Chapter 311 — Collection of Property Taxes

 

2023 EDITION

 

 

COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TAXES

 

REVENUE AND TAXATION

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

311.005     “Tax collector” defined

 

311.010     “County court” defined

 

311.015     Recovery for false return or fraudulent act of tax collector

 

311.020     Collection procedure when offices of assessor and tax collector combined

 

TAX COLLECTOR

 

311.055     Tax collector

 

311.060     Bond

 

311.065     Deputies and clerical assistance

 

311.070     Tax collecting functions of sheriff transferred to designated tax collector

 

311.075     Tax collecting obligations transferred to tax collector; pending proceedings unaffected

 

PREPARING TAX ROLLS; RESTORATION AFTER DAMAGE

 

311.105     Certificate of taxes levied or imposed; preparation; contents; delivery

 

311.110     Warrant of clerk authorizing collection of taxes

 

311.115     Delivery of assessment roll to tax collector; tax roll

 

311.120     Adding uncollected tax to tax for succeeding year; placing property as to which tax adjudged void upon rolls; relisting, reassessment and relevying

 

311.125     Entering delinquent taxes on tax roll

 

311.135     Restoration of current assessment roll after destruction or damage

 

311.140     Transcripts of destroyed or damaged rolls showing unpaid taxes; corrections to rolls; taxpayer petition for relief; unpaid taxes as liens

 

311.145     Supplying materials and clerical help to restore rolls

 

311.150     Additions, changes and corrections to rolls by voucher; preservation of vouchers

 

311.165     Collection of taxes upon severance and removal of improvements from the land

 

STATE REPLACEMENT OBLIGATION OF REVENUE LOST BY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UNDER CONSTITUTIONAL LIMIT ON AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAX; CALCULATION; REPORTS

 

311.175     Loss of revenue by school taxing districts; report; calculation

 

311.183     Correction of errors in reports; presentation of reports and corrections to legislative committees

 

CORRECTING ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN ROLLS

 

311.205     Correcting errors or omissions in rolls; appeals; de minimis corrections; remedies cumulative

 

311.206     Additional taxes resulting from correction of error or omission; date of delinquency; limitations; prepayment

 

311.208     Notice required when current roll corrections increase value; time for payment of additional taxes; appeals

 

311.216     Notice of intention to add omitted property to rolls; treatment of unreported or understated property; duty of tax collector

 

311.219     Notice of intention to assess omitted property

 

311.223     Correction of rolls; filing statement of facts; notice to taxpayer; powers of assessor; appeals

 

311.226     Tax deemed assessed and imposed in year for which property was omitted

 

311.229     Taxes added to rolls become liens; delinquency of additional taxes; interest added for willful evasion; prepayment

 

311.232     Mandamus to require placing omitted property on roll

 

311.234     Correction of maximum assessed value; conditions; three percent limitation; filing deadline; appeals

 

311.235     Bona fide purchaser; when taxes become lien

 

TIME AND MANNER OF COLLECTION

 

311.250     Tax statements; rules

 

311.252     Copy of tax statement to be sent to mortgagee paying taxes; procedure when information otherwise transmitted

 

311.253     Use of computer record to comply with ORS 311.250; agreement to use record instead of tax statements; rules

 

311.255     Taxes, other charges of taxing agencies and water improvement company charges collected with county taxes

 

311.260     Payment of taxes in United States money

 

311.265     Payment of taxes with warrants

 

311.270     Discounting county orders prohibited

 

311.275     Grantor and grantee or buyer and seller proportionally liable

 

311.280     Payment of taxes on part of property assessed as one parcel; division; when division not allowed; division between manufactured structure and parcel

 

311.285     Rights of occupant or tenant paying tax

 

311.345     Damages and interest for failure to settle taxes on assessment roll or pay over tax moneys

 

311.350     Money for distinct and specified object

 

311.356     Receipt and notation by tax collector of property tax payments; crediting payments

 

311.361     Form of tax receipt; numbering; taxpayer’s copy; temporary receipt; destruction of receipts

 

311.370     Receipts for taxes collected in advance of extension on the tax roll; entries in assessment roll; deposit of moneys in special account; posting payments; excess collections or deficiencies; reimbursement for refunds

 

TAX DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE

 

311.375     Forwarding state taxes by county treasurers

 

311.385     Deposit of property tax moneys in unsegregated tax collections account; time requirements

 

311.388     Additional taxes or penalties; deposit; distribution

 

311.390     Tax and interest distribution percentage schedule; deduction of certain amounts distributable to municipal corporations; changed or additional levies

 

311.391     Notice to taxing districts of amount of property taxes

 

311.392     County’s option to advance to municipalities taxes levied prior to collection

 

311.395     Periodic statements of tax collections; crediting to funds; distribution to taxing units

 

TAX LIENS; SUMMARY COLLECTIONS

 

(Generally)

 

311.405     Tax as lien; priority; effect of removal, sale or transfer of personal property

 

311.410     Effect of property transfer or lease termination on lien and on taxability of property

 

311.411     Certificate of taxes paid required to record instrument conveying real property to public entity; authorization for agent to withhold taxes; issuance; deficiency as personal debt of transferor; collection

 

311.412     Effect of acquisition of property by eminent domain on taxes for prior fiscal years

 

311.413     Effect of acquisition of property by eminent domain on taxes for fiscal year of acquisition

 

311.414     Date of acquisition for purposes of ORS 311.412 and 311.413

 

311.415     Payment of taxes before entry of judgment or order in certain causes

 

311.420     Dissipation, removal or destruction of value of realty subsequent to assessment or tax day

 

311.425     Removing timber before paying taxes on timber or land prohibited; enjoining the cutting or removing of timber

 

311.430     Remedy of ORS 311.420 and 311.425 cumulative

 

311.455     Tax on personal property as debt; action for collection of taxes; writs of attachment

 

311.465     Summary collection of tax on property about to be removed, sold, dissipated or destroyed

 

311.467     Review of assessor’s action under expedited collection provisions

 

311.470     Distraining property about to be removed from state or dissipated

 

311.473     Foreclosure sale of property to be removed from county; required notice by financial institution; recourse for failure to give notice

 

311.475     Collecting and remitting taxes on property removed from one county to another

 

(Bankruptcy Collections)

 

311.480     Property tax due upon bankruptcy; presenting claim

 

311.484     Property tax bankruptcy account

 

311.489     Bankruptcy collections efforts report

 

DELINQUENT TAXES; COLLECTION

 

(Generally)

 

311.505     Due dates; interest on late payments; discounts on early payments

 

311.506     Review of rate of interest by Legislative Assembly

 

311.507     Discount allowed for certain late payments

 

311.508     Disposition of interest on late payments; certification of estimated interest

 

311.510     Date of delinquency

 

311.512     Collection of taxes on manufactured structures

 

311.513     Collection of additional taxes due upon resolution of appeal

 

311.514     Computation of interest when interest computation date falls on Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday

 

311.515     Partial payments

 

311.520     When cities exempt from penalty and interest

 

311.525     Property acquired by state remains subject to tax lien; cancellation of interest and penalties

 

311.531     Tax collector to file annual statement compiled from tax rolls

 

311.545     Notice of delinquent taxes on real property

 

311.547     Notice of delinquent taxes on personal property

 

311.549     Delinquent taxes on machinery and equipment collectible as taxes on real or personal property

 

311.550     Return address on envelope containing notice

 

311.555     Property owners to furnish addresses

 

311.560     Noting address on tax roll

 

311.565     Effect of tax collector’s failure to keep address or give notice

 

(Warrants for Delinquent Personal Property Taxes)

 

311.605     “Person” defined for ORS 311.605 to 311.642

 

311.610     Warrants to enforce payments of taxes on personal property

 

311.615     Notice of warrants

 

311.620     Service of warrant

 

311.625     Recordation of warrant in lien record; lien on real and personal property

 

311.630     Procedure of ORS 311.605 to 311.642 mandatory

 

311.633     Fee for service of warrant under ORS 311.605 to 311.642

 

311.635     Execution; release of lien

 

(Electronic Filing of Warrants for Delinquent Business Personal Property Taxes)

311.636     Filing of electronic notice of warrant for delinquent business personal property taxes with Secretary of State; electronic notice of release or cancellation; fees

 

311.637     Expiration and extension of electronic notice of warrant

311.638     Public access to electronic notices

311.639     Seller of business personal property to provide purchaser with property tax disclosure notice

 

311.641     Bona fide purchaser of business personal property; release of lien

 

311.642     Compromise property tax payment from purchaser of business personal property; release of lien; total amount of taxes remains personal liability of taxpayer at time of assessment; refund to purchaser

 

(Miscellaneous)

 

311.644     Seizure and sale of personal property or real property machinery and equipment for delinquent property tax; notice

 

311.645     Charging personal property taxes against real property

 

311.650     Collection of taxes on real property of the United States held under contract of sale, lease or other interest less than fee

 

311.651     Collection of taxes on real property of public entity held under leasehold or other interest less than fee; writs of attachment

 

311.655     Companies assessed by Department of Revenue; tax as debt; lien for taxes; action for collection; warrant for payment

 

311.656     Notice to tax collector on foreclosure of security interest or lien on taxable personal property or real property machinery and equipment; effect if taxes due

 

COLLECTION OF ANY STATE PROPERTY TAX APPORTIONED TO COUNTIES

311.657     Transcript of apportionment to counties; notice of levy

 

311.658     Collection, payment of state levy; informing State Treasurer of state levy for bonded indebtedness and interest; rules

 

311.660     State levy collection limited to levies for payment of bonded indebtedness and interest

 

311.662     Validity of state levy for payment of bonded indebtedness and interest; effect of certification, levy, apportionment or collection proceeding or procedure

 

DEFERRED COLLECTION OF HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAXES

 

311.666     Definitions for ORS 311.666 to 311.701

 

311.667     Sunset of homestead deferral program

 

311.668     Eligibility of individuals by age or disability; limits on household income and net worth; delinquent or canceled deferred taxes

 

311.670     Eligibility of property

 

311.672     Claim form; deadline; eligibility determination by Department of Revenue; effect of eligibility; limitation on number of new deferrals granted; appeals

 

311.673     State liens against tax-deferred property

 

311.674     Listing of tax-deferred property; interest accrual

 

311.675     Recording liens; recording constitutes notice of state lien

 

311.676     State to pay counties amount equivalent to deferred taxes

 

311.678     Annual notice to taxpayer claiming deferral in current tax year

 

311.679     Estimate of deferred taxes; lien; foreclosure; voluntary payment

 

311.681     Request for retroactive deferral

 

311.683     Continued deferral after Department of Transportation condemnation; application; requirements; rules

 

311.684     Circumstances requiring payment of deferred tax and interest

 

311.686     Continuation of deferral after circumstance requiring payment; time for payment; delinquency; foreclosure

 

311.687     Loss of eligibility for deferral when disability ceases; prior deferred taxes may continue deferral

 

311.688     Claim by surviving spouse or disabled heir to continue tax deferral

 

311.689     Certification of continuing eligibility

311.690     Voluntary payment of deferred tax and interest

 

311.691     Taxes unpaid before deferral as lien; effect on foreclosure; exceptions

 

311.693     Application to delay foreclosure; appeals

 

311.694     Reimbursement of state for taxes uncollected after foreclosure

 

311.695     Joint and several liability of transferees for deferral amounts

 

311.696     Limitations on effect of ORS 311.666 to 311.701

 

311.700     Deed or contract clauses prohibiting application for deferral are void; reverse mortgage prohibition; exceptions

 

311.701     Senior Property Tax Deferral Revolving Account; sources; uses

 

DEFERRAL OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENT

 

311.702     Definitions for ORS 311.702 to 311.735

 

311.704     Claim to defer special assessment for local improvement

 

311.706     Requirements for deferral

 

311.708     Claim form; filing date

 

311.711     Duties of bond lien docket or assessment lien record officer; liens; interest; foreclosure

 

311.716     Events requiring payment of deferred special assessment; duty to inform Department of Revenue

 

311.718     Time for payments; delinquency

 

311.721     Election by spouse to continue deferral

 

311.722     Extension of time for payment upon death of claimant; five-year limit; bond; interest

 

311.723     Voluntary payment of deferred special assessment

 

311.725     Disposition of collected special assessments; reimbursement of state

 

311.727     Deferred special assessments uncollected after foreclosure; reimbursement of state by taxing units

 

311.729     Limitations on effect of ORS 311.702 to 311.735

 

311.730     Payments by state to local officers; dates of payment; small special assessment amounts prepaid

 

311.731     Remittance to state of prepaid amounts when deferral ends

 

311.732     Deed or contract clauses prohibiting application for deferral are void

 

311.735     Rules

 

DISASTER AREA TAX DEFERRAL

311.740     Definitions for ORS 311.740 to 311.780

 

311.745     Election to defer taxes in disaster area; eligibility

 

311.750     Qualifications

 

311.755     Time for payment; interest on deferred taxes; delinquency

 

311.759     Voluntary payment; satisfaction of deferred property tax lien

 

311.761     Recordation of tax deferred properties; recording constitutes notice of lien

 

311.771     Liens; priority; foreclosure proceeding

 

311.775     Notice of deferral to assessor by department; rate of interest on deferred taxes

 

311.780     Payment of tax deferred amounts to county by state; availability of moneys

 

COMPROMISE, ADJUSTMENT AND SETTLEMENT OF TAXES

 

311.785     Authority to compromise taxes, abate interest or lawful charges

 

311.790     Cancellation of uncollectible property tax

 

311.795     Cancellation of delinquent taxes on certain donated property; cancellation where total is $10 or less

 

311.800     Compromise of taxes on lands conveyed to United States

 

311.804     Cancellation of assessment or taxes on cancellation of certificate or contract by Department of State Lands

 

REFUNDS

 

311.806     Refund of taxes on real and personal property; credit against total tax liability account of person owed refund

 

311.807     Refund reserve account; deposits; payment of refunds; rules

 

311.808     When refund on real property, manufactured structure or floating home prohibited

 

311.812     No interest on refunds under ORS 311.806; exceptions; rate

 

311.813     Refunds ordered by certain courts

 

311.814     Appeal of large amounts of value; reserve account for refunds

 

311.815     Abandonment of purpose for which special tax levied; refund or cancellation of tax

 

311.821     Refunds authorized in event of certain boundary changes of taxing districts; reimbursements

 

PREPAYMENT OF TAXES FOR FACILITIES

 

311.850     Findings

 

311.855     Definitions for ORS 311.850 to 311.870

 

311.860     Agreement for prepayment; contents; filing; certificate of payment

 

311.865     Exemption; amount; termination

 

311.870     Characterization of prepaid taxes

 

PENALTIES

 

311.990     Penalties

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

      311.005 “Tax collector” defined. As used in the tax laws of this state, “tax collector” means the person or officer who by law is charged with the duty of collecting taxes assessed upon real property, and includes a deputy. [Amended by 1973 c.305 §5; 1981 c.346 §9]

 

      311.010 “County court” defined. As used in the tax laws of this state, unless the context requires otherwise, “county court” includes the board of county commissioners or other governing body of the county. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §8; 1995 c.79 §142]

 

      Note: The definition of “manufactured structure” provided in 307.021 applies to ORS chapter 311.

 

      311.015 Recovery for false return or fraudulent act of tax collector. If a person is injured by the false return or fraudulent act of a tax collector, such person shall recover upon suit, brought on the bond of the tax collector and sureties of the tax collector, double damages and costs of suit. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §9]

 

      311.020 Collection procedure when offices of assessor and tax collector combined. (1) Wherever a statute provides for the assessor to certify an assessment to the tax collector for collection, the person exercising the duties of both assessor and tax collector in a county having a charter shall prepare the certificate required by law, file it in the office of the person and proceed in the manner otherwise provided by law.

      (2) In counties where the duties of assessor and tax collector have been delegated to one person, the filing of the warrant under ORS 311.115 shall constitute a constructive delivery of the roll to such person in the tax collecting capacity of the person. [1963 c.238 §§10,12]

 

TAX COLLECTOR

 

      311.055 Tax collector. The county court or board of county commissioners of each county shall designate the tax collector thereof. [Amended by 1973 c.305 §1]

 

      311.060 Bond. Before entering upon the duties the tax collector shall give a bond, issued by some responsible surety company, or given by some responsible surety or sureties as approved by the county court, conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties as tax collector, in the amount the county court directs. The premium for the bond, if issued by a surety company, shall be paid by the county court. In all counties the bond shall be additional and cumulative to any other bond given by the officer or employee under any other statute, to which resort may be had, in case of failure or default of the duties as tax collector, if the bond required by this section is unenforceable or insufficient. [Amended by 1963 c.238 §5; 1965 c.344 §10; 1973 c.305 §6]

 

      311.065 Deputies and clerical assistance. Each county tax collector shall be entitled to such deputies and clerical assistance as may be necessary properly to transact the business and perform the work of the office. Such deputies and clerical assistance shall be furnished by the county court at the expense of the county. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §11]

 

      311.070 Tax collecting functions of sheriff transferred to designated tax collector. Upon the designation of someone other than the sheriff as tax collector of a county, all the duties, functions and powers of the sheriff of the county acting as the tax collector and with respect to the collection of taxes are transferred to the tax collector. [1973 c.305 §2; 1981 c.346 §10; 2017 c.315 §13]

 

      311.075 Tax collecting obligations transferred to tax collector; pending proceedings unaffected. (1) The rights, duties and obligations of a sheriff legally incurred under contracts, leases and business transactions, entered into with respect to duties, functions and powers transferred by the county court of the county to another officer designated as tax collector shall, upon the date ordered by the court, be transferred to the tax collector of the county. For the purpose of succession to such rights, duties and obligations, the tax collector shall constitute a continuation of the sheriff and not a new authority, and the tax collector shall exercise and perform such rights, duties and obligations with the same force and effect as if they had not been transferred.

      (2) The transfer of duties, functions and powers as authorized by ORS 311.070 shall not affect any proceeding, prosecution, action or suit pending at the time of the transfer.

      (3) Such a transfer shall not relieve any person of any obligation with respect to any tax or other charge, interest, penalty, forfeiture or any other liability, duty or obligation accrued under or with respect to the duties, functions and powers transferred as provided by ORS 311.070. [1973 c.305 §3]

 

PREPARING TAX ROLLS; RESTORATION AFTER DAMAGE

 

      311.105 Certificate of taxes levied or imposed; preparation; contents; delivery. (1) After the assessor has completed the apportionment, extension and imposition of taxes on property on the assessment roll, the assessor shall make a certificate, in duplicate, containing a list of all taxing districts, and the following information:

      (a) Based on the amounts determined under ORS 310.153, the assessor shall list the total amount of taxes on property levied or imposed on property within the county by each district, the total amount of each special assessment and of each kind of fee or other charge authorized or required by law to be placed upon the tax roll for each district.

      (b) There shall be deducted from the amount in paragraph (a) of this subsection any loss caused by truncating the tax rate as required by ORS 310.090.

      (c) The total amount, paragraphs (a) minus (b) of this subsection, of taxes, assessments, fees and other charges to be raised for each district by the tax roll and any property tax amounts to be paid by the state and the total thereof.

      (d) The total amount of taxes on property actually imposed on property in the county by each district within the limits of section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

      (e) The total amount of loss in each category identified in ORS 310.150 by district due to proration of taxes on property, which is the total amount of taxes to be levied or charged, less the amount actually imposed.

      (f) The amount to be imposed by the tax collector against real property, against personal property, and against property assessed pursuant to ORS 308.505 to 308.674.

      (2) The assessor shall include on the roll only taxes on property certified under ORS 310.060 that are imposed on property subject to ad valorem taxation and other amounts specifically authorized by law to be included on the roll.

      (3) The certificate also shall contain the list required under ORS 310.147.

      (4) The assessor shall deliver one copy of the certificate to the county clerk. [Amended by 1963 c.238 §6; 1965 c.344 §12; 1969 c.595 §5; 1975 c.780 §9; 1979 c.350 §11; 1991 c.459 §229; 1993 c.270 §53; 1995 c.79 §143; 1997 c.541 §274]

 

      311.110 Warrant of clerk authorizing collection of taxes. After receiving the certificate required by ORS 311.105, the county clerk shall forthwith issue to the county assessor a warrant, in the name of the State of Oregon, under the hand of the clerk and the seal of the county court, authorizing the collection by the tax collector and charging the tax collector with the collection of the taxes and other amounts shown in the certificate. [Amended by 1963 c.238 §7; 1967 c.105 §4]

 

      311.115 Delivery of assessment roll to tax collector; tax roll. The assessor shall deliver the roll to the tax collector each year at such time as the assessor and the tax collector agree is necessary to enable the mailing or other delivery of tax statements on or before October 25. The assessment roll shall be delivered in counties in which the assessor does not prepare a separate assessment roll and a separate tax roll. The assessment roll thereafter shall be a tax roll. The tax roll shall be delivered in counties where a separate assessment roll and tax roll is prepared. At the same time, the assessor shall deliver to the tax collector the second copy of the certificate prepared under ORS 311.105, and the warrant issued under ORS 311.110, and the tax collector shall file them in the office. The tax collector shall give a receipt, in duplicate, for the roll. One copy of the receipt shall be filed with the assessor and the other with the county clerk. All certificates, warrants, assessment and tax rolls shall be preserved as public records. [Amended by 1963 c.238 §8; 1965 c.344 §13; 1991 c.459 §229a; 2019 c.360 §2]

 

      311.120 Adding uncollected tax to tax for succeeding year; placing property as to which tax adjudged void upon rolls; relisting, reassessment and relevying. (1) If a tax levied on property liable to taxation is prevented from being collected for any year or years by reason of an erroneous proceeding, or other cause, the amount of the tax which should have been paid on the property shall be added to the amount of tax upon the property for the next succeeding year; and if any tax is adjudged void for want of form or manner of procedure on the part of the taxing officers, the county assessor or tax collector shall cause the property to be placed on the assessment and tax roll of the current year, the tax to be collected as other taxes of that year are collected.

      (2) There shall be, if necessary, a relisting, reassessment and a relevy of the proper tax in the manner and by the person authorized by law to list property and levy and assess a tax. The relisting, reassessment and relevying shall take place within five years from the date the tax would have been delinquent if the property had been properly listed, assessed and tax levied thereon. If the question is raised in the courts as to the legality of such tax, the five years shall not commence to run until the question is finally determined by the courts.

 

      311.125 Entering delinquent taxes on tax roll. Immediately after receipt of the tax roll each year:

      (1) If delinquent tax payments are to be posted to the previous year’s rolls the tax collector shall enter on the roll received, for each property assessment, a memorandum of all taxes then unpaid and delinquent on such property, showing the tax year or years and the amount of such taxes for each such year. Where a continuing tax roll card system is used on which is shown the prior years’ unpaid taxes, no new annual entry or entries need be made until a new card is used to replace the old card. Where the property description for an account in the current tax roll is different than the description of the property for a prior year, but includes a portion or all of the property on which the unpaid taxes are a lien, the full amount of the unpaid taxes shall be shown, and no segregation of the value of the property need be made unless requested pursuant to ORS 311.280 by a person desiring to pay a portion or all of such unpaid taxes.

      (2) If delinquent tax payments are to be posted to the current tax roll, the tax collector shall enter on the roll received, for each property assessment, all taxes then unpaid and delinquent on such property, showing the tax year or years and the amount of such taxes for each such year. A segregation of value of the property and of the unpaid taxes applicable to each portion of the property segregated shall be made whenever the property description for an account on the current tax roll is different from a prior year or years, as described in subsection (1) of this section. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §14]

 

      311.130 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.135 Restoration of current assessment roll after destruction or damage. (1) If the current assessment roll of any county is destroyed or damaged by fire or other disaster, the county assessor shall repair and restore the assessment roll, extend all regular and lawful tax levies therein and deliver the restored roll as a tax roll to the tax collector at the earliest practicable time.

      (2) The provisions of ORS 311.115 as to the time of delivery of a tax roll to the tax collector by the assessor are waived in such case.

 

      311.140 Transcripts of destroyed or damaged rolls showing unpaid taxes; corrections to rolls; taxpayer petition for relief; unpaid taxes as liens. (1) If the tax rolls of any county are destroyed or damaged, the tax collector of the county shall prepare transcripts of those parts of the rolls in which it appears, from evidence in the possession of the tax collector or otherwise obtainable, that taxes are unpaid on real or personal properties. The Department of Revenue and the assessor of the county shall assist the tax collector in the preparation of the transcripts.

      (2) The tax collector shall then certify that, to the best belief and knowledge of the tax collector, the transcripts are a true and correct record of the taxes remaining unpaid. When certified by the tax collector, the transcripts shall be the tax rolls of the county for all taxes so determined to be unpaid.

      (3) Thereafter, the tax collector shall make corrections of such tax rolls, pursuant to ORS 311.205, to conform such rolls to the destroyed rolls. Such corrections shall be considered to be clerical errors, except that where a taxpayer is aggrieved by such correction, the taxpayer may within 60 days thereof petition the county court for relief. The petition shall set forth in detail the facts upon which the petitioner relies and the relief requested. The county court may hear such petitions in a summary manner and shall issue its order denying the relief requested or granting such relief as it determines proper. Any taxpayer aggrieved by such order may petition to the Oregon Tax Court in the manner provided in ORS 305.404 to 305.560.

      (4) The unpaid taxes exhibited in tax rolls prepared and certified in accordance with this section are liens upon the real and personal properties therein described, and shall have the same force and effect as the liens of taxes charged in the original tax rolls of the county. Such taxes shall be subject to the provisions of law for the collection of taxes on real or personal property. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §15; 1995 c.79 §144; 1995 c.650 §77; 2023 c.231 §4]

 

      Note: Section 6, chapter 231, Oregon Laws 2023, provides:

      Sec. 6. The amendments to ORS 311.140, 311.150, 311.205, 311.234 and 311.250 by sections 1 to 5 of this 2023 Act apply to property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2024. [2023 c.231 §6]

 

      311.145 Supplying materials and clerical help to restore rolls. The county court shall supply and furnish the tax collector and assessor with the books and other materials and clerical help necessary to carry out ORS 311.135 and 311.140.

      311.150 Additions, changes and corrections to rolls by voucher; preservation of vouchers. (1) In lieu of the procedures for additions, changes or corrections to the assessment and tax rolls authorized or required under ORS 309.120, 311.205, 311.370 (5), 311.645, 312.140 (2) and 358.495, the officer in possession of the roll shall prepare a voucher for each correcting entry. The voucher shall state what change is to be made, identify the tax account or accounts affected, provide sufficient evidence to indicate the propriety of the transaction and the date the voucher is approved by the officer in charge of the roll or an authorized deputy. The date the voucher is completed and approved is the date the change shall become effective and the voucher shall become a public record. The vouchers shall be numbered and the voucher number shall appear on the assessment or tax roll adjacent to the entry changing the roll.

      (2) The vouchers provided for in this section shall be preserved until the real property tax rolls of the year affected by the voucher have been foreclosed and the foreclosed property has been deeded to the county; or, in the case of personal property, until one year after the tax account affected by the voucher has been collected or canceled under the provisions of ORS 311.790. [1965 c.344 §6; 1975 c.514 §13; 2023 c.231 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 311.140.

 

      311.160 [1973 c.345 §4; 1979 c.689 §17; 1981 c.178 §12; 1989 c.267 §2; 1993 c.650 §2; 1995 c.650 §90; 1997 c.541 §§275,276; 2001 c.114 §26; repealed by 2017 c.315 §14]

 

      311.165 Collection of taxes upon severance and removal of improvements from the land. (1) If in the opinion of the assessor:

      (a) It appears probable that real property improvements, whether assessed as improvements only or as real property improvements assessed together with land have been or will be severed from the land upon which they are situated and have been or will be removed from such land;

      (b) It appears that the amount of taxes which have been levied against the property in the current and prior years or which are anticipated to be levied for the current assessment year will not be adequately secured by the value of the property remaining in the tax account; and

      (c) It appears that unless prompt action is taken the taxes will not be collected, then the assessor shall proceed to levy and the tax collector to collect the taxes in the manner set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

      (2) If the amount of the taxes for the current year attributable to the property improvements is not able to be determined, the assessor shall estimate the taxes due for the current year. The assessor shall make demand upon the owner of the improvements as shown by the most recent assessment roll, for payment of the unpaid taxes attributable to the improvements for the current and all prior years. Any payments shall be paid immediately upon demand of the assessor either to the assessor for remittance to the tax collector or directly to the tax collector of the county pursuant to ORS 311.370. If the taxes are not paid immediately upon demand, the assessor shall certify the assessment and tax levies so made by the assessor to the tax collector. For the purposes of collection of the assessments, the owner shall be considered a taxpayer owning personal property against which ad valorem taxes have been assessed. Review may be had as provided in ORS 311.467. All taxes collected by the tax collector, or taxes collected by the assessor and remitted to the tax collector shall be credited to the real property account containing the improvements which were the basis of the tax. [1973 c.343 §1; 1979 c.350 §12; 1979 c.689 §28; 1991 c.459 §230]

 

STATE REPLACEMENT OBLIGATION OF REVENUE LOST BY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UNDER CONSTITUTIONAL LIMIT ON AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAX; CALCULATION; REPORTS

 

      311.175 Loss of revenue by school taxing districts; report; calculation. (1) Each year, within five working days after preparation of the certificate required under ORS 311.105, the county assessor shall report to the Department of Revenue the information specified in this subsection for each taxing district that, during that year, imposed a tax on property to fund the public school system. The department shall prescribe the form for the report. The report shall contain:

      (a) The amount of taxes on property to fund the public school system certified by the taxing district as subject to the limits of section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

      (b) The amount of revenue offset against the taxes identified under paragraph (a) of this subsection.

      (c) The amount of taxes on property levied that are lost due to truncation in calculation of the rate of a levy.

      (d) The total amount of taxes on property to fund the public school system actually imposed on property in the district within the limits of section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

      (e) The total amount of loss due to proration of the taxes on property, which is the difference between the amount identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection and the sum of the amounts identified in paragraphs (b) to (d) of this subsection.

      (2) Each year the Department of Revenue shall prepare a report certifying the amount of revenue lost by the public school system due to proration of taxes on property under section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution, from the information reported under subsection (1) of this section, and from any other information available to the department.

      (3) For each taxing district that imposed a tax on property to fund the public school system within the limits of section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution, the amount certified under subsection (2) of this section shall be calculated as follows:

      (a) There shall be subtracted from the amount of taxes on property certified by the taxing district to fund the public school system that were subject to the limits of section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution, the sum of:

      (A) The amount of revenue offset against the taxes identified under paragraph (a) of this subsection; plus

      (B) The total amount of taxes on property to fund the public school system actually imposed on property in the district within the limits of section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution; plus

      (C) The total amount of taxes on property levied that are lost due to truncation in the calculation of the rate of a levy.

      (b) The amount of revenue lost by each taxing district that imposed a tax on property to fund the public school system shall be cumulated to arrive at the total amount of revenue lost to the public school system as a result of the limits of section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. [1991 c.459 §229b]

 

      Note: 311.175 and 311.183 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 311 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      311.177 [1991 c.459 §229c; 1997 c.271 §10; repealed by 2013 c.176 §3]

 

      311.179 [1991 c.459 §229d; repealed by 2013 c.176 §3]

 

      311.181 [1991 c.459 §229e; repealed by 2013 c.176 §3]

 

      311.183 Correction of errors in reports; presentation of reports and corrections to legislative committees. (1) The Department of Revenue may correct any errors it discovers in any report certified under ORS 311.175. Any corrections certified to the State Board of Education before May 1 of any year shall be reflected in the formula used by the board to distribute funds to school districts for that year.

      (2) The reports required under ORS 311.175 shall be certified to the State Board of Education on or before December 15 of each year.

      (3) The department shall present the reports or corrections prepared or certified by the department under ORS 311.175 to the Joint Interim Committee on Revenue and School Finance, if the Legislative Assembly is not in session, or if the Legislative Assembly is in session, to the Senate Revenue Committee and to the House Revenue Committee. [1991 c.459 §229f]

 

      Note: See note under 311.175.

 

CORRECTING ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN ROLLS

 

      311.205 Correcting errors or omissions in rolls; appeals; de minimis corrections; remedies cumulative. (1) After the assessor certifies the assessment and tax roll to the tax collector, the officer in charge of the roll shall correct errors or omissions in the roll to conform to the facts, as follows:

      (a) The officer shall correct a clerical error. For purposes of this paragraph:

      (A) A clerical error is an error on the roll:

      (i)(I) That arises from an error in the ad valorem tax records of the assessor, or the records of the Department of Revenue for property assessed under ORS 306.126; or

      (II) That is a failure to correctly reflect the ad valorem tax records of the assessor, or the records of the department for property assessed under ORS 306.126;

      (ii) That, had it been discovered by the assessor or the department prior to the certification of the assessment and tax roll of the year of assessment, would have been corrected as a matter of course; and

      (iii) For which the information necessary to make the correction is contained in the records.

      (B) Clerical errors include, but are not limited to, arithmetic and copying errors and the omission or misstatement of a land, improvement or other property value on the roll.

      (b)(A) The officer may correct an error in valuation judgment at any time in any account when an appeal has been filed in the tax court alleging that the value on the roll is incorrect, if the correction results in a reduction of the tax owed on the account.

      (B) The officer may not make corrections under this paragraph to accounts appraised by the department pursuant to ORS 306.126 and 308.505 to 308.674 without the agreement of the department that the error is one described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

      (C) The officer shall correct any other error or omission of any kind. Corrections that are not corrections of errors in valuation judgment include, but are not limited to:

      (i) The elimination of an assessment to one taxpayer of property belonging to another on the assessment date;

      (ii) The correction of a tax limit calculation;

      (iii) The correction of a value changed on appeal; and

      (iv) The correction of an error in the assessed value of property resulting from an error in the identification of a unit of property, but not from an error in a notice filed under ORS 310.060.

      (D) For purposes of this paragraph, an error in valuation judgment is one in which the assessor or the department would arrive at a different opinion of value.

      (c) The officer shall make any change requested by the department that relates to an assessment of property made by the department under ORS 308.505 to 308.674.

      (d) The officer shall make any change ordered by the tax court or the department under ORS 305.288 or 306.115.

      (e) The officer shall make any change required under ORS 308A.089.

      (2)(a) The officer in charge of the roll shall make corrections with the assent and concurrence of the assessor or the department. The direction for the correction must be made in writing and state the type of error and the statutory authority for the correction. The officer may correct the roll for any year or years not exceeding five years prior to the last certified roll.

      (b) Any additional taxes resulting from corrections for years prior to the current year are deemed assessed and imposed in the particular year or years to which the corrections apply. Addition of tax to a prior year’s tax roll due to corrections under this section may not be considered in calculating the effect of the tax limitation under Article XI, section 11b, of the Oregon Constitution, for the current year.

      (3) The officer in charge of the roll shall make a correction pursuant to this section in whatever manner is necessary to make the assessment, tax or other proceeding regular and valid. The correction must be distinguishable upon the roll, must include the date of the correction and must identify the officer making the correction.

      (4) Whenever a correction that will increase the assessment to which it relates is to be made after the assessor has delivered the roll to the tax collector, unless the correction is made by order of the department, the officer in charge of the tax roll shall follow the procedure prescribed in ORS 311.216 to 311.232. The provisions of ORS 311.216 to 311.232 with respect to appeals apply under this subsection.

      (5) Corrections that would result in a change in assessed value or real market value of less than $1,000 do not change the value for purposes of computing the taxes levied against the property, but shall be made only for purposes of correcting the office records.

      (6) The remedies under this section are in addition to other remedies provided by law. [Amended by 1953 c.26 §2; 1957 c.324 §8; 1959 c.181 §2; 1961 c.234 §1; 1963 c.267 §1; 1965 c.344 §16; 1971 c.472 §3; 1973 c.402 §28; 1977 c.606 §2; 1979 c.687 §3; 1983 c.605 §5; 1991 c.459 §231; 1993 c.18 §73; 1993 c.270 §54; 1995 c.79 §146; 1995 c.127 §4; 1997 c.541 §278; 1999 c.21 §27; 2001 c.509 §2; 2007 c.590 §2; 2013 c.176 §4; 2023 c.231 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 311.140.

 

      311.206 Additional taxes resulting from correction of error or omission; date of delinquency; limitations; prepayment. (1)(a) Except as provided in subsections (4) and (5) of this section, when the roll is corrected under ORS 311.205, and taxes are added to the roll, the additional taxes shall be added to the tax extended against the property on the general property tax roll for the tax year determined under subsections (2) and (3) of this section, to be collected and distributed in the same manner as other ad valorem property taxes imposed on the property.

      (b) Notwithstanding ORS 311.205 (2)(b), for purposes of collection and enforcement, the additional taxes added to the roll under subsections (1) to (4) of this section shall be considered delinquent as of the date the other taxes for the year in which the additional taxes are added to the roll become delinquent.

      (2) When taxes for a single tax year are added to an assessment and tax roll under subsection (1)(a) of this section, the additional taxes shall be added to the tax extended against the property on the general property tax roll for the tax year following the tax year in which the correction is made.

      (3)(a) When taxes for more than one tax year are added to an assessment and tax roll under subsection (1)(a) of this section, the additional taxes for the earliest tax year shall be added to the tax extended against the property on the general property tax roll for the tax year following the tax year in which the correction is made and additional taxes for each subsequent tax year through the tax year in which the correction is made shall be added in chronological order to the tax extended against the property on the general property tax roll for the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth tax years, as necessary, following the tax year in which the correction is made.

      (b) For each tax year in which the additional tax is deferred under this subsection, the county assessor shall enter the notation “deferred additional tax liability” on the assessment and tax roll. The notation shall continue to appear on subsequent assessment and tax rolls until all the additional taxes have been added as required under this subsection. If the property is sold or otherwise transferred, or is moved out of the county, the lien for the taxes added under this subsection shall attach and the taxes are due and payable as of the day before the sale or transfer, or, if the property is removed from the county, five days before the removal, whichever is earlier. Additional taxes on personal property or a manufactured structure imposed as a result of an error corrected under ORS 311.205 is a personal debt due and owing from the owner to which ORS 311.455 applies.

      (4) When additional taxes are added to the roll as the result of a request from the Department of Revenue as described in ORS 311.205 (1)(c), the additional taxes shall be added to the tax extended against the property on the general property tax roll for the tax year following the current tax year, to be collected and distributed in the same manner as other ad valorem property taxes imposed on the property.

      (5) When additional taxes are added to the roll as the result of an order described in ORS 311.205 (1)(d), the additional taxes shall be collected as provided in ORS 311.513.

      (6) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section or other provision of law establishing the delinquency date for additional taxes, additional taxes may not be assessed and imposed if the correction is a result of:

      (a) The disqualification of property from a tax exemption granted erroneously by a tax official; or

      (b) The failure by a tax official to timely disqualify property from a tax exemption.

      (7) Subsection (6) of this section does not apply to a failure by a tax official to timely disqualify property from a tax exemption if the property owner fails to timely notify the assessor of a change in use of the property to a nonexempt use.

      (8)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, additional taxes arising from a correction under ORS 311.205 may be paid to the tax collector prior to the completion of the next general property tax roll, pursuant to ORS 311.370.

      (b) The amount to be added to the tax extended against the property under subsection (3)(a) of this section may be paid to the tax collector prior to the completion of the tax roll to which the tax is to be added, pursuant to ORS 311.370. The tax collector may apply prepayments of additional taxes under this paragraph for one or more future years to the taxes imposed on the next following assessment and tax roll.

      (9) For purposes of this section, “additional taxes” includes increases in taxes that have already been extended on the roll. [1975 c.780 §15; 1983 c.106 §1; subsections (2) to (7) enacted as 1983 c.106 §3; 1985 c.784 §9; 1991 c.459 §232; 1993 c.270 §55; 1995 c.256 §6; 1999 c.500 §3; 1999 c.862 §1a; 2001 c.303 §7; 2003 c.274 §3; 2010 c.36 §1]

 

      311.207 [1965 c.344 §18(1),(2),(9),(10) (enacted in lieu of 311.210); 1971 c.574 §3; 1977 c.584 §1; 1979 c.692 §6; 1991 c.459 §234; 1997 c.541 §281; renumbered 311.216 in 1997]

 

      311.208 Notice required when current roll corrections increase value; time for payment of additional taxes; appeals. (1) The assessor shall notify the property owner of record or other person claiming to own the property or occupying the property or in possession of the property, if:

      (a) A correction is made that applies only to the current roll;

      (b) The correction is made after roll certification under ORS 311.105 and prior to December 1 of the current tax year; and

      (c) The correction increases the value of the property.

      (2) If a correction described in subsection (1) of this section results in additional taxes being added to the current roll, the additional taxes shall be due and payable without interest if paid prior to the 16th of the month next following the date the notice was sent under this section.

      (3) If the additional taxes described in subsection (2) of this section are not paid prior to the 16th of the month next following the date the notice was sent under this section, the additional taxes shall be considered for all purposes of collection and enforcement of payment as having become delinquent on the date the taxes would normally have become delinquent if the taxes had been timely extended on the roll.

      (4) The notice described in subsection (1) of this section shall:

      (a) Be mailed prior to December 1 to the last-known address of the person described in subsection (1) of this section;

      (b) Specify the date and the amount of the correction;

      (c) If additional tax is imposed, specify the date by which the additional tax may be paid without interest; and

      (d) Notify the owner of the owner’s appeal rights as determined under subsection (6) of this section.

      (5) The correction shall be made by the officer in charge of the roll in the manner described in ORS 311.205 (2), (3) and (5).

      (6) A correction made under this section may be appealed as follows:

      (a) For state-appraised industrial property as defined in ORS 306.126, the owner must file an appeal with the tax court in the manner provided in ORS 305.403 not later than December 31 of the current tax year.

      (b) For all other property, the owner must file a petition with the county property value appeals board in the manner provided in ORS 309.100 not later than December 31 of the current tax year. [1997 c.541 §280; 2001 c.303 §10; 2013 c.176 §5; 2015 c.36 §13; 2023 c.29 §33]

 

      Note: The amendments to 311.208 by section 33, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative July 1, 2024. See section 43, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative until July 1, 2024, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

      311.208. (1) The assessor shall notify the property owner of record or other person claiming to own the property or occupying the property or in possession of the property, if:

      (a) A correction is made that applies only to the current roll;

      (b) The correction is made after roll certification under ORS 311.105 and prior to December 1 of the current tax year; and

      (c) The correction increases the value of the property.

      (2) If a correction described in subsection (1) of this section results in additional taxes being added to the current roll, the additional taxes shall be due and payable without interest if paid prior to the 16th of the month next following the date the notice was sent under this section.

      (3) If the additional taxes described in subsection (2) of this section are not paid prior to the 16th of the month next following the date the notice was sent under this section, the additional taxes shall be considered for all purposes of collection and enforcement of payment as having become delinquent on the date the taxes would normally have become delinquent if the taxes had been timely extended on the roll.

      (4) The notice described in subsection (1) of this section shall:

      (a) Be mailed prior to December 1 to the last-known address of the person described in subsection (1) of this section;

      (b) Specify the date and the amount of the correction;

      (c) If additional tax is imposed, specify the date by which the additional tax may be paid without interest; and

      (d) Notify the owner of the owner’s appeal rights as determined under subsection (6) of this section.

      (5) The correction shall be made by the officer in charge of the roll in the manner described in ORS 311.205 (2), (3) and (5).

      (6) A correction made under this section may be appealed as follows:

      (a) For state-appraised industrial property as defined in ORS 306.126, the owner must file an appeal with the tax court in the manner provided in ORS 305.403 not later than December 31 of the current tax year.

      (b) For all other property, the owner must file a petition with the county board of property tax appeals in the manner provided in ORS 309.100 not later than December 31 of the current tax year.

 

      311.209 [1965 c.344 §18(3) (enacted in lieu of 311.210); 1979 c.692 §7; 1997 c.541 §282; renumbered 311.219 in 1997]

 

      311.210 [Amended by 1955 c.720 §2; 1959 c.56 §2; repealed by 1965 c.344 §17 (311.207, 311.209, 311.211 and 311.213 enacted in lieu of 311.210)]

 

      311.211 [1965 c.344 §18(4), (5), (6), (7) (enacted in lieu of 311.210); 1977 c.870 §37; 1993 c.270 §56; 1995 c.650 §70; 1997 c.541 §§283,284; renumbered 311.223 in 1997]

 

      311.212 [1991 c.459 §236; renumbered 311.226 in 1997]

 

      311.213 [1965 c.344 §18(8) (enacted in lieu of 311.210); 1975 c.704 §1; 1995 c.256 §7; renumbered 311.229 in 1997]

 

      311.215 [Amended by 1981 c.897 §46; renumbered 311.232 in 1997]

 

      311.216 Notice of intention to add omitted property to rolls; treatment of unreported or understated property; duty of tax collector. (1) Whenever the assessor discovers or receives credible information, or if the assessor has reason to believe that any real or personal property, including property subject to assessment by the Department of Revenue, or any buildings, structures, improvements or timber on land previously assessed without the same, has from any cause been omitted, in whole or in part, from assessment and taxation on the current assessment and tax rolls or on any such rolls for any year or years not exceeding five years prior to the last certified roll, the assessor shall give notice as provided in ORS 311.219.

      (2) Property or the excess cost of property, after adjustment to reflect real market value, shall be presumed to be omitted property subject to additional assessment as provided in ORS 311.216 to 311.232 whenever the assessor discovers or receives credible information:

      (a) That the addition of any building, structure, improvement, machinery or equipment was not reported in a return filed under ORS 308.285 or 308.290; or

      (b) That the cost as of January 1 of any building, structure, improvement, machinery or equipment reported in a return required by the assessor under ORS 308.285 or 308.290 exceeds the cost stated in the return.

      (3) If the tax collector discovers or receives credible information or if the tax collector has reason to believe that any property subject to taxation has been omitted from the tax roll, the tax collector shall immediately bring this to the attention of the assessor by written notice. [Formerly 311.207; 1999 c.21 §28; 1999 c.500 §4; 2003 c.46 §27]

 

      311.219 Notice of intention to assess omitted property. Notice shall be given to the person claiming to own the property or occupying it or in possession thereof of the assessor’s intention to add the property to the assessment or tax roll under ORS 311.216 to 311.232 and to assess the property in such person’s name. Where the assessor has reason to believe the property is either no longer in existence or is outside the county, the assessor shall give the notice to the owner or the person in possession on the assessment date of the year or years as to which the property was omitted. The notice shall be in writing, mailed to the person’s last-known address. It shall describe the property in general terms, and require the person to appear at a specified time, not less than 20 days after mailing the notice, and to show cause, if any, why the property should not be added to the assessment and tax roll and assessed to such person. [Formerly 311.209]

 

      311.220 [Amended by 1971 c.384 §1; 1989 c.297 §1; 1991 c.459 §237; renumbered 311.235 in 1997]

 

      311.223 Correction of rolls; filing statement of facts; notice to taxpayer; powers of assessor; appeals. (1) If the person or party notified as provided in ORS 311.219 does not appear or if the person or party appears and fails to show good and sufficient cause why the assessment shall not be made, the assessor shall proceed to correct the assessment or tax roll or rolls from which the property was omitted. The assessor shall add the property to the tax roll or rolls, with the proper valuation, and extend on the tax roll or rolls taxes at the consolidated rate under ORS 310.147 that is applicable in the code area in which the property was located for each year as to which it was omitted. To carry out the correction of a tax roll or rolls the assessor shall send a written statement to the tax collector instructing the tax collector to make the necessary changes on the tax roll. The statement shall contain all of the information needed by the tax collector to make the changes in the roll and it shall be dated and signed by the assessor or the deputy of the assessor. The tax collector shall then correct the tax roll.

      (2) Immediately after the assessor corrects the assessment or tax roll, the assessor shall file in the office of the assessor a statement of the facts or evidence on which the assessor based the correction and notify the taxpayer by written notice, sent by first class mail to the taxpayer’s last-known address, of:

      (a) The date and amount of the correction;

      (b) If a penalty for failing to timely file a real, combined or personal property return as required by ORS 308.290 is being imposed under ORS 308.295 or 308.296, the amount of the penalty;

      (c) An explanation of the collection procedures applicable to the corrected amount, or applicable to the penalty; and

      (d) An explanation of the taxpayer’s right to appeal under subsection (4) of this section and the procedures for making the appeal.

      (3) To enable the assessor to comply with this section, the assessor is invested with all the powers of the county clerk under the law in force during the years for which correction may be made under ORS 311.216 to 311.232 and thereafter.

      (4) Any person aggrieved by an assessment made under ORS 311.216 to 311.232 may appeal to the tax court within 90 days after the correction of the roll as provided in ORS 305.280 and 305.560. If a penalty under ORS 308.295 or 308.296 is imposed for failing to timely file a real, combined or personal property return with respect to the assessment under ORS 311.216 to 311.232, the imposition of the penalty may be appealed to the tax court. The appeal of the penalty must be brought within the same period of time as an assessment under ORS 311.216 to 311.232 may be appealed to the tax court. An appeal of the value assigned under this section, or of any penalty described in subsection (2)(b) of this section, may not be made to the property value appeals board under ORS 309.100. [Formerly 311.211; 2001 c.114 §27; 2001 c.303 §1; 2007 c.452 §1; 2011 c.204 §9; 2023 c.29 §34]

 

      Note: The amendments to 311.223 by section 34, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative July 1, 2024. See section 43, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative until July 1, 2024, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

      311.223. (1) If the person or party notified as provided in ORS 311.219 does not appear or if the person or party appears and fails to show good and sufficient cause why the assessment shall not be made, the assessor shall proceed to correct the assessment or tax roll or rolls from which the property was omitted. The assessor shall add the property to the tax roll or rolls, with the proper valuation, and extend on the tax roll or rolls taxes at the consolidated rate under ORS 310.147 that is applicable in the code area in which the property was located for each year as to which it was omitted. To carry out the correction of a tax roll or rolls the assessor shall send a written statement to the tax collector instructing the tax collector to make the necessary changes on the tax roll. The statement shall contain all of the information needed by the tax collector to make the changes in the roll and it shall be dated and signed by the assessor or the deputy of the assessor. The tax collector shall then correct the tax roll.

      (2) Immediately after the assessor corrects the assessment or tax roll, the assessor shall file in the office of the assessor a statement of the facts or evidence on which the assessor based the correction and notify the taxpayer by written notice, sent by first class mail to the taxpayer’s last-known address, of:

      (a) The date and amount of the correction;

      (b) If a penalty for failing to timely file a real, combined or personal property return as required by ORS 308.290 is being imposed under ORS 308.295 or 308.296, the amount of the penalty;

      (c) An explanation of the collection procedures applicable to the corrected amount, or applicable to the penalty; and

      (d) An explanation of the taxpayer’s right to appeal under subsection (4) of this section and the procedures for making the appeal.

      (3) To enable the assessor to comply with this section, the assessor is invested with all the powers of the county clerk under the law in force during the years for which correction may be made under ORS 311.216 to 311.232 and thereafter.

      (4) Any person aggrieved by an assessment made under ORS 311.216 to 311.232 may appeal to the tax court within 90 days after the correction of the roll as provided in ORS 305.280 and 305.560. If a penalty under ORS 308.295 or 308.296 is imposed for failing to timely file a real, combined or personal property return with respect to the assessment under ORS 311.216 to 311.232, the imposition of the penalty may be appealed to the tax court. The appeal of the penalty must be brought within the same period of time as an assessment under ORS 311.216 to 311.232 may be appealed to the tax court. An appeal of the value assigned under this section, or of any penalty described in subsection (2)(b) of this section, may not be made to the board of property tax appeals under ORS 309.100.

 

      311.226 Tax deemed assessed and imposed in year for which property was omitted. Omitted property shall be deemed assessed and any tax on it shall be deemed imposed in the year or years as to which the property was omitted. Addition of omitted property to the tax roll in the year in which it is discovered shall not be considered in making the determination of the amount of tax imposed in calculating the effect of the tax limitation under section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution in that year. [Formerly 311.212]

 

      311.229 Taxes added to rolls become liens; delinquency of additional taxes; interest added for willful evasion; prepayment. (1) When the taxes are added to an assessment or tax roll under ORS 311.216 to 311.232, the additional taxes shall be added to the tax extended against the property on the general property tax roll for the tax year following the current tax year, to be collected and distributed in the same manner as other ad valorem property taxes imposed on the property. Notwithstanding ORS 311.226, for purposes of collection and enforcement, the additional taxes added to the roll under this subsection shall be considered delinquent as of the date the other taxes for the year in which the additional taxes are added to the roll become delinquent.

      (2) When it appears to the satisfaction of the assessor that the omission of the property was due to a willful attempt to evade the payment of taxes on the property, then the assessor shall so advise the tax collector and interest at the rate provided in ORS 311.505 (2) shall be added to the amounts so charged, which interest shall be computed from the date or dates that payment of the charges were properly due, and which interest shall continue to run until payment of the charges.

      (3) Additional taxes arising from the assessment of omitted property under ORS 311.216 to 311.232 may be paid to the tax collector prior to the completion of the next general property tax roll, pursuant to ORS 311.370.

      (4) For purposes of this section, “additional taxes” includes increases in taxes that have already been extended on the roll. [Formerly 311.213; 1999 c.862 §2; 2001 c.303 §8]

 

      311.232 Mandamus to require placing omitted property on roll. If any officer described in ORS 311.216 to 311.232 fails to comply with ORS 311.216 to 311.232 on the discovery by the officer, or on credible information being furnished by another person, that property has been omitted from taxation, the state, on the relation of any state officer or of any taxpayer of the county in which the failure occurs, may proceed against the officer in any court of competent jurisdiction by mandamus to compel the officer to comply with ORS 311.216 to 311.232. In the trial of the suit the question of what constitutes credible information is a question of fact to be determined by the court trying the case in the same manner other issues of fact are determined. If judgment is rendered that credible information has been discovered by or furnished to the officer, or that the officer has reason to believe that property has been omitted from taxation, the officer shall forthwith place the omitted property on the assessment and tax roll in accordance with ORS 311.216 to 311.232. If judgment is rendered against the officer, the officer shall be liable for all costs of the mandamus suit, and for a reasonable attorney fee at trial and on appeal for relator’s attorney, which shall be taxed as a part of the costs of the suit. If proceedings are instituted under this section on the relation of any private individual, the relator shall give bond to the satisfaction of the court to pay all costs that may be recovered against the relator. [Formerly 311.215; 2017 c.315 §15]

 

      311.234 Correction of maximum assessed value; conditions; three percent limitation; filing deadline; appeals. (1)(a) The current owner of property or other person obligated to pay taxes imposed on property may petition the county assessor for a correction of the maximum assessed value of the property for the circumstances described in subsection (2) of this section.

      (b) The petitioner may seek the correction for the current tax year and for up to five tax years immediately prior to the current tax year.

      (2) The assessor shall correct the maximum assessed value of the property for each of the tax years to which the petition relates if, in the petition filed under this section, the petitioner demonstrates:

      (a) A difference between the actual square footage of the property as of the assessment date for the tax year and the square footage of the property as shown in the records of the assessor for the tax year.

      (b) That new property, or new improvements to property, added to the tax roll in a prior tax year did not exist as of the assessment date for that prior tax year or any subsequent tax year.

      (3)(a) A correction made under subsection (2)(a) of this section must be proportional to the change in the real market value for the tax year that is due to the correction of the square footage of the property.

      (b) A correction made under subsection (2)(b) of this section:

      (A) Must reflect, in a manner determined by the assessor, the removal of the new property or new improvements to property from the assessment and tax rolls as accepted by the assessor.

      (B) May not be made to the extent that the assessor finds that the new property or new improvements to property existed on the assessment date of a prior tax year and the petition is best construed as demonstrating a difference in the nature, extent or value of the new property or new improvements to property.

      (4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, a correction made under this section may not cause the maximum assessed value of the property to increase by more than three percent from the maximum assessed value of the property for the preceding tax year.

      (5) A petition filed under this section must be on the form and contain the information prescribed by the Department of Revenue and must be filed with the county assessor on or before December 31 of the current tax year.

      (6) A decision by the assessor pursuant to a petition filed under this section may be appealed under ORS 305.275. [2001 c.764 §2; 2007 c.516 §3; 2009 c.443 §4; 2015 c.39 §1; 2015 c.97 §1a; 2023 c.231 §1]

 

      Note: See note under 311.140.

 

      311.235 Bona fide purchaser; when taxes become lien. No ad valorem taxes imposed on real property, a manufactured structure or a floating home purchased by a bona fide purchaser shall be a lien on the real property, manufactured structure or floating home unless at the time of purchase the taxes were a matter of public record. For the purposes of this section, if the tax roll has not been prepared for the tax year in which the purchase occurred, taxes levied or to be levied for the tax year of purchase are taxes which are a matter of public record. A bona fide purchaser is an individual purchaser of a fee simple interest in a single property, who acquires the property in good faith, in an arm’s-length transaction and for fair market value and adequate consideration. [Formerly 311.220]

TIME AND MANNER OF COLLECTION

 

      311.250 Tax statements; rules. (1) Except as to real property assessed to “unknown owners” pursuant to ORS 308.240 (2), on or before October 25 in each year, the tax collector shall deliver or mail to each person (as defined in ORS 311.605) shown on the tax roll as an owner of real or personal property, or to an agent or representative authorized in writing pursuant to ORS 308.215 by such person, a written statement of property taxes payable on the following November 15.

      (2) The failure of a taxpayer to receive the statement described in this section shall not invalidate any assessment, levy, tax, or proceeding to collect tax.

      (3) The tax collector shall not be liable for failure to deliver or mail the tax statements by October 25 as provided in subsection (1) of this section if such failure was caused by not receiving the tax roll from the assessor by the time provided by law or by reason of any other circumstance beyond the control of the tax collector. In such case the tax collector shall deliver or mail the statements as soon as possible.

      (4) Where, for any reason the taxes due on any property on the assessment roll in any year cannot be ascertained from the tax roll by November 5 of that year, within 15 days thereafter the owner or other person liable for or desiring to pay the taxes on such property may tender to the tax collector, and the tax collector may collect, a payment of all or part of the taxes estimated by the tax collector to be due on such property. Immediately after the taxes are actually extended on the tax roll, the tax collector shall credit the amount paid as provided by law, allowing the discount under ORS 311.505 and not charging interest for the amount of taxes satisfied by such payment. Where there has been an underpayment, additional taxes shall be collected, and where there has been an overpayment, refund shall be made as otherwise provided by law.

      (5) The tax statement described in this section shall be designed by the Department of Revenue and shall contain such information as the department shall prescribe by rule including:

      (a) The real market value of the property for which the tax statement is being prepared (or the property’s specially assessed value if the property is subject to special assessment) for the current and prior tax year;

      (b) The property’s assessed value for the current and prior tax year;

      (c) Information about how to contact the county assessor’s office with questions if the property’s assessed value for the current tax year increased by more than three percent over the prior tax year; and

      (d) The total amount of taxes due on the property. [1963 c.311 §2; 1965 c.344 §19; 1967 c.293 §21; 1967 c.568 §2; 1985 c.613 §26; 1991 c.459 §238; 1993 c.18 §74; 1993 c.270 §57; 1997 c.541 §286; 2003 c.400 §2; 2023 c.231 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 311.140.

 

      311.252 Copy of tax statement to be sent to mortgagee paying taxes; procedure when information otherwise transmitted. (1) If a mortgagee is required or authorized to pay the ad valorem taxes on a manufactured structure or a floating home or on real property that is subject to the mortgage by a provision contained in the mortgage instrument, upon written request sent to the tax collector, the tax collector shall send a copy of the statement required to be mailed or otherwise delivered to the taxpayer under ORS 311.250 to the mortgagee. The request by the mortgagee for the sending of the copy shall be made to the tax collector on or before October 1 of each year and shall state that the mortgagee has the duty or is authorized to pay the taxes for the owner of the property.

      (2) The tax collector and any mortgagee referred to in subsection (1) of this section may agree that a computer record containing the information required by the Department of Revenue may be delivered to the mortgagee instead of a copy of the tax statement required by subsection (1) of this section.

      (3) For the purposes of this section, the holder of a perfected security interest in a manufactured structure or a floating home is considered a “mortgagee” and the perfected security interest is considered a “mortgage.” [1967 c.568 §4; 1971 c.379 §1; 1971 c.529 §35; 1971 c.752 §1; 1973 c.82 §1; 1981 c.804 §87; 1983 s.s. c.5 §21; 1987 c.313 §2; 1991 c.459 §239; 1993 c.313 §1; 1997 c.541 §287; 2003 c.108 §3; 2015 c.31 §4; 2019 c.360 §3]

 

      311.253 Use of computer record to comply with ORS 311.250; agreement to use record instead of tax statements; rules. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 311.250, if to meet the requirements of ORS 311.250, the tax collector must deliver or mail multiple tax statements to the same person, as defined in ORS 311.605, the tax collector may, at the request of the person made in writing, in lieu of the required tax statements, deliver or mail to the person a computer record that contains the name and last-known address of the person, and for each of the properties for which an individual tax statement would otherwise be required, such information as the Department of Revenue may prescribe by rule and any other information mutually agreed to by the tax collector and the person.

      (2) Any request made under this section must be made to the tax collector by the person on or before October 1 of each year. If upon mutual agreement of the parties, the tax collector complies with the request in accordance with the agreement, the tax collector is relieved of responsibility of delivering or mailing tax statements in any other manner.

      (3) Any information required by ORS 311.250 to appear on a tax statement that is not included in the computer record authorized by this section shall appear on the face of the tax receipt given under ORS 311.361. This section shall not apply to a mortgagee required or authorized to pay ad valorem taxes to which ORS 311.252 applies.

      (4) As used in this section and ORS 311.252, “computer record” means information stored by any means of electronic storage or paper on which is printed information retrieved from a computer or other form of electronic storage. [1981 c.364 §1; 1997 c.541 §288; 2003 c.108 §1]

 

      311.255 Taxes, other charges of taxing agencies and water improvement company charges collected with county taxes. (1) All ad valorem property taxes, taxes on property that are imposed upon property subject to ad valorem taxation and all special assessments, fees or other charges required by law to be placed upon the tax roll, which have been lawfully levied or imposed and certified to the assessor by any taxing district authorized by law to levy or impose such taxes, assessments, fees or charges, shall be collected by the tax collector, only in the same manner and at the same time as taxes for county purposes are collected.

      (2) No taxing district may separately charge or collect any tax on property that is imposed upon property subject to ad valorem taxation certified under ORS 310.060, in advance or otherwise.

      (3) Charges of a water improvement company organized under ORS 554.005 to 554.340 shall be collected in the same manner as taxes under subsection (1) of this section if the charges are certified to the assessor by the company board of directors under ORS 554.130. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §20; 1991 c.459 §240; 1997 c.541 §289; 1997 c.819 §16]

 

      311.260 Payment of taxes in United States money. Except as provided in ORS 311.265, all taxes levied in this state shall be collected and paid in lawful money of the United States, and not otherwise. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §21]

 

      311.265 Payment of taxes with warrants. (1) Any warrant of a county or of any municipal corporation, taxing district or political subdivision shall be received, without regard to priority of issue or registration, in payment of any tax levied for the fund on which the warrant is drawn, except that a warrant not immediately redeemable shall not be received on any tax or part of a tax specifically levied or budgeted for the payment of principal or interest of bonded indebtedness. The tax collector shall not accept from any taxpayer warrants in a larger amount than the particular tax or part of a tax such taxpayer may be entitled to pay in such warrants.

      (2) The tax collector shall note on each tax receipt and copy thereof the number and amount of each warrant the tax collector receives and shall write or stamp across the face of each warrant the date of receipt and the words “Received for taxes.” No warrant received in payment of taxes shall draw interest after the date of receipt.

      (3) This section does not apply to special assessments, appearing on the tax roll, levied by an irrigation, drainage or water supply district.

 

      311.270 Discounting county orders prohibited. No county officer shall purchase or receive in payment of taxes or in exchange, or otherwise, any county orders or any demand against the county of the county officer for a claim allowed by the proper officer to allow the claim during the term of office of the county officer, for an amount less than that expressed on the face of the order or demand.

 

      311.275 Grantor and grantee or buyer and seller proportionally liable. As between the grantor and the grantee of real property or the buyer and seller of personal property, when there is no express agreement as to payment of the taxes on the property becoming due and payable for the fiscal year in which the sale occurs, the grantor or seller is liable for the same proportion of the taxes as the part of the fiscal year prior to the day of the sale of the property bears to the whole of the fiscal year, and the grantee or buyer is liable for the remainder of the taxes. [Amended by 1977 c.718 §5]

 

      311.280 Payment of taxes on part of property assessed as one parcel; division; when division not allowed; division between manufactured structure and parcel. (1) Any person desiring to pay taxes on any part of any real estate assessed as one parcel or tract may do so by applying to the county assessor or deputy county assessor. The county assessor shall determine the relative or proportionate value such part bears to the value of the whole tract assessed, and shall file a statement thereof with the tax collector, on which basis the assessment shall be divided and taxes shall be collected accordingly.

      (2) The assessor or tax collector shall not divide an assessment under this section unless the person calling for the division of assessment owns, or holds a mortgage or other lien on that part only of such area on which the person desires to pay the taxes, and has filed with the assessor a true copy of the deed, contract of sale, mortgage or other instrument evidencing the interest in the part; provided that whenever such instrument is otherwise recorded in the county records, such filing shall not be required.

      (3) The assessor or tax collector shall not divide an assessment under this section unless all ad valorem taxes, fees and other charges required to be placed upon the tax roll that have been certified for collection under ORS 311.105 and 311.110 and become a lien upon the entire parcel of property have been paid. However, if the applicant for the division is a public body, only the portion of such taxes, fees and other charges apportionable to the part of the real estate owned by the public body, or on which the public body holds a mortgage or other lien, need be paid. As used in this subsection, “public body” means the United States, its agencies and instrumentalities, the state, a county, city, school district, irrigation or drainage district, a port, a water district and all other public or municipal corporations in the state exempt from tax under ORS 307.040 or 307.090.

      (4) In the case of a parcel or tract of real estate which is being assessed under one of the special assessment laws listed in ORS 308A.733 (2) or under ORS 358.480 to 358.545, the assessor or tax collector shall not divide the assessment unless the portion of any additional taxes or penalty apportionable to the part of the property disqualified from special assessment is paid.

      (5) In the case of property within the jurisdiction of a city or county which has adopted minor land partition regulations pursuant to ORS 92.046, the assessor shall not divide an assessment unless the person calling for the division of assessment has filed with the assessor evidence that the division has been approved as required by such regulations.

      (6) Whenever a manufactured structure is assessed as real property under ORS 308.875, and the security interest holder of the manufactured structure is a person different from the owner of the parcel of land upon which it is situated, the security interest holder may apply to the assessor for a division of the value of the entire parcel between the value of the manufactured structure and the value of the remainder of the parcel. Using this value division, the tax collector shall allocate the taxes between the manufactured structure and the remainder of the parcel, and the security interest holder of the manufactured structure may pay the taxes on the value attributable to the manufactured structure and thereby free the manufactured structure from the lien of those taxes. If a division is made and taxes and special assessments are paid on the value attributable to the manufactured structure, the county may reclassify the manufactured structure as personal property, forward the ownership document application information to the Department of Consumer and Business Services and allow the structure to be moved as provided in ORS 446.631 without payment of the taxes and special assessments attributable to the remainder of the parcel.

      (7) If protest is filed to the division, the matter shall be heard by the county commissioners or the county court (as defined in ORS 306.005) at its next regular session for transaction of county business, who shall make a final division of the assessment, and the tax collector shall collect and receipt for the taxes as so determined and ordered.

      (8) No person shall apply in any year under this section for a division of the assessment of a subdivision made on the assessment roll prepared as of January 1 of the year in which the subdivision is finally approved. [Amended by 1953 c.109 §2; subsection (3) enacted as 1965 c.393 §3; 1967 c.58 §1; 1971 c.529 §16; 1975 c.579 §1; 1977 c.884 §17; 1979 c.689 §19; 1981 c.632 §1; 1983 c.748 §5; 1985 c.16 §457; 1985 c.613 §6; 1991 c.459 §241; 1993 c.6 §5; 1997 c.541 §290; 1999 c.314 §86; 2001 c.540 §22; 2003 c.655 §69]

 

      311.285 Rights of occupant or tenant paying tax. If any tax on any real estate is paid by or collected from an occupant or tenant when there is some other person who, by agreement or otherwise, ought to pay the tax, or any part thereof, the occupant or tenant shall be entitled to recover by action the amount which the person should have paid with interest thereon, or the occupant or tenant may retain the same out of any rent due or accruing from the occupant or tenant to such person for real estate on which the tax is so paid.

 

      311.290 [Repealed by 1953 c.705 §2]

 

      311.325 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.330 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.335 [Repealed by 1969 c.595 §17]

 

      311.340 [Repealed by 1969 c.595 §17]

 

      311.345 Damages and interest for failure to settle taxes on assessment roll or pay over tax moneys. (1) If a tax collector fails to make settlement of the taxes included in the assessment roll within the time required by ORS 311.395, the tax collector shall be charged with damages in an amount equaling five percent of the amount not settled within the time required by ORS 311.395, plus 12 percent interest per year on the damages from the day payment should have been made of the balance of unsettled taxes due from the tax collector.

      (2) If a tax collector neglects or refuses to pay over all moneys received for taxes to the county treasurer, the tax collector shall, in addition to the criminal penalty provided for in ORS 311.990 (6), be liable to pay damages in an amount equaling 10 percent of the amount not paid over, plus 12 percent interest per year on the damages from the day payment should have been made.

      (3) The moneys, damages and interest authorized to be collected under this section may be collected by suit upon the bond of the tax collector for the recovery of the same.

      (4) If a county treasurer neglects or refuses to distribute moneys in the unsegregated tax collections account as required by ORS 311.395 (6), the county treasurer shall be liable to pay damages in an amount equaling 10 percent of the amount not distributed as required by ORS 311.395, plus 12 percent interest per year on the damages from the day distribution should have been made. [Amended by 1963 c.238 §13; 1969 c.595 §13; 1979 c.689 §20; 1985 c.162 §5; 2003 c.190 §§14,15; 2007 c.537 §6]

 

      311.350 Money for distinct and specified object. Money collected or received by any officer for a distinct and specified object shall be kept as a separate fund for the specified object and no portion shall be paid or applied to any other object or purpose without due authority.

 

      311.355 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §22 (311.356 and 311.361 enacted in lieu of 311.355)]

 

      311.356 Receipt and notation by tax collector of property tax payments; crediting payments. (1) After receipt of the tax roll each year the tax collector shall receive and receipt for all moneys received for taxes and other amounts charged on such roll, and for each payment, shall note on the tax roll at the appropriate property assessment the following:

      (a) The date payment was received.

      (b) The amount of the payment.

      (c) The discount allowed, if any.

      (d) The interest charged, if any.

      (e) The number of the receipt issued for such payment.

      (2) Except as provided under subsection (3)(a) and (c) of this section, the tax collector shall credit all payments of property taxes as follows:

      (a) First, to the payment of any taxes assessed against and due on the property for which the payment was made, paying first the earliest such taxes due on that property; and

      (b) Second, to the payment of taxes assessed on any other property which have by any means become a lien against the property for which the payment was made.

      (3)(a) Payments of property taxes made by the state on behalf of tax-deferred homestead property under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 shall be credited to the current tax year.

      (b) At the election of the taxpayer, payments of property taxes made by the taxpayer on behalf of tax-deferred homestead property under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 shall be credited as provided in subsection (2) of this section, except that the payments shall be credited first to the payment of taxes that are not qualified to be deferred under ORS 311.688 (1) or as a result of a determination of ineligibility made pursuant to ORS 311.689, paying first the earliest of such taxes due on that property.

      (c) Notwithstanding any contrary direction from the taxpayer, the tax collector shall credit payments of property taxes to the latest year for which taxes are due on the property for which payment is made if:

      (A) The payment is made by a payer who is a mortgagee, beneficiary under a deed of trust or vendor under a land sales contract and who pays taxes on behalf of any taxpayer; and

      (B) The mortgagee, beneficiary or vendor directs that the payment be credited to the latest year for which taxes are due on the property; and

      (C) The mortgagee, beneficiary or vendor includes in the payment submitted with the direction given under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph only the amounts for the payment of taxes on one or more properties for which delinquent taxes are owed and does not include in that payment taxes on property for which no delinquent taxes are owed.

      (d) If the mortgagee, beneficiary or vendor does not direct the tax collector as to the application of taxes being paid, then the tax collector shall apply all payments as provided under subsection (2) of this section.

      (4) The tax collector may, for convenience, divide the tax roll, as payments are made, into two portions, and file each separately, one portion containing the paid accounts and another portion containing the unpaid accounts. From time to time, and no later than the receipt of the next year’s tax roll, the tax collector shall compute and indicate on the tax roll the unpaid balance of taxes for each property assessment. [1965 c.344 §23 (enacted in lieu of 311.355); 1985 c.162 §6; 1987 c.219 §1; 1987 c.529 §3; 1989 c.601 §1; 1993 c.313 §2; 1999 c.22 §2; 2011 c.723 §20; 2012 c.13 §2; 2015 c.309 §9]

 

      311.360 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.361 Form of tax receipt; numbering; taxpayer’s copy; temporary receipt; destruction of receipts. (1) Every tax receipt shall state plainly on its face the name of the county, the fiscal year for which the taxes entered therein have been levied followed by the word “Taxes.” The receipt shall show the exact amount paid, the date of payment, the property on which the taxes were paid and the code area for the property. The tax collector shall keep a stub receipt or a copy of each receipt or a computer record of the same information on each receipt issued and such stub receipt, copy or computer record shall be a public record. The receipts shall be numbered consecutively except that if more than one validating machine is used in validating and numbering the receipts, a consecutive number series may be used for each machine if the series is identified by a machine number or letter. The stubs or copies of the receipts, or the computer record, shall contain the post-office or residence address of the taxpayer, which may be ascertained and entered at the time of the payment. Preparation of a microfilm, a microfiche or an electronically stored record of the receipts constitutes a computer record.

      (2) If the tax statement has been sent to the taxpayer with a copy to be retained by the taxpayer, no copy of the receipt need be given or sent to the taxpayer unless the taxpayer requests one.

      (3) A temporary or interim receipt may be issued on payment of any installment of less than one-quarter of a particular tax account, each such receipt to be entered in the records of the tax collector’s office.

      (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the tax collector’s copy of the tax receipt may be destroyed when seven years have elapsed from the date the receipt was issued. [1965 c.344 §24 (enacted in lieu of 311.355); 1979 c.701 §1; 1993 c.6 §9; 2003 c.108 §2]

 

      311.365 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.370 Receipts for taxes collected in advance of extension on the tax roll; entries in assessment roll; deposit of moneys in special account; posting payments; excess collections or deficiencies; reimbursement for refunds. (1)(a) For all taxes, penalties and other charges collected by the tax collector under, including, but not limited to, ORS 92.095, 100.110, 285C.050 to 285C.250, 308.260, 308.865, 308A.119, 308A.324, 308A.700 to 308A.733, 311.165, 311.206, 311.229, 311.405 (4) or (5), 311.411, 311.415, 311.465, 354.690, 358.525, 446.631 and 454.225, the tax collector shall issue receipts similar in form to the receipts issued on payment of taxes regularly charged on the tax roll.

      (b) The assessor shall enter all assessments of property to which paragraph (a) of this subsection applies in the assessment roll and shall make proper entries showing the extension of the taxes in the usual manner and as though no payment to the tax collector had been made.

      (2) Upon receipt, the tax collector shall deposit with the county treasurer all money collected by the tax collector under subsection (1) of this section. The county treasurer shall issue to the tax collector duplicate receipts for the money and shall hold it in a special account in the name of the tax collector.

      (3) Upon delivery of the assessment roll pursuant to ORS 311.115, the tax collector shall post the payments evidenced by the receipts, and the amount of any underpayment or overpayment. The tax collector shall then make a statement to the county treasurer specifying the amount to be retained in the special account to make the refunds required under subsection (4) of this section. The tax collector shall direct the county treasurer to transfer the balance in the special account to the unsegregated tax collections account described in ORS 311.385.

      (4) Any sum collected by the tax collector that exceeds the amount extended on the tax roll as provided in subsection (1)(b) of this section by more than $10 shall be refunded to the taxpayer by the county treasurer upon receiving instructions for doing so from the tax collector. If an amount remains that cannot be refunded by June 30 of the next calendar year, the tax collector shall instruct the treasurer to transfer the amount to the unsegregated tax collections account described in ORS 311.385.

      (5) If a sum less than the tax charged on the tax roll has been collected, the deficiency shall be canceled by the tax collector if the deficiency is $10 or less, and the tax collector shall note upon the tax roll opposite the appropriate account, “Tax deficiency canceled pursuant to ORS 311.370.” Otherwise, the deficiency shall be collected as provided by law.

      (6) If an appeal that is perfected under ORS 311.467 for taxes collected under ORS 311.465 results in a refund under ORS 311.806, the reimbursement for the refund to the unsegregated tax collections account shall be made from the account provided for in subsection (2) of this section. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §25; 1967 c.93 §3; 1969 c.605 §19; 1971 c.230 §2; 1971 c.573 §2; 1975 c.365 §3; 1975 c.514 §16; 1977 c.892 §36; 1979 c.350 §1; 1979 c.702 §4; 1985 c.162 §7; 1991 c.459 §242; 1995 c.726 §2; 1999 c.314 §78; 2001 c.229 §4; 2001 c.303 §9; 2001 c.753 §9; 2003 c.655 §70; 2003 c.662 §51; 2009 c.52 §1; 2015 c.96 §2]

 

      311.373 [1983 c.474 §1; repealed by 1993 c.270 §73]

 

TAX DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE

 

      311.375 Forwarding state taxes by county treasurers. (1) On or before December 1 in each year each county treasurer shall pay over to the State Treasurer one-half of the amount of state taxes charged to the county of the county treasurer for the fiscal year then current. In similar manner the county treasurer shall pay over one-quarter of such taxes on or before March 1, and the remainder of such taxes on or before June 1, of the fiscal year.

      (2) Each such payment of state taxes shall be made without deduction for any cause out of the first moneys collected and paid into the county treasury over which the county has control.

      (3) If a county fails to pay to the State Treasurer its entire apportionment of the taxes within 30 days after the dates prescribed in subsection (1) of this section, the unpaid balance shall be deemed delinquent, and is a debt due and owing by the county to the state and the county shall pay the legal rate of interest thereon from such date until paid. The payment of such interest shall not relieve the county treasurer from any penalty imposed by law for failure to pay such taxes as required by law.

      (4) If a county treasurer fails to pay to the State Treasurer any money in the hands of the county treasurer for the payment of the amount of state taxes charged to the county at the time prescribed in subsection (1) of this section, the county treasurer shall, in addition to other penalties, be liable to the following:

      (a) If the county treasurer fails for a period of 10 days after the time prescribed, the county treasurer shall forfeit to the state 20 percent on the amount withheld.

      (b) If the county treasurer fails for a period of 30 days after the time prescribed, the county treasurer shall forfeit the office as treasurer and is a public defaulter. [Amended by 1991 c.220 §4]

 

      311.385 Deposit of property tax moneys in unsegregated tax collections account; time requirements. (1) The tax collector shall deposit all property tax moneys with the county treasurer no later than:

      (a) One business day after:

      (A) Payment of the moneys is made in person at the office of the tax collector; or

      (B) The tax collector receives moneys collected by a financial institution or other collection agency; or

      (b) Thirty calendar days after the payment arrives by mail in the county mail receptacle.

      (2) The tax collector shall take a receipt for all moneys deposited with the county treasurer.

      (3) Property tax moneys shall not be deposited in any account other than the unsegregated tax collections account, except as provided in ORS 311.370, 311.484 and 311.508.

      (4) No later than one business day after receiving notice of collection of tax moneys by a financial institution or other collection agency, the tax collector shall notify the county treasurer of the collection of those tax moneys.

      (5) Except as provided in ORS 311.370, 311.484 and 311.508, the county treasurer shall deposit all property tax moneys to an account in the records of the county treasurer designated as the unsegregated tax collections account. Only those moneys that will be distributed under ORS 311.390 and interest earned from the investment of those moneys shall be deposited to the unsegregated tax collections account.

      (6) As used in this section, “property tax moneys” includes all ad valorem taxes and all taxes on property, as defined in ORS 310.140, and all other amounts specifically authorized by law to be included on the assessment and tax roll, that are certified for collection under ORS 310.060 or other law and any interest on those taxes. [1963 c.606 §2; 1967 c.105 §5; 1969 c.595 §6; 1971 c.737 §4; 1985 c.162 §1; 1989 c.796 §13; 1991 c.459 §244; 1995 c.79 §147; 1997 c.631 §449; 2003 c.190 §§8,9; 2007 c.537 §3]

 

      311.388 Additional taxes or penalties; deposit; distribution. (1) Additional taxes or penalties collected because of the disqualification of property from special assessment or exemption shall be deposited in the unsegregated tax collections account in the same manner as other ad valorem property taxes.

      (2) For purposes of completing the percentage distribution schedule under ORS 311.390, the tax collector shall treat any additional taxes or penalties charged because of the disqualification of property from special assessment or exemption as having been imposed by the districts within which the property subject to the additional taxes or penalties is located. The amount of additional taxes or penalties attributable to each district shall be determined based on the percentage that the total ad valorem property tax rate of the district bears to the total rate for the property in the year in which the additional taxes or penalties were added to the roll. [1991 c.459 §246; 1997 c.541 §291]

 

      311.390 Tax and interest distribution percentage schedule; deduction of certain amounts distributable to municipal corporations; changed or additional levies. (1)(a) When the tax collector receives the assessor’s certificate pursuant to ORS 311.115, the tax collector shall prepare and file with the county treasurer a percentage schedule of the ratio of taxes on property, as defined in ORS 310.140, and other amounts to be collected, after reductions necessary to comply with section 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution, after making adjustments in accordance with ORS 311.105 (1)(c), for each governmental unit as shown in such certificate, compared to the total of each of those amounts.

      (b) If a tax supervising and conservation commission has submitted to the tax collector a list of municipal corporations subject to proration and the amounts prorated under ORS 294.632, before the tax collector calculates the ratio of taxes on property under this subsection, the tax collector shall deduct the amounts submitted by the tax supervising and conservation commission from the amounts scheduled for distribution under this section for municipal corporations subject to the jurisdiction of the tax supervising and conservation commission. The amount deducted from the distribution to the municipal corporations shall be added to the amount distributed to the county.

      (c) The schedule shall be approved by the county accountant, if one exists in the county, or by the county clerk before filing. Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the distribution of collections by the tax collector shall be made on the basis of the ratios computed pursuant to this section. The ratios computed pursuant to this section for a given fiscal year shall be used for the distribution of all taxes on property or penalties that have been imposed, collected and received for that fiscal year, regardless of the actual date of receipt, except for moneys retained by a county to pay bankruptcy costs under ORS 311.484. Interest earned on moneys in the unsegregated tax collections account shall be distributed according to the ratio applicable to the year in which the moneys are distributed.

      (2) If, after the ratios are computed pursuant to this section, the amount of a levy or other tax on property is changed, or a levy or other tax on property is filed with the assessor pursuant to ORS 310.060 that had not been included in the tax distribution schedule for that year, the tax collector shall revise the percentages provided in subsection (1) of this section to reflect the corrected or added levy or tax and shall adjust the amounts previously distributed and to be distributed thereafter to reflect the revision in percentages.

      (3) If, in the opinion of the tax collector, it is not feasible to make the revisions described in subsection (2) of this section, the tax collector shall treat the amount of the change in levy or tax or the additional levy or tax as a separate tax collection and segregate the moneys collected for the particular district or districts in the periodic statement of tax collections given to the county treasurer pursuant to ORS 311.395.

      (4) If the percentage schedule is revised, a copy shall be filed with the county treasurer after approval by the county accountant, if one exists in the county, or by the county clerk.

      (5) If, after the ratios are computed under this section, a levy or tax is changed or a levy or tax is filed with the assessor pursuant to ORS 310.060, that was not included in the tax distribution schedule for that year, future distributions of interest shall be based on the revised percentages that reflect the corrected or added levy or tax. No adjustments shall be made for previously distributed interest. [1963 c.606 §3; 1965 c.492 §2; 1967 c.105 §6; 1969 c.595 §7; 1983 c.310 §18; 1985 c.162 §2; 1991 c.459 §247; 1997 c.541 §292; 2001 c.114 §28; 2003 c.190 §§10,11; 2007 c.537 §4; 2009 c.596 §10]

 

      311.391 Notice to taxing districts of amount of property taxes. No later than five working days after the tax collector files with the county treasurer the percentage schedule required under ORS 311.390, the tax collector shall notify each taxing district of the amount of taxes on property imposed for each district for that fiscal year. [1991 c.459 §247a]

 

      311.392 County’s option to advance to municipalities taxes levied prior to collection. (1) If, in the discretion of the county court, it is more economical to advance to those municipalities from the general fund of the county the total amount of taxes, assessments or other charges levied against property in the county, the county court may advance from the general fund of the county the full amount of the taxes, assessments and charges levied by those subdivisions and the county court may order the county tax collector to revise the tax distribution schedule provided by ORS 311.390 so that all taxes, assessments and charges advanced by the county will be allocated to the county. If the county makes the payments provided in this section, it shall have no recourse against the political subdivision for recovery of the shrinkage in collections from that anticipated at the time the payment was made.

      (2) If the county advances taxes under this subsection, before December 1 of each year, it may deduct from the levy the three percent discount which would have been given by the district had all of the taxes been paid by November 15 and turned over to the district on or before December 1 of each year. If the payment is made after December 1, no discount shall be taken by the county. [1965 c.492 §4; 1969 c.595 §8]

 

      311.395 Periodic statements of tax collections; crediting to funds; distribution to taxing units. (1) The tax collector shall make statements of the exact amounts of property tax moneys in cash and warrants collected as follows:

      (a) For the period beginning on the first Monday following the last Friday in October through the last Friday in November, the tax collector shall make weekly statements of those taxes that are collected for the current tax year.

      (b) For the period beginning the first Monday following the last Friday of November through the last Friday of October of the ensuing year, the tax collector shall make quarterly statements of those taxes that are collected for the current tax year.

      (c) The tax collector shall make quarterly statements of taxes collected for prior years.

      (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) or (c) of this subsection, if the balance in the unsegregated tax collection account as of the close of any month for any tax year (the current tax year or any prior tax year) exceeds $10,000 or if requested by any taxing district, and if weekly statements are not required, then the tax collector shall make a statement for the period since the last statement for the tax year.

      (e) If the processing of tax payments for the current tax year received or postmarked on or before the November 15 due date (or if the due date is extended under ORS 311.507, the due date pursuant to the extension) is not substantially completed as of the last Friday in November, the tax collector shall continue to make weekly statements until the end of a week when the processing is substantially completed.

      (2)(a) Each statement shall be of taxes collected during the weekly, monthly, quarterly or other period for which the statement is required.

      (b) The statements prepared under subsection (1) of this section shall specify the tax years for which the payments of taxes were made.

      (c) A copy of each statement shall be filed with the county clerk and a copy shall be filed with the county treasurer no later than the fifth business day after the last business day of the period for which the statement is prepared. A copy of each statement shall be retained in the office of the tax collector.

      (3) For the purposes of this section, property tax moneys are collected when:

      (a) Payment is made in person at the office of the tax collector;

      (b) The tax collector receives tax moneys or notice of tax moneys collected by a financial institution or other collection agency;

      (c) The tax collector receives payment or notice of payment of tax moneys by the state; or

      (d) The tax collector has posted a payment that arrived by mail in the county mail receptacle.

      (4) Each statement required under subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall separately state the amount deposited into the property tax bankruptcy account under ORS 311.484 for the period covered by the statement.

      (5) The statements required under subsections (1) and (2) of this section may be made more often and for shorter periods if the tax collector so desires but one of the statements so filed shall cover a period coinciding with the last business day of the particular calendar month or quarter during the period.

      (6) The county treasurer shall credit the total amount of moneys set out in the statements prepared under subsections (1) and (2) of this section, except for the amount deposited into the property tax bankruptcy account under ORS 311.484, to the several funds for which the moneys were respectively received in accordance with the schedule provided in ORS 311.390. The county treasurer shall keep the moneys and warrants received from the tax collector in their respective funds.

      (7) Within five business days of receiving a statement required by subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the county treasurer shall distribute the amount of money set out in the statement, except for the amount deposited into the property tax bankruptcy account under ORS 311.484, to the several taxing units according to the ratios provided in ORS 311.390. The county treasurer shall distribute interest earned on moneys in the unsegregated tax collections account at least as often as the treasurer receives a statement from the tax collector under subsection (1)(b) or (d) of this section. When statements are received under subsection (1)(a) of this section, the county treasurer shall distribute interest at least once a calendar month. [1963 c.606 §8; 1969 c.595 §9; 1971 c.355 §1; 1985 c.162 §3; 1987 c.220 §1; 1991 c.459 §248; 1993 c.270 §58; 1997 c.631 §450; 2003 c.190 §§12,13; 2007 c.537 §5]

TAX LIENS; SUMMARY COLLECTIONS

 

(Generally)

 

      311.405 Tax as lien; priority; effect of removal, sale or transfer of personal property. (1)(a) All ad valorem property taxes lawfully imposed or levied on real or personal property are liens on such real and personal property, respectively. Such taxes include delinquent taxes on personal property made a lien on real property, and ad valorem property taxes on real or personal property added to an assessment or tax roll pursuant to ORS 311.216 to 311.232.

      (b) If machinery and equipment and the real property upon which the machinery and equipment is located are owned by the same persons, all ad valorem property taxes lawfully imposed or levied on the machinery and equipment are a lien on the real property on which the machinery and equipment is located.

      (2) Taxes on real property shall be a lien thereon from and including July 1 of the year in which they are levied until paid and, except as otherwise specifically provided by law, such lien shall not be voided or impaired.

      (3)(a) Taxes on personal property shall be a lien:

      (A) On any and all of the particular personal property assessed and on any and all of the personal property assessed as the same category, as disclosed by the property tax return and assessment list; and

      (B) For purposes of distraint, on any and all of the taxable personal property owned by or in the possession or control of the person assessed.

      (b) The liens for taxes on personal property shall attach on and after July 1 of the year of assessment and shall continue until the taxes are paid, except as provided in subsection (4) or (5) of this section and ORS 311.410.

      (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, if possession of personal property that is subject to a perfected security interest is taken by a secured party on default, the lien for taxes on the property shall be limited to the taxes on the particular property and not the taxes on any other property of the debtor.

      (4)(a) If a manufactured structure or floating home is removed from the county in which it is assessed to another county in this state on or after January 1 and before July 1 of the assessment year, taxes on the manufactured structure or floating home shall be a lien on the manufactured structure or floating home that attaches as of the day preceding the date of removal.

      (b) If a manufactured structure or floating home is removed from the county in which it is assessed to a location that is outside this state on or after January 1 and before July 1 of the assessment year, the manufactured structure or floating home shall be removed from the assessment and tax roll for the corresponding tax year beginning July 1.

      (c) The taxes arising from a lien under this subsection may be paid to the tax collector prior to the completion of the next general property tax roll, pursuant to ORS 311.370.

      (d) As used in this subsection, “taxes” means the amount computed using the assessed value then on the assessment and tax roll for the manufactured structure or floating home or the value that next would be used on the assessment and tax roll, if known at the time the lien is created, and the assessor’s best estimate of taxes, special assessments, fees and other charges for the tax year that corresponds to the assessment year in which the removal occurs.

      (5)(a) If taxable personal property, other than a manufactured structure or floating home, is removed from the county in which it is assessed, or is sold or otherwise transferred to another owner, on or after January 1 and before July 1 of the assessment year, taxes on the removed, sold or transferred personal property shall be a lien on the personal property described in subsection (3)(a)(A) of this section that attaches as of the day preceding the date of removal, sale or transfer.

      (b) The taxes arising from a lien under this subsection may be paid to the tax collector prior to the completion of the next general property tax roll, pursuant to ORS 311.370.

      (6) Where real or personal property is omitted from the assessment or tax roll prepared as of January 1 of the current tax year and notice is given pursuant to ORS 311.216 to 311.232 during such year and the property subsequently is added to such roll pursuant to ORS 311.216 to 311.232, the taxes shall be a lien on such property and on other property at the same time and in the same manner as taxes became liens on the taxable property not so omitted from the roll.

      (7) Taxes on real and personal property omitted from an assessment or tax roll prepared as of the assessment date of a prior calendar or tax year and added to such roll pursuant to ORS 311.216 to 311.232, shall be a lien on such property from and including the date the addition or correction is made on such roll. Where the omitted property consists of any building, structure or improvement which has been severed or removed from the land, the taxes on such property also shall be a lien against the land. Where the property omitted is personal property, the taxes also shall be a lien on any and all of the taxable personal property of the person assessed from such date of addition or correction. However, no taxes shall become a lien on real or personal property under this subsection where the property was transferred to a bona fide purchaser as defined in ORS 311.235 after the date the roll was certified in such prior tax year and prior to the lien date provided for hereunder.

      (8) Each lien, whether on real or personal property, shall include all interest, penalties and costs applicable by law to any of such taxes.

      (9)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the liens for ad valorem taxes, including and not limited to the general lien provided by subsection (3)(a)(B) of this section, created under this section are superior to, have priority over and shall be fully satisfied before all other liens, judgments, mortgages, security interests or encumbrances on the property without regard to date of creation, filing or recording.

      (b) If it becomes necessary to charge personal property taxes against real property under ORS 311.645, if the county obtains a judgment under ORS 311.455 or records a warrant under ORS 311.625, or if in any other manner personal property taxes are made a lien against real property, any judgment, mortgage or other lien or encumbrance on the real property that is placed of record prior to the date the personal property tax becomes a lien on the real property has priority over the personal property tax lien. [Amended by 1953 c.707 §2; 1955 c.720 §3; 1981 c.346 §1; 1985 c.794 §1; 1991 c.459 §249; 1991 c.903 §4; 1997 c.541 §293; 2001 c.42 §1; 2001 c.229 §1; 2011 c.113 §1; 2012 c.30 §6]

 

      311.410 Effect of property transfer or lease termination on lien and on taxability of property. (1) Real property or personal property that is subject to taxation on July 1 shall remain taxable and taxes levied thereon for the ensuing tax year shall become due and payable, notwithstanding any subsequent transfer of the property to an exempt ownership or use. Taxes that are unpaid as of the termination of a lease, lease purchase agreement or other instrument resulting in the taxation of the property shall remain a lien on the property as of the day prior to the termination of the lease, lease purchase agreement or other instrument. Real or personal property exempt from taxation on July 1 shall remain exempt for the ensuing tax year, notwithstanding any transfer within the tax year to a taxable ownership or use.

      (2) A sale or transfer of personal property or any part of personal property does not affect the lien under ORS 311.405 (3)(a)(A), (4) or (5). Taxes on personal property transferred from a tax exempt to a taxable ownership or use shall be a lien on any and all of the personal property assessed to the person and on any and all of the taxable personal property of the person assessed from and including the date of transfer until paid. The liens shall be subject to this section and ORS 311.405.

      (3) Notwithstanding ORS 311.405 (4) or (5), real or personal property is exempt for the ensuing tax year if the property is transferred or changed from a taxable to an exempt ownership or use at any time before July 1 of any year. However, if the property is exempt under a provision of ORS chapter 307 that requires the filing of a claim for exemption, the transfer does not operate to render the property exempt from taxation for the ensuing tax year unless the required claim for exemption is filed on or before the date specified in the applicable statute or within 30 days after the date of acquisition or, if relevant under the applicable exemption statute, the change of use of the property, whichever is later. This section does not limit other statutes that prescribe filing dates for claiming an exemption.

      (4) Real or personal property is taxable for the ensuing tax year if the property is transferred or changed at any time before July 1 of any year from an exempt ownership to a taxable ownership or taxable use. Transfer of real or personal property from a tax-exempt use to a taxable use at any time between January 1 and June 30 of any year constitutes notice to the transferee, owner or person in control of the property that the property will be subject to taxation for the ensuing tax year. In the case of real property, the transferee, owner or person in control of the property shall advise the county assessor of the transfer. In the case of personal property, the transferee, owner or person in control of the property shall make a return of the property that lists the information required by ORS 308.290 within 30 days after the transfer.

      (5) Real property that is the subject of eminent domain proceedings instituted by a public body shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to have been transferred as of the date of payment therefor, the date of entry into possession by the public body or the date of entry of judgment in the eminent domain proceedings, whichever is earlier. [Amended by 1953 c.707 §2; 1963 c.233 §1; 1969 c.237 §2; 1973 c.402 §16; 1977 c.884 §18; 1979 c.692 §11; 1979 c.704 §2; 1981 c.346 §2; 1987 c.756 §9; 1991 c.459 §250; 1993 c.270 §59; 1995 c.513 §3; 1997 c.819 §13; 2001 c.42 §2; 2001 c.229 §2; 2005 c.94 §63; 2007 c.524 §1]

 

      311.411 Certificate of taxes paid required to record instrument conveying real property to public entity; authorization for agent to withhold taxes; issuance; deficiency as personal debt of transferor; collection. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Authorized agent” means an agent who is responsible for closing and settlement services in a conveyance.

      (b) “Charges against the real property” means all ad valorem property taxes, additional taxes and potential additional taxes, fees, interest, penalties, costs and other charges that have been or will be charged or listed during the property tax year on the assessment roll or the tax roll with respect to real property that is the subject of an instrument described in subsection (2) of this section.

      (c) “Closing and settlement services” means services that are provided by:

      (A) A licensed escrow agent in a real estate closing escrow within the meaning of ORS 696.505 to 696.590; or

      (B) An attorney for the benefit of a transferor or a transferee in a conveyance, if, simultaneously with the conveyance, the attorney deposits the unpaid purchase price into the attorney’s client trust account for disbursal pursuant to the written instructions of, or the agreement between, the transferor and transferee.

      (d) “Consideration” means the amount of cash paid for a conveyance.

      (e) “Conveyance” means the transfer of, or a contract to transfer, fee title to any real property located in this state to a transferee whose property is exempt from taxation under ORS 307.040 or 307.090. “Conveyance” does not include a transfer of fee title of less than an entire parcel of property for state highway, county road or city street purposes.

      (2)(a) Notwithstanding ORS 205.130, a county clerk may not record or cause to be recorded an instrument conveying or contracting to convey fee title to real property to an entity whose property is exempt from taxation under ORS 307.040 or 307.090 unless the instrument is accompanied by a certificate issued by the assessor of the county in which the real property is located attesting that all charges against the real property as of the date of the recording have been paid.

      (b) If an instrument is recorded without a certificate as required under paragraph (a) of this subsection, any charges against the real property as of the date of the recording that have not been paid shall be collected in the manner provided under subsection (6) of this section.

      (3)(a) On or after July 1 of any year, and before the date on which the assessor makes a certificate pursuant to ORS 311.105, a person seeking to record an instrument described in subsection (2) of this section shall pay to the tax collector of the county:

      (A) If the exact amount of charges against the real property can be computed by the county assessor, the exact amount.

      (B) If the exact amount cannot be computed, an amount equal to the county assessor’s estimate of the exact amount.

      (b) The county assessor shall levy and the tax collector shall collect the exact amount or the county assessor’s estimate of the exact amount under this subsection.

      (c) Payment made pursuant to this subsection may be made less any discount allowed under ORS 311.505.

      (4)(a) Pursuant to written instructions from the transferor, an authorized agent in a conveyance may withhold from the consideration payable to the transferor an amount equal to the amount of charges against the real property as of the date of the conveyance.

      (b) Amounts withheld pursuant to this subsection are held in trust for the taxing districts within the county in which the real property is located and shall be paid to the county tax collector before the consideration, net of the amounts withheld, may be paid to the transferor.

      (5)(a) If all charges against the real property as of the date of the recording have been paid, the county assessor shall issue the certificate described in subsection (2) of this section and may not unreasonably withhold delivery of the certificate.

      (b) The certificate shall be in a form prescribed by the Department of Revenue.

      (6) Any deficiency in the amount required to be paid under this section:

      (a) Notwithstanding ORS 311.405, is not a lien on the real property that is the subject of the instrument described in subsection (2) of this section;

      (b) Constitutes a personal debt of the person who has conveyed or contracted to convey the real property under the instrument described in subsection (2) of this section; and

      (c) Shall be collected as provided by law for the collection of delinquent property taxes on personal property. [2015 c.96 §1; 2016 c.98 §3; 2023 c.30 §1]

 

      Note: 311.411 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 311 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      311.412 Effect of acquisition of property by eminent domain on taxes for prior fiscal years. (1) Whenever, by eminent domain proceedings, the State of Oregon or any political subdivision thereof acquires title to any real property upon which property taxes for any year or years prior to the fiscal year of such acquisition have become a lien upon said real property, all such liens shall be transferred to and be paid out of the award of the jury given in such proceedings. The real property acquired by the state or any political subdivision thereof shall be free and clear of any liens or liability for such property taxes.

      (2) In the event the real property acquired by the state or any political subdivision thereof was a part of a larger parcel upon which property taxes for any year or years prior to the fiscal year of such acquisition have become a lien, only such proportion of such taxes as the assessed value of the part acquired by the state or the political subdivision thereof bears to the assessed value of the said larger parcel shall be transferred to and paid out of the award of the jury given in said proceedings, and the remainder of such taxes shall continue a lien upon the remainder of said larger parcel. [1953 c.539 §1]

 

      311.413 Effect of acquisition of property by eminent domain on taxes for fiscal year of acquisition. (1) Whenever, by eminent domain proceedings, the State of Oregon or any political subdivision thereof acquires title to any real property upon which property taxes have been levied for the fiscal year in which such property is acquired, the state or the political subdivision thereof shall pay such proportion of said taxes as the period from the date of acquisition until the end of the fiscal year bears to the entire fiscal year. The remainder of said taxes shall become a lien upon and shall be paid out of the award of the jury given in said eminent domain proceedings.

      (2) In the event the real property acquired by the state or any political subdivision thereof is a part of a larger parcel upon which property taxes have been levied for the fiscal year of such acquisition, only such proportion of said taxes as the assessed value of the part acquired by the state or a political subdivision thereof bears to the assessed value of said larger parcel shall be paid by the state or the political subdivision thereof or become a lien and be paid out of the award of the jury as provided in this section, and the remainder of such taxes shall continue a lien upon the remainder of said larger parcel. [1953 c.539 §2]

 

      311.414 Date of acquisition for purposes of ORS 311.412 and 311.413. For the purposes of ORS 311.412 and 311.413, the date of acquisition of real property by eminent domain proceedings by the State of Oregon or any political subdivision thereof shall be deemed to be the date possession thereof is taken by the state or the political subdivision thereof, or the date final judgment is entered in the eminent domain proceedings, whichever is earlier. [1953 c.539 §3]

 

      311.415 Payment of taxes before entry of judgment or order in certain causes. (1) Before any judgment or final order shall be entered or become operative in any court in this state in any of the causes listed in subsection (3) of this section, it shall first be shown to the satisfaction of the court that all taxes due or owing from the defendant, judgment debtor, heir, devisee, executor, administrator, trustee, agent, conservator or guardian, or which may be collected by virtue of the assessment and taxation laws of this state, have been paid.

      (2) If the judgment or final order is to be taken and entered after January 1, while the assessment roll is in the possession of the assessor, and pertains to an assessment to be made as of January 1, the receipt for the taxes shall be given by the assessor upon an assessment made as follows:

      (a) If the exact amount of taxes, special assessments, fees and charges are able to be computed by the assessor, such amount shall be paid to the tax collector. The assessor is authorized to levy and the tax collector is authorized to collect such amount.

      (b) If the assessor is unable to compute the exact amount at the time, either (A) there shall be paid the amount estimated by the assessor to be needed to pay the taxes, special assessments, fees and other charges to become due, or (B) there shall be deposited with the tax collector a bond with good and sufficient undertaking in the amount that the assessor considers adequate to insure payment of the taxes to become due. In no event shall the bond amount exceed twice the amount of the previous year’s taxes, special assessments, fees and other charges computed under this subsection. Taxes paid or bonded for under this section shall be entitled to any discount provided by ORS 311.505. ORS 311.370 shall apply to amounts assessed and collected under this subsection.

      (3) This section applies to the following causes:

      (a) An assignment for the benefit of creditors.

      (b) The estate of a deceased person or any other proceeding in probate involving the distribution of personal property.

      (c) Any proceeding to enforce the payment of a debt where the property involved is assessable personal property. [Amended by 1973 c.823 §126; 1975 c.780 §10; 1979 c.350 §13; 1981 c.804 §88; 1991 c.459 §251; 1997 c.541 §294]

 

      311.420 Dissipation, removal or destruction of value of realty subsequent to assessment or tax day. (1) All taxes levied on real property, the value of which is substantially dissipated, removed or destroyed by the owner thereof, or by the authority of the owner, subsequent to the assessment or tax day of any year, shall be a debt due and owing from the owner of the real property from the time the taxes are or may be levied.

      (2) If the taxes are not paid before they become delinquent, or on the earlier demand of the tax collector, the county in which the taxes are due and owing may, in addition to the remedies provided by statute for the collection of taxes on real property, maintain an action for itself, and for all other municipal corporations, taxing districts or political subdivisions sharing in the taxes, against the owner of the property for the collection of the taxes, together with interest, penalties, costs and other lawful charges thereon. At the time of the commencement of the action for the collection of such taxes, the county shall have the benefit of all the laws of this state pertaining to provisional remedies against the property, either real or personal, of the owner owing the taxes, without the necessity of filing either an affidavit or undertaking, as otherwise provided by statute. The county clerk of the county where the action is commenced shall immediately issue writs of attachment on application therefor by the tax collector or the district attorney for the county as plaintiff. The writs shall be directed to the sheriffs of as many counties as the tax collector or the district attorney directs.

      (3) This section does not apply if the real property is substantially dissipated, destroyed or removed by fire or the elements.

 

      311.425 Removing timber before paying taxes on timber or land prohibited; enjoining the cutting or removing of timber. (1) No person, firm or corporation shall log off or remove any standing or down timber until the taxes then due and payable on the timber and the taxes then due and payable on the land upon which the timber is or was standing or situated, including the taxes on any portion of the timber previously logged off or removed, have been fully paid. If the timber is owned entirely separate and apart from the land whereon it grows or is situated and is not merely held under an executory contract, the owner of the land is not responsible for the taxes on the timber.

      (2) In addition to the fine provided for in ORS 311.990 (3), the county in which the property is located may, through the district attorney of the county, maintain injunction proceedings against the person, firm or corporation from cutting or removing the timber in violation of subsection (1) of this section. [Amended by 1985 c.759 §4]

 

      311.430 Remedy of ORS 311.420 and 311.425 cumulative. ORS 311.420 and 311.425 shall be construed as cumulative of all other remedies for the collection of taxes against real property and shall not be construed as a repeal of any statute for the assessment or collection of taxes against real property.

 

      311.455 Tax on personal property as debt; action for collection of taxes; writs of attachment. (1) All taxes levied on personal property shall be a debt due and owing from the owner of the personal property.

      (2) If taxes on personal property are not paid before they become delinquent, or on the earlier demand of the assessor or tax collector, the county in which the taxes are due and owing may, in addition to the remedies provided by statute for the collection of taxes on personal property, maintain an action for itself, and for all other municipal corporations, taxing districts or political subdivisions sharing in the taxes, against the owner of the personal property for the collection of the taxes, together with interest, penalties, costs and other lawful charges thereon.

      (3) At the time of the commencement of the action for the collection of such taxes, the county shall have the benefit of all the laws of this state pertaining to provisional remedies against the property, either real or personal, of the owner owing the taxes, without the necessity of filing either an affidavit or undertaking, as otherwise provided by statute. The county clerk of the county where the action is commenced shall immediately issue writs of attachment on application therefor by the tax collector or the district attorney for the county as plaintiff. The writs shall be directed to the sheriffs of as many counties as the tax collector or the district attorney directs.

 

      311.460 [Repealed by 1975 c.365 §4]

 

      311.465 Summary collection of tax on property about to be removed, sold, dissipated or destroyed. (1) Subsection (2) of this section applies if:

      (a) The county assessor discovers personal property subject to assessment for taxation in any year and taxes imposed on the property in a prior year are delinquent; or

      (b) In the opinion of the assessor it seems probable that personal property may be removed from the county, sold, dissipated or destroyed before the taxes on the property otherwise become due and payable and it further appears that the owner or person liable for the taxes had no property subject to taxation in the county during either of the two preceding tax years, or was delinquent in the payment of any tax imposed during the two preceding tax years in respect to property in any jurisdiction, whether within or without the state, or is not financially responsible or intends to depart from the state before the taxes become due.

      (2) The assessor may, immediately after listing and valuing the personal property for assessment and taxation, levy, demand and collect for remittance to the tax collector, or the tax collector may collect, the taxes on the property as follows:

      (a) If the assessor is able to compute the exact amount of taxes, special assessments, fees and charges, such amount shall be paid to the assessor for remittance to the tax collector or directly to the tax collector; or

      (b) If the assessor is unable to compute the exact amount at the time, either:

      (A) There shall be paid the amount that the assessor estimates is needed to pay the taxes, special assessments, fees and other charges to become due; or

      (B) There shall be deposited with the tax collector a bond with a good and sufficient undertaking in the amount that the assessor considers adequate to ensure payment of the taxes to become due. In no event shall the bond amount exceed twice the amount of the taxes, special assessments, fees and other charges computed by the assessor under this paragraph.

      (3) Taxes paid or bonded for under subsection (2) of this section shall be entitled to the discount provided by ORS 311.505. ORS 311.370 shall apply to the amounts assessed and collected under subsection (2) of this section. Any taxes collected under subsection (2) of this section, and subject to refund on order of the tax court under ORS 311.467, shall be held in the special account mentioned in ORS 311.370 by the county treasurer until the period for petitioning for review of the assessor’s action has expired, or, when a review is had, until the review is determined. If the tax court, upon review, orders a refund, the county treasurer shall make the refund from the special account within three days after entry of the department’s order.

      (4) If the owner or person liable for the taxes on the personal property fails to pay the tax on demand by the assessor, the assessor shall certify the assessment and tax levies made under this section to the tax collector of the county. The taxes thereupon shall be collected by the tax collector in the manner of collecting delinquent taxes on personal property. The taxes when so certified by the assessor are delinquent and subject to the provisions of law for the collection of delinquent taxes on personal property. [Amended by 1955 c.710 §2; 1975 c.780 §12; 1979 c.350 §14; 1981 c.804 §89; 1995 c.650 §67; 1999 c.21 §29]

 

      311.467 Review of assessor’s action under expedited collection provisions. (1) When any assessor, under ORS 311.165 or 311.465, demands payment of taxes on real or personal property before such taxes otherwise become due and payable, the owner or person who is liable for the taxes on the property and who has paid to the assessor the amount demanded may, within 10 days from such demand, petition the tax court for review of the assessor’s action.

      (2) The review shall be governed by the provisions of ORS chapter 305, in so far as such provisions are applicable and not in conflict with this section.

      (3) The tax court magistrate shall complete its review and determination within 20 days after its receipt of the petition for review and shall either affirm the action taken by the assessor or order a refund of the taxes paid. The decision of the tax court magistrate shall be final. No rehearing shall be had except on the tax court magistrate’s own motion; and the decision shall not be appealable under ORS 305.501. Any costs incident to the hearing shall be assessed by the tax court magistrate against the losing party. [1955 c.710 §1; 1973 c.343 §2; 1977 c.870 §38; 1995 c.650 §68]

 

      311.470 Distraining property about to be removed from state or dissipated. If at any time the tax collector has reason to believe that personal property, including property classified as real property machinery and equipment, is being removed or is about to be removed from the state, is being dissipated or is about to be dissipated, the tax collector immediately shall distrain sufficient of the property or cause sufficient property to be distrained to pay the taxes, together with interest, penalties and costs, on all the property being removed or about to be removed, being dissipated or about to be dissipated. The tax collector shall cause such property to be sold or sell such property in the manner provided in ORS 311.644. [Amended by 1973 c.305 §7; 1981 c.346 §8; 2001 c.41 §1]

 

      311.473 Foreclosure sale of property to be removed from county; required notice by financial institution; recourse for failure to give notice. (1) Any financial institution, as defined in ORS 317.010, or agent or representative of a financial institution, that, in the process of foreclosing any security interest or other lien on taxable personal property, including property classified as real property machinery and equipment, or after the lien is foreclosed, causes the property to be removed, or is knowledgeable that the property will be removed by another after the foreclosure sale, from the county in which the property is assessed or seized, shall notify the tax collector of that county prior to the removal. The notice shall be mailed to the tax collector, return receipt requested, and shall contain a description of the property that is the subject of the foreclosure, together with the name and address of the owner or owners of the property.

      (2) Failure to give the notice required under subsection (1) of this section shall not affect the foreclosure, but the tax collector shall have recourse against the financial institution on behalf of the taxing units for any damages sustained on account of failure to mail the notice. [1987 c.312 §2; 2001 c.41 §2]

 

      311.475 Collecting and remitting taxes on property removed from one county to another. If personal property, including property classified as real property machinery and equipment, on which taxes are due and unpaid has been removed from one county to another county of this state, the tax collector of the county from which the property was removed shall certify a statement of the taxes, with interest and penalties, to the tax collector of the county to which the property was removed. The statement shall contain a transcript of so much of the tax roll as relates to the property and the owner thereof. The tax collector receiving the certified statement shall have the same power to collect the taxes, with interest, penalties and costs thereon, as the tax collector has to collect taxes levied on personal property assessed in the tax collector’s own county. The tax collector making the collection immediately shall remit the amount collected, less the costs, to the tax collector from whom the statement and certified transcript was received, together with a statement showing in detail the respective amounts of taxes, interest, penalties and costs collected. [Amended by 2001 c.41 §3]

 

(Bankruptcy Collections)

 

      311.480 Property tax due upon bankruptcy; presenting claim. If a tax has been levied against real or personal property, and thereafter and prior to the date the tax becomes due and payable, the person against whom the tax is charged files a petition in bankruptcy, or is adjudged a bankrupt upon an involuntary proceeding, the tax shall become immediately due. The tax collector of the county where the tax was levied shall prepare and present to the bankruptcy court proof of claim of the county for the tax. [Amended by 1995 c.780 §4; 2003 c.190 §§6,7; 2007 c.537 §2]

 

      311.484 Property tax bankruptcy account. (1) A county may establish a property tax bankruptcy account. The account shall consist of interest earned on the account and moneys deposited into the account by the tax collector from taxes and any related penalties, but excluding interest, that are:

      (a) Due under ORS 311.405 (2) and (3)(a) and (b) or 311.480; and

      (b) Collected pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court.

      (2) If a county establishes a property tax bankruptcy account under this section, the county treasurer shall deduct from the account and deposit with the county an amount that is sufficient to reimburse the county for costs incurred by the tax collector to pursue collection of taxes and penalties described in subsection (1) of this section. Costs allowed under this subsection include:

      (a) Attorney fees, which may include the amount billed by retained counsel, the documented hourly cost of county counsel services and reasonable county counsel overhead; and

      (b) Expenditures and disbursements, which may include filing fees, copying charges, travel expenses and other expenditures directly related to the bankruptcy proceeding.

      (3) After estimating the amount necessary for reimbursements under subsection (2) of this section, the county treasurer may periodically deposit into the unsegregated tax collections account described in ORS 311.385 the portion of the property tax bankruptcy account that the treasurer deems reasonable and prudent.

      (4) Not later than June 30 of each year, the county treasurer shall deposit the balance of the property tax bankruptcy account, including interest and excluding an amount that is reasonably necessary for reimbursements under subsection (2) of this section, in the unsegregated tax collections account described in ORS 311.385 for distribution in accordance with ORS 311.390. [2003 c.190 §2]

 

      Note: 311.484 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 311 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      311.485 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.489 Bankruptcy collections efforts report. Not later than September 1 of each year, the tax collector shall distribute to all taxing districts a report that outlines bankruptcy collection efforts for the previous tax year. The report shall include:

      (1) A list of all bankruptcy proceedings for which the county was reimbursed for attorney fees pursuant to ORS 311.484.

      (2) The total amount of taxes and penalties collected through an order of a bankruptcy court.

      (3) The total amount reimbursed to the county under ORS 311.484 for attorney fees and costs and disbursements. [2003 c.190 §3]

 

      Note: 311.489 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 311 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      311.500 [1989 c.796 §§10,22; 1991 c.459 §253; 1997 c.782 §7; repealed by 1999 c.701 §10]

 

DELINQUENT TAXES; COLLECTION

 

(Generally)

 

      311.505 Due dates; interest on late payments; discounts on early payments. (1) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, all taxes and other charges due from the taxpayer or property, levied or imposed and charged on the latest tax roll, shall be paid as follows:

      (a) The first one-third on or before November 15;

      (b) The second one-third on or before February 15; and

      (c) The remaining one-third on or before May 15 next following.

      (2) Interest shall begin to accrue, and shall be collected, at the rate of one and one-third percent per month, or fraction of a month, until paid, on any taxes on property, other charges, and on any additional taxes or penalty imposed for disqualification of property for special assessment or exemption, or installment thereof not paid on or before the following dates:

      (a) December 15, for the first one-third;

      (b) February 15, for the second one-third; and

      (c) May 15 next following, for the remaining one-third.

      (3) Discounts shall be allowed on partial or full payments of such taxes, made on or before November 15 as follows:

      (a) Two percent on two-thirds of such taxes so paid.

      (b) Three percent where all of such taxes are so paid.

      (4) For purposes of this section, “taxes” includes all taxes on property as defined in ORS 310.140 and certified to the assessor under ORS 310.060 except taxes assessed on any other property which have by any means become a lien against the property for which the payment was made.

      (5) All interest collected and all discounts allowed shall be prorated to the several municipal corporations, taxing districts and governmental agencies sharing in the taxes or assessments.

      (6) If the total property tax is less than $40, no installment payment of taxes shall be allowed. [Amended by 1953 c.49 §2; 1957 c.543 §1; 1965 c.344 §26; 1973 c.142 §1; 1975 c.704 §2; 1979 c.241 §9; 1979 c.703 §§1,3; 1987 c.529 §2; 1991 c.459 §252; 1997 c.819 §17; 1999 c.701 §1; 2021 c.548 §1]

 

      311.506 Review of rate of interest by Legislative Assembly. During each odd-numbered year regular session, the Legislative Assembly shall review the rate of interest, as specified under ORS 311.505 (2) that is charged and collected on property taxes that are due and unpaid. [1989 c.796 §10a; 2001 c.114 §29; 2011 c.545 §25]

 

      311.507 Discount allowed for certain late payments. (1) Notwithstanding the requirement in ORS 311.505 (3) that to receive a discount upon payment of taxes, the taxes must be paid on or before November 15, the discount provided by ORS 311.505 (3) shall be allowed:

      (a) If the taxes are paid within 15 business days after the date the tax statement is mailed or otherwise delivered by the tax collector, or by November 15, whichever is the later;

      (b) If under ORS 311.252 (2) or 311.253, the mortgagee or other person has received from the county a defective or inaccurate computer record, and the taxes are paid within 15 business days after the corrected computer record is delivered to the mortgagee or person, or by November 15, whichever is later;

      (c) If the reason for nonpayment by November 15 is on account of the county not providing a computer record pursuant to a mutual agreement as provided under ORS 311.253 and tax statements are substituted by the county for the computer record. To receive a discount pursuant to this paragraph, the taxes must be paid within 20 business days after the tax collector mails or otherwise delivers the tax statements, or the taxpayer has been notified in writing by the tax collector that the computer record will not be provided, whichever date is later; or

      (d) Except under conditions described in ORS 311.229 (2), if property or value is added to the tax roll under ORS 311.208 and the taxes becoming due as a result of the addition are paid in the period prior to the 16th day of the month next following the month of their extension.

      (2) Nothing in this section shall affect the due dates of the installment payments or the computation of interest upon failure to pay the installment on the date due. As used in this section, business days mean days other than Saturdays and legal holidays. [1979 c.703 §14; 1985 c.613 §27; 1987 c.313 §1; 1991 c.459 §254; 1993 c.23 §1; 1997 c.114 §1; 2001 c.303 §11; 2003 c.108 §4; 2019 c.360 §4]

 

      311.508 Disposition of interest on late payments; certification of estimated interest. (1) Except as provided under subsection (2) of this section and notwithstanding ORS 311.505 (5):

      (a) Twenty-five percent of the interest charged and collected under ORS 311.505 shall be deposited and credited to the County Assessment and Taxation Fund created under ORS 294.187; and

      (b) An additional 25 percent of the interest charged and collected under ORS 311.505 shall be deposited and credited to the County Assessment and Taxation Fund created under ORS 294.187 to the extent the interest would otherwise be distributed to cities or other taxing districts that are not counties or districts within the public school system.

      (2) On or before June 15 of each year, the Department of Revenue shall estimate the amount of interest that will be deposited and credited to the County Assessment Function Funding Assistance Account created under ORS 294.184 for the ensuing fiscal year. If the estimate is less than $13 million, the department shall certify to each county treasurer an increase in the percentage specified under subsection (1)(a) of this section to the end that the estimate reaches $13 million. However, no increase in percentage shall be certified that will raise and make available for deposit and credit to the County Assessment Function Funding Assistance Account for the ensuing fiscal year an amount that is in excess of $3 million over the amount estimated under this subsection to be received under subsection (1)(a) of this section for the ensuing fiscal year.

      (3) Upon receipt of certification from the department under subsection (2) of this section, the county treasurer shall deposit and credit to the County Assessment and Taxation Fund for the fiscal year to which the certification applies the percentage of the interest charged and collected under ORS 311.505 so certified.

      (4) The percentage of the interest on unpaid taxes and penalties required to be deposited and credited to the County Assessment and Taxation Fund under this section shall be deposited and credited in the same manner that the remaining interest is deposited and credited under ORS 311.385. [1989 c.796 §12; 1991 c.459 §255; 1997 c.782 §10; 1999 c.701 §2]

 

      311.510 Date of delinquency. Taxes on real property not paid on or before May 15 are delinquent. Taxes on personal property or on real property machinery and equipment are delinquent whenever any third, or other specified installment, of the taxes is not paid on or before its due date, as provided in ORS 311.505. [Amended by 1979 c.703 §10; 2012 c.30 §7]

 

      311.512 Collection of taxes on manufactured structures. (1) Taxes on manufactured structures assessed as real property shall become due, become delinquent, and be collected at the same time and in the same manner as taxes on other real property. Taxes on manufactured structures assessed as personal property are subject to all the provisions of law relating to the assessment, taxation and collection of personal property taxes.

      (2) The seizure and sale for tax delinquency of a manufactured structure assessed as personal property must be conducted and carried out in the same manner as provided by law for the seizure and sale of other personal property for the collection of taxes due thereon, except as follows:

      (a) If the records of the Department of Consumer and Business Services indicate that the person to whom the seized manufactured structure is assessed is not the security interest holder, the tax collector, before selling the manufactured structure, shall give notice of the sale to any security interest holder by registered or certified mail, addressed to the security interest holder at the last-known address of the holder as shown by the records of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, mailed not later than the 10th day before the sale.

      (b) At any time before the sale, the person assessed or security interest holder of the manufactured structure to be sold may pay the tax collector the full amount of the delinquent taxes, plus any penalties and interest thereon, and costs incurred by the tax collector in seizing the manufactured structure and arranging its sale. If this is done, the tax collector may not hold the sale and shall return the manufactured structure to the person entitled to possession of the structure.

      (c) If the amount realized on the sale is in excess of the amount of taxes, interest, penalties and costs due on the manufactured structure, the tax collector first shall pay to the security interest holder, according to the records of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the amount of their interest to the extent there are sufficient moneys to do so, and shall pay any amount thereafter remaining to the owner of the manufactured structure. [1969 c.605 §17; 1983 c.748 §6; 1985 c.16 §458; 2003 c.655 §71]

 

      311.513 Collection of additional taxes due upon resolution of appeal. (1) Whenever any property value or claim for exemption or cancellation of a property tax assessment is appealed to the property value appeals board or to the tax court and the final resolution of the controversy results in additional taxes due on the property, the additional taxes becoming due shall be payable without interest if paid in the period prior to the 16th of the month next following the correction of the assessment and tax roll.

      (2) If the additional taxes described in this section are not paid prior to the date specified in subsection (1) of this section, the additional taxes shall be considered for all purposes of collection and enforcement of payment as having been delinquent on the date the taxes would normally have become delinquent if the additional taxes had been timely extended on the roll, except that any interest shall be computed prospectively from the 16th of the month following the correction of the roll. [2003 c.274 §2; 2023 c.29 §35]

 

      Note: The amendments to 311.513 by section 35, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative July 1, 2024. See section 43, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative until July 1, 2024, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

      311.513. (1) Whenever any property value or claim for exemption or cancellation of a property tax assessment is appealed to the board of property tax appeals or to the tax court and the final resolution of the controversy results in additional taxes due on the property, the additional taxes becoming due shall be payable without interest if paid in the period prior to the 16th of the month next following the correction of the assessment and tax roll.

      (2) If the additional taxes described in this section are not paid prior to the date specified in subsection (1) of this section, the additional taxes shall be considered for all purposes of collection and enforcement of payment as having been delinquent on the date the taxes would normally have become delinquent if the additional taxes had been timely extended on the roll, except that any interest shall be computed prospectively from the 16th of the month following the correction of the roll.

 

      311.514 Computation of interest when interest computation date falls on Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. If any date for which interest is computed by a tax collector falls on a Saturday, or on a Sunday or any legal holiday, the date for which interest is computed shall be the next business day following the Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. [1993 c.6 §2]

 

      311.515 Partial payments. Partial payments of taxes levied and charged on any property of at least $40 may be made at any time. Interest shall be charged and collected on each such partial payment at the rate provided in ORS 311.505 (2) from the due date of the particular installment of the taxes on which it applies. Each such partial payment shall be credited first to interest so accrued and penalties, if any, and then to principal of the taxes. [Amended by 1953 c.49 §2; 1973 c.142 §2; 1975 c.704 §3; 1979 c.703 §7; 1985 c.613 §28]

 

      311.520 When cities exempt from penalty and interest. (1) If incorporated cities have acquired or acquire title to real property, through foreclosure or settlement of any lien, upon which property taxes have become a lien prior to the acquisition, interest and penalties on the taxes hereby are canceled, but the lien or liens for the taxes shall remain on the property and be satisfied only by full payment of the principal amount thereof. Any lien for taxes attaching to any such real property prior to the execution of the deed to the incorporated city shall be a valid and subsisting lien thereon.

      (2) The amendments by subsection (1) of this section do not apply to real property which an incorporated city acquired title to, prior to June 15, 1987, through foreclosure or settlement of any lien, if the incorporated city does not hold title to that property on June 15, 1987.

      (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the exemption from taxation provided to cities and other municipal corporations by ORS 307.090. [Amended by 1987 c.333 §1]

 

      311.525 Property acquired by state remains subject to tax lien; cancellation of interest and penalties. If the State of Oregon acquires title to real property through foreclosure of mortgage held on the property by the state, or other means in settlement of existing indebtedness in favor of the state, upon which property taxes have become a lien prior to the acquisition, interest and penalties on the taxes hereby are canceled, but the lien or liens for the taxes shall remain on the property and be satisfied only by full payment of the principal amount thereof. Any lien for taxes attaching to any such real property prior to the execution of the deed to the state shall be a valid and subsisting lien thereon. [Amended by 1997 c.170 §49]

 

      311.530 [Amended by 1957 c.324 §9; repealed by 1965 c.344 §29 (311.531 enacted in lieu of 311.530)]

 

      311.531 Tax collector to file annual statement compiled from tax rolls. (1) On or before August 1 of each year the tax collector shall file with the county clerk a statement, on forms supplied by the Department of Revenue, compiled from the tax rolls, showing separately for each tax year for the prior seven years the following information as to transactions during the past fiscal year ending June 30:

      (a) The total amounts certified under ORS 311.105 (1) to be collected by the tax collector, broken down among real property, personal property and property assessed pursuant to ORS 308.505 to 308.674.

      (b) The total amount of all adjustments made by the tax collector, in dollars, increasing the total amount to be collected, and a like figure for the decreases.

      (c) The total amount collected, exclusive of interest and penalties, the total amount remaining uncollected, broken down among real property, personal property and property assessed pursuant to ORS 308.505 to 308.674.

      (d) The total amount of interest and penalties collected, and the total amount of discounts or rebates allowed.

      (e) Other matters affecting the statement of the tax collector, striking a balance between the total of the tax roll and the total of collections.

      (2) The tax collector then shall make a certificate over the official signature of the collector, to be annexed to the statement, that the facts set forth therein are correct. A copy of the statement shall be filed with the county clerk, a copy filed with the county court and a copy filed with the Department of Revenue. A copy of the statement and also of the certificate shall be retained by the tax collector as a public record. [1965 c.344 §30 (enacted in lieu of 311.530); 1999 c.21 §30]

 

      311.540 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.545 Notice of delinquent taxes on real property. (1) As soon as practicable after taxes become delinquent each year, the tax collector shall send to each person, firm or corporation shown on the tax roll as owning real property on which the taxes due and charged have not been paid, a written notice, stating:

      (a) A brief description of each parcel of real property.

      (b) The total amount of taxes due and delinquent on the real property.

      (c) The rate of interest and penalties applicable thereto.

      (d) The date on or after which foreclosure proceedings may be commenced as provided by law.

      (2) The tax collector shall send the notice, in each instance, by letter mail to the last-known address of the person, firm or corporation shown on the tax roll, or otherwise reported to the tax collector, as owing the delinquent taxes.

      (3) This section does not apply where the amount of the taxes delinquent against any particular parcel of real property is less than $1. [Amended by 1953 c.47 §3]

 

      311.547 Notice of delinquent taxes on personal property. After any installment of personal property taxes becomes delinquent, and from time to time thereafter at the discretion of the tax collector, the tax collector shall as soon as practicable send to each person, firm or corporation in whose name personal property is shown on the tax roll and on which the taxes due and charged have not been paid, a written notice stating:

      (1) The total amount of taxes due and delinquent;

      (2) The date of delinquency;

      (3) The rate of interest applicable thereto;

      (4) The date interest begins to run; and

      (5) The date on or after which property will be distrained or a warrant served as provided by law. [1965 c.344 §31; 1979 c.703 §8; 1981 c.346 §3]

 

      311.549 Delinquent taxes on machinery and equipment collectible as taxes on real or personal property. (1) The tax collector of a county in which property taxes on machinery and equipment are delinquent may, at the tax collector’s discretion, collect the delinquent taxes pursuant to:

      (a) The provisions of ORS chapter 311 applicable to personal property; or

      (b) The provisions of ORS chapter 312 establishing foreclosure proceedings with respect to liens against real property.

      (2) If machinery and equipment and the real property upon which the machinery and equipment is located are owned by the same persons, both the machinery and equipment and the real property may be included in a foreclosure proceeding pursuant to ORS chapter 312 whenever the taxes on either the machinery and equipment or the real property are delinquent. [2012 c.30 §5]

 

      Note: 311.549 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 311 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      311.550 Return address on envelope containing notice. All envelopes used by the tax collector in mailing statements or notices pertaining to the collection of taxes shall contain thereon a suitable return address. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §32]

 

      311.555 Property owners to furnish addresses. Each person, firm or corporation owning real or personal property within the state, or against whom taxes upon real or personal property are chargeable, shall keep the tax collector of the county where such real or personal property is situate informed of the true and correct address of the person, firm or corporation. No person, firm or corporation who fails to keep the tax collector so informed shall be permitted to plead lack of due notice given by the tax collector in any suit, action or other proceedings commenced or prosecuted under the provisions of ORS 311.545 to 311.565 or in any matter growing out of the administration of ORS 311.545 to 311.565. [Amended by 1981 c.346 §4]

 

      311.560 Noting address on tax roll. The tax collector shall note upon the tax roll, or in any other manner the tax collector deems most feasible, the true and correct address of each person, firm or corporation owning real or personal property in this state, as furnished under ORS 311.555 or as otherwise ascertained by the tax collector. [Amended by 1981 c.346 §5]

 

      311.565 Effect of tax collector’s failure to keep address or give notice. The failure of the tax collector to keep true and correct addresses, as provided in ORS 311.560, or to give the notice in the manner and form as provided for by ORS 311.545 to 311.550, shall not invalidate any proceeding to collect taxes, but shall subject the tax collector to any damages sustained by any person injured by the failure of the tax collector to keep the addresses or to give the notice. [Amended by 1953 c.47 §3; 1981 c.346 §6]

 

(Warrants for Delinquent Personal Property Taxes)

 

      311.605 “Person” defined for ORS 311.605 to 311.642. As used in ORS 311.605 to 311.642, “person” includes any individual, firm, copartnership, company, association, corporation, estate, trust, trustee, receiver, syndicate or any group or combination acting as a unit. [Amended by 1995 c.79 §148]

 

      311.610 Warrants to enforce payments of taxes on personal property. (1) Promptly after a period of 30 days has elapsed from the date any tax on personal property has become delinquent (or within such period, at the tax collector’s discretion), the tax collector shall issue a warrant to enforce payment thereof.

      (2) The warrant shall contain:

      (a) The name of the person owning the personal property, or having possession or control thereof.

      (b) The description of the property as it appears either in the assessment or tax roll.

      (c) The year or years for which the taxes are delinquent.

      (d) The principal amount of the delinquent taxes for each year and the interest accrued to the date of issuance of such warrant.

      (e) A statement to the effect that immediately after service of the warrant, if the delinquent taxes and interest and costs of service are not paid, the warrant or a duplicate thereof will be recorded with the county clerk for entry in the County Clerk Lien Record of the county.

      (3) The tax collector shall prepare a list of all such warrants.

      (4) Where the tax collector has begun or completed proceedings under ORS 311.644, the tax collector need not issue a warrant unless the tax collector ascertains that such proceedings will not result in the collection of the full tax. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §33; 1983 c.696 §10]

 

      311.615 Notice of warrants. (1)(a) Notice of the warrants required by ORS 311.610 and the issue thereof, except as provided in ORS 311.620, shall be given by:

      (A) One publication of the notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, to be designated by the county court; and

      (B) First-class mail to persons named in the notice.

      (b) All warrants served by publication may be included in one general notice.

      (2) The published notice must contain:

      (a) A general statement of the effect of the warrants when filed and recorded.

      (b) The names of the respective owners of the several personal properties and descriptions thereof as appearing in the latest tax roll or in the list or return listing or reporting the property pursuant to ORS 308.285 or 308.290.

      (c) The year or years for which taxes are delinquent on each property.

      (d) The amount of delinquent taxes for each year.

      (e) The interest accrued on each such amount to the date of issuance of the warrant.

      (3) Notice that complies with subsection (1) of this section is sufficient service on each person named in the notice or any person interested in any property described in the notice. All persons named in the notice or owning or claiming to own, or having or claiming to have any interest in, any property described in the notice are required to take notice of the proceeding and of all steps relating to the proceeding. [Amended by 1971 c.568 §3; 2003 c.576 §198; 2009 c.54 §1]

 

      311.620 Service of warrant. If it is deemed expedient to do so, notice may be given either by service of any warrant in the same manner as summons is served in an action at law, or by service of the warrant by certified mail, return receipt requested. Notice by personal service or by certified mail shall be in lieu of service by publication as to the persons so served. It shall not be necessary to include in the publication of the notice the names of such persons or the descriptions or other matters relating to their respective properties. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §34]

 

      311.625 Recordation of warrant in lien record; lien on real and personal property. (1) Immediately after service of the warrant, or on completion of service by publication, as the case may be, the tax collector shall have the warrant or a duplicate thereof recorded by the county clerk in the County Clerk Lien Record maintained under ORS 205.130. When service has been made by certified mail, notation of the service shall be made on the warrant recorded by the county clerk and the returned receipt shall be attached to and made a part of the warrant on file in the office of the county tax collector. When service has been made by certified mail and the return receipt is sent electronically or by computer printout, the tax collector shall retain the return receipt record. The clerk shall enter in the County Clerk Lien Record the name of the owner of the personal property on which taxes are delinquent, as shown by the warrant, and the total amount of the delinquent taxes and interest for which the warrant was issued, with added cost charges, and the date of recording.

      (2) Thereupon, the amount of the warrant, so recorded, shall become a lien upon the title to any interest in real property owned by the person against whom the warrant is issued, and the taxes on personal property embraced in the warrant, with interest, penalties and costs applicable thereto, shall continue as a lien on all the personal property of the person assessed as otherwise provided by law. The effect shall be the same as though the people of the county had recovered judgment against the person charged for the full amount of the delinquent taxes covered by the warrant, together with interest thereon and costs as provided by law. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §35; 1983 c.696 §11; 1987 c.586 §37; 1989 c.415 §1; 2003 c.190 §1]

 

      311.630 Procedure of ORS 311.605 to 311.642 mandatory. Except as provided in ORS 311.610, the process of issuing, serving, recording and executing warrants covering all delinquent taxes on personal property, as provided in ORS 311.605 to 311.642, shall be mandatory, irrespective of any other process, procedure or remedy provided by law in respect to collection or payment of such taxes. [Amended by 1965 c.344 §36; 1971 c.259 §1; 2003 c.576 §199]

 

      311.633 Fee for service of warrant under ORS 311.605 to 311.642. The fee for service of a warrant pursuant to ORS 311.605 to 311.642 by publication, by mail or by personal service is $20. If service of a warrant pursuant to ORS 311.605 to 311.642 is by personal service, an additional fee equivalent to the amount collected for serving a summons or subpoena to one party under ORS 21.300 (1)(a) may be charged. [1977 c.218 §2; 1983 c.93 §1; 2009 c.54 §2]

 

      311.635 Execution; release of lien. (1) When the warrant has been recorded, the tax collector shall proceed to collect the amount due on the warrant in the manner prescribed by law in respect to an execution issued upon judgment of a court of record.

      (2) The tax collector shall release the lien of any warrant so recorded on payment or settlement of the delinquent taxes, interest and costs for recording, indexing and service of the warrant, or on a satisfactory showing that the person against whom the warrant was issued was under no liability for payment of the taxes at the time the warrant was issued and has not become liable for such payment at any subsequent time. [Amended by 1973 c.305 §8; 1987 c.586 §38]

 

(Electronic Filing of Warrants for Delinquent Business Personal Property Taxes)

      311.636 Filing of electronic notice of warrant for delinquent business personal property taxes with Secretary of State; electronic notice of release or cancellation; fees. (1) As used in ORS 311.636 to 311.642:

      (a) “Business personal property” means tangible personal property, and machinery and equipment that a tax collector treats as personal property pursuant to ORS 311.549.

      (b) “Business personal property” does not include manufactured structures and floating homes.

      (2)(a) The tax collector of a county may transmit an electronic notice of a warrant issued for delinquent property taxes on business personal property to the Secretary of State for filing as provided in this section.

      (b) Certification by the tax collector of warrants for delinquent property taxes on business personal property entitles the warrants to be filed and no other certification or acknowledgment is necessary.

      (3) If an electronic notice of a warrant is transmitted to the Secretary of State for filing under subsection (2) of this section, the Secretary of State shall cause the warrant to be marked, held and indexed in accordance with the provisions of ORS 79.0519 in the same manner as a financing statement under ORS chapter 79.

      (4) A county tax collector who transmits an electronic notice of a warrant under this section shall transmit an electronic notice of a release or cancellation of the warrant to the Secretary of State for filing as soon as practicable after the amount due on the warrant is paid in full or canceled.

      (5) If an electronic notice of release or cancellation of a warrant is transmitted to the Secretary of State for filing under subsection (4) of this section, the Secretary of State shall, as applicable:

      (a) Cause a certificate of release to be marked, held and indexed in the same manner as a termination statement under ORS 79.0512; or

      (b) Cause a certificate of cancellation to be held, marked and indexed in the same manner as a release of collateral under ORS 79.0512.

      (6) The Secretary of State shall specify the format, required information and manner of transmission for an electronic notice transmitted under this section. The Secretary of State shall file an electronic notice only if the tax collector has complied with the Secretary of State’s specifications.

      (7) The Secretary of State may:

      (a) Establish a fee for accepting an electronic notice transmitted by a tax collector to the Secretary of State for filing under this section.

      (b) Adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section and ORS 311.637 and 311.638.

      (8) The tax collector may add to the amount due on a warrant any fee charged by the Secretary of State for filing an electronic notice of the warrant or the release or cancellation of the warrant pursuant to this section.

      (9) Transmitting an electronic notice of a warrant to the Secretary of State for filing under this section does not affect the tax collector’s obligation to have the warrant recorded pursuant to ORS 311.625. [2015 c.444 §2]

 

      311.637 Expiration and extension of electronic notice of warrant. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an electronic notice of a warrant transmitted under ORS 311.636 expires 10 years after the Secretary of State files the electronic notice.

      (2)(a) At any time before an electronic notice of a warrant expires, a county tax collector may transmit an electronic certificate of extension for the warrant, in the same manner as an electronic notice of a warrant is transmitted under ORS 311.636, to the Secretary of State for filing.

      (b) The Secretary of State shall note when the Secretary of State receives the electronic certificate of extension and shall file the electronic certificate of extension in the same manner as an electronic notice of a warrant is filed under ORS 311.636.

      (3)(a) An electronic certificate of extension filed under this section expires 10 years after the Secretary of State files the electronic certificate of extension.

      (b) Only one electronic certificate of extension may be filed under this section for each electronic notice of a warrant.

      (4) An electronic certificate of extension transmitted after the electronic notice of a warrant expires as provided in subsection (1) of this section has no effect.

      (5) The Secretary of State shall file an electronic certificate of extension only if the tax collector has complied with the Secretary of State’s specifications under ORS 311.636 (6). [2015 c.444 §3]

 

      311.638 Public access to electronic notices. The Secretary of State shall provide the public with access to information relating to electronic notices of warrants and release and cancellation of warrants transmitted for filing pursuant to ORS 311.636 under the same conditions, in the same form and to the same extent that the Secretary of State provides information relating to financing statements the Secretary of State files pursuant to ORS chapter 79. [2015 c.444 §4]

 

      311.639 Seller of business personal property to provide purchaser with property tax disclosure notice. A seller of business personal property shall provide a prospective purchaser of the property with a disclosure notice that includes at least the following information:

      (1) Whether any property taxes assessed on the property for any property tax year are outstanding;

      (2) Whether there are any liens against the property;

      (3) If known, the name of any county in which the property has ever been assessed for property tax purposes other than the county in which the property is located at the time of the proposed purchase transaction;

      (4) If known, the name and address of any other person that has owned or had possession or control of the property; and

      (5) The fact that ORS 311.641 may apply to the purchase transaction. [2015 c.444 §5]

 

      311.640 [Amended by 1955 c.720 §4; 1973 c.305 §9; 1981 c.346 §7; 2001 c.41 §4; 2001 c.43 §1; renumbered 311.644 in 2015]

 

      311.641 Bona fide purchaser of business personal property; release of lien. (1) For purposes of this section, a bona fide purchaser is a person that purchases business personal property:

      (a) In good faith;

      (b) For value;

      (c) In an arm’s-length transaction; and

      (d) Without notice of delinquent property taxes on the property, as described in subsection (2) of this section.

      (2) A person purchases property without notice of delinquent property taxes on the property if, as of the date of the purchase transaction, the person:

      (a) Does not have actual notice of the taxes, from the disclosure notice required under ORS 311.639 or otherwise;

      (b) Has completed reasonable diligence with respect to:

      (A) The information included on the disclosure notice required under ORS 311.639, or can attest that the seller failed to provide the disclosure notice; and

      (B) Any other relevant facts that the person knew or should have known about the transaction;

      (c) Has searched and found no warrant for delinquent property taxes on the property recorded in the County Clerk Lien Record of the county in which the property is located at the time of the purchase transaction or of any other county in which the person, at the time of the purchase transaction, knew or should have known the property was previously located; and

      (d) Has searched the Secretary of State’s Uniform Commercial Code system within three business days before the date of the purchase transaction and found no unsatisfied warrant for delinquent property taxes on the property, as evidenced by a screen printout of the search results.

      (3) For purposes of ORS 311.635, a bona fide purchaser is not liable for property taxes that were delinquent on the date of the purchase transaction in which the bona fide purchaser acquired the business personal property or for interest or fees related to the delinquent property taxes.

      (4)(a) Upon receipt of sufficient information to determine that a purchaser of business personal property on which delinquent property taxes are outstanding is a bona fide purchaser, a tax collector shall release the lien for the taxes with respect to the property that was the subject of the purchase transaction.

      (b) The release of the lien does not affect:

      (A) The personal liability of the owner, or person in possession or control of the property, at the time the property was assessed, arising under ORS 311.455.

      (B) The lien on property, other than the property that was the subject of the purchase transaction, arising under ORS 311.405 (3). [2015 c.444 §6]

 

      311.642 Compromise property tax payment from purchaser of business personal property; release of lien; total amount of taxes remains personal liability of taxpayer at time of assessment; refund to purchaser. (1)(a) The tax collector of a county may accept from a purchaser of business personal property on which property taxes were delinquent on the date of the purchase transaction a compromise payment that is less than the total outstanding amount of taxes, interest and fees.

      (b) The amount of the compromise payment must be equitable in consideration of all the facts and circumstances of the transaction in which the purchaser acquired the property.

      (2) Upon receipt of the compromise payment, the tax collector shall release the lien for the taxes on the business personal property that was the subject of the purchase transaction.

      (3) Notwithstanding receipt of a compromise payment under this section, the total outstanding amount described in subsection (1)(a) of this section, without reduction for the amount of the compromise payment, remains as:

      (a) A personal liability of the owner, or person in possession or control of the property, at the time the property was assessed, arising under ORS 311.455.

      (b) A lien on property, other than the property that was the subject of the purchase transaction, arising under ORS 311.405 (3).

      (4)(a) If the total outstanding amount described in subsection (1)(a) of this section is paid after receipt of a compromise payment, the amount of the compromise payment shall be refunded to the purchaser.

      (b) Upon receipt of the total outstanding amount described in subsection (1)(a) of this section, the tax collector shall notify the governing body of the county that a refund is due under this subsection. The refund shall be made without interest in the manner provided in ORS 311.806. [2015 c.444 §7]

 

(Miscellaneous)

 

      311.644 Seizure and sale of personal property or real property machinery and equipment for delinquent property tax; notice. (1) As used in this section, “property” is limited to personal property and machinery and equipment that is characterized by the county assessor as real property machinery and equipment and that is described in ORS 308.115 (3).

      (2)(a) Each year, the tax collector may collect taxes on property that are delinquent by seizure and sale of any of the following property:

      (A) The property assessed.

      (B) The taxable property belonging to or in the possession or control of the person assessed.

      (b) No property that is subject to taxation shall be exempt from seizure and sale for the payment of property taxes imposed on personal property or real property machinery and equipment.

      (3)(a) Immediately upon taking the property into possession, the tax collector shall:

      (A) Notify, by mail, the owner, or person in possession or control of the property at the time of the seizure. If the name and address of the owner or the person in control or possession of the property is unknown to the tax collector, the tax collector shall notify the person to whom the property was assessed at the address noted upon the tax roll. If the property was not assessed, and the owner or person in possession or control of the property at the time of the seizure is unknown to the tax collector, no notice need be given under this subparagraph.

      (B) Notify, by mail, all security interest holders and other encumbrancers of record, at their addresses as shown in the records of encumbrance. If no addresses appear in the records of encumbrance, no mailing is required under this subparagraph.

      (C) Advertise the seized property for sale by posting written or printed notices of the time and place of sale in three public places in the county not less than 10 days prior to the sale. Failure to give or post the notices required by this paragraph shall not invalidate the sale. However, the owner, encumbrancer or other injured person shall have recourse against the tax collector for damages.

      (b) The notice under paragraph (a) of this subsection shall:

      (A) Describe the personal property or real property machinery and equipment seized.

      (B) State the total amount of property taxes due and delinquent on personal property or real property machinery and equipment, the date of delinquency, the rate of interest and the date the interest begins to run.

      (C) State that if the property taxes, interest, penalties and costs are not paid the property will be sold at public vendue, and the date and hour of sale.

      (D) State either that the property seized is the property assessed or is property assessed as the same category, or that the property seized is distrained under ORS 311.405 (3)(a)(B).

      (c) If payment of the property taxes, interest, penalties and costs is made before the time fixed for sale, the tax collector shall release the seized property.

      (d) If any person disputes the statements contained in the notice described in this subsection or the property tax lien priority, the burden of proving the statements contained in the notice or the priority of the property tax lien shall be on the tax collector.

      (e) If it is determined that the seized property is exempt or nontaxable or that the taxpayer has no interest in the property, or that the taxes on that property have been paid, the tax collector shall release the property. However, if it is determined that the taxpayer has an interest in the property and that the property is taxable and is not exempt from seizure and sale, the tax collector shall proceed to sell the property at public vendue unless the taxes are paid as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection.

      (4) At the sale the person offering to pay the amount of taxes, interest and penalties due on the property for the least quantity of the property shall be the purchaser of that quantity, and the remainder of the property shall be discharged from the lien. If no bidder at the sale offers to pay the amount due against the property at the time set for the sale or at any adjournment of the sale, title to the property shall immediately vest in the county free and clear of all liens and encumbrances. Thereafter, the county governing body may sell the property, or any part of the property, at private sale, without further notice, for a price and on such terms as the governing body considers reasonable. Any sale shall be absolute and without right of redemption.

      (5) If the amount realized on the sale is in excess of the amount of taxes, interest, penalties and costs due on the property, the excess shall be repaid to the person charged with the taxes, interest, penalties and costs. However, if the property is subject to a judgment, mortgage, security interest or other lien or encumbrance of record, the excess shall be paid over to the holder or holders of the judgment, mortgage, security interest or other lien or encumbrance as the interest of the holder or holders may appear. [Formerly 311.640]

 

      311.645 Charging personal property taxes against real property. (1) Whenever, after delinquency, in the opinion of the tax collector, it becomes necessary to charge taxes on personal property against real property in order that the personal property taxes may be collected, the tax collector shall select for the purpose some particular tract or lots of real property owned by the person, firm, corporation or association owing the personal property taxes and shall note on the tax roll opposite the tract or lots selected the taxes on the personal property. Thereafter, the personal property taxes shall be a lien on the real property selected and shall be enforced in the same manner as other tax liens on real property. The notation of the lien, with the date thereof, shall be entered on the tax roll. Unless the notation and date are entered on the roll, the lien shall be of no force or effect.

      (2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not be applicable to real property as to which all of the following conditions exist:

      (a) The property is owned as tenants by the entirety by a member of a partnership and the spouse of the member who is not a member of the partnership.

      (b) The property is used as the personal residence of the spouse.

      (c) The partner contributed no part of the consideration in the transaction which vested an ownership interest in the spouse.

      (d) The delinquent personal property taxes for which a lien is sought under subsection (1) of this section are the taxes of the partnership and not of the spouse.

      (3) Any lien upon real property described in subsection (2) of this section is void and of no effect.

      (4) Any lien upon property described in subsection (2) of this section existing on August 22, 1969, or which may hereinafter be imposed, shall be extinguished, set aside and held for naught upon the verified petition of the spouse to the county commissioners and proof by the spouse of the requirements described in subsection (2) of this section. Upon approval of the petition, the county commissioners shall order the necessary correction to be made in the tax rolls. [Amended by 1969 c.701 §1; 2001 c.753 §1]

 

      311.650 Collection of taxes on real property of the United States held under contract of sale, lease or other interest less than fee. In addition to all other remedies available for the collection of taxes, all taxes levied in any year against real property held under contract of sale, lease or other interest less than fee, as provided in ORS 307.050 and 307.060, shall be a debt due and owing from the person, corporation or association holding the property as of the date of delinquency for taxes on real property for the tax year. If the tax is not paid within one year from such date, the county within which the real property is located may institute for itself, the State of Oregon and all other municipal corporations sharing in such taxes, an action for the collection of the taxes, together with interest, costs and other lawful charges thereon. At the time of commencement of the action the county shall have the benefit of all laws of this state pertaining to provisional remedies against the properties either real or personal, of the person, corporation or association.

 

      311.651 Collection of taxes on real property of public entity held under leasehold or other interest less than fee; writs of attachment. (1) As used in this section, “property interest” means a leasehold interest, or other interest or estate less than a fee simple.

      (2) Ad valorem property taxes assessed on real property pursuant to ORS 307.060 or 307.110, in addition to being a lien on the real property under ORS 311.405, are a personal liability of the person whose property interest in the real property gives rise to taxation under ORS 307.060 or 307.110.

      (3) If taxes assessed under ORS 307.060 or 307.110 are not paid before they become delinquent or before the termination of the property interest giving rise to taxation, the county in which the real property is located may, in addition to the remedies provided by statute for the collection of taxes on real property, maintain an action for itself, and for all other municipal corporations, taxing districts or political subdivisions sharing in the taxes, against the person described in subsection (2) of this section for the collection of the taxes, together with interest, penalties, costs and other lawful charges on the taxes.

      (4)(a) At the time of the commencement of an action for the collection of taxes pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, the county shall have the benefit of all the laws of this state pertaining to provisional remedies against the real and personal property of the person owing the taxes, without the necessity of filing either an affidavit or undertaking, as otherwise provided by statute.

      (b) The county clerk of the county in which the action is commenced shall immediately issue writs of attachment on application by the tax collector or the district attorney for the county as plaintiff. The writs shall be directed to the sheriffs of as many counties as the tax collector or the district attorney directs. [2015 c.52 §1]

 

      Note: 311.651 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 311 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      311.655 Companies assessed by Department of Revenue; tax as debt; lien for taxes; action for collection; warrant for payment. (1) Except as provided in ORS 308.640 and 308.820, all taxes assessed and levied against the properties, both real and personal, of companies specified in ORS 308.515 shall be a debt due and owing from such companies and shall constitute a lien as of July 1 of the year of assessment on all the real and personal property of such companies within this state. Such taxes shall become delinquent whenever any specified installment is not paid on or before its due date as provided in ORS 311.505.

      (2) Whenever taxes so assessed and levied against any of such companies are not paid before the date of delinquency thereof, the county in which the taxes are due and owing immediately shall institute for itself, the State of Oregon, and all other municipal corporations sharing in the taxes, an action to collect the taxes, together with interest, penalties, costs and other lawful charges thereon. At the time of commencement of the action the county shall have the benefit of all laws of this state pertaining to provisional remedies against the properties, either real or personal, of such company or companies, without the necessity of filing either an affidavit or undertaking, as otherwise provided by law. The county clerk of the county where the action is commenced shall immediately issue writs of attachment and garnishment on application by the district attorney of the county. The writs shall be directed to the sheriffs of as many counties as the district attorney deems necessary. The Department of Revenue immediately shall be notified of the tax delinquency of the company and of the commencement of the action.

      (3) If the defendant in an action commenced pursuant to subsection (2) of this section operates or has properties in more than one county in the state, the Department of Revenue shall be made a party plaintiff in the action. If taxes so assessed and levied against the defendant by any other county of the state are also delinquent, such county or counties shall also be made parties plaintiff in the action.

      (4) At any time after delinquency the tax collector of any county in which personal property taxes are due and owing may in addition to the county’s right to commence an action as provided in subsection (2) of this section, issue a warrant to enforce payment thereof in the manner provided for in ORS 311.610 and 311.620 and cause the warrant to be filed as provided in ORS 311.625. [Amended by 1957 c.628 §10; 1971 c.378 §1; 1979 c.703 §9; 1997 c.154 §48]

 

      311.656 Notice to tax collector on foreclosure of security interest or lien on taxable personal property or real property machinery and equipment; effect if taxes due. (1) No security interest in, or other lien upon, taxable personal property or real property machinery and equipment shall be foreclosed by the sale of the property unless the secured party, an agent or the attorney for the secured party, at least five days before the date of the sale, has mailed or delivered to the tax collector of the county in which the sale is to be held, a copy of the notice of the foreclosure sale. The notice shall be mailed to the tax collector, return receipt requested, and shall contain a list of the personal property or real property machinery and equipment to be sold, together with the name and address of the owners of the property. Failure to mail or deliver the notice shall not invalidate the sale, but the tax collector shall have recourse against the secured party on behalf of the taxing units for any damages sustained on account of failure to mail or deliver the notice.

      (2) Upon receipt of the notice under subsection (1) of this section, the tax collector shall determine if the owner of the property has paid the property taxes and if the tax collector finds that the taxes are due and owing, the tax collector, unless the taxes are paid upon demand, shall distrain the property under ORS 311.644, or so much of the property as may be necessary to pay the taxes, interest, penalties and costs. No transfer of personal property or real property machinery and equipment to the secured party or to the holder of a lien on the property in any way shall affect the lien for property taxes assessed against the property. [1981 c.346 §12; 2001 c.41 §5]

 

COLLECTION OF ANY STATE PROPERTY TAX APPORTIONED TO COUNTIES

 

      311.657 Transcript of apportionment to counties; notice of levy. Upon the filing of the certificate as to the amount of revenue to be raised for state purposes and apportionment of a levy, as required by ORS 291.445, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall immediately transmit an accurate transcript of the apportionment, if any, to the county clerks and county assessors of the several counties. The transcript shall be considered by the county assessors as a notice of levy. [Formerly 309.530; 1991 c.220 §2]

 

      311.658 Collection, payment of state levy; informing State Treasurer of state levy for bonded indebtedness and interest; rules. (1) Each of the several counties shall collect and pay over as required by law the amount apportioned as provided under ORS 311.657 and 311.375 and this section.

      (2) The state shall be considered a taxing district for purposes of ORS 311.105. However, the state shall not be included in any distribution of moneys (in lieu of tax or otherwise) that are required to be apportioned among and offset against the levy of one or more particular districts, but only in the distribution of those tax moneys that are used to reduce the amount of taxes extended on the roll and collected by the tax collector.

      (3) Notwithstanding ORS 311.385, property tax moneys collected pursuant to a state levy shall not be deposited to the unsegregated tax collections account under ORS 311.385 but shall be deposited in the county treasury and distributed as provided under ORS 311.375.

      (4) The state shall not be included in the percentage distribution schedule under ORS 311.390.

      (5) It shall not be necessary to change the values of the particular descriptions of property assessed in each of the several counties on the assessment rolls on account of a state levy of ad valorem property tax.

      (6) No deduction or abatement shall be made from the apportionment of any county because of the delinquency of any taxpayer, or error or omission in the assessment roll or for any other reason.

      (7) In exercising its supervisory powers under ORS 306.115 (1), the Department of Revenue may adopt rules governing the certification, apportionment, transmission of transcript, extension, offset, collection and distribution of the state tax levy. The Department of Revenue and the Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall develop procedures for informing the State Treasurer of the condition of any general obligation bond fund program and any state levy anticipated or made under this section. [Formerly 309.550; 1991 c.220 §3]

 

      311.660 State levy collection limited to levies for payment of bonded indebtedness and interest. The State of Oregon shall not for any fiscal year collect a state property tax, either directly or by apportionment among the several counties, in any greater amount than it may be necessary to collect by means of such a property tax for that year to pay bonded indebtedness or the interest thereon. [Amended by 1957 s.s. c.6 §1; 2005 c.94 §64]

 

      311.662 Validity of state levy for payment of bonded indebtedness and interest; effect of certification, levy, apportionment or collection proceeding or procedure. The validity of any certification, levy, apportionment or collection made pursuant to ORS 291.342, 291.445, 311.375, 311.657 or 311.658 shall not be dependent upon nor be affected by the validity or regularity of any proceeding or procedural activity relating thereto. Any certification required by ORS 291.445 and any transcript pursuant to ORS 311.657 shall contain recitals that they are issued pursuant to ORS 291.342, 291.445, 311.375, 311.657 and 311.658 and such recitals shall be conclusive evidence of their validity and of the regularity of their issuance. [1991 c.220 §5]

 

DEFERRED COLLECTION OF HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAXES

 

      311.666 Definitions for ORS 311.666 to 311.701. As used in ORS 311.666 to 311.701:

      (1) “Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region” means the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region (All Items), as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor.

      (2) “County median RMV” means the median real market value entered on the last certified assessment and tax roll for all residential improved properties in the county in which a homestead is located that are classified as 1-0-1 pursuant to the rule adopted by the Department of Revenue under ORS 308.215.

      (3) “Disabled heir” means a person with a disability who is:

      (a) An heir, legatee, devisee or distributee of a deceased individual whose homestead has been granted deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701;

      (b) A grantee of the homestead under a transfer on death deed granted by the deceased individual; or

      (c) A grantee of the homestead under a deed granted by the trustee of a trust established by the deceased individual.

      (4) “Homestead” means the owner occupied principal dwelling, either real or personal property, owned by the taxpayer and the tax lot upon which it is located. If the homestead is located in a multiunit building, the homestead is the portion of the building actually used as the principal dwelling and its percentage of the value of the common elements and of the value of the tax lot upon which it is built. The percentage is the value of the unit consisting of the homestead compared to the total value of the building exclusive of the common elements, if any.

      (5) “Household income” means the aggregate income of the taxpayer and the spouse of the taxpayer who occupy the homestead, that was received during the calendar year for which the claim is filed. “Household income” includes payments received by the taxpayer or the spouse of the taxpayer under the federal Social Security Act for the benefit of a minor child or minor children who occupy the homestead.

      (6) “Income” means “adjusted gross income” as defined in the federal Internal Revenue Code, as defined in ORS 305.842, relating to the measurement of taxable income of individuals, estates and trusts, with the following modifications:

      (a) There shall be added to adjusted gross income the following items of otherwise exempt income:

      (A) The gross amount of any otherwise exempt pension less return of investment, if any.

      (B) Child support received by the taxpayer.

      (C) Inheritances.

      (D) Gifts and grants, the sum of which are in excess of $500 per year.

      (E) Amounts received by a taxpayer or spouse of a taxpayer for support from a parent who is not a member of the taxpayer’s household.

      (F) Life insurance proceeds.

      (G) Accident and health insurance proceeds, except reimbursement of incurred medical expenses.

      (H) Personal injury damages.

      (I) Sick pay that is not included in federal adjusted gross income.

      (J) Strike benefits excluded from federal gross income.

      (K) Worker’s compensation, except for reimbursement of medical expense.

      (L) Military pay and benefits.

      (M) Veteran’s benefits.

      (N) Payments received under the federal Social Security Act that are excluded from federal gross income.

      (O) Welfare payments, except as follows:

      (i) Payments for medical care, drugs and medical supplies, if the payments are not made directly to the welfare recipient;

      (ii) In-home services authorized and approved by the Department of Human Services; and

      (iii) Direct or indirect reimbursement of expenses paid or incurred for participation in work or training programs.

      (P) Nontaxable dividends.

      (Q) Nontaxable interest not included in federal adjusted gross income.

      (R) Rental allowance paid to a minister that is excluded from federal gross income.

      (S) Income from sources without the United States that is excluded from federal gross income.

      (b) Adjusted gross income shall be increased due to the disallowance of the following deductions:

      (A) The amount of the net loss, in excess of $1,000, from all dispositions of tangible or intangible properties.

      (B) The amount of the net loss, in excess of $1,000, from the operation of a farm or farms.

      (C) The amount of the net loss, in excess of $1,000, from all operations of a trade or business, profession or other activity entered into for the production or collection of income.

      (D) The amount of the net loss, in excess of $1,000, from tangible or intangible property held for the production of rents, royalties or other income.

      (E) The amount of any net operating loss carryovers or carrybacks included in federal adjusted gross income.

      (F) The amount, in excess of $5,000, of the combined deductions or other allowances for depreciation, amortization or depletion.

      (G) The amount added or subtracted, as required within the context of this section, for adjustments made under ORS 316.680 (2)(d) and 316.707 to 316.737.

      (c) “Income” does not include the following:

      (A) Any governmental grant that must be used by the taxpayer for rehabilitation of the homestead of the taxpayer.

      (B) Any refund of Oregon personal income taxes that were imposed under ORS chapter 316.

      (7)(a) “Net worth” means the sum of the current market value of all assets, including real property, cash, savings accounts, bonds and other investments, after deducting outstanding liabilities.

      (b) “Net worth” does not include the value of a homestead for which deferral is claimed under ORS 311.666 to 311.701, the cash value of life insurance policies on the life of a taxpayer or tangible personal property owned by a taxpayer.

      (8) “Person with a disability” means an individual who has been determined to be eligible to receive or who is receiving federal Social Security benefits due to disability or blindness, including an individual who is receiving Social Security survivor benefits in lieu of Social Security benefits due to disability or blindness.

      (9) “Tax-deferred property” means the property upon which taxes are deferred under ORS 311.666 to 311.701.

      (10) “Taxes” or “property taxes” means ad valorem taxes, assessments, fees and charges entered on the assessment and tax roll.

      (11) “Taxpayer” means an individual who has filed, as an individual or jointly, a claim for deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701.

      (12)(a) “Transferee” means, without limitation, an heir, legatee, devisee, distributee of an estate of a deceased individual, the assignee or donee of an insolvent individual or a person acting in a fiduciary capacity on behalf of a transferee.

      (b) “Transferee” does not mean a bona fide purchaser for value.

      (13) “U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index” means the U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (All Items) as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor. [1963 c.569 §7; 1977 c.160 §1; 1983 c.550 §1; 1999 c.1097 §1; 2001 c.184 §1; 2007 c.70 §77; 2011 c.723 §1; 2012 c.13 §3; 2015 c.348 §11; 2016 c.33 §16; 2017 c.315 §16; 2017 c.527 §17; 2021 c.535 §1]

 

      311.667 Sunset of homestead deferral program. A claim for an initial year of deferral, or for continued deferral, under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 may not be filed on or after December 2, 2032, and deferral may not be granted for a property tax year beginning after July 1, 2032. [2021 c.535 §11]

 

      Note: Section 1, chapter 494, Oregon Laws 2013, provides:

      Sec. 1. (1) Notwithstanding section 24 (1), chapter 723, Oregon Laws 2011, the amendments to ORS 311.670 by section 3, chapter 723, Oregon Laws 2011, relating to the five-year minimum requirement and the amendments to ORS 311.700 by section 16, chapter 723, Oregon Laws 2011, relating to reverse mortgages do not apply to a homestead that had been granted deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 for any property tax years beginning before July 1, 2011.

      (2) The Department of Revenue shall provide notice to all individuals with inactive deferral accounts of the following:

      (a) The provisions of this section;

      (b) That the individuals may be eligible to claim deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 for their homesteads for property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2014; and

      (c) That reactivating the homestead for deferral pursuant to this section requires the individuals to file a claim for deferral in the manner prescribed in ORS 311.672.

      (3) The department shall create and maintain a list of homesteads determined to be eligible under this section for reactivation for deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701. Homesteads shall appear on the list in the order in which the individuals who own the homesteads file a claim for deferral in the manner prescribed in ORS 311.672 on or after October 7, 2013.

      (4) A determination of eligibility under this section has the effect of reactivating the homestead for deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 beginning with the first property tax year that begins after the date on which the determination of eligibility is made and continuing for all subsequent property tax years for which the homestead and the individuals who own the homestead remain eligible for the deferral.

      (5)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (4) of this section, for the property tax year beginning on July 1, 2014, the maximum number of homesteads appearing on the list created pursuant to subsection (3) of this section that may be reactivated for deferral under this section is 700.

      (b) For the property tax year that begins on July 1, 2015, the cumulative maximum number of homesteads appearing on the list that may be reactivated for deferral shall increase by five percent of the maximum number allowable for the property tax year beginning on July 1, 2014, for a cumulative maximum total of 735.

      (c) For each property tax year beginning on or after July 1, 2016, the cumulative maximum number of homesteads appearing on the list that may be reactivated for deferral shall increase by five percent of the maximum number allowable for the immediately preceding property tax year, in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b) of this subsection.

      (6) ORS 311.670 (6)(a) applies to a homestead reactivated for deferral under this section if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim for deferral is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and lived in the homestead less than seven years. [2013 c.494 §1; 2015 c.309 §10]

 

      311.668 Eligibility of individuals by age or disability; limits on household income and net worth; delinquent or canceled deferred taxes. (1)(a) A claim to defer the property taxes on a homestead that is eligible for deferral under ORS 311.670 may be filed with the county assessor in the manner prescribed under ORS 311.672 by:

      (A) An individual who is, or two or more individuals filing a claim jointly each of whom is, 62 years of age or older on or before April 15 of the calendar year in which the claim is filed; or

      (B) An individual who is a person with a disability as of April 15 of the calendar year in which the claim is filed, regardless of the age of the individual or the age or disability of other individuals occupying the homestead.

      (b) If a guardian or conservator has been appointed for an individual otherwise eligible to claim deferral of taxes under this section, the guardian or conservator may act for the individual in complying with the provisions of ORS 311.666 to 311.701.

      (c) If a trustee of an inter vivos trust that was created by and is revocable by an individual, who is both the trustor and a beneficiary of the trust and who is otherwise eligible to claim deferral of taxes under this section, owns the fee simple estate under a recorded instrument of sale, the trustee may act for the individual in complying with the provisions of ORS 311.666 to 311.701.

      (d) This section may not be construed to require the spouse of an individual to file a claim jointly with the individual even though the spouse may be eligible to claim the deferral jointly with the individual.

      (2)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, deferral may not be granted under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 with respect to a claim filed by individuals who together have, for the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the claim for deferral is filed:

      (A) Household income of $32,000 or more; or

      (B) Net worth of $500,000 or more.

      (b) For each tax year beginning on or after July 1, 2002, the Department of Revenue shall recompute the maximum household income under this subsection as follows:

      (A) Divide the average Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region, for the first six months of the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the tax year begins by the average U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index for the first six months of 2001.

      (B) Recompute the maximum household income by multiplying $32,000 by the appropriate indexing factor determined under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

      (c) Any change in the maximum household income determined under paragraph (b) of this subsection shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $500.

      (3)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, deferral may not be granted under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 with respect to a claim if, at the time the claim is filed, property taxes imposed on the homestead of any individual filing the claim have been deferred and are delinquent or have been canceled.

      (b) This subsection does not apply to the claim by a surviving spouse or disabled heir to continue deferral under ORS 311.688. [1963 c.569 §§8,22; 1975 c.372 §1; 1977 c.160 §2; 1981 c.853 §1; 1983 c.550 §2; 1987 c.512 §5; 1989 c.948 §14; 1995 c.79 §149; 1995 c.650 §78; 1995 c.803 §1; 1999 c.1097 §2; 2001 c.753 §25; 2007 c.70 §78; 2011 c.723 §2; 2013 c.31 §2; 2021 c.535 §2]

 

      311.670 Eligibility of property. (1) Property is not eligible for tax deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 unless, at the time a claim is filed and during the period for which deferral is claimed, the property meets the requirements of this section.

      (2)(a) The property for which the claim is filed must have been the homestead of the individual or individuals who file the claim for deferral for at least five years preceding April 15 of the year in which the claim is filed.

      (b) The five-year requirement under paragraph (a) of this subsection does not apply to a homestead that meets all other requirements of this section, if the individual or individuals filing the claim for deferral:

      (A) Are required to be absent from the homestead by reason of health;

      (B)(i) Moved to the homestead for which the claim is filed from a homestead that was granted deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 and was of greater real market value than the homestead for which the claim is filed;

      (ii) Sell the prior homestead within one year of purchasing the homestead for which the claim is filed;

      (iii) Satisfy any lien created under ORS 311.673 or 311.679 and attached to the prior homestead; and

      (iv) Provide a written attestation that the individual or individuals incurred debt for not more than 80 percent of the purchase price of the homestead for which the claim is filed; or

      (C) Are a surviving spouse or disabled heir claiming continuation of deferral under ORS 311.688.

      (3) The individual claiming the deferral, individually or jointly, must own the fee simple estate under a recorded instrument of sale, or two or more individuals together must own the fee simple estate with rights of survivorship under a recorded instrument of sale if all owners live in the property and if all owners apply for the deferral jointly.

      (4)(a) The homestead must be insured for fire and other casualty.

      (b) If the homestead meets all other requirements of this section and is insurable for fire and other casualty but not insured, the Department of Revenue may purchase insurance for the homestead and add the cost of the insurance coverage to a lien created under ORS 311.679.

      (5) There may be no prohibition to the deferral of property taxes contained in any provision of federal law, rule or regulation applicable to a mortgage, trust deed, land sale contract or conditional sale contract for which the homestead is security.

      (6) A homestead is not eligible for deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 unless the real market value of the homestead entered on the certified assessment and tax roll for the property tax year immediately preceding the property tax year for which the taxes will be deferred is less than the greater of $250,000 or:

      (a) 100 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead less than seven years.

      (b) 110 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead at least seven years but less than nine years.

      (c) 120 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead at least nine years but less than 11 years.

      (d) 130 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead at least 11 years but less than 13 years.

      (e) 140 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead at least 13 years but less than 15 years.

      (f) 150 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead at least 15 years but less than 17 years.

      (g) 160 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead at least 17 years but less than 19 years.

      (h) 170 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead at least 19 years but less than 21 years.

      (i) 200 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead at least 21 years but less than 23 years.

      (j) 225 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead at least 23 years but less than 25 years.

      (k) 250 percent of county median RMV if, as of April 15 of the year in which a claim is filed, the taxpayers have continuously owned and occupied the homestead for 25 years or more.

      (7)(a) For each tax year beginning on or after July 1, 2022, the Department of Revenue shall recompute the $250,000 minimum cap on allowable real market value provided under subsection (6) of this section as follows:

      (A) Divide the average Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region, for the first six months of the current calendar year by the average Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region, for the first six months of 2021.

      (B) Recompute the minimum cap on allowable real market value by multiplying $250,000 by the appropriate indexing factor determined under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

      (b) Any change in the minimum cap on allowable real market value determined under paragraph (a) of this subsection shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $500.

      (8) For purposes of subsection (6) of this section, a surviving spouse or disabled heir who is eligible to claim continuation of deferral under ORS 311.688 is considered to have owned and occupied the homestead from the date on which the deceased individual or individuals who filed the claim for deferral first owned and occupied the homestead. [1963 c.569 §9; 1965 c.344 §37; 1977 c.160 §3; 1983 c.550 §3; 1985 c.140 §3; 2011 c.723 §3; 2015 c.309 §1; 2021 c.535 §3]

 

      Note: Section 4, chapter 535, Oregon Laws 2021, provides:

      Sec. 4. (1) The amendments to ORS 311.666, 311.668 and 311.670 by sections 1 to 3 of this 2021 Act apply to claims for deferral filed on or after the effective date of this 2021 Act [September 25, 2021].

      (2) An individual whose claim was denied before the effective date of this 2021 Act solely because the real market value of the individual’s property exceeded the applicable maximum allowable real market value under ORS 311.670 (6) is not barred from filing a new claim for deferral on or after the effective date of this 2021 Act for property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2021. [2021 c.535 §4]

 

      311.672 Claim form; deadline; eligibility determination by Department of Revenue; effect of eligibility; limitation on number of new deferrals granted; appeals. (1)(a) A taxpayer’s claim for deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 must:

      (A) Be in writing on a form supplied by the Department of Revenue;

      (B) Describe the homestead;

      (C) Recite all facts establishing the eligibility, as of the earlier of the date of filing or April 15 immediately preceding the property tax year for which deferral is claimed, of the homestead for, and of the taxpayers to claim, the deferral; and

      (D) Have attached:

      (i) Any documentary proof required by the department; and

      (ii) A statement verified by a written declaration of all taxpayers claiming deferral to the effect that the statements contained in the claim are true.

      (b) A claim for deferral must be filed with the assessor of the county in which the homestead is located, after January 1 and on or before April 15 immediately preceding the property tax year for which deferral is claimed.

      (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) of this subsection, a claim for deferral may be filed with the county assessor after April 15 immediately preceding the property tax year for which deferral is claimed and on or before December 1 of the same calendar year. A claim filed under this paragraph must be accompanied by a fee in an amount equal to 10 percent of the property taxes assessed on the homestead on the last certified assessment and tax roll, but in no event less than $20 or greater than $150.

      (d) For applications for deferral for each property tax year beginning on or after July 1, 2023, the department shall recompute the upper and lower fee limits set forth in paragraph (c) of this subsection as follows:

      (A) Divide the average Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region, for the first six months of the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the application is filed by the average Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region, for the first six months of 2021.

      (B) Multiply each fee limit set forth in paragraph (c) of this subsection by the quotient determined under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

      (C) Round each fee limit determined under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph to the nearest multiple of $10, but in no event to less than $20.

      (2) The county assessor shall forward each claim filed under this section to the Department of Revenue, and the department shall determine whether the property is eligible for the deferral.

      (3) If the taxpayers and the homestead are determined to be eligible under ORS 311.668 and 311.670, respectively, a timely claim for deferral has the effect of:

      (a) Deferring the payment of the property taxes levied on the homestead for the property tax year beginning on July 1 of the calendar year in which the claim is filed.

      (b) Continuing the deferral of the payment by the taxpayers of any property taxes deferred under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 for previous years that have not become delinquent under ORS 311.686.

      (c) Except as otherwise provided in ORS 311.689, continuing the deferral of the payment by the taxpayers of any future property taxes for as long as the homestead remains eligible for, and the taxpayers remain eligible to claim, the deferral.

      (4)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section:

      (A) For the property tax year beginning on July 1, 2012, the maximum number of claims for deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 that may be granted to taxpayers who have not previously been granted deferral is the number of such claims granted for the property tax year beginning on July 1, 2011, multiplied by 105 percent.

      (B) For each property tax year beginning after July 1, 2012, the maximum number of claims for deferral that may be granted to taxpayers who have not previously been granted deferral is the maximum number determined under this subsection for the immediately preceding property tax year multiplied by 105 percent.

      (b) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this subsection, surviving spouses and disabled heirs who continue deferral under ORS 311.688 are not considered taxpayers who have not previously been granted deferral.

      (c) If the number of eligible claims described in paragraph (a) of this subsection that are filed on or before the deadline set forth in subsection (1)(b) of this section exceeds the maximum number determined under paragraph (a) of this subsection, claims shall be granted in ascending order based on the ratio that is equal to the real market value of the homestead, as entered on the certified assessment and tax roll for the property tax year immediately preceding the property tax year for which the claim is filed, divided by the county median RMV of the homestead determined under ORS 311.670 (6), until the maximum number determined under paragraph (a) of this subsection is reached.

      (d) If the number of eligible claims described in paragraph (a) of this subsection that have been filed on or before the deadline set forth in subsection (1)(b) of this section do not equal or exceed the maximum number determined under paragraph (a) of this subsection, eligible claims that are filed on or before the deadline set forth in subsection (1)(c) of this section shall be granted in chronological order based on the filing date until the maximum number is reached. If the number of eligible claims filed on the date on which the maximum is reached would cause the maximum number to be exceeded, all claims filed on that date shall be denied deferral for that property tax year.

      (5) Any taxpayer aggrieved by the denial of a claim for, or discontinuation of, deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 may appeal in the manner provided by ORS 305.404 to 305.560. [1963 c.569 §10; 1977 c.160 §4; 1983 c.550 §4; 1989 c.948 §15; 1993 c.19 §12; 1995 c.803 §2; 1999 c.1097 §3; 2011 c.723 §4; 2013 c.31 §3; 2013 c.494 §2; 2015 c.309 §4; 2021 c.535 §5]

 

      Note: Section 6, chapter 535, Oregon Laws 2021, provides:

      Sec. 6. The amendments to ORS 311.672 by section 5 of this 2021 Act apply to claims for deferral for property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2022. [2021 c.535 §6]

 

      311.673 State liens against tax-deferred property. (1) The Department of Revenue shall have a lien against tax-deferred property for payment of deferred taxes plus interest on the deferred taxes and any fees paid by the department in connection with the filing, recording, release or satisfaction of the lien. The liens for deferred taxes shall attach to the property on July 1 of the year in which the taxes were assessed. The deferred property tax liens shall have the same priority as other real property tax liens except that the lien of mortgages, trust deeds or security interests that is filed, recorded or noted on any certificate of title or in any record maintained by the Department of Consumer and Business Services pursuant to ORS 446.566 to 446.646 prior in time to the attachment of the lien for deferred taxes shall be prior to the liens for deferred taxes.

      (2) The deferred property tax lien may be foreclosed by the department as if it were a purchase money mortgage under ORS chapter 88. The court may award reasonable attorney fees to the department if the department prevails in a foreclosure action under this section. The court may award reasonable attorney fees to a defendant who prevails in a foreclosure action under this section if the court determines that the department had no objectively reasonable basis for asserting the claim or no reasonable basis for appealing an adverse decision of the trial court.

      (3) Receipts from foreclosure proceedings shall be credited in the same manner as other repayments of deferred property taxes under ORS 311.701.

      (4) This section applies only to deferred property tax liens arising prior to October 3, 1989. [1977 c.160 §15; 1981 c.897 §47; 1983 c.550 §13; 1985 c.140 §1; 1989 c.948 §1; 1995 c.526 §1; 1995 c.696 §20; 2007 c.363 §1]

 

      311.674 Listing of tax-deferred property; interest accrual. (1) If eligibility for deferral of homestead property is established as provided in ORS 311.666 to 311.701, the Department of Revenue shall notify the county assessor and the county assessor shall show on the current ad valorem assessment and tax roll that the property is tax-deferred property by an entry clearly designating the property as tax-deferred property.

      (2) When requested by the department, the tax collector shall send to the department the tax statement for each tax-deferred property as soon as the taxes are extended upon the roll.

      (3) Interest shall accrue on the actual amount of taxes advanced to the county for the tax-deferred property at the rate of six percent per annum.

      (4)(a) For property taxes deferred after October 3, 1979, the state liens provided by ORS 311.673 and 311.679 and recorded under ORS 311.675 shall be for the actual amount of taxes advanced to the counties and not for the gross amount of taxes for which the property would be liable as shown on the tax statement for each tax-deferred property.

      (b) For taxes deferred prior to October 3, 1979, the lien under ORS 311.673 is for the gross amount of taxes extended upon the tax roll against each tax-deferred property and interest shall continue to accrue on the gross amount of taxes rather than on the actual amount of taxes paid to the county. [1963 c.569 §11; 1971 c.572 §1; 1977 c.160 §5; 1979 c.678 §1; 1989 c.948 §4; 2011 c.723 §5; 2014 c.41 §1]

 

      311.675 Recording liens; recording constitutes notice of state lien. (1) In each county in which there is tax-deferred property, the Department of Revenue shall cause to be recorded in the mortgage records of the county a list of tax-deferred properties that lie in the county. The list shall contain a description of the property as listed on the assessment roll together with the name of the owner as listed on the assessment roll.

      (2)(a) The recording of tax-deferred properties under subsection (1) of this section is notice that the Department of Revenue claims a lien against those properties in the amount of the deferred taxes plus interest on the deferred taxes, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and any fees paid by the department in connection with the filing, recording, release or satisfaction of the lien.

      (b) If the recording of tax-deferred properties under subsection (1) of this section occurred prior to January 1, 1990, the recording is notice that the department claims a lien against those properties in the amount of the deferred taxes plus interest on the deferred taxes, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and any fees paid by the department in connection with the filing, recording, release or satisfaction of the lien, whether or not the amount of taxes and interest on the deferred taxes, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) or fees is listed.

      (3)(a) When an ownership document is issued under ORS 446.566 to 446.646, or issuance of the document is pending, for a tax-deferred manufactured structure assessed as personal property under ORS 308.875, the Department of Revenue shall file with the Department of Consumer and Business Services an application for notation of the deferred property tax lien as a security interest on behalf of the State of Oregon. The Department of Consumer and Business Services shall note the lien as a security interest in the same manner as other security interests in manufactured structures. A lien noted as a security interest in records maintained by the Department of Consumer and Business Services pursuant to ORS 446.566 to 446.646 shall have the same legal effect as other security interests in manufactured structures.

      (b) For any other tax-deferred homestead assessed as personal property, the Department of Revenue may file notice of the deferred property tax lien as a security interest on behalf of the State of Oregon with the office of the Secretary of State or with any other designated filing office pursuant to ORS chapter 79.

      (4)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 182.040 to 182.060 and 205.320 relating to the time and manner of payment of fees to the county clerk, the department shall not be required to pay any filing, indexing or recording fees to the county in connection with the filing, recording, release or satisfaction of liens against tax-deferred properties of that county in advance or at the time entry is made. The manner of payment of the fees shall be as provided in ORS 205.395 for the payment of fees for filing, recording and making entry of warrants or orders in the County Clerk Lien Record.

      (b) The Department of Revenue shall pay filing fees for any application for notation of the deferred property tax lien as a security interest in tax-deferred properties to the Department of Consumer and Business Services as provided in ORS 446.646 or in rules adopted under ORS 446.646.

      (c) If the Department of Revenue files notice of the deferred property tax lien as a security interest on behalf of the State of Oregon with the office of the Secretary of State or with any other designated filing office under subsection (3) of this section, the department shall pay filing fees to the Secretary of State or to the other filing office pursuant to ORS chapter 79. [1977 c.160 §16; 1985 c.140 §2; 1989 c.948 §5; 1999 c.654 §27; 2007 c.363 §2; 2015 c.309 §6]

 

      311.676 State to pay counties amount equivalent to deferred taxes. (1) Upon determining the amount of deferred taxes on tax-deferred property for the tax year, subject to available funds, the Department of Revenue shall pay to the respective county tax collectors an amount equivalent to the deferred taxes, less three percent, from the revolving account established under ORS 311.701.

      (2) The department shall maintain accounts for each deferred property and shall accrue interest only on the actual amount of taxes advanced to the county. [1963 c.569 §24; 1967 c.335 §35; 1967 c.494 §1; 1971 c.572 §2; 1977 c.160 §6; 1979 c.678 §2; 1980 c.19 §8; 1983 c.550 §14; 1999 c.1097 §4; 2001 c.184 §2; 2001 c.753 §27; 2011 c.723 §6]

 

      311.677 [1967 c.335 §34; repealed by 1977 c.160 §19]

 

      311.678 Annual notice to taxpayer claiming deferral in current tax year. (1) On or before December 15 of each year, the Department of Revenue shall send a notice to each taxpayer who has claimed deferral of property taxes for the current tax year. The notice shall:

      (a) Inform the taxpayer that the property taxes have or have not been deferred in the current year.

      (b) Show the total amount of deferred taxes remaining unpaid since initial application for deferral and the interest accruing therein to November 15 of the current year.

      (c) Inform the taxpayer that voluntary payment of the deferred taxes may be made at any time to the Department of Revenue.

      (d) Contain any other information that the department considers necessary to facilitate administration of the homestead deferral program.

      (2) The department shall give the notice required under subsection (1) of this section by an unsealed postcard or other form of mail sent to the residence address of the taxpayer as shown in the claim for deferral or as otherwise determined by the department to be the correct address of the taxpayer. [1963 c.569 §12; 1971 c.572 §3; 1977 c.160 §7; 1983 c.550 §10; 1989 c.948 §13; 1997 c.170 §25; 2015 c.348 §12]

 

      311.679 Estimate of deferred taxes; lien; foreclosure; voluntary payment. (1)(a) At the time that property taxes are deferred under ORS 311.666 to 311.701, or if property taxes were deferred prior to July 1, 1990, the Department of Revenue shall estimate the amount of property taxes deferred for tax years beginning on or after July 1, 1990, interest on the deferred taxes, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and any fees paid by the department in connection with lien filing, recording, release or satisfaction.

      (b) The department shall have a lien in the amount of the estimate.

      (2) If during the period of deferral the amount of taxes and interest on the deferred taxes, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and fees exceeds the estimate under subsection (1) of this section, the department shall have a lien for the amount of the excess.

      (3)(a) A lien created under subsection (1) of this section attaches to the homestead to which the deferral relates on July 1 of the first tax year of deferral or on July 1, 1990, as applicable.

      (b) A lien for the excess created under subsection (2) of this section attaches to the homestead on July 1 of the tax year in which the excess occurs.

      (4) A lien created under subsection (1) or (2) of this section has the same priority as other real property tax liens except that liens of mortgages, trust deeds or security interests that are filed, recorded or noted on a certificate of title or in any record maintained by the Department of Consumer and Business Services pursuant to ORS 446.566 to 446.646 prior in time to the attachment of a lien created under subsection (1) or (2) of this section are prior to the lien created under subsection (1) or (2) of this section.

      (5)(a) The notice of lien for deferred taxes recorded as provided in ORS 311.675 (1) and (2) arising on or after October 3, 1989, shall list the amount of the estimate of deferred taxes and interest on the deferred taxes, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and fees made by the department under subsection (1) of this section. Any amendment to the notice of lien to reflect a lien for excess, as described under subsection (2) of this section, shall list the amount of the excess that the department claims as a lien.

      (b) If notice of lien with respect to any homestead has been filed or recorded as provided under ORS 311.675 (1) to (3) prior to January 1, 1990, and the lien has not been released or satisfied, the department shall cause a further notice of lien to be recorded in the mortgage records of the county. The further notice of lien shall list the amount of the estimate of deferred taxes and interest made by the department under subsection (1) of this section and any amendment to the notice to reflect a lien for excess, described under subsection (2) of this section, and shall list the amount of the excess that the department claims as lien.

      (6)(a) A lien created under this section may be foreclosed by the department as if it were a purchase money mortgage under ORS chapter 88.

      (b) In a foreclosure action under this section, a court may award:

      (A) Reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.

      (B) All costs associated with foreclosure of the lien to the department if the department prevails.

      (7) Receipts from foreclosure proceedings shall be credited in the same manner as other repayments of deferred property taxes under ORS 311.701.

      (8)(a) By means of voluntary payment made as provided under ORS 311.690, the taxpayer may limit the amount of the lien created under this section.

      (b) If the taxpayer desires that the limit be reflected in the records of the county, the taxpayer must request, subject to any rules adopted by the department, that the department cause a partial satisfaction of the lien to be recorded in the county.

      (c) Upon receipt of such a request, the department shall cause a partial satisfaction, in the amount of the voluntary payment, to be recorded.

      (d) Nothing in this subsection affects the priority of the liens of the department, as originally created under subsections (1) and (2) of this section.

      (9)(a) Nothing in this section affects any lien arising under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 for taxes assessed before January 1, 1990.

      (b) A lien for taxes does not arise under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 for taxes assessed after December 31, 1989, except as provided under this section.

      (10) This section first applies to liens created on or after October 3, 1989. [1989 c.948 §3; 1995 c.526 §2; 1995 c.618 §64; 1999 c.1097 §5; 2007 c.70 §79; 2007 c.363 §3; 2011 c.723 §7; 2015 c.309 §2]

 

      311.680 [1963 c.569 §13; 1971 c.572 §4; repealed by 1977 c.160 §19]

 

      311.681 Request for retroactive deferral. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 311.672, if an individual (or two or more individuals jointly) who has elected to defer homestead property taxes in a prior tax year has not filed a timely claim for deferral for one or more tax years succeeding the year in which property taxes were initially deferred under ORS 311.666 to 311.701, then the individual may request that the Director of the Department of Revenue grant a retroactive deferral of property taxes on the property. A spouse who is eligible to make the election under ORS 311.688 may also request a grant of retroactive deferral under this section.

      (2) The director may, in the discretion of the director, grant or deny the retroactive deferral of property taxes. No appeal from a decision of the director under this section may be made.

      (3) The director shall not grant a retroactive deferral of property taxes if, in any intervening year between the year in which deferral was last granted to the property and the last year for which retroactive deferral is being requested, the property would not have been eligible for deferral had the claim for deferral been timely filed.

      (4) If the director grants a retroactive deferral of property taxes under this section, the department shall pay to the county tax collector an amount equal to the deferred taxes for each year, less three percent. Interest shall accrue on the actual amount of taxes advanced to the county.

      (5) The department shall have a lien against the tax-deferred property for amounts deferred under this section as provided in ORS 311.673. The lien shall attach as of July 1 of the tax year for which the payment relates. In the case of a payment representing more than one year’s property taxes, the department shall have a lien in the amount of that portion of a payment related to a particular tax year, which shall attach as of July 1 of that tax year. [1997 c.169 §2; 2011 c.723 §21]

 

      311.682 [1963 c.569 §14; repealed by 1979 c.689 §27]

 

      311.683 Continued deferral after Department of Transportation condemnation; application; requirements; rules. (1) If tax-deferred homestead property is acquired by the Department of Transportation through condemnation, the taxpayer may elect to continue to defer the payment of taxes and interest and the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) by:

      (a) Filing a written notice of intent to continue deferral with the Department of Revenue on or before 30 days after the date the Department of Transportation has acquired title to the condemned homestead; and

      (b) Filing a claim for deferral with respect to a new homestead within one year after the Department of Transportation has acquired title to the condemned homestead.

      (2) Upon receipt of a notice of intent to continue deferral of taxes attributable to a condemned homestead under subsection (1) of this section, the Department of Revenue shall prepare an estimate of the amount of taxes and interest, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and fees that have been and, if approved under subsections (3) and (5) of this section, will continue to be deferred upon the release and satisfaction of the lien on the condemned homestead and the recordation of the lien on the new homestead.

      (3) After preparing the estimate described in subsection (2) of this section, the Department of Revenue shall grant a temporary deferral of taxes with respect to the condemned homestead not to exceed the length of time described in subsection (1)(b) of this section if:

      (a) The Department of Transportation has acquired title to the condemned homestead; and

      (b) The taxpayer has a legally enforceable escrow agreement with a title company that:

      (A) Provides for an interest-bearing escrow account in which moneys are deposited that are sufficient to pay in full the amount of deferred taxes and interest, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and fees on the condemned homestead property as estimated under subsection (2) of this section;

      (B) Establishes the Department of Revenue as the beneficiary of the escrow agreement;

      (C) Provides that the moneys of the escrow account are to be released to the taxpayer upon the Department of Revenue’s approval of continued deferral under subsection (5) of this section and the recordation of the lien described in subsection (6) of this section with the county clerk; and

      (D) Provides that the full amount of the estimated deferred taxes and interest, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and fees related to the condemned homestead are to be released to the Department of Revenue if the continued deferral described in subsection (5) of this section is not granted by the Department of Revenue.

      (4) The Department of Revenue shall provide a release or satisfaction of the lien on the condemned homestead when an escrow account has been established as provided under subsection (3) of this section.

      (5) Upon receipt of a claim for the deferral of taxes for a new homestead that also seeks to continue the deferral of taxes attributable to a condemned homestead for which a temporary deferral has been granted under subsection (3) of this section, the Department of Revenue shall approve the continued deferral of the taxes temporarily deferred under subsection (3) of this section if:

      (a) The taxpayer’s equity interest in the new homestead equals or exceeds in value the total of the amount of deferred taxes and interest, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and fees on the condemned homestead as estimated under subsection (2) of this section, plus $10,000;

      (b) The taxpayer is entitled to tax deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 with respect to the new homestead; and

      (c) The taxpayer consents to the continued deferral of taxes and to the lien on the new homestead property as provided in subsection (6) of this section.

      (6) Upon granting the continued deferral under subsection (5) of this section, the Department of Revenue shall have a lien on the new homestead in the amount of the estimate prepared under subsection (2) of this section plus interest and any fees incurred in connection with the recording of the lien. The lien described in this subsection shall be in addition to any other lien under ORS 311.673 that the Department of Revenue shall have with respect to the new homestead. The provisions of ORS 311.679 relating to liens shall apply to the lien described in this subsection. At the time the lien described in this subsection is recorded, the escrow account described in subsection (3) of this section shall be closed and the moneys in the account released to the taxpayer.

      (7) The Department of Revenue may prescribe such rules as are needed to implement the provisions of this section. [1997 c.169 §4; 1999 c.21 §31; 2015 c.309 §7]

 

      311.684 Circumstances requiring payment of deferred tax and interest. All deferred property taxes, including accrued interest, become payable as provided in ORS 311.686 when:

      (1) The taxpayer who claimed deferral of property taxes on the homestead dies or, if there was more than one claimant, the survivor of the taxpayer who originally claimed deferral of property taxes under ORS 311.668 dies.

      (2) Except as provided in ORS 311.683, the property with respect to which deferral of taxes is claimed is sold, or a contract to sell is entered into, or some person other than the taxpayer who claimed the deferral, including a transferee, becomes the owner of the property.

      (3) The tax-deferred property is no longer the homestead of the taxpayer who claimed the deferral, except in the case of a taxpayer required to be absent from such tax-deferred property by reason of health.

      (4) The tax-deferred property, a manufactured structure or floating home, is moved out of the state. [1963 c.569 §15; 1971 c.572 §5; 1977 c.160 §9; 1983 c.550 §5; 1997 c.169 §5; 2011 c.723 §8]

 

      311.686 Continuation of deferral after circumstance requiring payment; time for payment; delinquency; foreclosure. (1) Whenever any of the circumstances listed in ORS 311.684 occurs:

      (a) The deferral of taxes for the assessment year in which the circumstance occurs shall continue for the assessment year if:

      (A) The circumstance occurs on or after October 31.

      (B) The circumstance is listed in ORS 311.684 (1) or (3) and occurs on or after September 1 and before October 31.

      (b) The deferral of taxes for the assessment year in which the circumstance occurs shall be discontinued for the assessment year if:

      (A) The circumstance occurs before September 1.

      (B)(i) The circumstance is listed in ORS 311.684 (2) or (4) and occurs on or after September 1 and before October 31;

      (ii) An amount in guaranteed funds sufficient to cover all taxes, interest and recording fees that have accrued as of the date of the payment is received before October 31;

      (iii) The taxpayer waives the right under ORS 311.690 (3) to object to a third-party payment of the deferred property tax lien; and

      (iv) The taxpayer requests a release or satisfaction of the deferred property tax lien as described in ORS 311.690 (5).

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section and ORS 311.688, the amounts of deferred property taxes, including accrued interest, for all years shall be due and payable to the Department of Revenue on or before August 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the circumstance occurs.

      (3) If the circumstance listed in ORS 311.684 (4) occurs, the amount of deferred taxes is due and payable five days before the date of removal of the property from the state.

      (4) If the amounts falling due as provided in this section are not paid on or before the due date, the amounts shall be deemed delinquent as of that date and the property shall be subject to foreclosure as provided in ORS 311.673 or 311.679. [1963 c.569 §16; 1971 c.572 §6; 1977 c.160 §10; 1983 c.550 §8; 1989 c.948 §6; 2011 c.723 §9; 2022 c.12 §1]

 

      311.687 Loss of eligibility for deferral when disability ceases; prior deferred taxes may continue deferral. (1) Property taxes imposed on the homestead of an individual are ineligible for deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 if the basis for deferral was the disability of the individual and the individual no longer has a disability and:

      (a) Is younger than 62 years of age; or

      (b) Is 62 years of age or older and filed the claim for deferral jointly with an individual who is younger than 62 years of age and who is not a person with a disability.

      (2) The property taxes that are ineligible for deferral under subsection (1) of this section are those property taxes attributable to the homestead of the individual for tax years beginning subsequent to the loss of disability, until the individual again qualifies for deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701.

      (3) Nothing in this section shall affect the continued deferral of taxes that have been deferred for tax years beginning prior to the loss of disability. [1999 c.1097 §6a; 2007 c.70 §80]

 

      311.688 Claim by surviving spouse or disabled heir to continue tax deferral. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 311.684, when a taxpayer dies, the surviving spouse or disabled heir of the taxpayer who was not eligible to or did not file a claim jointly with the taxpayer may continue the property in its deferred tax status by filing a claim in the manner prescribed under ORS 311.672 if:

      (a)(A) The surviving spouse of the taxpayer is or will be 60 years of age or older not later than six months following the date on which the taxpayer died; or

      (B) The disabled heir of the taxpayer is otherwise eligible to claim deferral under ORS 311.668 (1)(a)(B); and

      (b) Within two years following the date on which the taxpayer died, the property is or becomes the homestead of the surviving spouse or disabled heir of the taxpayer and otherwise meets the requirements of ORS 311.670.

      (2)(a) A surviving spouse who does not meet the age requirements of subsection (1)(a) of this section but is otherwise qualified to continue the property in its tax-deferred status under subsection (1) of this section may continue the deferral of property taxes deferred for previous years by filing a claim in the manner prescribed under ORS 311.672.

      (b) If a surviving spouse eligible for and continuing the deferral of taxes previously deferred under this subsection becomes 62 years of age prior to April 15 of any year, the surviving spouse may continue the deferral of previous years’ taxes deferred under this subsection and may elect to defer the current assessment year’s taxes on the homestead by filing a claim in the manner prescribed under ORS 311.672.

      (c) After a claim is filed under paragraph (b) of this subsection, payment of the taxes levied on the homestead and deferred under this subsection and payment of taxes levied on the homestead in the current assessment year and in future years may be deferred under ORS 311.666 to 311.701.

      (3)(a) Initial claims made pursuant to this section may not be filed late under ORS 311.672.

      (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, if the Department of Revenue determines that good and sufficient cause exists for the failure of a surviving spouse or disabled heir to file a claim under this section on or before April 15, the claim may be filed within 180 days after notice of taxes due and payable under ORS 311.686 is sent by the department to the taxpayer or surviving spouse or disabled heir. [1963 c.569 §17; 1977 c.160 §11; 1983 c.550 §9; 2011 c.723 §10; 2015 c.309 §5; 2021 c.535 §7]

 

      311.689 Certification of continuing eligibility. (1) The Department of Revenue shall certify the eligibility of each homestead granted, and the respective taxpayers claiming, deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701, not less than once every three years.

      (2) The department shall notify the taxpayers in writing of the obligation to certify eligibility under this section and the taxpayers shall respond, by the means prescribed by the department, within 65 days after the department sends the notification.

      (3) If the Department of Revenue has not received a response from the taxpayers within 35 days after sending the notification, the department shall, as soon as practicable, electronically notify an office of the Aging and Disability Resource Connection in the county in which the homestead is located or the seniors and people with disabilities division of the Department of Human Services that the taxpayers have failed to respond to the notice as required under subsection (2) of this section. The Department of Revenue may identify the taxpayers by name, address and phone number if available.

      (4)(a) Notwithstanding ORS 311.672 (3)(c), a homestead shall be ineligible for deferral for the next following property tax year if:

      (A) The department receives information showing that the homestead is not eligible for, or the taxpayers are not eligible to claim, the deferral; or

      (B) The Department of Revenue has not received a response to the notice sent under subsection (2) of this section within 30 days after notifying the office of the Aging and Disability Resource Connection or the seniors and people with disabilities division of the Department of Human Services under subsection (3) of this section.

      (b) This subsection does not preclude the grant of deferral to an eligible homestead in any subsequent property tax year for which an eligible claimant files a timely application under ORS 311.672. [1989 c.948 §12; 1995 c.803 §4; 1997 c.839 §47; 1999 c.90 §36; 1999 c.1097 §7; 2001 c.660 §31; 2003 c.77 §9; 2005 c.832 §21; 2007 c.614 §9; 2008 c.45 §10; 2009 c.5 §20; 2009 c.909 §20; 2010 c.82 §20; 2011 c.723 §11; 2012 c.13 §4; 2013 c.31 §4; 2015 c.309 §3]

 

      311.690 Voluntary payment of deferred tax and interest. (1) All payments of deferred taxes shall be made to the Department of Revenue.

      (2) Subject to subsection (3) of this section, all or part of the deferred taxes and accrued interest may at any time be paid to the department by:

      (a) The taxpayer or the spouse of the taxpayer.

      (b) The next of kin of the taxpayer, heir at law of the taxpayer, child of the taxpayer or any person having or claiming a legal or equitable interest in the property.

      (3) A person listed in subsection (2)(b) of this section may make payments of deferred taxes under this section only if no objection is made by the taxpayer within 30 days after the department deposits in the mail notice to the taxpayer of the fact that payment of deferred taxes has been tendered.

      (4) Any payment made under this section shall be applied first against accrued interest and any remainder against the deferred taxes. Payment of deferred taxes does not affect the deferred tax status of the property. Unless otherwise provided by law, payment of deferred taxes does not give the person paying the taxes any interest in the property or any claim against the estate, in the absence of a valid agreement to the contrary.

      (5) When the deferred taxes and accrued interest are paid in full and the property is no longer subject to deferral, the department shall prepare, file and record documents necessary to effect a release or satisfaction of deferred property tax lien. [1963 c.569 §18; 1977 c.160 §12; 2007 c.363 §4]

 

      311.691 Taxes unpaid before deferral as lien; effect on foreclosure; exceptions. (1) Notwithstanding any provision of ORS chapter 312 to the contrary and ORS 311.696 (1), upon compliance with ORS 311.693, taxes assessed against a tax-deferred homestead for any tax year that were unpaid as of July 1 of the tax year for which homestead property tax deferral was granted under ORS 311.666 to 311.701, and that remain unpaid, shall remain a lien and shall become delinquent as otherwise provided by law, but are not subject to foreclosure under ORS chapter 312 before August 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which one of the circumstances listed in ORS 311.684 occurs.

      (2) This section does not apply if:

      (a) The tax-deferred homestead property is a manufactured structure or floating home and is moved out of state;

      (b) The tax-deferred homestead property is personal property, other than a manufactured structure or floating home; or

      (c) The owner of the tax-deferred homestead property has household income, for the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which application is filed under ORS 311.693, that exceeds the amounts allowable under ORS 311.668.

      (3) If the property to which subsection (1) of this section applies has been included on a foreclosure list, or a judgment of foreclosure entered, the property shall be removed from the foreclosure list, or judgment vacated, unless the proceeding against the property involves delinquent taxes other than those described in subsection (1) of this section.

      (4)(a) Upon removal from the foreclosure list, or upon vacation of the judgment, a penalty may not be imposed under ORS 312.110 or 312.120.

      (b) If the penalty has been imposed, the penalty is abated, or if the penalty has been paid, upon application made to the county assessor on or before July 1 of the year immediately following the year of vacation or removal, the penalty shall be refunded out of the unsegregated tax collections account in the manner provided in ORS 311.806.

      (5) Within 60 days after approval of an application under ORS 311.693, with respect to any property to which this section applies, the tax collector shall make the proper entries on the tax roll and shall remove the property from the foreclosure list and proceeding.

      (6) If a judgment has been entered foreclosing liens for delinquent taxes against any property which is the subject of an application filed under ORS 311.693, and the delinquent taxes include only those taxes described in subsection (1) of this section, or taxes in excess of those described in subsection (1) of this section are paid, the judgment shall be null and void and of no effect and the tax collector shall make the proper entries on the assessment and tax rolls to reflect the vacation of the judgment and to acknowledge the subsisting liens.

      (7) Nothing in this section shall remove or release property to which this section applies from the lien of any unpaid tax thereon, but the unpaid taxes shall remain valid and subsisting liens as though the foreclosure proceeding had not been instituted or as though the foreclosure proceeding had not been instituted and a judgment entered.

      (8) Nothing in this section shall affect a foreclosure proceeding instituted, or a judgment entered, to foreclose liens for delinquent taxes against properties subject to foreclosure if the delinquent taxes include taxes other than those described under subsection (1) of this section. Such foreclosure proceedings shall be instituted or continued without regard to this section and such judgment shall be of full force and effect as if this section did not exist.

      (9) Interest on taxes to which this section applies shall be determined from the same dates, in the same manner and until paid as for other property taxes remaining unpaid upon the due dates, upon preparation of the foreclosure list in accordance with ORS chapter 312 and subsection (1) of this section and upon entry and following a judgment of foreclosure. [1983 c.793 §2; 1985 c.162 §8; 1989 c.948 §16; 1993 c.6 §8; 1995 c.79 §150; 1995 c.803 §5; 1999 c.22 §3; 1999 c.1097 §8; 2003 c.576 §413; 2011 c.723 §12; 2013 c.494 §3]

 

      311.692 [1963 c.569 §19; 1967 c.335 §36; repealed by 1977 c.160 §19]

 

      311.693 Application to delay foreclosure; appeals. (1) Delay in foreclosure on account of delinquent taxes as provided in ORS 311.691 may not be granted unless the owner of the tax-deferred homestead files an application for the delay with the county assessor prior to the date the period of redemption expires under ORS 312.120.

      (2)(a) Upon receipt of an application under subsection (1) of this section, the county assessor shall approve or deny the application.

      (b) If the application is denied, the owner may appeal to the circuit court in the county where the tax-deferred homestead property is located within 90 days after notice in writing of the denial is mailed to the owner by the county assessor.

      (c) Orders of the circuit court in an appeal taken under this subsection may be appealed to the Court of Appeals within the time and in the manner provided under ORS 312.210. [1983 c.793 §3; 2011 c.723 §13; 2021 c.535 §12]

 

      311.694 Reimbursement of state for taxes uncollected after foreclosure. (1) At the time that the property is deeded over to the county at the conclusion of the foreclosure proceedings pursuant to ORS 312.200 the county court shall order the county treasurer to pay to the Department of Revenue from the unsegregated tax collections account the amount of uncollected deferred taxes and any interest that accrued prior to August 15 of the year in which the deferred taxes first became delinquent, or that accrues after the property is deeded to the county, and that has not been collected.

      (2) Immediately upon payment, the county treasurer shall notify the tax collector of the amount paid to the department for the property which has been deeded to the county pursuant to ORS 312.200. [1963 c.569 §20; 1977 c.160 §13; 1985 c.162 §9; 2021 c.535 §16]

 

      311.695 Joint and several liability of transferees for deferral amounts. (1) A transferee of a homestead who is ineligible to claim, or does not claim, deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701, or that is not an individual, is jointly and severally liable for amounts payable under ORS 311.686 to the extent of the positive amount, if any, remaining after subtracting the amount of all liens prior to the Department of Revenue’s liens for deferred taxes arising under ORS 311.673 or 311.679 from the real market value of the homestead entered on the last certified assessment and tax roll prior to the date of the transfer if the transferee:

      (a) Is occupying, leasing out or otherwise using the tax-deferred property more than 90 days following the taxpayer’s date of death and is a potential recipient of the property under intestate succession or by devise;

      (b) Received the tax-deferred property from the estate of a deceased taxpayer; or

      (c) Received a right to the tax-deferred property by gift or assignment from an insolvent taxpayer.

      (2) The department shall issue by mail a notice of liability to a transferee after deferred amounts for which the transferee is liable under this section become payable under ORS 311.686.

      (3)(a) Within 30 days after the department mails the notice of liability required under subsection (2) of this section, the transferee:

      (A) Shall pay the deferred amounts, plus interest, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and fees; or

      (B)(i) Shall notify the department in writing of objections to the notice of liability; and

      (ii) May request a conference. The provisions of ORS 305.265 governing a conference requested relating to a notice of deficiency apply to a conference requested under this sub-subparagraph.

      (b) If the department does not receive payment or written objection to the notice of liability within 30 days after the notice has been mailed, the notice of liability becomes final.

      (c) A transferee may appeal the notice of liability to the tax court in the manner provided for an appeal from a notice of assessment within 90 days after the notice becomes final under this subsection.

      (4)(a) After a conference, or, if no conference is requested, a determination of the issues raised by the written objections, the department shall mail to the transferee a conference letter affirming, canceling or adjusting the notice of liability.

      (b) Within 90 days after the date on which the conference letter is mailed to the transferee, the transferee shall pay the deferred amounts, plus interest, the cost of insurance purchased pursuant to ORS 311.670 (4)(b) and fees, or appeal to the tax court in the manner provided for an appeal from a notice of assessment.

      (5)(a) If more than one transferee may be held jointly and severally liable for payment of deferred amounts under this section, the department may require any or all of the transferees who may be held liable to appear before the department for a joint determination of liability. The department shall notify each transferee of the time and place set for the determination of liability.

      (b) Each transferee notified of a joint determination under this subsection shall appear and present such information as is necessary to establish that person’s liability or nonliability for payment of deferred amounts to the department. If any person notified fails to appear, the department shall make its determination on the basis of all the information and evidence presented. The department’s determination shall be binding on all persons notified and required to appear under this subsection.

      (c)(A) If an appeal is taken to the Oregon Tax Court pursuant to ORS 305.404 to 305.560 by any transferee determined to be liable for deferred amounts under this subsection, each person required to appear before the department under this subsection shall be impleaded by the plaintiff. The department may implead any transferee who may be held jointly and severally liable for the payment of deferred amounts. Each person impleaded under this paragraph shall be made a party to the action before the tax court and shall make available to the tax court such information as was presented before the department, as well as such other information as may be presented to the court.

      (B) The court may determine that one or more persons impleaded under this paragraph are liable for deferred amounts without regard to any earlier determination by the department that an impleaded person was not liable for deferred amounts.

      (C) If any person required to appear before the court under this subsection fails or refuses to appear or bring such information in part or in whole, or is outside the jurisdiction of the tax court, the court shall make its determination on the basis of all the evidence introduced. All such evidence shall constitute a public record and shall be available to the parties and the court. The determination of the tax court shall be binding on all persons made parties to the action under this subsection.

      (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a determination by the department or the Oregon Tax Court that more than one transferee is jointly and severally liable for deferred amounts. [1983 c.550 §7; 2011 c.723 §14; 2013 c.31 §5; 2015 c.309 §8; 2019 c.488 §1]

 

      Note: Section 2, chapter 488, Oregon Laws 2019, provides:

      Sec. 2. The amendments to ORS 311.695 by section 1 of this 2019 Act apply to:

      (1) A transfer occurring on or after the effective date of this 2019 Act [September 29, 2019].

      (2) A transfer occurring before the effective date of this 2019 Act if the circumstances described in ORS 311.695 (1)(a), (b) and (c) do not apply to the transferee and the amounts payable under ORS 311.686 with respect to the transfer have not been paid as of the effective date of this 2019 Act. Any remaining outstanding balance that has been charged to a transferee with respect to a transfer described in this subsection shall be canceled. [2019 c.488 §2]

 

      311.696 Limitations on effect of ORS 311.666 to 311.701. Nothing in ORS 311.666 to 311.701 is intended to or shall be construed to:

      (1) Prevent the collection, by foreclosure, of property taxes which become a lien against tax-deferred property.

      (2) Defer payment of special assessments to benefited property which assessments do not appear on the assessment and tax roll.

      (3) Affect any provision of any mortgage or other instrument relating to land requiring a person to pay property taxes. [1963 c.569 §21; 1971 c.747 §18; 1977 c.160 §14]

 

      311.700 Deed or contract clauses prohibiting application for deferral are void; reverse mortgage prohibition; exceptions. (1) A clause or statement in a mortgage trust deed or land sale contract executed after September 9, 1971, that prohibits the owner from applying for deferral of homestead property taxes provided in ORS 311.666 to 311.701 is void.

      (2) Notwithstanding ORS 311.670, a homestead that is pledged as security for a reverse mortgage is not eligible for tax deferral under ORS 311.666 to 311.701.

      (3) Subsection (2) of this section does not apply to a homestead that is:

      (a) Eligible for tax deferral under section 7, chapter 13, Oregon Laws 2012, section 1, chapter 31, Oregon Laws 2013, or section 1, chapter 494, Oregon Laws 2013; or

      (b) Pledged as security for a reverse mortgage pursuant to a contract executed on or after July 1, 2011, and before January 1, 2017, provided the taxpayer seeking the tax deferral has an equity interest in the homestead that equals or exceeds 40 percent at the time of filing a claim under ORS 311.672. [1971 c.572 §7; 1977 c.160 §8; 2011 c.723 §16; 2019 c.591 §1]

 

      311.701 Senior Property Tax Deferral Revolving Account; sources; uses. (1) There is established in the State Treasury the Senior Property Tax Deferral Revolving Account to be used by the Department of Revenue for the purpose of making the payments to:

      (a) County tax collectors of property taxes deferred for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 1983, as required by ORS 311.676.

      (b) The appropriate local officer of special assessment improvement amounts deferred on or after October 15, 1983, as required by ORS 311.730.

      (c) The department for its expenses in administering the property tax and special assessment senior deferral programs.

      (2) The Senior Property Tax Deferral Revolving Account may include a reserve for payment of department administrative expenses.

      (3) All sums of money received by the Department of Revenue under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 as repayments of deferred property taxes or under ORS 311.702 to 311.735 as repayments of deferred special assessment improvement amounts, including the interest accrued under ORS 311.674 (3) or 311.711 (3) shall, upon receipt, be credited to the revolving account and are continuously appropriated to the department for the purposes of subsection (1) of this section.

      (4)(a) If there are not sufficient moneys in the revolving account to make the payments required by subsection (1) of this section, and the amount appropriated from the General Fund is not sufficient when added together with the moneys in the revolving account to provide an amount sufficient to make the required payments, the State Treasurer, in the capacity of investment officer for the Oregon Investment Council, may lend to the Department of Revenue such amounts as may be necessary to make the payments.

      (b) The State Treasurer may lend moneys that may be invested as provided in ORS 293.701 to 293.857.

      (c) Any moneys lent under this subsection shall be repaid within five years together with interest at a rate determined by the State Treasurer and consistent with the investment standards of ORS 293.721 and 293.726. [1983 c.550 §12; 1985 c.167 §1; 1995 c.257 §1; 2001 c.716 §27; 2005 c.749 §4; 2009 c.885 §10; 2011 c.723 §17]

 

DEFERRAL OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENT

 

      311.702 Definitions for ORS 311.702 to 311.735. As used in ORS 311.702 to 311.735, unless the context otherwise requires:

      (1) “Department” means the Department of Revenue.

      (2) “Homestead” has the meaning given that term in ORS 311.666.

      (3) “Special assessment for local improvement” means an amount specially assessed or reassessed to the homestead to defray the cost of an improvement of the nature described in ORS 223.387 and assessed or reassessed on the basis of benefit.

      (4) “Special assessment improvement amounts” or “amount of special assessment for local improvement” means the unpaid installments of the special assessment due and payable at the time application for deferral is made or becoming due at any time thereafter while deferral is effective, plus interest attributable to the installments. If the amount of special assessment for local improvement or any installment thereof has become delinquent at the time of initial application for deferral, the terms include any delinquent installments and interest, penalties or costs imposed as a result of the delinquency, which amounts shall be considered payable at the time claim for deferral is made.

      (5) “Taxpayer” means an individual who has filed a claim for deferral under ORS 311.704 or two or more individuals who have jointly filed a claim for deferral under ORS 311.704. [1977 c.859 §1; 1979 c.762 §3; 1985 c.167 §2]

 

      311.704 Claim to defer special assessment for local improvement. (1) On or before September 29, 2011, a taxpayer may file a claim to defer payment of the amount of special assessment for local improvement assessed or reassessed to the taxpayer’s homestead with the officer in charge of the bond lien docket or assessment lien record. The effect of filing the claim shall be to defer payment of the amount of special assessment for local improvement determined under ORS 311.702. The claim for deferral shall be effective for the calendar year for which it is filed and for each subsequent year until the occurrence of one or more of the events described in ORS 311.716.

      (2) If a guardian or conservator has been appointed for a taxpayer otherwise qualified to obtain the deferral of payment of special assessment for local improvement amounts accorded under ORS 311.702 to 311.735, the guardian or conservator may act for the taxpayer in complying with ORS 311.702 to 311.735.

      (3) A taxpayer who claims the deferral under ORS 311.702 to 311.735 may not claim a deferral or other similar assistance available under local law. [1977 c.859 §2; 1979 c.762 §4; 1985 c.167 §3; 1997 c.154 §12; 2011 c.723 §19]

 

      311.705 [Renumbered 311.785]

 

      311.706 Requirements for deferral. (1) In order to qualify for deferral of payment of special assessment for local improvement amounts under ORS 311.702 to 311.735, the taxpayer or, in the case of two or more individuals filing a claim jointly, each filing the claim for deferral and the homestead with respect to which the claim is filed must meet the following requirements at the time the claim for deferral is filed and thereafter so long as payment of the amount of special assessment for local improvement is deferred:

      (a) The taxpayer filing the claim for deferral must be 62 years of age or older.

      (b) The taxpayer filing the claim, by himself or herself or together with his or her spouse, must own the fee simple estate or be purchasing the fee simple estate under a recorded instrument of sale.

      (c) The property with respect to which the claim is filed must be the homestead of the taxpayer who files the claim for deferral, except for a taxpayer required to be absent from the homestead by reason of health.

      (d) If the taxpayer is delinquent in payment of the special assessment for local improvement or any installments thereof, the homestead must not have yet been sold at foreclosure sale.

      (e) The household income, as defined in ORS 311.666, of the taxpayer filing the claim must have been $32,000 or less for the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the claim for deferral of special assessment for local improvement installment amounts is filed.

      (f) There must be no prohibition to the deferral of special assessments contained in any provision of federal law, rule or regulation applicable to a mortgage, trust deed, land sale contract or conditional sale contract for which the homestead is security.

      (2) If a trustee of an inter vivos trust which was created by and is revocable by a taxpayer, who is both the trustor and beneficiary of the trust and who is otherwise qualified to obtain a deferral of special assessment for local improvement under ORS 311.702 to 311.735 owns the fee simple estate under a recorded instrument of sale, the trustee may act for the taxpayer in complying with the provisions of ORS 311.702 to 311.735.

      (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a spouse of a taxpayer to file a claim jointly with the taxpayer even though the spouse may be eligible to claim the deferral jointly with the taxpayer.

      (4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to disqualify a taxpayer otherwise qualifying for deferral if the spouse of the taxpayer is less than 62 years of age or if the spouse does not own, or is not purchasing under a recorded instrument of sale, a fee simple estate in the homestead.

      (5) Subject to ORS 311.729, when a taxpayer exercises the election to claim the deferral under ORS 311.704, it shall have the effect of:

      (a) Deferring payment of the amount of special assessment for local improvements deferred pursuant to the claim until the special assessment for local improvements become delinquent under ORS 311.718.

      (b) Continuing the deferral of payment by the taxpayer of any special assessment for local improvements deferred under ORS 311.702 to 311.735 for previous years which have not become delinquent under ORS 311.718.

      (6)(a) For each tax year beginning on or after July 1, 2002, the Department of Revenue shall recompute the maximum household income that may be incurred under an allowable claim for deferral under subsection (1)(e) of this section. The computation shall be as follows:

      (A) Divide the average U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index for the first six months of the current calendar year by the average U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index for the first six months of 2001.

      (B) Recompute the maximum household income by multiplying $32,000 by the appropriate indexing factor determined as provided in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

      (b) As used in this section, “U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index” means the U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (All Items) as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor.

      (c) If any change in the maximum household income determined under paragraph (a) of this subsection is not a multiple of $500, the increase shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $500. [1977 c.859 §3; 1983 c.550 §19; 1985 c.140 §4; 1985 c.167 §4; 1997 c.154 §13; 2001 c.753 §30; 2015 c.348 §13]

 

      311.708 Claim form; filing date. (1) A claim for deferral under ORS 311.704 shall be in writing on a form prescribed by the Department of Revenue and shall:

      (a) Describe the homestead.

      (b) Recite facts establishing the eligibility for the deferral under the provisions of ORS 311.702 to 311.735 including facts that establish that the household income as defined in ORS 311.666 of the taxpayer, or in the case of two or more taxpayers claiming the deferral jointly, was less than the amount required under ORS 311.706 for the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the claim is filed.

      (c) Have attached any documentary proof required by the department to show that the requirements of ORS 311.702 to 311.735 have been met.

      (2) There shall be annexed to the claim a statement verified by a written declaration of the applicant making the claim to the effect that the statements contained in the claim are true.

      (3) The claim shall incorporate the terms or have annexed thereto a certified copy of the agreement for payment of the special assessment for local improvement in installments. The claim shall be filed on or after October 1 and before December 1 of the calendar year in which the deferral is first claimed.

      (4) Any person aggrieved by the denial of a claim for deferral of special assessments for local improvements or disqualification from deferral of special assessments for local improvements may appeal in the manner provided by ORS 305.404 to 305.560. [1977 c.859 §4; 1985 c.167 §5; 1987 c.512 §6; 1993 c.19 §13; 1995 c.650 §79; 1997 c.154 §§14,15; 2001 c.753 §31; 2015 c.348 §14]

 

      311.710 [Renumbered 311.790]

 

      311.711 Duties of bond lien docket or assessment lien record officer; liens; interest; foreclosure. (1) The officer in charge of the bond lien docket or assessment lien record shall forward each claim filed under ORS 311.702 to 311.735 to the Department of Revenue, which shall determine if the property is eligible for deferral. If eligibility for special assessment deferral is established as provided in ORS 311.702 to 311.735, the officer in charge of the bond lien docket or assessment lien record shall:

      (a) Show by an entry on the bond lien docket which property specially assessed is accorded deferral under ORS 311.702 to 311.735.

      (b) For the year for which the deferral of special assessment is first claimed with respect to a property, verify to the department the total amount of special assessment for local improvement subject to deferral with respect to the property, the rates of interest and accrual dates and any other pertinent information relating to payment of the deferred amount.

      (2) Until otherwise required by ORS 311.702 to 311.735, the officer in charge of the bond lien docket or assessment lien record shall continue to show on the bond lien docket or assessment lien record that the property with respect to which the deferral under ORS 311.702 to 311.735 is allowed continues to be subject to special assessment deferral. The officer in charge of the bond lien docket or assessment lien record shall make a separate list of the properties subject to special assessment deferral and shall show the amount of special assessment for local improvement deferred for each property, and shall show the accrued interest added each year on the amount of special assessment for local improvement deferred and the total accrued interest.

      (3) Interest shall accrue on the amount of the deferred special assessment for local improvement at the rate of six percent per annum. Except the interest described in this subsection and the interest included in the deferred special assessment amounts, no other interest shall accrue on the amount of deferred special assessment for local improvement.

      (4) The department shall have a lien against the deferred property for the payment of any deferred special assessment for local improvement plus interest thereon. The liens for deferred special assessment for local improvement shall attach to the property on July 1 of the year in which the special assessment for local improvement was assessed. The liens for deferred special assessment for local improvement shall have the same priority as other liens against real property except that the lien of mortgages or trust deeds which are recorded prior to the attachment of the lien for special assessment for local improvement shall be prior to the liens for deferred special assessment for local improvement.

      (5) The lien may be foreclosed by the department as if it were a purchase money mortgage under ORS chapter 88. The court may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in a foreclosure action under this section.

      (6) Receipts from foreclosure proceedings shall be credited in the same manner as other repayments of deferred special assessment for local improvement under ORS 311.701. [1977 c.859 §5; 1979 c.762 §5; 1985 c.167 §6; 1991 c.459 §259; 1995 c.618 §65; 1997 c.154 §17]

 

      311.713 [1977 c.859 §5a; 1979 c.762 §6; repealed by 1985 c.167 §14]

 

      311.715 [Amended by 1961 c.362 §1; 1965 c.344 §38; renumbered 311.795]

 

      311.716 Events requiring payment of deferred special assessment; duty to inform Department of Revenue. (1) Subject to ORS 311.721, all deferred special assessments for local improvement, including accrued interest, become payable as provided in ORS 311.718 when:

      (a) The taxpayer who claimed deferral of collection of special assessment for local improvement on the homestead dies.

      (b) The homestead with respect to which deferral of collection of special assessment for local improvement is claimed is sold, or a contract to sell is entered into, or some person other than the taxpayer who claimed the deferral becomes the owner of the property.

      (c) The homestead with respect to which deferral of special assessment for local improvement is claimed is no longer the homestead of the taxpayer who claimed the deferral, except in the case of a taxpayer required to be absent from the homestead by reason of health.

      (2) The taxpayer or the taxpayer’s representative shall have a duty to inform the Department of Revenue of the occurrence of an event described in this section on or before December 31 following the event’s occurrence. [1977 c.859 §6; 1985 c.167 §7; 1997 c.154 §18]

 

      311.717 [Formerly 606.240; renumbered 311.800]

 

      311.718 Time for payments; delinquency. (1) Except as provided in ORS 311.722, when any of the circumstances listed in ORS 311.716 occurs, the amounts of deferred special assessment for local improvement, including accrued interest, shall be due and payable on August 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the circumstance occurs, except as provided in ORS 311.721.

      (2) If the amounts falling due as provided in this section are not paid on the indicated due date, the amounts shall be deemed delinquent as of that date and the homestead shall become subject to foreclosure as provided in ORS 311.711. [1977 c.859 §7; 1985 c.167 §8]

 

      311.720 [Amended by 1967 c.421 §199; renumbered 311.804]

 

      311.721 Election by spouse to continue deferral. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 311.716 and 311.718, when one of the circumstances listed in ORS 311.716 occurs, the spouse of the taxpayer who claimed the deferral may elect to continue the homestead in its deferred status if:

      (a) The spouse of the taxpayer is or will be 60 years of age or older not later than six months from the day the circumstances listed in ORS 311.716 occur; and

      (b) The homestead is the homestead of the spouse of the taxpayer and meets the requirements of ORS 311.706.

      (2) The election under subsection (1) of this section to continue the property in its deferred status by the spouse shall be filed in the same manner as a claim for deferral is filed under ORS 311.704, not later than August 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the circumstances listed in ORS 311.716 occur. Thereupon, the homestead with respect to which the deferral is claimed shall continue to be subject to special assessment deferral and the appropriate local officials shall cancel all actions taken under ORS 311.718 and make any necessary correcting entries in their records. Subject to ORS 311.729, the deferral shall continue until the special assessment for local improvement becomes delinquent under ORS 311.718. [1977 c.859 §8; 1985 c.167 §12]

 

      311.722 Extension of time for payment upon death of claimant; five-year limit; bond; interest. (1) If the taxpayer who claimed the deferral of special assessment for local improvement dies, or if a spouse who continued the deferral under ORS 311.702 to 311.735 dies, the Department of Revenue may extend the time for payment of the special assessment for local improvement and interest accruing with respect to the special assessment for local improvement becoming due and payable under ORS 311.718 if:

      (a) The homestead property becomes property of an individual or individuals:

      (A) By inheritance or devise; or

      (B) If the individual or individuals are heirs or devisees, as defined under ORS 111.005, in the course of settlement of the estate;

      (b) The individual or individuals commence occupancy of the property as a principal residence on or before August 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year of death; and

      (c) The individual or individuals make application to the department for an extension of time for payment of the deferred special assessment for local improvement and interest prior to August 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year of death.

      (2)(a) Subject to paragraph (b) of this subsection, an extension granted under this section shall be for a period not to exceed five years after August 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year of death. The terms and conditions under which the extension is granted shall be in accordance with a written agreement entered into by the department and the individual or individuals.

      (b) An extension granted under this section shall terminate immediately if:

      (A) The homestead property is sold or otherwise transferred by any party to the extension agreement;

      (B) All of the heirs or devisees who are parties to the extension agreement cease to occupy the property as a principal residence; or

      (C) The homestead property, a manufactured structure or floating home, is moved out of the state.

      (3) If the department has reason to believe that the homestead property is not sufficient security for the deferred special assessment for local improvement and interest the department may require the individual or individuals to furnish a bond conditioned upon payment of the amount extended in accordance with the terms of the extension. The bond shall not exceed in amount double the special assessment for local improvement with respect to which extension is granted.

      (4) During the period of extension, and until paid the deferred special assessment for local improvement shall continue to accrue interest in the same manner and at the same rate as provided under ORS 311.674 (3). No interest shall accrue upon interest. [1985 c.167 §10]

 

      311.723 Voluntary payment of deferred special assessment. (1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, all or part of the amounts of deferred special assessment for local improvement, and accrued interest, may at any time be paid to the Department of Revenue by:

      (a) The taxpayer who filed the claim for deferral or the taxpayer’s spouse.

      (b) The next of kin of the taxpayer who filed the claim for deferral, the taxpayer’s heir at law, the taxpayer’s child or any person having or claiming a legal or equitable interest in the property.

      (2) A person referred to in subsection (1)(b) of this section may make the payments only if no objection is made by the taxpayer who filed the claim for deferral within 30 days after the department deposits in the mail notice to the taxpayer who filed the claim that the payment has been tendered.

      (3) Any payments made under this section shall be applied first against accrued interest and any remainder against the deferred special assessment for local improvement. A payment made pursuant to this section does not affect the deferred status of the homestead. Unless otherwise provided by law, the payment does not give the person paying the deferred special assessment any interest in the property or any claim against the estate, in the absence of a valid agreement to the contrary. [1977 c.859 §9; 1985 c.167 §13]

 

      311.725 Disposition of collected special assessments; reimbursement of state. (1) When any deferred special assessment for local improvement, including accrued interest, is collected, the moneys shall be credited to a special account and the appropriate entries shall be made evidencing payment on the bond lien docket or assessment lien record. The appropriate local officer shall remit the amount of deferred special assessment, and accrued interest, to the Department of Revenue. The remittance shall be accompanied by an explanation giving a description of the homestead for which the special assessment for local improvement was collected, and a statement of the special assessment amounts and the accrued interest amounts collected.

      (2) The department shall enter the amount received against the accounts which have been set up for the special assessment deferred properties. The amount received shall be credited as provided in ORS 311.701. [1977 c.859 §10; 1979 c.762 §7; 1983 c.550 §15]

 

      311.727 Deferred special assessments uncollected after foreclosure; reimbursement of state by taxing units. (1) At the time that a homestead that is the subject of special assessment deferral is deeded to a unit of local government at the close of collection proceedings, the appropriate officer of the local government unit shall pay to the Department of Revenue out of the general fund of the local government unit the amount of deferred special assessment, and accrued interest, which was not collected in the same manner as other deferred special assessments for local improvement are paid over to the department when collected.

      (2) Any amount paid over to the department under subsection (1) of this section, if later collected, shall be paid to reimburse the general fund of the local government unit and the necessary entries shall be made upon the special assessment records. [1977 c.859 §11]

 

      311.729 Limitations on effect of ORS 311.702 to 311.735. Nothing in ORS 311.702 to 311.735 is intended to or shall be construed to:

      (1) Prevent the collection, by foreclosure, of delinquent property taxes which have become a lien against the homestead that is the subject of special assessment deferral provided in ORS 311.702 to 311.735.

      (2) Prevent the granting of deferral of property taxes pursuant to ORS 311.666 to 311.701.

      (3) Affect any provision of a mortgage or other instrument relating to the homestead.

      (4) Prevent the collection, by appropriate collection proceeding, of delinquent special assessment installments which are a lien against the homestead but which have not been deferred as provided in ORS 311.702 to 311.735. Upon determination by the local government unit that any nondeferred installment is in default, the whole sum, including deferred amounts of the special assessment for local improvement shall become due and payable at once. [1977 c.859 §12]

 

      311.730 Payments by state to local officers; dates of payment; small special assessment amounts prepaid. (1) Upon receipt of the information needed to make payments of the deferred special assessment amounts, the Department of Revenue shall make payment to the appropriate local officer. Payment shall be made from the revolving account established under ORS 311.701. Based on the information received, the department shall pay:

      (a) All deferred special assessment amounts accruing between January 1 and June 30 of the year on or before August 1;

      (b) All deferred special assessment amounts accruing between July 1 and December 31 of the year on or before February 1; and

      (c) The special assessment improvement amount balance, including amounts of the special assessment not yet due and payable, that is attributable to a single homestead that has been granted deferral under ORS 311.702 to 311.735, if the special assessment improvement amount is less than $1,000 for the year in which deferral is first claimed.

      (2) The department shall maintain accounts for each specially assessed deferred property and shall accrue interest on the gross amount of special assessment for local improvement advanced. [1977 c.859 §13; 1980 c.19 §9; 1983 c.550 §16; 1997 c.154 §19]

 

      311.731 Remittance to state of prepaid amounts when deferral ends. (1) When an event described under ORS 311.716 occurs with respect to a homestead for which the Department of Revenue has prepaid special assessment improvement amounts under ORS 311.730 (1)(c), the appropriate local officer shall remit to the department the amount of the prepayment.

      (2) The remittance shall be made on or before August 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the event occurs, in an amount equal to the amount of the prepayment not yet due and payable on the date of the remittance, plus accrued interest on that amount.

      (3) The department shall enter the amount received against the account that has been set up for special assessment deferred property. The amount received shall be credited as provided in ORS 311.701. [1997 c.154 §23]

 

      311.732 Deed or contract clauses prohibiting application for deferral are void. After September 20, 1985, it shall be unlawful for any mortgage trust deed or land sale contract to maintain a clause or statement which prohibits the owner from applying for the benefits of the deferral of special assessment for local improvement as provided in ORS 311.702 to 311.735. Any such clause or statement in a mortgage trust deed or land sale contract executed after September 20, 1985, shall be void. [1985 c.167 §11]

 

      311.735 Rules. The Department of Revenue shall make any rules necessary to carry out the provisions of ORS 311.702 to 311.735. [1977 c.859 §14]

 

DISASTER AREA TAX DEFERRAL

 

      311.740 Definitions for ORS 311.740 to 311.780. As used in ORS 311.740 to 311.780:

      (1) “Commissioners” means the county court, board of county commissioners or other governing body of a county.

      (2) “Department” means the Department of Revenue.

      (3) “Disaster area” means an area within the State of Oregon which the Governor of the State of Oregon has named and declared to be a disaster area.

      (4) “Land” means agricultural land or rangeland under farm use as defined in ORS 215.203 or 308A.056.

      (5) “Taxes” means ad valorem taxes, assessments, fees and charges entered on the assessment and tax roll against land as defined in this section.

      (6) “Taxpayer” means the person or persons who pay taxes upon land as defined in this section. [1977 c.695 §1; 1999 c.314 §67]

 

      311.745 Election to defer taxes in disaster area; eligibility. (1) Subject to ORS 311.750, the taxpayer who has land situated in a disaster area and whose land is adversely affected by the disaster area may, on or before September 1 of each year, elect to defer the taxes levied on the land of the taxpayer for that year. To exercise the option, each taxpayer shall file a claim for deferral with the commissioners on or before September 1 of each year in which the taxpayer claims the deferral. The commissioners shall examine the application and certify that the taxpayer’s property is adversely affected by the disaster. After certifying that the property is adversely affected by the disaster, the commissioners shall forward the application to the Department of Revenue.

      (2) When the taxpayer exercises an option to defer taxes for any year by filing a claim for deferral under subsection (1) of this section, it shall have the effect of deferring payment of the taxes levied against the land of the taxpayer for the period of time the area continues to be designated a disaster area. [1977 c.695 §2]

 

      311.750 Qualifications. In order to qualify for tax deferral under ORS 311.740 to 311.780, the property must meet all of the following requirements when the claim is filed and each year thereafter so long as the payment of taxes by the taxpayer is deferred:

      (1) The property must be located in a disaster area.

      (2) If the taxpayer is not the owner of the land, the taxpayer shall obtain written approval from the owner of the land to defer the taxes on the land under ORS 311.740 to 311.780.

      (3) Property must be land as defined in ORS 311.740. [1977 c.695 §3]

 

      311.755 Time for payment; interest on deferred taxes; delinquency. When the area in which the land is located ceases to become a disaster area, the deferred taxes will be due and payable as follows:

      (1) One-fifth (20 percent) of the deferred taxes shall be payable on or before November 15 of the year following the close of the calendar year in which the termination of the disaster area designation has occurred and November 15 of each year thereafter.

      (2) Interest shall accrue against the unpaid taxes and shall be paid with each one-fifth payment for the period of time the taxes have remained unpaid at the rate provided in ORS 311.775.

      (3) The amounts designated in subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be paid directly to the Department of Revenue on or before November 15 of each year in which they are due.

      (4) If the amounts falling due as provided in this section are not paid on the indicated due date, such amounts shall be deemed delinquent as of that date and the property shall be subject to foreclosure as provided in ORS 311.771.

      (5) All moneys collected by the department pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the General Fund. [1977 c.695 §4]

 

      311.759 Voluntary payment; satisfaction of deferred property tax lien. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 311.755, all or part of the deferred taxes and accrued interest may be paid at any time to the Department of Revenue.

      (2) When the deferred taxes and accrued interest are paid in full and the property is no longer subject to tax deferral under ORS 311.740 to 311.780, the department shall prepare and record in the county in which the property is located a satisfaction of deferred property tax lien. [1977 c.695 §5]

 

      311.760 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.761 Recordation of tax deferred properties; recording constitutes notice of lien. (1) On its approval of an application to defer taxes on land, the Department of Revenue shall record in each county in which there is tax deferred property under ORS 311.740 to 311.780 in the mortgage record of the county the list of the tax deferred properties of that county. The list shall contain a description of the property as listed on the assessment roll together with the name of the owner listed thereon.

      (2) The recording of the tax deferred properties under subsection (1) of this section gives notice that the department claims a lien against those properties in the amount of the deferred taxes plus interest, even though the amount of taxes or interest is not listed. [1977 c.695 §6]

 

      311.765 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.770 [Repealed by 1975 c.780 §16]

 

      311.771 Liens; priority; foreclosure proceeding. (1) The Department of Revenue shall have a lien against the tax deferred property for the payment of the deferred taxes plus interest thereon. The liens for deferred taxes shall attach to the property on July 1 of the year in which the taxes were assessed. The deferred property tax liens shall have the same priority as real property tax liens except that the lien of mortgages or trust deeds which are recorded prior in time to the lien for deferred taxes under ORS 311.740 to 311.780 shall be prior to the liens for deferred taxes.

      (2) The lien may be foreclosed by the department as if it were a purchase money mortgage under ORS chapter 88. The court may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in a foreclosure action under this section.

      (3) Receipts from foreclosure proceedings and from voluntary payments for deferred taxes shall be paid by the department to the General Fund. [1977 c.695 §7; 1981 c.897 §48; 1995 c.618 §66]

 

      311.775 Notice of deferral to assessor by department; rate of interest on deferred taxes. (1) If eligibility for deferral of taxes is established as provided in ORS 311.740 to 311.780, the Department of Revenue shall notify the county assessor and the county assessor shall show on the current ad valorem assessment and tax roll which property is tax deferred property by an entry clearly designating such property as tax deferred property.

      (2) When requested by the department, the tax collector shall send to the department as soon as the taxes are extended on the roll the tax statement for each tax deferred property.

      (3) Interest shall accrue on the deferred taxes at the rate of nine percent per annum. [1977 c.695 §8]

 

      311.780 Payment of tax deferred amounts to county by state; availability of moneys. (1) Upon receipt of the notification from the Department of Revenue of the amount deferred on tax deferred property under ORS 311.740 to 311.780, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall pay to the respective county tax collectors an amount equivalent to the full amount of tax listed by the Department of Revenue less three percent thereof.

      (2) The Department of Revenue shall maintain accounts for each deferred property and shall accrue interest at the rate earned by the Oregon Short Term Fund established under ORS 293.728 on the gross amount of taxes advanced.

      (3) The payment described in subsection (1) of this section shall be made only if there are moneys available in the General Fund for the payment because they are not appropriated or otherwise allocated for other purposes. Any moneys paid from the General Fund under this section shall be repaid to the General Fund with interest accrued at the rate described in subsection (2) of this section. [1977 c.695 §9; 1980 c.19 §10; 1993 c.18 §75; 2009 c.541 §17; 2009 c.821 §23]

 

COMPROMISE, ADJUSTMENT AND SETTLEMENT OF TAXES

 

      311.785 Authority to compromise taxes, abate interest or lawful charges. Except as may be specifically provided by law, no county court shall have authority to compromise any tax or taxes levied and charged on the tax roll of any year, or to abate interest or other lawful charges thereon, except where litigation involving the validity of such tax or taxes is pending or seriously threatened and there is a grave legal question as to such validity. [Formerly 311.705]

 

      311.790 Cancellation of uncollectible property tax. (1) If the tax collector and the district attorney for any county determine that taxes on personal property that are delinquent are for any reason wholly uncollectible, the tax collector and district attorney may request, in writing, the county court for an order directing that the taxes be canceled. The court, when so requested, may in its discretion order and direct the tax collector to cancel such uncollectible personal property taxes. The order shall be entered in the journal of the county court.

      (2) If the tax collector determines that additional taxes on real property disqualified from special assessment under ORS 308A.703 are wholly uncollectible due to the property’s exempt status, the tax collector may request, in writing, the county court for an order directing that the taxes be canceled. The court, when so requested, may in its discretion order and direct the tax collector to cancel the uncollectible property taxes. The order shall be entered in the journal of the county court. [Formerly 311.710; 1993 c.6 §6; 2007 c.791 §1]

 

      311.795 Cancellation of delinquent taxes on certain donated property; cancellation where total is $10 or less. (1) A county governing body may cancel all delinquent taxes and the interest and penalties thereon accrued upon property donated to any incorporated city or town or any park and recreation district organized and operating under ORS chapter 266 for parks, playgrounds or a city hall. This section does not apply if the city, town or park and recreation district makes any payment to the owner, either directly or indirectly, for the property.

      (2) A county governing body may cancel all delinquent real property taxes and interest and penalties due thereon from any taxpayer where the total of the same is $10 or less, when in the judgment of the county governing body the cost of collecting the same will be greater than the amount to be collected.

      (3) A county governing body may cancel all delinquent personal property taxes and the interest and penalties thereon due from any taxpayer where the total of the same is $10 or less and in the judgment of the county governing body the cost of collecting the same will be greater than the amount to be collected.

      (4) Property taxes that are deferred under the homestead deferral program established under ORS 311.666 to 311.701, special assessments for local improvements that are deferred under ORS 311.702 to 311.735 or property taxes that are deferred under the disaster area tax deferral program established under ORS 311.740 to 311.780 are not delinquent taxes for purposes of this section. A county governing body may not cancel any deferred taxes, deferred special assessments or interest or penalties that accrue with respect to deferred taxes or deferred special assessments described in this subsection. [Formerly 311.715; 1983 c.773 §1; 1993 c.6 §7; 2003 c.704 §1; 2007 c.70 §81; 2015 c.31 §6]

 

      311.796 [1991 c.615 §2; 1993 c.168 §9; 1997 c.752 §1; 1999 c.487 §4; 2003 c.704 §2; 2007 c.70 §82; repealed by 2017 c.315 §17]

 

      311.800 Compromise of taxes on lands conveyed to United States. The county court of each county may compromise all taxes, interest and penalties upon any land conveyed to the United States by gift, grant or devise by any person, under the terms of section 8 of the Act of Congress approved June 28, 1934, public document No. 482, known as the Taylor Grazing Act. However, this section does not apply to exchanges of real property made under the provisions of such Act. [Formerly 311.717]

 

      311.804 Cancellation of assessment or taxes on cancellation of certificate or contract by Department of State Lands. (1) If taxes are levied or assessed upon lands that are a portion of the assets of the Common School Fund while held under certificate or contract of sale and the certificate or contract is canceled by the Department of State Lands, such taxes or assessments shall become void upon receipt of written notice from the Director of the Department of State Lands of cancellation of the certificate or contract of sale. Officials having charge of the records of taxes and assessments on lands included in certificates or contracts of sale so canceled shall note on their records the word “invalidated,” and the date of cancellation.

      (2) This section does not apply to irrigation or drainage districts’ tax liens if the irrigation or drainage districts were organized prior to the inception of the department’s lien. [Formerly 311.720]

 

      311.805 [Repealed by 1959 c.554 §1 (311.806 enacted in lieu of 311.805)]

 

REFUNDS

 

      311.806 Refund of taxes on real and personal property; credit against total tax liability account of person owed refund. (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the county governing body shall refund, out of the refund reserve account provided in ORS 311.807, or the unsegregated tax collections account provided in ORS 311.385, taxes on property collected by an assessor or tax collector pursuant to a levy of the assessor or of any taxing district or tax levying body or pursuant to ORS 311.255, plus interest as provided in ORS 311.812, in the following cases:

      (a) To the person described in ORS 309.100 (1) and in whose name a petition was filed, whenever a change in the value of property is ordered by a county property value appeals board and no appeal is taken or can be taken from the board’s order, or whenever ordered by the Oregon Tax Court or the Supreme Court and the order constitutes a final determination of the matter;

      (b) To the person who has sought and obtained an order from the Department of Revenue under ORS 306.115, whenever a change in the value of property is ordered by the department and no appeal is taken or can be taken from the order of the department;

      (c) To the person who meets the criteria described in ORS 305.275 and in whose name an appeal is filed under ORS 305.275, whenever ordered by the Oregon Tax Court or Supreme Court and the order constitutes a final determination of the matter;

      (d) Whenever a change in the value of property is made under ORS 309.115 upon resolution of an appeal and no separate appeal of the value of the property was taken for the year of the change:

      (A) To the person in whose name the appeal was filed, for each year after the year for which the appeal was filed in which that person was listed as the owner or an owner or the person in whose name the property was assessed; and

      (B) To the owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund, each year thereafter;

      (e) To the owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund, whenever taxes are collected against real or personal property not within the jurisdiction of the tax levying body;

      (f) Except as provided in ORS 310.143, to the owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund, whenever, through excusable neglect or through an error subject to correction under ORS 311.205, other than ORS 311.205 (1)(b)(A), taxes on property are paid in excess of the amount legally chargeable, limited to the amount of money collected in excess of the amount actually due;

      (g) To the person in whose name the appeal was filed under ORS 305.275 if the officer makes a correction under ORS 311.205 (1)(b)(A) in the tax owed to which the appeal relates;

      (h) Except as provided in ORS 311.808, to the payer of the tax whenever any person pays taxes on the property of another by mistake of any kind;

      (i) To the property owner entitled to proration of taxes under ORS 308.425 resulting in an overpayment of taxes paid; or

      (j) To the purchaser of business personal property in the circumstances described in ORS 311.642 (4), upon notification of the county governing body by the tax collector who accepted the refundable compromise payment.

      (2)(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection, a refund of taxes may be allowed or made for any year or years not exceeding five years prior to the last certified roll. A refund under this subsection may be paid only to the extent that a refund under subsection (5) of this section has not been paid.

      (b) A refund of taxes may be allowed or made under subsection (1)(f) to (i) of this section after the period described in paragraph (a) of this subsection if, before the expiration of the period, a written claim for refund of the taxes is filed by the taxpayer with the county governing body.

      (c) The county governing body shall order a refund of taxes to be paid as specified in subsection (1) of this section without the filing of a written claim and without regard to the period described in paragraph (a) of this subsection upon receipt of a copy of an order by the Department of Revenue, the Oregon Tax Court or the Supreme Court that constitutes a final determination that is not subject to appeal.

      (3)(a) Before refunding taxes in a case described in subsection (1)(a) to (g) or (j) of this section, or under ORS 311.465, 311.815 or 311.821, the county governing body shall credit with the amount of the refund any amount due, as determined in accordance with ORS 311.505, of the total tax liability account of the person to which the refund is owed. Any amount remaining after crediting the total tax liability account shall be paid as specified in subsection (1) of this section, paragraph (b)(B) of this subsection or ORS 311.465, 311.815 or 311.821, as applicable.

      (b) Upon request of the owner or an owner of any taxable property or the person in whose name the property is assessed, or the owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund, whichever is applicable, and with the approval of the tax collector, the county governing body may authorize:

      (A) Refunds payable under subsection (1)(h) or (i) of this section to be made by crediting with the amount of the refund the total tax liability account of the requester.

      (B) After the total tax liability account of the property on which the tax is assessed has been satisfied, refunds payable under subsection (1) of this section to be made by crediting with the remaining amount of the refund any other total tax liability account.

      (4)(a) In the case of a refund or credit payable to a single requester that results from an order constituting a final determination of a matter as described under subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) of this section, a county governing body may elect to pay the refund or apply the credit in equal periodic installments over not more than the five-year period that begins on the date that the order is issued if the amount to be refunded or credited exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or one-quarter of one percent of the total amount of taxes on property imposed within the county within the limits of Article XI, section 11b, of the Oregon Constitution, as listed on the certificate last prepared under ORS 311.105.

      (b) If a county governing body elects to pay a refund or credit under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection, and the election will result in a hardship to a requester, the requester may appeal the election to the tax court as provided in ORS 305.404 to 305.560.

      (5)(a) The tax collector shall refund taxes paid on a property value, a claim for exemption or a claim for cancellation of a property tax if:

      (A) A county property value appeals board or the Oregon Tax Court issues a decision that could result in a refund if the decision is upheld on appeal;

      (B) The final resolution is pending further appeal; and

      (C) The county governing body orders a refund of taxes paid under this subsection.

      (b) An order by a county governing body or a recommendation of an assessor or tax collector in regard to this subsection may not be considered in determining matters in controversy on appeal, including property value or tax liability.

      (c) Interest may not be paid on any refund under this subsection prior to final resolution of the appeal. If, after taking into account the amount refunded under this subsection, the final resolution of the controversy after appeal results in a refund due, interest shall be determined and paid as provided in ORS 311.812.

      (d) If, after taking into account the amount refunded under this subsection, the final resolution of the controversy after appeal results in additional taxes due on the property, the additional taxes shall be billed and collected as provided in ORS 311.513.

      (6) Immediately upon payment of the refund and any interest thereon, the tax collector shall make the necessary correcting entries in the records of the office of the tax collector. ORS 294.305 to 294.565 do not apply to refunds made out of the refund reserve account or the unsegregated tax collections account.

      (7) A refund is not required under this section for any tax year if the amount of the refund would be $10 or less. Any amount not refunded under this subsection shall be distributed to taxing districts in the same manner that other taxes are distributed.

      (8) As used in this section:

      (a) “Owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund” means the owner or an owner of the property or the person in whose name the property is assessed on the tax roll last certified and delivered to the tax collector under ORS 311.105 and 311.115.

      (b) “Total tax liability account” means the total amount of tax that has been extended or charged against a particular property tax account as limited by Article XI, section 11b, of the Oregon Constitution. [1959 c.554 §2 (enacted in lieu of 311.805); 1961 c.533 §50; 1971 c.737 §3; 1973 c.347 §1; 1975 c.395 §3; 1979 c.702 §1; 1985 c.162 §10; 1991 c.459 §260; 1993 c.6 §3; 1993 c.270 §60; 1995 c.650 §71; 1997 c.541 §§295,296; 2003 c.38 §1; 2005 c.394 §1; 2007 c.364 §1; 2015 c.31 §1; 2015 c.444 §8; 2017 c.27 §1; 2021 c.356 §2; 2023 c.29 §36]

 

      Note: The amendments to 311.806 by section 36, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative July 1, 2024. See section 43, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative until July 1, 2024, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

      311.806. (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the county governing body shall refund, out of the refund reserve account provided in ORS 311.807, or the unsegregated tax collections account provided in ORS 311.385, taxes on property collected by an assessor or tax collector pursuant to a levy of the assessor or of any taxing district or tax levying body or pursuant to ORS 311.255, plus interest as provided in ORS 311.812, in the following cases:

      (a) To the person described in ORS 309.100 (1) and in whose name a petition was filed, whenever a change in the value of property is ordered by a county board of property tax appeals and no appeal is taken or can be taken from the board’s order, or whenever ordered by the Oregon Tax Court or the Supreme Court and the order constitutes a final determination of the matter;

      (b) To the person who has sought and obtained an order from the Department of Revenue under ORS 306.115, whenever a change in the value of property is ordered by the department and no appeal is taken or can be taken from the order of the department;

      (c) To the person who meets the criteria described in ORS 305.275 and in whose name an appeal is filed under ORS 305.275, whenever ordered by the Oregon Tax Court or Supreme Court and the order constitutes a final determination of the matter;

      (d) Whenever a change in the value of property is made under ORS 309.115 upon resolution of an appeal and no separate appeal of the value of the property was taken for the year of the change:

      (A) To the person in whose name the appeal was filed, for each year after the year for which the appeal was filed in which that person was listed as the owner or an owner or the person in whose name the property was assessed; and

      (B) To the owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund, each year thereafter;

      (e) To the owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund, whenever taxes are collected against real or personal property not within the jurisdiction of the tax levying body;

      (f) Except as provided in ORS 310.143, to the owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund, whenever, through excusable neglect or through an error subject to correction under ORS 311.205, other than ORS 311.205 (1)(b)(A), taxes on property are paid in excess of the amount legally chargeable, limited to the amount of money collected in excess of the amount actually due;

      (g) To the person in whose name the appeal was filed under ORS 305.275 if the officer makes a correction under ORS 311.205 (1)(b)(A) in the tax owed to which the appeal relates;

      (h) Except as provided in ORS 311.808, to the payer of the tax whenever any person pays taxes on the property of another by mistake of any kind;

      (i) To the property owner entitled to proration of taxes under ORS 308.425 resulting in an overpayment of taxes paid; or

      (j) To the purchaser of business personal property in the circumstances described in ORS 311.642 (4), upon notification of the county governing body by the tax collector who accepted the refundable compromise payment.

      (2)(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection, a refund of taxes may be allowed or made for any year or years not exceeding five years prior to the last certified roll. A refund under this subsection may be paid only to the extent that a refund under subsection (5) of this section has not been paid.

      (b) A refund of taxes may be allowed or made under subsection (1)(f) to (i) of this section after the period described in paragraph (a) of this subsection if, before the expiration of the period, a written claim for refund of the taxes is filed by the taxpayer with the county governing body.

      (c) The county governing body shall order a refund of taxes to be paid as specified in subsection (1) of this section without the filing of a written claim and without regard to the period described in paragraph (a) of this subsection upon receipt of a copy of an order by the Department of Revenue, the Oregon Tax Court or the Supreme Court that constitutes a final determination that is not subject to appeal.

      (3)(a) Before refunding taxes in a case described in subsection (1)(a) to (g) or (j) of this section, or under ORS 311.465, 311.815 or 311.821, the county governing body shall credit with the amount of the refund any amount due, as determined in accordance with ORS 311.505, of the total tax liability account of the person to which the refund is owed. Any amount remaining after crediting the total tax liability account shall be paid as specified in subsection (1) of this section, paragraph (b)(B) of this subsection or ORS 311.465, 311.815 or 311.821, as applicable.

      (b) Upon request of the owner or an owner of any taxable property or the person in whose name the property is assessed, or the owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund, whichever is applicable, and with the approval of the tax collector, the county governing body may authorize:

      (A) Refunds payable under subsection (1)(h) or (i) of this section to be made by crediting with the amount of the refund the total tax liability account of the requester.

      (B) After the total tax liability account of the property on which the tax is assessed has been satisfied, refunds payable under subsection (1) of this section to be made by crediting with the remaining amount of the refund any other total tax liability account.

      (4)(a) In the case of a refund or credit payable to a single requester that results from an order constituting a final determination of a matter as described under subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) of this section, a county governing body may elect to pay the refund or apply the credit in equal periodic installments over not more than the five-year period that begins on the date that the order is issued if the amount to be refunded or credited exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or one-quarter of one percent of the total amount of taxes on property imposed within the county within the limits of Article XI, section 11b, of the Oregon Constitution, as listed on the certificate last prepared under ORS 311.105.

      (b) If a county governing body elects to pay a refund or credit under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection, and the election will result in a hardship to a requester, the requester may appeal the election to the tax court as provided in ORS 305.404 to 305.560.

      (5)(a) The tax collector shall refund taxes paid on a property value, a claim for exemption or a claim for cancellation of a property tax if:

      (A) A county board of property tax appeals or the Oregon Tax Court issues a decision that could result in a refund if the decision is upheld on appeal;

      (B) The final resolution is pending further appeal; and

      (C) The county governing body orders a refund of taxes paid under this subsection.

      (b) An order by a county governing body or a recommendation of an assessor or tax collector in regard to this subsection may not be considered in determining matters in controversy on appeal, including property value or tax liability.

      (c) Interest may not be paid on any refund under this subsection prior to final resolution of the appeal. If, after taking into account the amount refunded under this subsection, the final resolution of the controversy after appeal results in a refund due, interest shall be determined and paid as provided in ORS 311.812.

      (d) If, after taking into account the amount refunded under this subsection, the final resolution of the controversy after appeal results in additional taxes due on the property, the additional taxes shall be billed and collected as provided in ORS 311.513.

      (6) Immediately upon payment of the refund and any interest thereon, the tax collector shall make the necessary correcting entries in the records of the office of the tax collector. ORS 294.305 to 294.565 do not apply to refunds made out of the refund reserve account or the unsegregated tax collections account.

      (7) A refund is not required under this section for any tax year if the amount of the refund would be $10 or less. Any amount not refunded under this subsection shall be distributed to taxing districts in the same manner that other taxes are distributed.

      (8) As used in this section:

      (a) “Owner of record on the tax roll at the time of refund” means the owner or an owner of the property or the person in whose name the property is assessed on the tax roll last certified and delivered to the tax collector under ORS 311.105 and 311.115.

      (b) “Total tax liability account” means the total amount of tax that has been extended or charged against a particular property tax account as limited by Article XI, section 11b, of the Oregon Constitution.

 

      Note: Section 3, chapter 356, Oregon Laws 2021, provides:

      Sec. 3. The amendments to ORS 308.425 and 311.806 by sections 1 and 2 of this 2021 Act apply to property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2020. [2021 c.356 §3]

 

      311.807 Refund reserve account; deposits; payment of refunds; rules. (1) The county treasurer may maintain an account designated as the refund reserve account. The refund reserve account shall consist of the funds deposited by the treasurer under subsection (2) of this section, plus interest earned thereon.

      (2)(a) Each year, the treasurer may deposit in the refund reserve account, from the unsegregated tax collections account, an amount equal to 100 percent of the anticipated annual refunds for the county.

      (b) Any deposit into the refund reserve account from taxes collected in November shall not exceed two-thirds of the total anticipated annual refunds for the county.

      (3) The moneys in the refund reserve account shall first be used to pay refunds determined to be due under ORS 311.806.

      (4) If the moneys in the refund reserve account are insufficient to pay refunds at any time, refunds shall be made out of the unsegregated tax collections account. If funds are not available in either the refund reserve account or the unsegregated tax collections account, the county governing body may delay payment of the refunds until sufficient funds are available.

      (5) If, at the end of the fiscal year, the balance in the refund reserve account exceeds the amount necessary to pay estimated refunds, the treasurer shall distribute the excess to the unsegregated tax collections account.

      (6) The Department of Revenue shall provide by rule the method to be used to calculate anticipated annual refunds for the county. [1991 c.459 §266; 1993 c.650 §3; 2005 c.94 §65; 2017 c.315 §18]

 

      311.808 When refund on real property, manufactured structure or floating home prohibited. A refund of property taxes under ORS 311.806 (1)(h) may not be made on real property, a manufactured structure or a floating home if all of the following conditions are present:

      (1) A mortgagee has requested the tax statement for the property under ORS 311.252 and has paid the tax on the property.

      (2) The tax roll shows payment of the taxes, and thereafter the property is sold to a bona fide purchaser. [1975 c.395 §2; 1989 c.297 §2; 1993 c.270 §71; 2003 c.38 §2; 2015 c.31 §5]

 

      311.810 [Repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.812 No interest on refunds under ORS 311.806; exceptions; rate. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, interest may not be paid upon any tax refunds made under ORS 311.806.

      (2) Interest as provided in subsection (3) of this section shall be paid on the following refunds:

      (a) A refund resulting from the correction under ORS 308.242 (2) or (3) or 311.205 of an error made by the assessor, Department of Revenue or tax collector.

      (b) A refund resulting from a written stipulation of the county assessor or the county tax collector if the written stipulation constitutes a final determination that is not subject to appeal.

      (c) Any refund ordered by the Department of Revenue if no appeal is taken or can be taken from the department’s order.

      (d) Refunds ordered by the Oregon Tax Court or the Supreme Court if the order constitutes a final determination of the matter.

      (e) Refunds of taxes collected against real or personal property not within the jurisdiction of the tax levying body.

      (f) Refunds due to reductions in value ordered by a county property value appeals board where no appeal is taken.

      (g) Refunds due to reductions in value made pursuant to ORS 309.115.

      (h) Refunds due to a claim for a veteran’s exemption for a prior tax year that is filed pursuant to ORS 307.262.

      (3)(a) The interest provided by subsection (2) of this section shall be paid at the rate of one percent per month, or fraction of a month, computed from the time the tax was paid or from the time the first installment thereof was due, whichever is the later. If a discount is given at the time the taxes are paid, interest shall be computed only on the net amount of taxes to be refunded. If any portion of a refund described in subsection (2) of this section results from an assessment based on inaccurate information contained in a report filed by a taxpayer, interest shall be computed on only the portion of the refund that is not attributable to the inaccurate information contained in the taxpayer report.

      (b) As used in this subsection, “report” means a return, statement or any other information provided by a taxpayer in writing to the department or county assessor. [1971 c.737 §2; 1975 c.704 §4; 1977 c.606 §3; 1981 c.804 §89a; 1983 s.s. c.5 §22; 1993 c.270 §61; 1995 c.79 §151; 1995 c.226 §13; 1997 c.541 §298; 1999 c.862 §5; 2001 c.199 §4; 2005 c.394 §2; 2007 c.545 §1; 2007 c.590 §3; 2009 c.41 §5; 2023 c.29 §37]

 

      Note: The amendments to 311.812 by section 37, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative July 1, 2024. See section 43, chapter 29, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative until July 1, 2024, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

      311.812. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, interest may not be paid upon any tax refunds made under ORS 311.806.

      (2) Interest as provided in subsection (3) of this section shall be paid on the following refunds:

      (a) A refund resulting from the correction under ORS 308.242 (2) or (3) or 311.205 of an error made by the assessor, Department of Revenue or tax collector.

      (b) A refund resulting from a written stipulation of the county assessor or the county tax collector if the written stipulation constitutes a final determination that is not subject to appeal.

      (c) Any refund ordered by the Department of Revenue if no appeal is taken or can be taken from the department’s order.

      (d) Refunds ordered by the Oregon Tax Court or the Supreme Court if the order constitutes a final determination of the matter.

      (e) Refunds of taxes collected against real or personal property not within the jurisdiction of the tax levying body.

      (f) Refunds due to reductions in value ordered by a county board of property tax appeals where no appeal is taken.

      (g) Refunds due to reductions in value made pursuant to ORS 309.115.

      (h) Refunds due to a claim for a veteran’s exemption for a prior tax year that is filed pursuant to ORS 307.262.

      (3)(a) The interest provided by subsection (2) of this section shall be paid at the rate of one percent per month, or fraction of a month, computed from the time the tax was paid or from the time the first installment thereof was due, whichever is the later. If a discount is given at the time the taxes are paid, interest shall be computed only on the net amount of taxes to be refunded. If any portion of a refund described in subsection (2) of this section results from an assessment based on inaccurate information contained in a report filed by a taxpayer, interest shall be computed on only the portion of the refund that is not attributable to the inaccurate information contained in the taxpayer report.

      (b) As used in this subsection, “report” means a return, statement or any other information provided by a taxpayer in writing to the department or county assessor.

 

      311.813 Refunds ordered by certain courts. If a refund of ad valorem property tax is ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction other than a court mentioned in ORS 311.806 (1)(a), the refund and any interest ordered to be paid thereon shall be refunded out of the unsegregated tax collections account established under ORS 311.385. [1987 c.301 §2]

 

      311.814 Appeal of large amounts of value; reserve account for refunds. (1) Whenever any property value or claim for exemption or cancellation of a property tax assessment is appealed to the Oregon Tax Court after taxes on the property have been imposed, the Department of Revenue shall notify the county treasurer of the appeal not later than the following October 15, if the appeal is not finally resolved before the end of the tax year to which the appeal relates and the dollar difference between the total value asserted by the taxpayer and the total value asserted by the opposing party exceeds one-fourth of one percent (0.0025) of the total assessed value in the county, or if the appeal relates to property assessed under ORS 308.505 to 308.674, and the value of such property asserted by the opposing party and attributable to the county exceeds one-fourth of one percent (0.0025) of the total assessed value in the county. After notification, the county treasurer shall set aside, if so ordered by the county governing body, from taxes collected in the current tax year, an interest bearing reserve account as provided in this section.

      (2) The reserve shall consist of an amount representing that portion of taxes paid by the petitioner attributable to the amount of value in dispute for each tax year that the appeal remains unresolved. Upon termination of the controversy, the principal amount in the account necessary to pay any refund, and any interest provided for under ORS 311.812, shall be paid to the petitioner. Any excess remaining in the reserve after termination of the controversy and payment of a refund, if any, shall be deposited in the unsegregated tax collections account in full satisfaction of the tax due on the property.

      (3) If the final resolution of the controversy results in additional taxes due on the property, the amount in the reserve account shall be deposited into the unsegregated tax collections account and shall be distributed according to the distribution percentage schedule for the current tax year prepared in accordance with ORS 311.390. The additional taxes shall be collected as provided in ORS 311.513. [1991 c.459 §265; 1993 c.270 §63; 1995 c.256 §8; 1995 c.650 §72; 1997 c.541 §§299,300; 2003 c.274 §4; 2007 c.126 §1]

 

      311.815 Abandonment of purpose for which special tax levied; refund or cancellation of tax. If a special tax to raise funds for a specified purpose is levied in a school district, road district, irrigation district or drainage district and the project or specific purpose for which the tax is levied is thereafter definitely abandoned, either wholly or in part, or the fund raised by the tax or any portion thereof remains unexpended for a period of two years, after the levy of the tax, the county court at the written request of the directors of the district may, by resolution, provide for the refunding of the tax or portion of tax so remaining unexpended to the taxpayers who paid the tax and for the cancellation of the unpaid tax or proportion of the tax that has become delinquent. The county court shall take such action by resolution spread upon its journal. Repayment shall be made by orders drawn on the county treasurer and issued to the taxpayers shown by the tax records to have originally made the payments. Cancellation of unpaid taxes shall be effected by noting the cancellation of the taxes on the tax records of the county. [Amended by 2011 c.204 §10]

 

      311.820 [1955 c.759 §§1,2,3,4; repealed by 1965 c.344 §39 (311.821 enacted in lieu of 311.820 and 311.825)]

 

      311.821 Refunds authorized in event of certain boundary changes of taxing districts; reimbursements. (1) Whenever in any year the boundaries of a taxing district have been reduced by proceedings occurring after the date provided in ORS 308.225, and whenever such changes in boundaries were not disregarded by the county assessor as required by ORS 308.225, and as a result thereof taxes have been levied and collected upon the reduced territory of such district, which taxes were not levied and extended upon the territory detached from such district, the county governing body shall refund out of the unsegregated tax collections account to the taxpayers of the territory upon which the levy was imposed and the taxes collected, the proportionate amount of money in excess of the amount that would have been collected from the territory comprising the entire district had the levy been uniform throughout the district. A written claim for refund of such collection shall be filed with the county governing body within six years from the assessment date for the fiscal year for which the taxes were collected.

      (2) Whenever in any year the boundaries of a taxing district have been reduced by boundary changes pursuant to law after the date provided in ORS 308.225, and such changes in boundaries have been disregarded by the county assessor as required by ORS 308.225, and as a result thereof taxes were levied upon property within such withdrawn area by such district and also for the same tax year by another taxing district providing the same service or services, subjecting such property to double taxation for any tax year, the county governing body shall refund out of the unsegregated tax collections account to the taxpayers of the territory upon which the levy was imposed and the tax was collected the proportionate amount of money in excess of the amount that would have been paid by such taxpayers had the withdrawal been recognized by the assessor as effective for the tax year involved; provided, all such property shall remain liable for indebtedness incurred prior to the boundary change as otherwise required by law. A written claim for refund of such tax collection shall be filed with the county governing body within two years from the assessment date for the fiscal year for which the taxes were collected.

      (3) If the claim is in proper form, the county governing body shall take action by resolution spread upon its journal, and repayments shall be made by orders drawn on the county treasurer for the several amounts and issued to the several taxpayers shown by the tax records to have made the payments originally.

      (4) Immediately upon such reimbursement the tax collector shall make the necessary correcting entries in the records of the office of the tax collector. [1965 c.344 §40 (enacted in lieu of 311.820 and 311.825); 1979 c.702 §3; 1985 c.162 §11]

 

      311.825 [1957 c.335 §§1,2,3; 1961 c.522 §7; repealed by 1965 c.344 §39 (311.821 enacted in lieu of 311.820 and 311.825)]

 

      311.827 [1969 c.605 §57; repealed by 1971 c.529 §37]

 

      311.830 [1957 c.600 §2; repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.835 [1957 c.600 §§3,4; repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.840 [1957 c.600 §§5,6,7; repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

      311.845 [1957 c.600 §8; repealed by 1965 c.344 §42]

 

PREPAYMENT OF TAXES FOR FACILITIES

 

      311.850 Findings. The Legislative Assembly finds that the construction of a facility may have substantial economic impact upon units of local government obligated to furnish services, buildings or other resources in the area in which the facility is being constructed. The Legislative Assembly further finds that this impact may occur in advance of the time when sufficient real market value occasioned by construction of the facility is added to the assessment and tax roll to bear the facility’s portion of the costs of the governmental services, buildings or other resources that the facility’s construction necessitates. The purposes of ORS 311.850 to 311.870 is to provide a method for prepaying ad valorem property taxes during the period of planning and construction of the facility, in order that units of local government may provide the services, buildings or other resources necessitated without imposing an undue burden upon other properties subject to taxation within the unit, and to provide for repayment of the amounts prepaid. [1975 c.563 §1; 1991 c.459 §261; 2005 c.94 §66]

 

      311.855 Definitions for ORS 311.850 to 311.870. As used in ORS 311.850 to 311.870, unless the context requires otherwise, “facility” means:

      (1) A thermal power plant, as defined in ORS 469.300.

      (2) A hydroelectric power project, as described in ORS 543.010.

      (3) Any building or improvement that is suitable for use for industrial, commercial, manufacturing or warehousing purposes. [1975 c.563 §2]

 

      311.860 Agreement for prepayment; contents; filing; certificate of payment. (1) Any person proposing to construct a facility who has applied for and obtained the necessary preliminary construction permits or certificates and the governing body of any taxing unit obligated to furnish services, buildings or other resources in the area in which the construction is to take place may enter into an agreement to carry out the purposes of ORS 311.850. An agreement entered into under this section shall contain provisions pertaining to and in accordance with the following:

      (a) The payment of moneys to the taxing unit by the person proposing to construct the facility. The person shall make the payment prior to or during the period of the construction.

      (b) The amounts of the payments to be made by the person proposing to construct the facility and the dates for making the payments.

      (c) A reduction in real market value for the facility for purposes of computing the rate of levy of the taxing unit entering into the agreement for each year of a period of years, not to exceed 10, commencing on or in the course of completion of the construction of the facility. The amount of reduction allowed by the agreement shall be a percentage amount, not to exceed 50 percent, of the real market value of the facility as of any assessment date affected by the reduction, and may be fixed or graduated over the period of years for which the reduction is allowed. The total reduction allowed by the agreement shall result in a tax benefit for the facility that is estimated to be equivalent to the total amount of payments made under the agreement to the taxing unit, plus interest at the maximum rate of eight percent per annum from the date of each payment. In no event, however, shall the total reduction in real market value during the period of years of reduction cause a total reduction in taxes that exceeds the total amount of moneys previously paid plus interest.

      (2) A copy of an agreement entered into under this section shall be filed with the county assessor of each county in which a taxing unit that is a party to the agreement is located.

      (3) Prior to April 1 preceding the first tax year for which the exemption granted by ORS 311.865 applies, the governing body of the taxing unit that is a party to the agreement may certify to the county assessor that all payments have been made to the taxing unit in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The county assessor may not grant the exemption for any year unless the county assessor has received such certificate. Review of denial of an exemption under this section shall be as provided by ORS 305.275. [1975 c.563 §3; 1979 c.772 §18; 1991 c.459 §262; 2005 c.94 §67]

 

      311.865 Exemption; amount; termination. There shall be exempt from the levy of the taxing unit that is the party to an agreement entered into under ORS 311.860 for each tax year indicated in the agreement, the percentage amount of real market value, allocable to or within the taxing unit, of the facility specified in the agreement for that tax year. The assessor shall modify the amount of the exemption or terminate the exemption at such time as the assessor determines that the monetary value of the exemption has equaled the amount of moneys paid by the facility under the agreement plus interest. [1975 c.563 §4; 1991 c.459 §263]

 

      311.870 Characterization of prepaid taxes. Moneys received by a taxing unit pursuant to an agreement entered into under ORS 311.850 to 311.870 shall be considered a budget resource and shall not be offset against the levy of the taxing unit. [1975 c.563 §5]

 

PENALTIES

 

      311.990 Penalties. (1) Violation of ORS 311.270 is a Class B violation.

      (2) Violation of ORS 311.350 is a Class B misdemeanor.

      (3) Violation of ORS 311.425 (1) is a Class A violation.

      (4) If a tax collector fails to comply with any of the provisions of law relating to the receiving and receipting of moneys and warrants collected by the tax collector for taxes, the tax collector commits a Class A violation. The court before whom the tax collector is tried shall declare the office of the tax collector vacant for the remainder of the term of the tax collector.

      (5) If a tax collector willfully returns as unpaid any tax which has been paid to the tax collector, the tax collector commits a Class B misdemeanor.

      (6) If a tax collector or sheriff neglects or refuses to pay over all moneys collected by the tax collector or sheriff for taxes to the county treasurer, or neglects or refuses to make a return of delinquent taxes of the county, or any other return or statement, as required by the laws relating to the collection of property taxes, the tax collector or sheriff commits a Class C felony.

      (7) A person who knowingly makes a false oath under ORS 311.666 to 311.701 commits perjury and shall be punished as provided by ORS 162.085. [Subsection (7) enacted as 1963 c.569 §23; 1971 c.743 §354; 1971 c.747 §19; 1979 c.689 §26; 1999 c.1051 §175; 2011 c.597 §84]

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