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"I very much appreciate the fact that AOI has been diligent in protecting the interests of taxpayers in the Legislature. Whether it has been taking the lead in creating the Magistrate Division of the Oregon Tax Court thereby eliminating the biased Department of Revenue administrative hearings, or stopping legislation that would decrease the interest on tax refunds due taxpayers, AOI has worked closely with the business community on tax issues before the Legislature that benefits all Oregonians."
--Dave Canary, Partner, Garvey, Schubert & Barer
AOI Stresses Opposition to Big Corporate Tax Increase Proposals
Article by: John Marshall - April 24, 2009
Raising taxes on Oregon businesses in an economic recession and during a period of record unemployment makes no sense, was the message conveyed this week to the House Revenue Committee by AOI and other business community representatives. The committee held a public hearing on four bills (HB 2119, HB 2913, HB 3049 and HB 3405) that increase the current $10 corporate minimum tax. The proposals raise between $21 million and $120 million per year. No action was taken on the bills, but behind-closed-door discussions are apparently being held to determine the structure and revenue impact of a corporate minimum tax increase measure.
AOI, in addition to highlighting the state’s current unemployment data and the negative impact a tax increase on businesses would have on Oregon’s ability to recover from its current economic doldrums, told the committee that the current corporate minimum tax has always been intended to be a filing or administrative fee for processing corporate tax returns with no tax liability. It is not and should not be used as a proxy for a privilege-of-doing business levy.
AOI’s testimony concluded by urging the committee to stop seeking ways to make businesses pay for their presence and rather to recognize and appreciate how much businesses’ presence in Oregon pays in terms of jobs, family incomes, tax revenue and community stability.
