(The Center Square) – Oregon will get $30.1 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes funding from the federal government this year. Since local governments cannot tax federal lands, the federal government provides them with PILT payments to help cover costs associated with maintaining federal land. “Public lands are a treasure in rural Oregon, but they must not prevent communities from having …
From a tax perspective, non-profit organizations are “tax exempt” because they don’t pay federal or state corporate income taxes. They must make a “profit” through revenues from fees, donations and grants must exceed expenses, or else eventually the organization goes out of business. As tax-exempt organizations, they do not pay local property taxes, which support public safety, schools and the …
By Richard Emmons I met with Don Scott on Sept. 16. He wanted to show me one of his $350 pine caskets, which he sells to individuals and local funeral homes. You can see his ad on page 20. I told him that folks should buy a casket now and use it to store firewood or grandkids’ toys until needed …
The proposed sales tax is like the Rogue River. On the surface the Rogue River is beautiful to look at and float down on a raft. Yet beneath the surface the fast-moving currents are risky. Hidden boulders can seriously harm anyone who gets knocked out of a raft. Likewise, the proposed sales tax appears simple. Just add 3 cents to …
By Richard Emmons On Aug. 10, the Josephine County Commissioners voted unanimously to place a 3% seasonal sales tax before the voters in November. The proposed sales tax would be 3% on the first $2,000 of most sales of products and services. Transaction amounts above $2,000 would not be taxed. The sales tax would be charged for the six-month period …