The Homestead Exemption in Oregon

The Oregon Department of Revenue states that Oregon has no statewide general homestead exemption and no exemptions based solely on age or income. The main protection for homeowners is the constitutional limit on growth of maximum assessed value (see assessment_limit). Disabled veterans and surviving spouses can exempt part of their homestead's assessed value, and disabled or senior homeowners may defer their taxes.

Exemption and deferral claims are filed with the county assessor where the property is located. The disabled veteran or surviving spouse exemption is not automatic and does not transfer to another property; file claim form 150-303-086 with the county assessor. It does not have to be refiled each year unless the disability is certified by a licensed physician, but a new claim is required by April 1 after a change in ownership or use. The senior and disabled deferral application is also filed with the county assessor; participants recertify every two years rather than reapplying.

Veteran exemption: on or before April 1 preceding the tax year claimed; if the home is acquired after March 1 and before July 1, within 30 days after acquisition. Physician-certified veterans who had the exemption the prior year and are notified they did not refile may file late by May 1 with a $10 fee. Senior/disabled deferral: January 1 through April 15, or late from April 16 through December 1 with a fee of 10% of the taxes on the last statement (minimum $20, maximum $180).

Property is taxed on its assessed value, the lower of real market value or maximum assessed value (MAV). MAV is the greater of 103% of the prior year's assessed value or 100% of the prior year's MAV, so it generally grows no more than 3% a year. It can increase more for new construction or improvements above thresholds, partition or subdivision, rezoning, omitted property, or disqualification from an exemption or special assessment.