ORS 409.711 Grants for providing tax assistance

The Department of Human Services shall adopt by rule a grant program to provide funding for the purposes described in subsections (2) and (3) of this section to culturally specific and responsive organizations, tribal governments and under-resourced rural community service organizations.

Grants must be used to help low-income residents of this state by:

Providing education about federal earned income tax credits and other tax benefits available to low-income individuals;

Assisting residents in navigating tax systems; and

Filing income tax returns.

The grants must be used to:

Strengthen the existing network of culturally specific and responsive tax preparation organizations;

Expand organizational capacity in geographically diverse areas of this state to improve access to tax navigation and tax preparation services;

Improve the recruitment and retention of qualified tax preparers;

Strengthen the technology resources and training systems available to tax preparers and volunteers; or

Strengthen taxpayer outreach, education and connections to communities by culturally specific and responsive tax navigation and preparation service providers.

The department shall appoint a committee to advise the department in the adoption of rules for the program. The advisory committee must include one or more individuals who:

Are low income.

Are Black.

Are Indigenous.

Are people of color.

Are non-English-speaking.

Have a disability.

Are 65 years of age or older.