Oregon State Tax Credits

More ways to save your hard-earned money from the tax man!

Oregon has some great State Tax Credit for you.

Thank you so much for checking our resource out here for your state and congratulations for taking a proactive step to paying less in taxes. For your state, we have identified the tax credits that are currently being offered to help you pay less in state taxes.

We hope this resource is helpful to you, and if there is something you feel we have missed, please let us know!

It would be completely arrogant of us to think that we know all things and if we missed something we want to know so we can vet that and help you and our other friends in the entrepreneurial community pay less in taxes! And if you found this helpful, you should check out our DIY resources inside of our Tax Savings Communities (found at www.MakeTaxesFair.com/Our-Communities).

We're also ready to help you if you want to skip the line of the DIY process and get help directly from us. To learn more about how we help our clients check out www.MakeTaxesFair.com/Get-My-Roadmap

Oregon

Downtown Business Incentive (DBI) Credit Program

Overview:
The DBI Credit Program offers a temporary, nonrefundable business tax credit of up to $250,000 to support economic revitalization in Portland’s hardest-hit downtown sub-districts. Designed for businesses leasing or owning space and employing at least 15 workers on-site, the credit is spread over four years and encourages long-term commercial commitments.

Who It’s For:
Businesses that are registered and tax-compliant in Portland, entering or extending commercial leases—or owning and occupying property—in eligible sub-districts between 2023 and 2024, and that employ 15+ half-time workers on-site.

Four Key Highlights:

  1. Targeted Revitalization Focus
    – Applies to specific sub-districts including Downtown, Pearl, Old Town/Chinatown, Central Eastside, and more to restore economic activity and foot traffic.

  2. Flexible Eligibility Window
    – Leases must begin in 2023 or 2024, but lease agreements signed by December 31, 2024, for occupancy in 2025–2026 also qualify.

  3. Substantial Credit Value
    – Max credit: $250,000 or the lesser of 1% of taxable income or $30/sq. ft.; distributed evenly over 4 years (nonrefundable, no carryforward).

  4. Strict Compliance & Repayment Conditions
    – Repayment is required if the lease ends early, the building is sold, or the 15-employee threshold isn’t met during the 4-year period.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

Overview:
This federal tax credit helps small businesses offset the cost of providing health insurance to employees. It covers up to 50% of premium contributions for for-profit businesses (35% for nonprofits) when plans are purchased through certified carriers via the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace.

Who It’s For:
Small businesses in Oregon with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, paying average annual wages under $50,000, and contributing at least 50% toward employee premiums.

Four Key Highlights:

  1. Up to 50% Premium Credit
    – Businesses can claim up to 50% (35% for nonprofits) of premiums paid for full-time employees when using a certified Marketplace plan.

  2. Strict Eligibility Rules
    – Must meet employee count, wage limit, and contribution threshold. Only certified plans qualify, and part-time or seasonal employees don't count toward FTE totals.

  3. Non-Refundable but Carryforward Available
    – Credit can reduce future tax liability but won’t result in a refund if tax owed is zero.

  4. Marketplace Certification Required
    – Employers must receive a confirmation letter from the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace verifying their plan is certified before claiming the credit on federal taxes.