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News Release

Salem Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty To Three Counts Of Tax Evasion - 03/24/26

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) announced today that the Oregon Department of Justice has secured a guilty plea by a Salem restaurant owner on three counts of tax evasion, each a class C felony, on February 19, 2026 in the Marion County Circuit Court.

 

While April 15 is well known across the country as “Tax Day,” the majority of taxpayers make their tax payments through withholding taken out of each paycheck throughout the year by their employer and paid to the IRS and DOR. This is how most Oregonians pay into our shared services. They trust that the money taken out of each paycheck goes towards funding public safety, public education, programs that care for Oregonians who need extra support, our beloved parks, and more.

 

The DOR works hard to ensure exactly that happens. So when a local businessowner, defendant Michael Richard Pfohl of Salem, Oregon, failed to file quarterly tax reports and  remit employee contributions, and refused to work with the DOR to pay down his delinquent debts, he was charged with 10 counts of tax evasion.

 

The plea agreement includes a sentence of supervised probation for 48 months, 80 hours of community service, and a criminal fine of $6,000. The defendant also served three days of jail starting February 20, 2026, the day after the court judgment.

 

“The plea agreement indicates that the defendant, Michael Richard Pfohl, must cooperate with DOR to pay outstanding debt owed to the state,” said Deborah Love-Wagner, DOR’s acting Collection Division administrator. “The plea deal lays out the defendant’s multiple failures to pay taxes that support the state and the essential services supporting our residents.

 

“Bringing tax delinquency issues to the courts may be a necessary step for some taxpayers who do not take steps available to resolve their debt with our department. The Oregon Department of Justice’s actions in partnership with DOR helped the state ensure our tax system works fairly when other pathways available to taxpayers are ignored. Businesses and workers can feel confident that our tax system is fair for everyone whose taxes pay for our roads, schools, housing, and community health.”

 

In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $90,232 in restitution as a condition for his plea agreement, representing all tax obligations included in the indictment.

 

DOR works with taxpayers out of compliance

 

Jail time for state tax evasion is not commonplace. That is because the DOR considers individuals and businesses to be in compliance with Oregon tax laws if they are making a good faith effort to work with the department to pay what they owe and have filed all tax reports or returns that are required by law.

 

The department regularly works with individuals or businesses to resolve tax issues and tax debt. Taxpayers out of compliance may have missing tax returns that are required to be filed or may have an outstanding balance that remains unpaid and do not have a department-approved payment plan in place.

 

For each of the three guilty pleas for tax evasion, Mr. Pfohl failed to file quarterly tax reports. Mr. Pfohl admits in his plea to not filing tax reports, required by employers in remitting payroll taxes to Oregon, for the first quarter of 2021, the first quarter of 2022, and the first quarter of 2023.

 

DOR recognizes many taxpayers may have legitimate issues preventing them from fulfilling their tax obligations. DOR offers payment plans up to 36 months. Visit Revenue Online to set up a payment plan. Taxpayers who may be out of compliance should contact the DOR by phone at 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222, or by email at questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

 

Oregon’s tax system relies on taxpayers voluntarily filing returns and paying what they owe. Compliance efforts, such as audits, filing enforcement, and collection activity are essential tools to ensure Oregon receives revenue the state counts on to fund services for Oregonians. DOR will take enforcement actions for non-compliance to ensure state tax laws are administered fairly for all Oregonians.

 

DOR provides a tip line for the public to share suspected fraudulent activities. Those who suspect an employer is refusing to withhold taxes from a paycheck can report the issue as tax fraud to us online or by calling 503-945-8264. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Salem Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty To Three Counts Of Tax Evasion - 03/24/26

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) announced today that the Oregon Department of Justice has secured a guilty plea by a Salem restaurant owner on three counts of tax evasion, each a class C felony, on February 19, 2026 in the Marion County Circuit Court.

 

While April 15 is well known across the country as “Tax Day,” the majority of taxpayers make their tax payments through withholding taken out of each paycheck throughout the year by their employer and paid to the IRS and DOR. This is how most Oregonians pay into our shared services. They trust that the money taken out of each paycheck goes towards funding public safety, public education, programs that care for Oregonians who need extra support, our beloved parks, and more.

 

The DOR works hard to ensure exactly that happens. So when a local businessowner, defendant Michael Richard Pfohl of Salem, Oregon, failed to file quarterly tax reports and  remit employee contributions, and refused to work with the DOR to pay down his delinquent debts, he was charged with 10 counts of tax evasion.

 

The plea agreement includes a sentence of supervised probation for 48 months, 80 hours of community service, and a criminal fine of $6,000. The defendant also served three days of jail starting February 20, 2026, the day after the court judgment.

 

“The plea agreement indicates that the defendant, Michael Richard Pfohl, must cooperate with DOR to pay outstanding debt owed to the state,” said Deborah Love-Wagner, DOR’s acting Collection Division administrator. “The plea deal lays out the defendant’s multiple failures to pay taxes that support the state and the essential services supporting our residents.

 

“Bringing tax delinquency issues to the courts may be a necessary step for some taxpayers who do not take steps available to resolve their debt with our department. The Oregon Department of Justice’s actions in partnership with DOR helped the state ensure our tax system works fairly when other pathways available to taxpayers are ignored. Businesses and workers can feel confident that our tax system is fair for everyone whose taxes pay for our roads, schools, housing, and community health.”

 

In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $90,232 in restitution as a condition for his plea agreement, representing all tax obligations included in the indictment.

 

DOR works with taxpayers out of compliance

 

Jail time for state tax evasion is not commonplace. That is because the DOR considers individuals and businesses to be in compliance with Oregon tax laws if they are making a good faith effort to work with the department to pay what they owe and have filed all tax reports or returns that are required by law.

 

The department regularly works with individuals or businesses to resolve tax issues and tax debt. Taxpayers out of compliance may have missing tax returns that are required to be filed or may have an outstanding balance that remains unpaid and do not have a department-approved payment plan in place.

 

For each of the three guilty pleas for tax evasion, Mr. Pfohl failed to file quarterly tax reports. Mr. Pfohl admits in his plea to not filing tax reports, required by employers in remitting payroll taxes to Oregon, for the first quarter of 2021, the first quarter of 2022, and the first quarter of 2023.

 

DOR recognizes many taxpayers may have legitimate issues preventing them from fulfilling their tax obligations. DOR offers payment plans up to 36 months. Visit Revenue Online to set up a payment plan. Taxpayers who may be out of compliance should contact the DOR by phone at 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222, or by email at questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

 

Oregon’s tax system relies on taxpayers voluntarily filing returns and paying what they owe. Compliance efforts, such as audits, filing enforcement, and collection activity are essential tools to ensure Oregon receives revenue the state counts on to fund services for Oregonians. DOR will take enforcement actions for non-compliance to ensure state tax laws are administered fairly for all Oregonians.

 

DOR provides a tip line for the public to share suspected fraudulent activities. Those who suspect an employer is refusing to withhold taxes from a paycheck can report the issue as tax fraud to us online or by calling 503-945-8264. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Haven’t Filed Your Taxes Yet? Here’s What You Should Know - 03/19/26

Salem, OR— Whether it’s where to find free tax help, how to track the status of your refund, or what refundable tax credits you’re eligible to claim, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to make sure you have the information you need to file tax year 2025 tax returns before the April 15 deadline.

 

Through March 15, DOR has processed 937,000 electronically filed returns with more than half of the expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns yet to be filed. The department urges taxpayers not to wait until the last minute to file. If you have questions about filing you can find the information you need on the department’s website with guidance addressing the most common issues included below.

 

File electronically

“The best advice we can give taxpayers is to be certain their return is complete and accurate, and to file their return electronically,” said Megan Denison, administrator of DOR’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division. “If they need help, free assistance is available at sites across the state, along with a variety of options to e-file for free.”

 

On average, taxpayers who file electronically and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Distribution of refunds for e-filed returns began in mid-February. Due to the late receipt of tax form information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed returns has been delayed until late March and refunds for paper filed returns will not start being issued until early April.

 

Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund for e-filed returns can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

 

Mailing your return? Mail it early

Taxpayers who choose to file a paper return, should mail it early. The federal and state tax deadline is April 15, but due to changes at the U.S. Postal Service, returns mailed in after April 9 may not receive a postmark on time. Taxpayers who still want to mail their paper returns can take them to a local USPS office and request a postmark no later than April 15, 2026. 

 

Paper returns can also be physically deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

 

Claim your “kicker”

The Oregon surplus revenue kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer's Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

 

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.

 

Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

 

Free electronic filing options are available

Direct File Oregon: Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state.

 

Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is a free interview-based program and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing their Oregon Personal Income Tax return directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online. Nearly 4,700 taxpayers have already used Direct File Oregon this year.

 

Other free electronic filing options: Free guided tax preparation is available for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free. These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.

 

Find free tax filing assistance

From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.

 

Free tax help is also available online through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

Make an appointment at a free tax help site by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue's webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.

 

Check your eligibility and claim your refundable tax credits

Taxpayers should check their eligibility for a series of refundable tax credits for low-income workers and families. A refundable credit not only reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes, any leftover credit results in a cash refund that can be deposited directly into their bank account.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The EITC is a fully refundable federal tax credit for people making up to $68,675 in 2025. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $8,046 on their federal tax return.
  • Oregon Earned Income Credit: This refundable state tax credit is a percentage of an eligible taxpayer’s federal EITC. The maximum benefit for tax year 2025 is $966. The Oregon EIC is also available to taxpayers who have Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) rather than Social Security numbers.
  • Oregon Kids Credit: This is a refundable state credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $31,550.
  • Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC): Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable WFHDC, which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they're working, looking for work, or attending school.

Haven’t Filed Your Taxes Yet? Here’s What You Should Know - 03/19/26

Salem, OR— Whether it’s where to find free tax help, how to track the status of your refund, or what refundable tax credits you’re eligible to claim, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to make sure you have the information you need to file tax year 2025 tax returns before the April 15 deadline.

 

Through March 15, DOR has processed 937,000 electronically filed returns with more than half of the expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns yet to be filed. The department urges taxpayers not to wait until the last minute to file. If you have questions about filing you can find the information you need on the department’s website with guidance addressing the most common issues included below.

 

File electronically

“The best advice we can give taxpayers is to be certain their return is complete and accurate, and to file their return electronically,” said Megan Denison, administrator of DOR’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division. “If they need help, free assistance is available at sites across the state, along with a variety of options to e-file for free.”

 

On average, taxpayers who file electronically and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Distribution of refunds for e-filed returns began in mid-February. Due to the late receipt of tax form information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed returns has been delayed until late March and refunds for paper filed returns will not start being issued until early April.

 

Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund for e-filed returns can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

 

Mailing your return? Mail it early

Taxpayers who choose to file a paper return, should mail it early. The federal and state tax deadline is April 15, but due to changes at the U.S. Postal Service, returns mailed in after April 9 may not receive a postmark on time. Taxpayers who still want to mail their paper returns can take them to a local USPS office and request a postmark no later than April 15, 2026. 

 

Paper returns can also be physically deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

 

Claim your “kicker”

The Oregon surplus revenue kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer's Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

 

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.

 

Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

 

Free electronic filing options are available

Direct File Oregon: Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state.

 

Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is a free interview-based program and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing their Oregon Personal Income Tax return directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online. Nearly 4,700 taxpayers have already used Direct File Oregon this year.

 

Other free electronic filing options: Free guided tax preparation is available for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free. These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.

 

Find free tax filing assistance

From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.

 

Free tax help is also available online through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

Make an appointment at a free tax help site by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue's webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.

 

Check your eligibility and claim your refundable tax credits

Taxpayers should check their eligibility for a series of refundable tax credits for low-income workers and families. A refundable credit not only reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes, any leftover credit results in a cash refund that can be deposited directly into their bank account.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The EITC is a fully refundable federal tax credit for people making up to $68,675 in 2025. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $8,046 on their federal tax return.
  • Oregon Earned Income Credit: This refundable state tax credit is a percentage of an eligible taxpayer’s federal EITC. The maximum benefit for tax year 2025 is $966. The Oregon EIC is also available to taxpayers who have Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) rather than Social Security numbers.
  • Oregon Kids Credit: This is a refundable state credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $31,550.
  • Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC): Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable WFHDC, which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they're working, looking for work, or attending school.

With Less Than Five Weeks To Go Before Tax Deadline State Has Issued 720,000 Refunds - 03/12/26

Salem, OR— Heading into the final month of the 2026 tax season, the Oregon Department of Revenue has received and processed 860,000 electronically-filed Oregon personal income tax returns and has issued 720,000 refunds.

 

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is e-filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take longer. Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

 

The Where’s My Refund? tool was enhanced last year and now provides:

  • Additional detail about refund status. 
  • Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return. 
  • Website enhancements for improved customer experience.

To have the benefit of the enhancements, however, taxpayers need to be signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool without being signed into Revenue Online account, but won’t be able to see the updated features.

 

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

 

Among those refunds that will take longer in 2026 are refunds from paper-filed Oregon Personal Income Tax returns. On average taxpayers who e-file and request direct deposit get their refund two weeks faster than those who file a paper return. The extra wait will be even longer this year.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Department of Revenue creating a delay in the processing of paper-filed state returns. Processing of paper-filed returns is expected to start at the end of March with the first refunds for paper-filed returns expected to be issued in early April.

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer's refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

 

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

 

About 60 percent of the 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns expected to be filed in 2026 have yet to be filed with less than five weeks to go before the April 15 deadline.

 

Besides the high volume of returns filed at the end of tax season, there are other common things that can make it take longer for Oregonians to get their refunds.

 

Four common reasons refunds take longer and what to do about it.

  • Filing electronically and requesting to receive a refund via a check takes longer. Request direct deposit instead.
  • Filing more than once. Sending a duplicate paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund. Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to amend their return to make changes.
  • Refunds for taxpayers that are new to filing returns may be delayed so we can verify your identity. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting identity verification are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.
  • Refunds can also be delayed when errors are identified on returns. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting additional information are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.

The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool.

 

Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refunds on the IRS website.

 

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With Less Than Five Weeks To Go Before Tax Deadline State Has Issued 720,000 Refunds - 03/12/26

Salem, OR— Heading into the final month of the 2026 tax season, the Oregon Department of Revenue has received and processed 860,000 electronically-filed Oregon personal income tax returns and has issued 720,000 refunds.

 

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is e-filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take longer. Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

 

The Where’s My Refund? tool was enhanced last year and now provides:

  • Additional detail about refund status. 
  • Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return. 
  • Website enhancements for improved customer experience.

To have the benefit of the enhancements, however, taxpayers need to be signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool without being signed into Revenue Online account, but won’t be able to see the updated features.

 

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

 

Among those refunds that will take longer in 2026 are refunds from paper-filed Oregon Personal Income Tax returns. On average taxpayers who e-file and request direct deposit get their refund two weeks faster than those who file a paper return. The extra wait will be even longer this year.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Department of Revenue creating a delay in the processing of paper-filed state returns. Processing of paper-filed returns is expected to start at the end of March with the first refunds for paper-filed returns expected to be issued in early April.

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer's refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

 

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

 

About 60 percent of the 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns expected to be filed in 2026 have yet to be filed with less than five weeks to go before the April 15 deadline.

 

Besides the high volume of returns filed at the end of tax season, there are other common things that can make it take longer for Oregonians to get their refunds.

 

Four common reasons refunds take longer and what to do about it.

  • Filing electronically and requesting to receive a refund via a check takes longer. Request direct deposit instead.
  • Filing more than once. Sending a duplicate paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund. Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to amend their return to make changes.
  • Refunds for taxpayers that are new to filing returns may be delayed so we can verify your identity. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting identity verification are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.
  • Refunds can also be delayed when errors are identified on returns. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting additional information are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.

The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool.

 

Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refunds on the IRS website.

 

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Direct File Oregon Offers Simplest Solution For Taxpayers Switching To E-filing In 2026 To Get Their Refund Sooner - 03/06/26

Salem, OR—Are you looking for a free option to file your taxes? Want to get your refund faster than filing a paper return? Direct File Oregon is the best of both worlds.

 

Taxpayers accustomed to filling out paper returns, can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state.

 

“If you are used to filling out your taxes on a paper return, Free Fillable Forms is perfect for you. It is just like filling out a paper return, except on a computer screen,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator for the Oregon Department of Revenue. “Using Direct File Oregon is as simple as answering a few questions. The result could save you weeks waiting on your refund.”

 

“You can even use a public access computer in one of the Department of Revenue regional offices across the state,” Denison added.

 

Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is a free interview-based program similar to commercial software and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online. More than 3,500 taxpayers have already used Direct File Oregon this year. That’s right on pace with last year, when 14,000 Oregon taxpayers filed directly with the state.

 

The IRS was late providing necessary tax forms and information to the Oregon Department of Revenue late last year. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns won’t begin until the end of March. The first refunds for e-filed returns were issued in mid-February. Refunds for paper filed returns won’t start until next month.

 

Oregon is returning $1.41 billion in surplus revenue to taxpayers in 2026. Known as the “kicker,” it will either decrease the amount of state taxes you owe or increase your Oregon state income tax refund.

 

The best part is Free Fillable Forms and Direct File Oregon have no income restrictions.

 

Other free filing software options

Newly available this year is GetYourRefund.org which provides free federal and state tax preparation options:

  • File Myself: Access to self-prep software to file federal and state returns for free, with IRS-certified chat support. Income must be under $89,000.
  • File with Help: Virtual 1:1 expert tax prep provided through collaboration with local VITA programs. Suggested income under $69,000.
  • VITA Site Location Finder: Simple, mobile-friendly tool to find in-person VITA sites. Suggested income under $69,000.

Email and live chat support is available in English and Spanish.

 

Free guided tax preparation is available from three other companies that participate in the Free File Alliance for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free. These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.

 

Each company has different requirements for who qualifies for free filing and offers must be accessed from the links on the department’s website.

  • If your AGI is $32,000 or less, you can use 1040NOW, which includes your Oregon return.
  • If your AGI is $51,000 or less (or $89,000 or less and active military), you can use OLT or FreeTaxUSA, which includes your Oregon return.
  • If your AGI is $19,000-89,000 and age 67 or younger, you can use TaxSlayer, which includes your Oregon return.

The department offers computer kiosks in its five regional offices for taxpayers who don’t have a computer or access to one. The kiosks are available during regular business hours in the DOR regional offices in Bend, 951 SW Simpson Ave, Suite 100;  Eugene, 1600 Valley River Drive, Suite 310; Gresham, 1550 NW Eastman Parkway, Suite 220; Medford, 3613 Aviation Way, Suite 102; and Portland, 800 NE Oregon St, Suite 505.

 

They can be used to file with any of the free file options or to transfer their information from a paper return to Free Fillable Forms.

 

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Direct File Oregon Offers Simplest Solution For Taxpayers Switching To E-filing In 2026 To Get Their Refund Sooner - 03/06/26

Salem, OR—Are you looking for a free option to file your taxes? Want to get your refund faster than filing a paper return? Direct File Oregon is the best of both worlds.

 

Taxpayers accustomed to filling out paper returns, can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state.

 

“If you are used to filling out your taxes on a paper return, Free Fillable Forms is perfect for you. It is just like filling out a paper return, except on a computer screen,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator for the Oregon Department of Revenue. “Using Direct File Oregon is as simple as answering a few questions. The result could save you weeks waiting on your refund.”

 

“You can even use a public access computer in one of the Department of Revenue regional offices across the state,” Denison added.

 

Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is a free interview-based program similar to commercial software and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online. More than 3,500 taxpayers have already used Direct File Oregon this year. That’s right on pace with last year, when 14,000 Oregon taxpayers filed directly with the state.

 

The IRS was late providing necessary tax forms and information to the Oregon Department of Revenue late last year. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns won’t begin until the end of March. The first refunds for e-filed returns were issued in mid-February. Refunds for paper filed returns won’t start until next month.

 

Oregon is returning $1.41 billion in surplus revenue to taxpayers in 2026. Known as the “kicker,” it will either decrease the amount of state taxes you owe or increase your Oregon state income tax refund.

 

The best part is Free Fillable Forms and Direct File Oregon have no income restrictions.

 

Other free filing software options

Newly available this year is GetYourRefund.org which provides free federal and state tax preparation options:

  • File Myself: Access to self-prep software to file federal and state returns for free, with IRS-certified chat support. Income must be under $89,000.
  • File with Help: Virtual 1:1 expert tax prep provided through collaboration with local VITA programs. Suggested income under $69,000.
  • VITA Site Location Finder: Simple, mobile-friendly tool to find in-person VITA sites. Suggested income under $69,000.

Email and live chat support is available in English and Spanish.

 

Free guided tax preparation is available from three other companies that participate in the Free File Alliance for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free. These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.

 

Each company has different requirements for who qualifies for free filing and offers must be accessed from the links on the department’s website.

  • If your AGI is $32,000 or less, you can use 1040NOW, which includes your Oregon return.
  • If your AGI is $51,000 or less (or $89,000 or less and active military), you can use OLT or FreeTaxUSA, which includes your Oregon return.
  • If your AGI is $19,000-89,000 and age 67 or younger, you can use TaxSlayer, which includes your Oregon return.

The department offers computer kiosks in its five regional offices for taxpayers who don’t have a computer or access to one. The kiosks are available during regular business hours in the DOR regional offices in Bend, 951 SW Simpson Ave, Suite 100;  Eugene, 1600 Valley River Drive, Suite 310; Gresham, 1550 NW Eastman Parkway, Suite 220; Medford, 3613 Aviation Way, Suite 102; and Portland, 800 NE Oregon St, Suite 505.

 

They can be used to file with any of the free file options or to transfer their information from a paper return to Free Fillable Forms.

 

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Need Help Filing Your Taxes? Find A Free Assistance Site Near You - 02/25/26

Salem, OR— Filing your taxes can be anxiety-inducing. The list of worries is long – ‘what happens if I make a mistake? Is interacting with the government safe for me and my community?  Is using commercial software or hiring a tax professional in my budget?’

 

The good news is that help—free help—is widely available.

 

From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.

 

This free tax help is also available online through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

 

Make an appointment at a free tax help site near you by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue's webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.

 

Taxpayers are encouraged to bring their tax information with them, including:

  • Social security number or ITIN for everyone on their tax return
  • Forms W-2 (wages from a job)
  • Forms 1099-G, 1099-R, 1099-INT (other income) if applicable
  • Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
  • Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit (can be found on their checks)
  • Last year’s tax return

The IRS’s VITA and TCE programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

 

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

  • People who generally make $69,000 or less
  • Persons with disabilities; and
  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers

 

Tax-Aide has several free options for providing taxpayer assistance to those who need it. These options vary by location and are subject to change. Taxpayers can get:

  • In-person service where taxes are prepared and electronically filed by IRS-certified tax counselors;
  • Or help preparing their own taxes with free access to software with help from an  IRS-certified counselor available if desired. Once the counselor completes the taxes, the return is reviewed, approved, and signed by the taxpayer(s), and then electronically transmitted to the IRS and eventually to the Oregon Department of Revenue.

In addition to those options Department of Revenue volunteers will offer free help guiding taxpayers through the filing process using free public-access computers and Wi-Fi internet service at select WorkSource Oregon centers across the state.

 

Events are planned 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following WorkSource Oregon locations.

  • February 25—Beaverton, 241 SE Edgeway Drive
  • March 4—Eugene, 2510 Oakmont Way
  • March 11—Portland, 6401 SE Foster Road
  • March 18—Lebanon, 44 Industrial Way
  • March 25—Bend, 11007 SW Emkay Drive

Taxpayers are encouraged to set up a Revenue Online account through the Department of Revenue’s website before coming to an event if they plan to use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return.

 

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Need Help Filing Your Taxes? Find A Free Assistance Site Near You - 02/25/26

Salem, OR— Filing your taxes can be anxiety-inducing. The list of worries is long – ‘what happens if I make a mistake? Is interacting with the government safe for me and my community?  Is using commercial software or hiring a tax professional in my budget?’

 

The good news is that help—free help—is widely available.

 

From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.

 

This free tax help is also available online through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

 

Make an appointment at a free tax help site near you by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue's webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.

 

Taxpayers are encouraged to bring their tax information with them, including:

  • Social security number or ITIN for everyone on their tax return
  • Forms W-2 (wages from a job)
  • Forms 1099-G, 1099-R, 1099-INT (other income) if applicable
  • Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
  • Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit (can be found on their checks)
  • Last year’s tax return

The IRS’s VITA and TCE programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

 

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

  • People who generally make $69,000 or less
  • Persons with disabilities; and
  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers

 

Tax-Aide has several free options for providing taxpayer assistance to those who need it. These options vary by location and are subject to change. Taxpayers can get:

  • In-person service where taxes are prepared and electronically filed by IRS-certified tax counselors;
  • Or help preparing their own taxes with free access to software with help from an  IRS-certified counselor available if desired. Once the counselor completes the taxes, the return is reviewed, approved, and signed by the taxpayer(s), and then electronically transmitted to the IRS and eventually to the Oregon Department of Revenue.

In addition to those options Department of Revenue volunteers will offer free help guiding taxpayers through the filing process using free public-access computers and Wi-Fi internet service at select WorkSource Oregon centers across the state.

 

Events are planned 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following WorkSource Oregon locations.

  • February 25—Beaverton, 241 SE Edgeway Drive
  • March 4—Eugene, 2510 Oakmont Way
  • March 11—Portland, 6401 SE Foster Road
  • March 18—Lebanon, 44 Industrial Way
  • March 25—Bend, 11007 SW Emkay Drive

Taxpayers are encouraged to set up a Revenue Online account through the Department of Revenue’s website before coming to an event if they plan to use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return.

 

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