Proposed bill looks to introduce 5% severance tax on private land timber harvest in Oregon

Christina Girardinelli KTVL April 24, 2021

OREGON — If passed a bill that has been making its way through the Oregon House Revenue Committee would levy a 5% severance tax on private timber owners at the time of harvest and would direct that revenue to the state’s Emergency Wildfire Fund.

The state had a severance tax on timber harvest prior to 1991 when it was replaced by a Privilege tax. That tax was fully phased out by the state legislature by 2003. Proponents of the measure say smaller counties shoulder much of the loss of revenue.