Oregon Department of Revenue offers details on free tax filing options
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Filing electronically is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.
With Oregon returning a $5.61 billion kicker to taxpayers in 2024 everyone wants to get their refund as soon as they can this year, but not everyone can afford commercially available software. Fortunately, all Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own returns in 2024 can file electronically at no cost using one of the free file options that can be found on the Department of Revenue website.
A variety of choices are available, and taxpayers can use the information below to help them pick the one that best fits their needs.
Free electronic filing options
Free guided tax preparation is available from four companies that participate in the Free File Alliance for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s Get free help filing your taxes page 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.
This option is best for taxpayers that have income less than $79,000 and need to file both their federal and Oregon returns. Each company has different requirements for who qualifies for free filing and offers must be accessed from the department’s Get free help filing your taxes page.
Direct File Oregon
New this year, the department is also offering Direct File Oregon, which allows taxpayers to file their Form OR-40 through Revenue Online. Direct File Oregon is not currently linked with the IRS Direct File. Taxpayers will need to file a separate federal return with the IRS before filing an Oregon return with Direct File Oregon through Revenue Online.
Direct File Oregon is suited for taxpayers who don’t meet the income requirements of other free file options and want a more guided experience for filing their Oregon tax return electronically. Creating a Revenue Online account and logging in to file provides the best experience.
A how to use Direct File Oregon video is available to help taxpayers understand the process.
Free fillable forms
Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.
Free Fillable forms is suited for taxpayers who don’t meet the income requirements of other free options, already have their forms filled out, are sure of their calculations, and just want to e-file for free!
The department offers special computer kiosks in three of its regional offices where taxpayers who don’t have access to computers can file their return using the free fillable forms and Direct File Oregon e-file options. The kiosks are available in the DOR regional offices in:
• Bend, 951 SW Simpson Ave, Suite 100.
• Eugene, 1600 Valley River Drive, Suite 310.
• Medford, 3613 Aviation Way, Suite 102.
Free help filing Oregon tax returns
Taxpayers that don’t have a computer or need one-on-one help also have options for electronic filing. AARP Tax-Aide, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, MFS-CASH Oregon, and the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes offer in person and drop off services for tax preparation by trained volunteers.
Many of these programs require an appointment and slots fill up quickly. Information about these services and an interactive map to find a location near you are available on the agency’s website.
In 2024 Oregon is returning $5.61 billion in surplus revenue to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. Taxpayers will receive their kicker as part of their refund, or the kicker can reduce the tax they owe. Each taxpayer’s kicker credit is based on their tax liability for the 2022 tax year. To determine the amount of their kicker, taxpayers are encouraged to use the What’s my kicker? calculator on Revenue Online.
Most refunds are issued within two weeks, but returns that need more review may take up to 16 weeks before a refund is issued. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund by using the department’s Where’s My Refund? tool on Revenue Online. A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.
You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.
