REMINDER: It’s time to pay the Portland arts tax again
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The City of Portland started sending out its annual mailers last week reminding residents to pay the Portland arts tax — an annual $35 fee that funds arts and culture in the city.
The Portland arts tax is applicable to all Portland residents 18 and older who earned at least $1,000 during the previous tax year. Residents who fail to pay the arts tax may suffer a series of penalties, including an additional $35 fee and calls from a private debt collection-agency.
The Portland arts tax was approved in 2012 as a way to fund arts and music education for K-5 students across six local school districts. Portland Office of Management and Finance spokesperson Carrie Belding told KOIN 6 News that the tax has almost been around long enough to service a full generation of young Portlanders.
City council agrees to maximum price of $8.26 million to upgrade City Hall
“The Arts Tax has made a meaningful impact in Portland’s six school districts,” Belding said. “We’ve reached the 10-year mark with the arts tax, and to put that into perspective, Portland school students who are in 10th grade today, were in kindergarten when the Arts Education and Access Fund began reaching them.”
The tax can be paid online through the city’s website, by ACH payment or through a mailed check or money order.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
