My brother-in-law (and neighbor) was the previous owner of our property and used it as a rental. The original property was a house, 10 acres (9 are designated forest), and a pole barn. He paid approx $1600 for all of this. Part of the deal when we bought from him was he was going to divide off 5 acres and the pole barn and attach to his neighboring property leaving us with 5 acres and the house. Our first tax year with this configuration the county RAISED it additional $200. For less property they raised it!!! Took my issue to the county in a hearing armed with arial photos, photographs, plot maps, everything. They started the hearing without the county assessor because he was late. Basically, everyone there understood my point that I shouldn't be taxed more for having less. When the assessor showed up he wouldn't hear of it. Could not understand my logic that we shouldn't have to pay more for half the original acreage. When time came for them to vote, the other members somewhat reluctantly sided with him and I lost my appeal. I do not look at this as just losing $250, it $250 every year for ? because they never seem to go down.
On the designated forest lands we are taxed something like $25 year unless we log it. If we do log it, we need to replant within a year or it goes out of deferral.
Also, I think Oregon is one of the few remaining states that does not have a sales tax.
He who dies with the most toy's....wins!
