New Oregon tax credit rewards companies creating net new jobs
Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Oregon employers creating net new jobs can now apply for the Qualified Jobs Creation Tax Credit. The state income tax credit provides businesses with $1,000 per net new job created, up to a maximum of $10,000 per employer each year.
State Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, and State Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, sponsored the legislation establishing the tax credit, which was passed under Senate Bill 1507 and House Bill 4084 during the 2026 legislative session. To claim the tax benefit, participating employers must first secure certification through Business Oregon.
To qualify for the credit, businesses must create at least one net new job in Oregon, operate primarily within a designated industry and pay employees at least 150% of the state minimum wage. The targeted sectors include advanced manufacturing, bioscience and biotechnology, clean technology, food and beverage processing, forestry and wood products, high technology and outdoor gear and apparel.
Sen. Broadman, D-Bend, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue, noted that the program aims to reward growing companies across the state. “We want Oregon to be a place where businesses can grow, invest and create good jobs,” Broadman said. “This tax credit is about rewarding employers who are doing exactly that. Central Oregon has some of the most innovative businesses in the state and I want to make sure our local employers know this opportunity is available and take full advantage of it.”
Rep. Levy, D-Bend, encouraged local business owners to evaluate their eligibility for the funding. “Central Oregon knows how to build things, grow companies and create new ideas,” Levy said. “Salem should bring down costs for businesses that turn innovation into family-wage jobs here at home. If you're a local employer who has been adding jobs, I encourage you to see if you qualify.”
Bend Chamber CEO Sara Odendahl of Commerce, highlighted the economic significance of the credit for regional businesses. “Central Oregon is full of entrepreneurs and growing companies that want to invest here, build their teams and create long-term opportunity,” Odendahl said. “The Qualified Jobs Creation Tax Credit gives those businesses another reason to grow in Oregon and add good jobs in our communities. In Bend, where innovation and entrepreneurship are an important part of our ecosystem, tools like this can help local companies while strengthening our workforce and our region.”
Applications for the 2026 tax year are currently open through Business Oregon's program portal. Employers must submit their applications by Oct. 31, 2026.
