working capital of a farm, natural resource-based business or fishing business
owned by the decedent at the decedent’s death.]
[(b)
A taxpayer may:]
[(A)
Elect not to claim the credit allowed under this section;]
[(B)
Elect to claim less than the full amount of the credit allowed under this
section; or]
[(C)
Elect to claim the credit only for the value of certain assets.]
[(c)
If the value of property for which the credit allowed under this section is
claimed is at least the amount in column 1, but less than the amount in column
2, the credit is the amount in column 3, increased by the excess above the
amount in column 1 multiplied by the percentage in column 4:]
[____________________________________________________________________________]
1 2 3 4
$0 $100,000 $0
100,000 150,000 0 0.8%
150,000 200,000 400 1.6%
200,000 300,000 1,200 2.4%
300,000 500,000 3,600 3.2%
500,000 700,000 10,000 4.0%
700,000 900,000 18,000 4.8%
900,000 1,100,000 27,600 5.6%
1,100,000 1,600,000 38,800 6.4%
1,600,000 2,100,000 70,800 7.2%
2,100,000 2,600,000 106,800 8.0%
2,600,000 3,100,000 146,800 8.8%
3,100,000 3,600,000 190,800 9.6%
3,600,000 4,100,000 238,800 10.4%
4,100,000 5,100,000 290,800 11.2%
5,100,000 6,100,000 402,800 12.0%
6,100,000 7,100,000 522,800 12.8%
7,100,000 7,500,000 650,800 13.6%
7,500,000 8,100,000 402,800 13.0%
8,100,000 9,100,000 253,344 12.5%
9,100,000 10,100,000 146,800 12.0%
10,100,000 11,100,000 35,400 11.2%
11,100,000 12,100,000 15,520 7.7%
12,100,000 13,100,000 8,000 5.7%
13,100,000 14,100,000 0 3.7%
14,100,000 15,100,000 0 1.7%
15,100,000 0 0%
[____________________________________________________________________________]
(1) As used in this section:
(a) “Adjusted gross estate” means the
value of the gross estate reduced by the sum of the amounts allowable under sections
2053 and 2054 of the Internal Revenue Code.
(b) “Family member” means a member of
the family, as defined in section 2032A of the Internal Revenue Code, of the
decedent.
(c) “Farm business” means a business
operated for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by:
(A) Raising, harvesting or selling
fruit or crops;
(B) Feeding, breeding, managing or
selling livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals or bees, or the produce
thereof;
(C) Dairying and selling dairy
products;
(D) Breeding, stabling or training
equines;
(E) Propagating, cultivating,
maintaining or harvesting aquatic species, birds or animal species to the
extent allowed by the rules adopted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission;
(F) Raising nursery stock;
(G) Practicing animal husbandry; or
(H) Raising other agricultural or
horticultural products.
(d) “Farm use” has the meaning given
that term in ORS 308A.056.
(e) “Fishing business” has the meaning
given that term in section 1301(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(f) “Forestland” has the meaning given
that term in ORS 321.201.
(g) “Forestry business” means a
business operated for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by the
planting, cultivating, caring for, preparing, harvesting or cutting of timber
or trees for market.
(h) “Homesite” has the meaning given
that term in ORS 308A.250.
(i) “Natural resource property” means
the following property, if on the date of the decedent’s death the property is
owned by the decedent and used in the operation of a farm business, forestry
business or fishing business owned by the decedent:
(A) Real property used as forestland
or as forestland homesites, not to exceed 5,000 acres, or that is in farm use.
(B) Timber or trees.
(C) Crops, fruit or other
horticultural products, both growing and stored.
(D) Forestry business or farm business
equipment.
(E) Livestock, poultry, fur-bearing
animals, bees, dairying animals, equines, aquatic species, birds or other
animal species, including stored products or by-products.
(F) Nursery stock as defined in ORS
571.005.
(G) Boats, gear, equipment, vessel
licenses or permits, commercial fishing licenses or permits and other real or
personal property used in the operation of a fishing business.
(H) Real or personal property used to
process and sell the catch of a fishing business in fresh, canned or smoked
form directly to consumers, including a restaurant with seating capacity of
fewer than 15 seats at which catch from the fishing business is prepared and
sold.
(I) An operating allowance.
(J) Any other tangible and intangible
personal property used in the operation of a farm business, forestry business
or fishing business.
(j) “Operating allowance” means cash
or a cash equivalent that is spent, maintained, used or available for the
operation of a farm business, forestry business or fishing business and not
spent or used for any other purpose.
(k) “Qualified beneficiary” has the
meaning given that term in ORS 130.010.
(L) “Real property” means real
property, as defined in ORS 307.010, that is in this state.
(2)(a) An estate shall be allowed a
credit for the value of natural resource property claimed. Any operating
allowance claimed under this section may not exceed the lesser of $1 million or
15 percent of the total value of natural resource property claimed, not
including the operating allowance.
(b) The credit allowed under this
section shall be computed by multiplying the tax that would be payable under
this chapter absent the credit by a ratio, the numerator of which is an amount
equal to the lesser of the amount of natural resource property claimed under
this section or $7.5 million, and the denominator of which is an amount equal
to the total adjusted gross estate.
(c) An executor may:
(A) Elect not to claim the credit allowed
under this section;
(B) Elect to claim less than the full
amount of the credit allowed under this section; or
(C) Elect to claim the credit only for
the value of certain assets.
(3) Except as provided in subsections
[(4) and (5)] (4), (7) and (8) of
this section, a credit is allowed under this section only if:
(a) The total adjusted gross estate
does not exceed $15 million;
(b) The total value of [property for which the credit established
under this section is allowable] natural resource property in the estate
is at least 50 percent of the total adjusted gross estate;
(c) The natural resource
property is transferred to a [member of
the family, as that term is defined in section 2032A of the Internal Revenue
Code, or the registered domestic partner, of the decedent] family member;
and
(d) During an aggregate period of five
out of the eight years ending on the date of the decedent’s death, the
decedent[, a member of the decedent’s
family or the decedent’s registered domestic partner owned the property and the
property was devoted to use as a farm or used for farm or forest purposes]
or a family member operated a farm business, forestry business or fishing
business and the property for which a credit is claimed under this section is
part of the business.
(4) Property that otherwise meets the
requirements of this section shall be allowed a credit under this section if:
(a) The property is the subject of a
net cash lease to or from the decedent or a [transferee described in subsection (3)(c) of this section]
qualified beneficiary who is a family member; [or]
(b) The property is held in trust for
a [person described in subsection (3)(c)
of this section.] qualified beneficiary who is a family member; or
(c) The property replaces natural
resource property, and the replacement property would otherwise meet the
definition of natural resource property except that it was acquired after the
date of the decedent’s death but before the estate tax return is filed. In
order to qualify under this paragraph, real property must be replaced with real
property.
(5) A credit is allowed under this
section for the following real property only if the real property was owned by
the decedent or a family member during an aggregate period of five out of the
eight years ending on the date of the decedent’s death and used in a business
described in subsection (3)(d) of this section:
(a) Real property used as forestland
or as forestland homesites, not to exceed 5,000 acres.
(b) Real property used in farm use.
(6) A credit is allowed under this
section for property used in the operation of a fishing business only if the
decedent or a family member, during an aggregate period of five out of the
eight years ending on the date of the decedent’s death:
(a) Owned a vessel used in taking food
fish or shellfish for commercial purposes as defined in ORS 506.006;
(b) Held a boat license as provided in
ORS 508.260;
(c) Held a commercial fishing license
under ORS 508.235; and
(d) Held one or more restricted
fisheries permits as provided in ORS chapter 508 or an equivalent restricted
vessel permit system under the laws of another state.
(7) For the purpose of meeting the
requirements of subsection (5) of this section, in determining the period of
time during which the decedent or a family member owned real property received
in exchange under section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code or acquired in an
involuntary conversion under section 1033 of the Internal Revenue Code, the
period during which the decedent or a family member owned the exchanged or
acquired real property, if the exchanged or acquired real property was used in
the farm business or forestry business, may be included.
[(5)]
(8) Property that otherwise meets the requirements of this section and
that is owned indirectly by the decedent or a [member of the family described in subsection (3)(c) of this section, or
the registered domestic partner, of the decedent shall qualify for a credit]
family member qualifies for a credit under this section if the property
is owned through an interest in a limited liability company or in a
corporation, partnership or trust as the terms corporation, partnership or
trust are used in section 2032A(g) of the Internal Revenue Code. In order to
qualify [for a credit] under this
subsection, at least one [member of the
family, or the registered domestic partner, of the decedent] family
member must materially participate in the business after the transfer. For
purposes of this subsection, “materially participate” means to engage in active
management, as defined in section 2032A of the Internal Revenue Code, of [natural resource property or a] the
farm business, forestry business or fishing business. The Department of
Revenue may adopt rules to administer this subsection consistent with this
definition.
[(6)
Property that otherwise meets the requirements of this section and is
involuntarily converted, as that term is used in section 1033 of the Internal
Revenue Code, shall qualify for a credit under this section if the proceeds of
conversion are used to acquire replacement property, the cost of which equals
or exceeds the amount realized on the conversion. The replacement property must
also meet the requirements of this section.]
[(7)(a)
An additional tax under ORS 118.005 to 118.840 shall be imposed if property for
which a credit is allowed under this section is not used in commercial fishing
operations or as natural resource property for at least five out of the eight
calendar years following the decedent’s death or is disposed of by the
transferee other than by disposition to another member of the family, or the
registered domestic partner, of the decedent or to another entity eligible for
the credit allowed under this section. Property that otherwise meets the
requirements of this section and is conveyed after the decedent’s death as a
qualified conservation contribution, as that term is defined in section 170(h)
of the Internal Revenue Code, shall continue to qualify for a credit under this
section.]
(9)(a) A disposition shall occur
and an additional tax under ORS 118.005 to 118.840 shall be imposed if the
natural resource property for which a credit is allowed under this section is
not used in the operation of a farm business, forestry business or fishing
business for at least five out of the eight calendar years following the
decedent’s death or is transferred to a person other than a family member or
another entity eligible for the credit allowed under this section.
(b) The use of cash or other assets
for which a credit is claimed under this section for the payment of federal
estate taxes or state inheritance or estate taxes shall be a disposition and an
additional tax shall be imposed under this subsection.
(c) The conveyance after the decedent’s
death of property that otherwise meets the requirements of this section and is
conveyed as a qualified conservation contribution, as defined in section 170(h)
of the Internal Revenue Code, is not a disposition requiring payment of
additional tax under this subsection.
(d) Natural resource property may be replaced
with real property or personal property after the credit is claimed and not
result in a disposition subject to an additional tax if the replacement
property is used in the operation of the farm business, forestry business or
fishing business. Real property for which a credit is claimed under this
section may be replaced only with real property that would otherwise qualify as
natural resource property and that replacement must be made within one year to
avoid a disposition and additional tax, except that a replacement of property
that is involuntarily converted under section 1033 of the Internal Revenue Code
must occur within two years.
[(b)]
(e) The additional tax liability shall be the amount of [the credit allowed on] additional tax
that would have been imposed, had the disqualified property not been
included in the numerator of the ratio in subsection (2)(b) of this section,
multiplied by ((five minus the number of years the property was used as natural
resource property) divided by five). The additional tax liability [shall be] is the responsibility
of the owner of the property at the time of the disposition or disqualifying
event and is due within six months after the date on which the disposition
or event occurs. The Department of Revenue may establish by rule procedures for
reporting the additional tax due, consistent with ORS chapter 305.
[(c)]
(f) Prior to the [transfer of
property under this section] executor’s identification of property for
which a credit under this section is claimed, the executor shall notify the
transferee of the potential for tax consequences to the transferee if the
transferee fails to meet the conditions of paragraph (a) of this subsection.
The transferee’s written acknowledgment of this notice shall be attached to the
[inheritance] estate tax
return.
[(8)
The department shall adopt rules consistent with those adopted under the
Internal Revenue Code to administer this section.]
(10) The executor shall identify
property for which a credit under this section is claimed, by asset, on a form
prescribed by the department and filed with the estate tax return. Transferees
of property for which a credit under this section has been claimed shall file a
report with the department on a form prescribed by the department. This report
shall be filed annually until the requirements of subsection (9)(a) of this
section are met and shall require tracking of each asset for which the credit
has been claimed, with confirmation that each asset falls into one of the
following categories:
(a) The asset is still used in the
operation of a farm business, forestry business or fishing business;
(b) The asset has been replaced with
property that meets the requirements of subsection (9)(d) of this section; or
(c) The asset has been subject to a disposition
under subsection (9) of this section, resulting in additional tax.
SECTION 8. ORS 118.160 is amended to
read:
118.160. (1) Except as provided in
subsection (2) of this section:
(a) An inheritance tax return is not
required with respect to the estates of decedents [dying] who die on or after January 1, 1987, and before
January 1, 2003, unless a federal estate tax return is required to be filed; [and]
(b) An inheritance tax return is not
required with respect to the estates of decedents [dying] who die on or after:
(A) January 1, 2003, and before
January 1, 2004, unless the value of the gross estate is $700,000 or more;
(B) January 1, 2004, and before
January 1, 2005, unless the value of the gross estate is $850,000 or more;
(C) January 1, 2005, and before
January 1, 2006, unless the value of the gross estate is $950,000 or more; or
(D) January 1, 2006, and before
January 1, 2012, unless the value of the gross estate is $1 million or
more[.]; and
(c) An estate tax return is not
required with respect to the estates of decedents who die on or after January
1, 2012, unless the value of the gross estate is $1 million or more.
(2) In every estate, whether or not
subject to administration and whether or not a federal estate tax return is
required to be filed, the executor shall at such times and in such manner as
required by rules of the Department of Revenue, file with the department a
return in a form provided by the department setting forth a list and
description of all transfers of property, in trust or otherwise, made by the
decedent in the lifetime of the decedent as a division or distribution of the
estate of the decedent [made within the
three-year period ending on the date of death or intended to take effect at or
after death] and any further data that the department requires to determine
[inheritance] estate tax under
this chapter.
SECTION 9. ORS 118.171 is amended to
read:
118.171. The provisions of ORS chapter
305 as to the audit and examination of reports and returns, determination of
deficiencies, assessments, claims for refund, conferences and appeals to the
Oregon Tax Court, and the procedures relating thereto, shall apply to the
determination of [inheritance] estate
taxes under this chapter, except where the context requires otherwise.
SECTION 10. ORS 118.225 is amended to
read:
118.225. (1) Upon application of the
executor and the securing of all taxes that are payable by bond, deposit or
other good collateral acceptable to the Department of Revenue, the department
may extend the time for payment of any part of the amount imposed by ORS
118.005 to 118.840.
(2) The extension under this section
shall be for a period not in excess of 14 years from the date prescribed by ORS
[118.220] 118.100 for payment
of the tax.
(3) Under rules prescribed by the
department, the department may extend the time for the payment of any
deficiency of a tax imposed by ORS 118.005 to 118.840 for a reasonable period
not to exceed four years from the date otherwise fixed for the payment of the
deficiency.
SECTION 11. ORS 118.260 is amended to
read:
118.260. (1) If no return has been
filed as required by this chapter, there shall be added to the amount of tax
required to be shown on the return a delinquency penalty of five percent of the
amount of such tax.
(2) If the failure to file a return
continues for a period in excess of three months after the due date, there
shall be added to the amount of tax required to be shown as tax on the return a
failure to file penalty of 20 percent of the amount of such tax. This penalty
is in addition to the delinquency penalty imposed by subsection (1) of this
section.
(3) If any part of any deficiency is
due to fraud with intent to evade tax, then 100 percent of the total amount of
the deficiency shall be assessed and collected.
(4) Except for a deferral of payment
pursuant to an extension granted under ORS 118.225 or a timely election made
under ORS 118.300, if the taxes imposed by ORS 118.005 to 118.840 are not paid
on or before the date on which payment of the tax is required to be made under
ORS [118.220] 118.100, there
shall be added to the amount of tax required to be shown on the return a
delinquency penalty of five percent of the amount of such tax.
(5)(a) Except as provided in
subsection (6) of this section and paragraph (b) of this subsection, if the tax
imposed by ORS 118.005 to 118.840 is not paid on or before the date on which
payment of the tax is required to be made under ORS [118.220] 118.100, interest shall be charged and collected
thereon at the rate established under ORS 305.220 for each month or fraction
thereof from the time when the tax became due and payable.
(b) If payment of the tax or
deficiency is extended under ORS 118.225, interest shall be charged and
collected on any amount for which extension is granted from the date the tax or
deficiency is otherwise due and payable to the date of payment at the rate
established under ORS 305.220, without regard to ORS 305.222, for each
month or fraction thereof.
(6) In all cases in which a bond is
given, under the provisions of ORS 118.300, interest shall be charged at the
rate established under ORS 305.220, without regard to ORS 305.222, for
each month or fraction thereof from the time when the tax became due and
payable, until the date of payment.
(7) If the tax has not been
determined, a deposit may be made to avoid interest. Should the amount of such
payment exceed the sum subsequently determined to be due, the Department of
Revenue shall refund the excess with interest at the rate established under
ORS 305.220, for each month or fraction of a month during a period beginning 45
days after the due date of the return or the date that the return is filed,
whichever is later, and ending at the time the refund is made.
(8) Payments made on the tax shall be
applied first to penalty and interest and then to the principal.
(9) For purposes of this section, the
amount of tax required to be shown on the return shall be reduced by the amount
of any part of the tax which is paid on or before the date prescribed for
payment of the tax and by the amount of any credit against the tax which may be
lawfully claimed upon the return.
SECTION 12. ORS 118.280 is amended to
read:
118.280. (1) Every executor,
administrator or trustee has power to sell as much of the property embraced in
any inheritance, devise, bequest or legacy, as will enable the executor,
administrator or trustee to pay the tax imposed by ORS 118.005 to 118.840, in
the same manner as the executor, administrator or trustee is authorized to do
for the payment of the debts of a decedent.
(2) Any part of the gross estate sold
for the payment of claims against the estate and expenses of administration,
for the payment of the tax imposed by ORS 118.005 to 118.840, or for purposes
of distribution, shall be divested of the lien of such tax, and such lien shall
be transferred to the proceeds of such sale. A mortgage on property executed
for payment of claims against the estate and expenses of administration and for
payment of the tax imposed by ORS 118.005 to 118.840 shall constitute a lien
upon said property prior and superior to the [inheritance] estate tax lien, which [inheritance] estate tax lien shall attach to the proceeds of
such mortgage.
SECTION 13. ORS 118.300 is amended to
read:
118.300. Any [person or corporation beneficially interested in] beneficiary of
any property chargeable with a tax under this chapter and personal
representatives and trustees, may elect, on or before the date on which the [inheritance] estate tax is due
and payable under ORS [118.220]
118.100, not to pay the tax until the person or persons beneficially
interested therein shall come into actual possession or enjoyment thereof. If
it is personal property, the person or persons so electing shall give a bond or
irrevocable letter of credit to the state in double the amount of the tax, with
such sureties or issued by such insured institution as defined in ORS 706.008
as the Director of the Department of Revenue may approve, conditioned for the
payment of the tax and interest thereon, at such time and period as the person
or persons beneficially interested therein may come into actual possession or
enjoyment of the property, which bond shall be executed and filed, and a full
return of the property made to the Director of the Department of Revenue within
six months from the date of transfer thereof, as in this section provided. The
bond or letter of credit must be renewed every five years.
SECTION 14. ORS 118.350 is amended to
read:
118.350. (1) Whenever an estate,
devise, legacy or beneficial interest therein, charged or sought to be charged
with the [inheritance] estate
tax is of such nature or is so disposed that the liability of the same is
doubtful, or the value thereof cannot with reasonable certainty be ascertained
under the provisions of law, the Department of Revenue may compromise with the
beneficiaries or representatives of such estate, and [compound] determine the tax [thereon]. The payment of the amount of the taxes so agreed upon
shall discharge the lien against the property of the estate.
(2) In any suit or action involving
the title to real property, in which it appears, by the pleadings or otherwise,
that an [inheritance] estate
tax is or might be payable to the State of Oregon by reason of the death of any
person whose estate has not been administered in Oregon, [the circuit court shall direct that] a copy of the pleadings [in such cause] shall be served
upon the Department of Revenue, such service to be made as summons is served in
any cause in the circuit court of this state. Thereupon further proceedings in
the cause shall be suspended until the department has had an opportunity to
appear therein, such appearance to be made within the time that is required by
the service of summons upon a private person or corporation. The department
shall appear in the cause and present the claims of the state, if any, to an [inheritance] estate tax, and it
is the duty of the Attorney General of the state to represent the state and the
department in such proceedings, and the department may compromise and compound
the tax claimed to be due upon the passing of such real property. Such
settlement and compromise shall be entered of record in the register of such
court. Thereafter the payment of the amount of taxes so agreed upon shall discharge
the [inheritance] estate tax
lien against the property. If a compromise is not effected, the amount of tax,
if any, due upon the passing of the real property shall be determined by the
court as are other questions involved in such litigation, and subject to the
same right of appeal to the Court of Appeals. The judgment of the court or of
the Court of Appeals, if there is an appeal, is conclusive as to the amount of
taxes due upon the passing of the real property and payment thereof shall
discharge the lien against the property.
SECTION 15. ORS 118.525 is amended to
read:
118.525. (1) It shall be unlawful for
the Department of Revenue or any of its officers or employees to divulge or
make known in any manner any particulars disclosed in any return or supporting
data required under this chapter. Except for executors or beneficiaries and
their authorized representatives, it shall be unlawful for any person or entity
who has acquired information pursuant to subsections (3) and (4) of this
section to divulge or make known such information for any purpose other than
that specified in the provisions of law authorizing the use or disclosure. No
subpoena or judicial order shall be issued compelling the department, or its
officers or employees, or persons described in subsections (3) and (4) of this
section, to divulge or make known any particulars disclosed in any such return
or supporting data except where the liability for [inheritance] estate taxes is to be adjudicated by the Oregon
Tax Court. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the publication of statistics
so classified as to prevent the identification of particulars in any return or
supporting data covered by this section.
(2) As used in this section:
(a) “Officer,” “employee” or “person”
includes an authorized representative of the officer, employee or person, or
former officer, employee or person, or an authorized representative of such
former officer, employee or person.
(b) “Particulars” includes, but is not
limited to, a taxpayer’s name, address, telephone number, Social Security
number and the amount of refund claimed by or granted to a taxpayer.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of
this section, the department may permit, for tax purposes only, the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue or authorized representatives, or an officer
or employee of any state or the District of Columbia which has a provision of
law which meets the requirements of any applicable provision of the Internal
Revenue Code as to confidentiality to inspect any return or supporting data
referred to in subsection (1) of this section. The department may disclose to
the executor or beneficiary of any estate, or an authorized representative
thereof, any information or particulars otherwise made confidential by this
section, if the department determines that the executor or beneficiary has a
material interest which will be affected by such information or particulars.
(4) The department may disclose a
taxpayer’s name, address, telephone number, Social Security number, refund
amount or tax due to the extent necessary in connection with collection
activities or the processing or mailing of returns, correspondence or forms
with respect to the tax imposed under this chapter.
(5) The department also may disclose
and give access to information described in subsection (1) of this section to
those persons, agencies or entities, described in ORS 314.840 (2)(e), (f), (g)
and (h) to the extent authorized by said paragraphs; and to any agency of the
State of Oregon or any person, or any officer or employee of such agency or
person to whom disclosure or access is given by state law and not otherwise
referred to in this section, including but not limited to the Secretary of
State and the officers and employees thereof, for the uses and purposes described
in ORS 297.060.
(6) Each officer or employee of the
department and each person described or referred to in subsection (5) of this
section to whom disclosure or access to tax information is given, prior to
beginning employment or the performance of duties involving such disclosure or
access, shall be advised in writing of the provisions of subsection (1) of this
section and ORS 118.990 (3), and shall as a condition of employment or
performance of duties execute a certificate for the department, stating in
substance that the person has read these provisions of law, that the person has
had them explained and that the person is aware of the penalties for the
violation of subsection (1) of this section.
SECTION 16. ORS 105.645 is amended to
read:
105.645. Notwithstanding any other
provision of ORS 105.623 to 105.649, if as a result of a disclaimer or transfer
the disclaimed or transferred interest is treated pursuant to the provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated under that code, as
in effect on [January 1, 2002,] December
31, 2010, as never having been transferred to the disclaimant, then the
disclaimer or transfer is effective as a disclaimer under ORS 105.623 to
105.649.
SECTION 17. ORS 111.025 is amended to
read:
111.025. For purposes of ORS chapters
111 to 116, the Oregon Tax Court is not a court having probate jurisdiction and
is limited to the trial of appeals on inheritance or estate tax matters.
SECTION 18. ORS 114.075 is amended to
read:
114.075. Subject to the limitations
imposed by ORS 114.065, provision for support under ORS 114.015 ordered by the
court has priority over claims and expenses of administration. The provision [shall] is not [be] charged against the distributive
share of the person receiving support. The provision [shall be] is treated as an expense of administration, but [shall] not [be] as a deduction for [inheritance]
estate tax purposes.
SECTION 19. ORS 116.083 is amended to
read:
116.083. (1) A personal representative
shall make and file in the estate proceeding an account of the personal
representative’s administration:
(a) Unless the court orders otherwise,
annually within 60 days after the anniversary date of the personal
representative’s appointment.
(b) Within 30 days after the date of
the personal representative’s removal or resignation or the revocation of the
personal representative’s letters.
(c) When the estate is ready for final
settlement and distribution.
(d) At such other times as the court
may order.
(2) Each account must include the
following information:
(a) The period of time covered by the
account.
(b) The total value of the property
with which the personal representative is chargeable according to the
inventory, or, if there was a prior account, the amount of the balance of the
prior account.
(c) All money and property received
during the period covered by the account.
(d) All disbursements made during the
period covered by the account. Vouchers for disbursements must accompany the
account, unless otherwise provided by order or rule of the court, or unless the
personal representative is a trust company that has complied with ORS 709.030,
but that personal representative shall:
(A) Maintain the vouchers for a period
of not less than one year following the date on which the order approving the
final account is entered;
(B) Permit interested persons to
inspect the vouchers and receive copies thereof at their own expense at the
place of business of the personal representative during the personal
representative’s normal business hours at any time prior to the end of the
one-year period following the date on which the order approving the final
account is entered; and
(C) Include in each annual account and
in the final account a statement that the vouchers are not filed with the
account but are maintained by the personal representative and may be inspected
and copied as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
(e) The money and property of the
estate on hand.
(f) Such other information as the
personal representative considers necessary to show the condition of the
affairs of the estate or as the court may require.
(g) A declaration under penalty of
perjury in the form required by ORCP 1 E.
(3) When the estate is ready for final
settlement and distribution, the account must also include:
(a) A statement that all Oregon income
taxes, inheritance or estate taxes and personal property taxes, if
any, have been paid, or if not so paid, that payment of those taxes has been
secured by bond, deposit or otherwise, and that all required tax returns have
been filed.
(b) A petition for a judgment
authorizing the personal representative to distribute the estate to the persons
and in the portions specified therein.
(4) If the distributees consent
thereto in writing and all creditors of the estate have been paid in full other
than creditors owed administrative expenses that require court approval, the
personal representative, in lieu of the final account otherwise required by
this section, may file a statement that includes the following:
(a) The period of time covered by the
statement.
(b) A statement that all creditors
have been paid in full other than creditors owed administrative expenses that
require court approval.
(c) The statement and petition
referred to in subsection (3) of this section.
(d) A declaration under penalty of
perjury in the form required by ORCP 1 E.
(5) Notice of time for filing
objections to the statement described in subsection (4) of this section is not
required.
(6) The Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court may by rule specify the form and contents of accounts that must be filed
by a personal representative.
SECTION 20. ORS 116.173 is amended to
read:
116.173. (1) Upon application to the
court a personal representative is entitled to receive compensation for
services as provided in this section. If there is more than one personal
representative acting concurrently, the compensation shall not be increased,
but may be divided among them as they agree or as the court may order. The
compensation is a commission upon the whole estate, as follows:
(a) Upon the property subject to the
jurisdiction of the court, including income and realized gains:
(A) Seven percent of any sum not
exceeding $1,000.
(B) Four percent of all above $1,000
and not exceeding $10,000.
(C) Three percent of all above $10,000
and not exceeding $50,000.
(D) Two percent of all above $50,000.
(b) One percent of the property,
exclusive of life insurance proceeds, not subject to the jurisdiction of the
court but reportable for Oregon inheritance or estate tax or federal
estate tax purposes.
(2) In all cases, further compensation
as is just and reasonable may be allowed by the court for any extraordinary and
unusual services not ordinarily required of a personal representative in the
performance of duties as a personal representative.
(3) When a decedent by will has made
special provision for the compensation of a personal representative, the
personal representative is not entitled to any other compensation for services
unless prior to appointment the personal representative signs and files with
the clerk of the court a written renunciation of the compensation provided by
the will.
SECTION 21. ORS 116.303 is amended to
read:
116.303. As used in ORS 116.303 to
116.383:
(1) “Estate” means the gross estate of
a decedent as determined for the purpose of federal estate tax and the [inheritance] estate tax payable
to this state under ORS 118.005 to 118.840.
(2) “Person” means any individual,
partnership, association, joint stock company, corporation, government,
political subdivision, governmental agency or local governmental agency.
(3) “Person interested in the estate”
means any person entitled to receive, or who has received, from a decedent or
by reason of the death of a decedent any property or interest therein included
in the decedent’s estate. It includes a personal representative, guardian,
conservator or trustee.
(4) “State” means any state, territory
or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico.
(5) “Tax” means the federal estate tax
and the [inheritance] estate
tax payable to this state under ORS 118.005 to 118.840, and interest and
penalties imposed in addition to the tax.
SECTION 22. ORS 116.343 is amended to
read:
116.343. (1) In making an
apportionment, allowances shall be made for any exemptions granted, any
classification made of persons interested in the estate and any deductions and
credits allowed by the law imposing the tax.
(2) Any exemption or deduction allowed
by reason of the relationship of any person to the decedent or by reason of the
purpose of the gift inures to the benefit of the person bearing that
relationship or receiving the gift, except that when an interest is subject to
a prior present interest that is not allowable as a deduction, the tax apportion
able against the present interest shall be paid from principal.
(3) Any deduction for property
previously taxed and any credit for gift taxes or [death] estate taxes of a foreign country paid by the decedent
or the estate of the decedent inures to the proportionate benefit of all
persons liable to apportionment.
(4) Any credit for inheritance,
succession or estate taxes or taxes in the nature thereof in respect to
property or interests includable in the estate inures to the benefit of the
persons or interests chargeable with the payment thereof to the extent that, or
in proportion as, the credit reduces the tax.
(5) To the extent that property
passing to or in trust for a surviving spouse or any charitable, public or
similar gift or bequest does not constitute an allowable deduction for purposes
of the tax solely by reason of an inheritance tax or other death tax imposed
upon and deductible from the property, the property shall not be included in
the computation provided for in ORS 116.313, and to that extent no
apportionment shall be made against the property. This subsection does not
apply to any case in which the result will be to deprive the estate of a
deduction otherwise allowable under section 2053 (d) of the Internal Revenue
Code (26 U.S.C. 2053 (d)) relating to deduction for state [death] estate taxes on transfers for public, charitable or
religious uses.
SECTION 23. ORS 129.250 is amended to
read:
129.250. After a decedent dies, in the
case of an estate, or after an income interest in a trust ends, the following
rules apply:
(1) A fiduciary of an estate or of a
terminating income interest shall determine the amount of net income and net
principal receipts received from property specifically given to a beneficiary
under the rules in ORS 129.270 to 129.425 that apply to trustees and the rules
in subsection (5) of this section. The fiduciary shall distribute the net
income and net principal receipts to the beneficiary who is to receive the specific
property.
(2) A fiduciary shall determine the
remaining net income of a decedent’s estate or a terminating income interest
under the rules in ORS 129.270 to 129.425 that apply to trustees and by:
(a) Including in net income all income
from property used to discharge liabilities;
(b) Paying from income or principal,
in the fiduciary’s discretion, fees of attorneys, accountants and fiduciaries,
court costs and other expenses of administration and interest on [death] estate taxes, but the
fiduciary may pay those expenses from income of property passing to a trust for
which the fiduciary claims an estate tax marital or charitable deduction only
to the extent that the payment of those expenses from income will not cause the
reduction or loss of the deduction; and
(c) Paying from principal all other
disbursements made or incurred in connection with the settlement of a decedent’s
estate or the winding up of a terminating income interest, including debts,
funeral expenses, disposition of remains, family allowances, and [death] estate taxes and related
penalties that are apportioned to the estate or terminating income interest by
the will, the terms of the trust or applicable law.
(3) A fiduciary shall distribute to a
beneficiary who receives a pecuniary amount outright the interest or any other
amount provided by the will, the terms of the trust or applicable law from net
income determined under subsection (2) of this section or from principal to the
extent that net income is insufficient. If a beneficiary is to receive a
pecuniary amount outright from a trust after an income interest ends and no
interest or other amount is provided for by the terms of the trust or
applicable law, the fiduciary shall distribute the interest or other amount to
which the beneficiary would be entitled under applicable law if the pecuniary
amount were required to be paid under a will.
(4) A fiduciary shall distribute the
net income remaining after distributions required by subsection (3) of this
section in the manner described in ORS 129.255 to all other beneficiaries,
including a beneficiary who receives a pecuniary amount in trust, even if the
beneficiary holds an unqualified power to withdraw assets from the trust or
other presently exercisable general power of appointment over the trust.
(5) A fiduciary may not reduce
principal or income receipts from property described in subsection (1) of this
section because of a payment described in ORS 129.400 or 129.405 to the extent
that the will, the terms of the trust or applicable law requires the fiduciary
to make the payment from assets other than the property or to the extent that
the fiduciary recovers or expects to recover the payment from a third party.
The net income and principal receipts from the property are determined by including
all of the amounts the fiduciary receives or pays with respect to the property,
whether those amounts accrued or became due before, on or after the date of a
decedent’s death or an income interest’s terminating event, and by making a
reasonable provision for amounts that the fiduciary believes the estate or
terminating income interest may become obligated to pay after the property is
distributed.
SECTION 24. ORS 305.490 is amended to
read:
305.490. (1) Plaintiffs or petitioners
filing a complaint or petition in the tax court shall pay a filing fee at the
time of filing for each complaint or petition as follows:
(a) For a complaint or petition in the
magistrate division, $25.
(b) For a complaint or petition in the
regular division, $50.
(c) If a complaint or petition is
specially designated under ORS 305.501 for hearing in the regular division, a
fee of $50.
(2) Neither the State of Oregon, nor
any county, school district, municipal corporation or other public corporation
therein, nor any officer of any such public political division or corporation,
appearing in the representative capacity of the officer of any public political
division or corporation, shall be required to pay the fee prescribed under this
section. The party entitled to costs and disbursements on such appeal shall
recover from the opponent of the party the amount so paid upon order of the
court, as in equity suits in the circuit court.
(3)(a) If, in any proceeding before
the tax court judge involving taxes upon or measured by net income in which an
individual taxpayer is a party, or involving inheritance or estate taxes,
the court grants a refund claimed by the executor or taxpayer or denies in part
or wholly an additional assessment of taxes claimed by the Department of
Revenue to be due from the estate or taxpayer, the court may allow the
taxpayer, in addition to costs and disbursements, the following:
(A) Reasonable attorney fees for the
proceeding under this subsection and for the prior proceeding in the matter, if
any, before the magistrate; and
(B) Reasonable expenses as determined
by the court. Expenses include accountant fees and fees of other experts
incurred by the executor or individual taxpayer in preparing for and conducting
the proceeding before the tax court judge and the prior proceeding in the
matter, if any, before the magistrate.
(b) Payment of attorney fees or
reasonable expenses under this subsection shall be made by the Department of
Revenue in the manner provided by ORS 305.790.
(4)(a) If, in any proceeding before
the tax court judge involving ad valorem property taxation, exemptions, special
assessments or omitted property, the court finds in favor of the taxpayer, the
court may allow the taxpayer, in addition to costs and disbursements, the
following:
(A) Reasonable attorney fees for the
proceeding under this subsection and for the prior proceeding in the matter, if
any, before the magistrate; and
(B) Reasonable expenses as determined
by the court. Expenses include fees of experts incurred by the individual taxpayer
in preparing for and conducting the proceeding before the tax court judge and
the prior proceeding in the matter, if any, before the magistrate.
(b) Payment of attorney fees or
reasonable expenses under this subsection shall be made by the Department of
Revenue in the manner provided by ORS 305.790.
(5) All fees and other moneys received
or collected by the clerk by virtue of the office of the clerk shall be paid
over to the State Treasurer and shall be held by the clerk in the General Fund
as miscellaneous receipts.
SECTION 25. ORS 314.415 is amended to
read:
314.415. (1) If the Department of
Revenue determines pursuant to ORS 305.270 that the amount of the tax due is
less than the amount theretofore paid, the excess shall be refunded by the department
with interest at the rate established under ORS 305.220, for each month or
fraction of a month during a period beginning 45 days after the due date of the
return or the date the tax was paid, or, in the case of a return filed under
ORS 118.100, the date that the return is filed, whichever is the later, to
the time the refund is made.
(2)(a) The department may not allow or
make a refund after three years from the time the return was filed, or two
years from the time the tax (or a portion of the tax) was paid, whichever
period expires later, unless before the expiration of this period a claim for
refund is filed by the taxpayer in compliance with ORS 305.270. In any case, if
the original return is not filed within three years of the due date, excluding
extensions, of the return, the department may allow or make a refund only of
amounts paid within two years from the date of the filing of the claim for
refund. If a refund is disallowed for the tax year during which excess tax was
paid for any reason set forth in this subsection, the department may not allow
the excess as a credit against any tax occurring on a return filed for a
subsequent year.
(b) The department may not make a
refund if the tax owed after offsets for all amounts owed the state, or a
county pursuant to a judgment obtained under ORS 169.151, is less than $1.
(c) If a taxpayer would qualify under
section 6511(h) of the Internal Revenue Code for a suspension of the running of
the periods specified for filing a claim for refund of federal income tax, the
period specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection shall also be suspended.
(d) The department may not pay an
employee interest on a refund of a tax withheld by an employer if the interest
would be for any period prior to the time the employee files a personal income
tax return for the tax year involved or for any period prior to the day that is
45 days after the date when the employee’s annual return for that year was
filed or was due, whichever is later.
(e) The department may not pay
interest on a refund of estimated tax paid under ORS 314.505 to 314.525 or
316.557 to 316.589 if the interest would be for any period prior to the time
the taxpayer files a tax return for the tax year involved or for any period
prior to the day that is 45 days after the date when the tax return for that
year was filed or was due, whichever is later.
(f) The amount of the refund,
exclusive of interest on the refund, may not exceed the portion of the tax paid
during the period preceding the filing of the claim or, if no claim is filed,
then during the period preceding the allowance of the refund during which a
claim might have been filed. Where there has been an overpayment of any tax
imposed, the amount of the overpayment and interest on the overpayment shall be
credited against any tax, penalty or interest then due from the taxpayer, and
only the balance shall be refunded.
(g) Except as provided in ORS 305.265
(12), if, pursuant to a notice of deficiency or assessment, the taxpayer pays
the amount specified in the notice, or any part thereof, and if, upon appeal,
the Oregon Tax Court or the Oregon Supreme Court orders that all or any part of
the deficiency amount specified in the notice and paid by the taxpayer be
refunded, the amount so ordered to be refunded shall bear interest at the rate
established for refunds in ORS 305.220. Interest shall be computed from the
date of payment to the department. Nothing in this subsection shall require
that interest be paid upon any amount for any period for which interest upon
the same amount for the same period is required to be paid under ORS 305.419.
(3)(a) Notwithstanding any provision
to the contrary in ORS 305.265 or 305.270 or subsection (1) or (2) of this
section, if, prior to the expiration of the period prescribed in subsection (2)
of this section, the department and the taxpayer consent in writing to the
refund of tax after the expiration of the period prescribed:
(A) The department shall make the
refund prior to the expiration of the period agreed upon; and
(B) The department may not make or
allow a refund after the expiration of the period agreed upon unless a claim
for refund is filed by the taxpayer before the expiration of the period agreed
upon in compliance with the manner prescribed by the department. The period so
agreed upon may be extended by subsequent agreements in writing made before the
expiration of the period previously agreed upon.
(b) The department may consent to
extend the period during which a refund may be made only if the taxpayer has
consented to the assessment of additional tax, if additional taxes are
determined upon audit, after the expiration of the applicable period prescribed
in ORS 314.410 (1) to (3).
(4)(a) If the claim for credit or
refund relates to an overpayment on account of the deductibility by the
taxpayer, or by a partnership, of the worthlessness of a share of stock in a
corporation, of the right to subscribe for or to receive a share of stock in a
corporation, or of a debt, in lieu of the three-year period of limitation
prescribed in subsection (2) of this section, the period shall be seven years
from the date prescribed by law for the filing of the return for the year with
respect to which the claim is made.
(b) If the claim described in
paragraph (a) of this subsection is made after the expiration of the three-year
period prescribed in subsection (2) of this section, the department may not
allow interest with respect to any credit or refund determined to be due upon
the claim for the period beginning at the close of the three-year period
prescribed in subsection (2) of this section and ending at the expiration of
six months after the date on which the claim is filed.
(5)(a) If the claim for credit or
refund relates to an overpayment attributable to a net operating loss carryback
or a net capital loss carryback, in lieu of the three-year period of limitation
prescribed in subsection (2) of this section, the period shall be the period
that ends three years after the time prescribed by law for filing the return
(including extensions) for the taxable year of the net operating loss or net
capital loss that results in such carryback. In the case of such a claim, the
amount of the credit or refund may exceed the portion of the tax paid within
the period provided in subsection (1), (2) or (3) of this section, whichever is
applicable, to the extent of the amount of the overpayment attributable to the
carryback. If the allowance of a credit or refund of an overpayment of tax
attributable to a net operating loss carryback or a net capital loss carryback
is otherwise prevented by the operation of any law or rule of law other than
ORS 305.150, relating to closing agreements, the credit or refund may be
allowed or made if the claim for credit or refund is filed within the period provided
in this subsection. To the extent that the carryback was not an issue in any
proceeding in which the determination of a court, including the Oregon Tax
Court, has become final, the claimed credit or refund applicable to that
carryback may be allowed or made under this subsection.
(b) For purposes of subsection (1) or
(2) of this section, if any overpayment of tax results from a carryback of a
net operating loss or net capital loss, the overpayment shall be deemed not to
have been made prior to the later of:
(A) The due date of the return for the
taxable year in which such net operating loss or net capital loss arises;
(B) The date the return for the year
in which the net operating loss or net capital loss arises is filed; or
(C) The date of filing of the return
for the year to which the net operating loss or net capital loss is carried
back.
(6) Notwithstanding any provision to
the contrary in ORS 305.265 or 305.270 or this section, if the taxpayer has
agreed with the United States Commissioner of Internal Revenue for an
extension, or a renewal of an extension, of the period for proposing and
assessing deficiencies in federal income tax for any year, the period within
which a claim for credit or refund may be filed or credit or refund allowed or
made if no claim is filed shall be the period provided within subsections (1)
to (5) of this section or six months after the date of the expiration of the
agreed period for assessing deficiency in federal income tax, whichever period
expires later.
(7) If a joint return is filed, the
department may make separate refunds at the request of either spouse. The
separate refunds shall bear the same proportion to the total refund as the
adjusted gross income of each spouse bears to the adjusted gross income of both
spouses, or as otherwise determined by the department.
(8) If a taxpayer entitled to a refund
under subsection (1) of this section dies, the department may issue a draft for
payment of such refund under the terms and conditions set out in ORS 293.490 to
293.500 exercising the same powers and subject to the same restrictions
pursuant to which the State Treasurer is authorized to pay the amounts of
warrants, checks or orders under those statutes.
SECTION 26. Sections 27 and 28 of
this 2011 Act are added to and made a part of ORS 118.005 to 118.840.
SECTION 27. When the Department of
Revenue and the taxing official of one or more other states each claims that
the state of that official respectively was the domicile of the decedent for
the purpose of estate taxes or claims taxing authority over the same property
in an estate, the department may negotiate, and enter into an agreement, with
the taxing official of the other state and with the executor to accept payment
of estate tax, together with any interest and penalties. The department may
enter into binding arbitration or into a compromise agreement with respect to
disputed liability for estate taxes with each taxing official and with the
executor.
SECTION 28. (1) At any time within
three years after the date that an estate tax return is filed, the Department
of Revenue may give notice of deficiency as prescribed in ORS 305.265.
(2) If the department finds that the
value of the gross estate has been undervalued on the estate tax return by an
amount greater than 25 percent, notice of deficiency may given at any time
within five years after the date that the return is filed.
(3) The limitations to the giving of
notice of a deficiency provided in this section do not apply to a deficiency
resulting from a false or fraudulent estate tax return or in a case where no
return has been filed.
SECTION 29. ORS 118.009, 118.019,
118.220, 118.240, 118.470, 118.810, 118.820, 118.830, 118.840, 118.855,
118.860, 118.865, 118.870, 118.875 and 118.880 and section 3, chapter 806,
Oregon Laws 2003, are repealed.
SECTION 30. (1) Sections 27 and 28 of this 2011 Act, the amendments to ORS 111.025,
114.075, 116.083, 116.173, 116.303, 116.343, 118.005, 118.007, 118.010,
118.013, 118.016, 118.100, 118.140, 118.160, 118.171, 118.225, 118.260,
118.280, 118.300, 118.350, 118.525, 129.250, 305.490 and 314.415 by sections 1
to 15 and 17 to 25 of this 2011 Act and the repeal of ORS 118.009, 118.019,
118.220, 118.240, 118.470, 118.810, 118.820, 118.830, 118.840, 118.855,
118.860, 118.865, 118.870, 118.875 and 118.880 and section 3, chapter 806,
Oregon Laws 2003, by section 29 of this 2011 Act apply to estates of decedents
who die on or after January 1, 2012.
(2) The amendments to ORS 105.645 by
section 16 of this 2011 Act apply to estates of decedents who die on or after
January 1, 2010.
SECTION 31. This 2011 Act takes
effect on the 91st day after the date on which the 2011 regular session of the
Seventy-sixth Legislative Assembly adjourns sine die.
Approved by
the Governor June 28, 2011
Filed in the
office of Secretary of State June 29, 2011
Effective date
September 29, 2011
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