5 Programs Oregon Homeowners Don't Know About (That Could Save Their Home)
By Robert Jackson, Advocacy Director | AuctionBlock.org
If you're behind on property taxes in Oregon, you might feel like the walls are closing in. Maybe you've gotten a letter from the county. Maybe you've been avoiding opening the mail. Maybe you just know the numbers don't add up anymore.
Here's what most people don't realize: Oregon has several programs specifically designed to help homeowners in your situation — and most people never hear about them until it's too late.
This article walks through five real programs that exist right now. No gimmicks, no fine print tricks — just real resources created by Oregon law to help people keep their homes. Every program listed here is verifiable through the Oregon Department of Revenue or the relevant administering agency.
1. Oregon's Senior and Disabled Citizen Property Tax Deferral Program
What it does: If you qualify, the State of Oregon pays your property taxes for you. You don't pay them back until you sell the home, move out, or pass away. It's essentially an interest-bearing loan from the state secured by your property.
Who qualifies:
- You must be 62 or older, OR have a qualifying disability
- You must own and live in the home as your primary residence
- Your total household income must be at or below the annual limit set by the Oregon Department of Revenue (this threshold is adjusted periodically — contact your county assessor for the current figure)
- You must have lived in Oregon for at least 5 consecutive years
- Your property must have an assessed value within the program cap
How to apply: File Form 150-490-015 with your county assessor's office. The annual deadline is April 15. You must reapply each year.
The fine print: Interest accrues on deferred taxes at 6% per year (ORS 311.666-701). The state places a lien on the property. When the deferral ends — through sale, death, or move — the total amount plus interest is due. Despite the interest, this program can be a lifeline if you're choosing between paying taxes and paying for medication or groceries.
Source: Oregon Revised Statutes 311.666 through 311.701; Oregon Department of Revenue.
2. Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (OHAF)
What it does: The Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund provides direct financial assistance to homeowners who fell behind on housing costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes property tax delinquencies — not just mortgage payments.
Who qualifies:
- You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence in Oregon
- You must have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020
- Your household income must be at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI) for your county
- Priority is given to socially disadvantaged individuals and those with incomes at or below 100% AMI
How to apply: Applications are submitted through Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). Funds are paid directly to the county tax collector, mortgage servicer, or other housing creditor — not to you.
Important note: This program was created under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Section 3206) and administered by the U.S. Treasury's Homeowner Assistance Fund. Oregon received approximately $90 million in federal allocation. Funding is limited and subject to availability — check with OHCS for current program status before applying, as fund availability may have changed.
Source: Oregon Housing and Community Services; U.S. Treasury Homeowner Assistance Fund; American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Section 3206.
3. County Property Tax Payment Plans
What it does: Oregon county tax offices can work with you on payment arrangements for delinquent property taxes. This isn't a formal state program with a catchy name — it's a practical option that most counties offer but few homeowners ask about.
How it works: If you owe back taxes but can't pay the full amount, contact your county tax collector's office directly. Many Oregon counties will set up an installment arrangement that lets you pay down your balance over time. The specifics — how long, how much per month, what happens if you miss a payment — vary by county.
Under Oregon law, property taxes are due in three installments: November 15, February 15, and May 15 each year (ORS 311.505). If you pay the full year by November 15, you receive a 3% discount. If you pay two-thirds by November 15, you receive a 2% discount (ORS 311.505). But if you're already behind, the installment structure for delinquent taxes is negotiated directly with your county.
Why people don't use it: Fear. Most homeowners who are behind on taxes avoid the county office because they're afraid of what will happen. In practice, county tax offices generally prefer to work with you rather than initiate foreclosure proceedings — foreclosure is expensive and time-consuming for the county too.
What to do: Call your county tax office and ask to speak with someone about payment options for delinquent taxes. Bring your account number, know roughly what you owe, and be honest about what you can afford. In Benton County, the Assessment and Taxation office can be reached at (541) 766-6855.
Source: Oregon Revised Statutes 311.505; Benton County Assessment and Taxation Office.
4. Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
What it does: Oregon provides a property tax exemption for veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities, and for surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes. This can significantly reduce or eliminate your property tax bill.
Who qualifies:
- You must be an Oregon resident veteran with a 40% or greater service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, OR
- You must be the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes, OR
- You must be the surviving spouse of a veteran who had a 40% or greater disability rating at the time of death
- You must own and live in the home as your primary residence
- Your total household income must be at or below the annual income limit set by the Oregon Department of Revenue
How much is the exemption? The exempt amount varies by the veteran's disability rating and is adjusted annually by the Oregon Department of Revenue. The exemption reduces your property's assessed value for tax purposes — the higher the disability rating, the larger the exemption. Contact your county assessor's office for current year figures.
How to apply: File the application with your county assessor by April 1 of the assessment year. You'll need your VA disability rating letter and proof of residency.
Source: Oregon Revised Statutes 307.250 through 307.283; Oregon Department of Revenue.
5. HUD-Approved Housing Counseling (Free)
This one isn't an Oregon-specific tax program, but it might be the most important item on this list.
What it does: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certifies company housing counseling agencies across the country. These agencies provide free, one-on-one counseling to homeowners facing financial difficulty — including help with property tax delinquency, understanding your options, creating a budget, and navigating the programs listed above.
Why it matters: A trained housing counselor can look at your full financial picture and help you figure out which programs you actually qualify for. They can help you fill out applications, communicate with your county, and create a plan. This is free. You do not pay for HUD-approved counseling.
Where to find a counselor:
- In Benton County, DevNW (devnw.org) is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency based in Corvallis
- The Community Services Consortium serves Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties and provides resource navigation
- Nationally, you can search for a HUD-approved counselor at hud.gov/findacounselor or call HUD's interactive voice system at 1-800-569-4287
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Timeline You Need to Know
Under Oregon law, the county can begin foreclosure proceedings if property taxes are delinquent for three years (ORS 312.010). That means you have time — but not unlimited time. Here's the general sequence:
- Year 1: Taxes go unpaid. Interest begins accruing at 1.33% per month (16% annually) on the delinquent amount (ORS 311.505).
- Year 2: Taxes remain unpaid. Interest continues compounding. You receive notices from the county.
- Year 3: After three full years of delinquency, the county can initiate a judicial foreclosure proceeding (ORS 312.010). The county files a complaint in circuit court.
- Redemption period: You have the right to pay all delinquent taxes, interest, and penalties up until the court enters a judgment of foreclosure. After judgment, the property is deeded to the county.
The key takeaway: the earlier you act, the more options you have. Every program listed above works better — or only works — if you start before the foreclosure process is far along.
What to Do Right Now
If you're behind on property taxes in Oregon, here are three things you can do today:
- Call your county tax office. Ask about your balance, any payment options, and whether you qualify for any exemptions or deferrals. This is the single most important step.
- Check whether you qualify for the Homeowner Assistance Fund. Contact Oregon Housing and Community Services to ask about current availability.
- Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor. In Benton County, DevNW (devnw.org) provides free housing counseling. Nationally, call 1-800-569-4287.
You are not alone in this, and you have more options than you think.
Need help navigating these programs? AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company dedicated to helping Oregon homeowners facing tax foreclosure. Visit auctionblock.org/get-help to learn more about how we can connect you with the right resources.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Laws, program eligibility, and funding availability change over time. Always verify current information directly with the administering agency or a qualified professional.