As Tax Day approaches fast, Oregonians who've yet to file are feeling the crunch. According to the Oregon Department of Revenue, tax submissions are slightly ahead compared to last year, but over 1 million state residents still need to file their taxes before the April 15 deadline.
"Taxpayers are slightly ahead of the pace from 2023, the most recent non-kicker year. We still expect to see a rush of returns as we get closer to Tax Day," Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator with the Oregon Department of Revenue, communicated via a news release. Oregonians are encouraged to not delay and to e-file to expedite any potential refunds.
E-filing is not only faster but also more efficient, and average returns arrive sooner for those who choose direct deposit over paper checks. The state of Oregon has made free e-filing options accessible, which can be found on the Revenue Department's website. Among the new features this year is the option to directly file federal taxes through the IRS Direct File and state taxes through Direct File Oregon at no cost.
The Where’s My Refund? tool available on the Oregon Department of Revenue website allows taxpayers to easily track their returns. For those unable to meet the mid-April deadline, an extension can be filed. Keep in mind, an extension to file does not mean an extension to pay. The department stresses that taxpayers should pay what they can by April 15 to avoid any late payment penalties.
Tax season can be a stressful time, but the Oregon Department of Revenue is striving to make the process smoother for its residents. With the convenience of today's technology, filing electronically, and the availability of additional resources for assistance, it seems that even procrastinators can breathe a bit easier as April 15 looms close.
