Oregon’s new 988 Coordinated Crisis Services Tax began this month: Here’s what it helps fund
(Update Adding Isabella Warren video)
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A 988 Coordinated Crisis Services Tax was added Jan. 1 to the existing Oregon Emergency Communications (911) Tax, to support the state's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Oregon Department of Revenue said.
The new tax was implemented by the Oregon Legislature with the passage of House Bill 2757.
The 988-tax rate is 40 cents per subscriber line of telecommunications or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, or device with access to the 988 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis system, and 40 cents for each prepaid wireless service or product retail transaction. These are the same transactions subject to the existing 911 Emergency Communications Tax.
Oregon's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 by phone and online at 988lifeline.org/, is for people in any type of behavioral health crisis, connecting you with trained crisis counselors who offer compassion, care and support while connecting people with the help they need.
Isabella Warren spoke with the Department of Revenue and mental health advocates to learn how 40 cents can make a difference.
Here's more information from about the tax the Oregon Department of Revenue:
This tax rate is effective for all billings or purchase of prepaid wireless service beginning January 1, 2024.
The new 988 tax does not apply to services provided under the plan of assistance established under Section 6, Chapter 290, Oregon Laws 1987; Oregon Lifeline.
The existing E911 return will be modified to include the 988 tax. The frequency of filing a return and submitting payment will follow the same timelines as the existing 911 schedule and will therefore not change the current 911 schedule.
For more information regarding the Emergency Communications and Coordinated Crisis Services Tax programs and how these tax revenues are used, visit the Department of Revenue’s website.
Questions? Email SPA.help@dor.oregon.gov.
