Intel Says "Me Too" to Nike Oregon Tax Break

The largest private employer in Oregon with about 16,000 employees, Intel says they'd like the same sweet tax deal Oregon gave to Nike, a 30 year guarantee that their income tax basis won't change from the so-called "single sales factor" tax that only taxes sales in the state of Oregon.  Intel will allegedly create 500 new jobs to earn the break, but those jobs were probably already coming to Oregon, so it was just a favor to keep Intel happy at the expense of all Oregon citizens who will either make up the shortfall or have services cut.  These 30 year tax guarantees will lead to more demands down the road.

Intel already receives tax breaks well in excess of what any other Oregon business enjoys. Its current SIP tax breaks exempt up to $25 billion in Intel equipment from the property taxes that other businesses pay. SIP tax breaks have saved Intel more than $500 million since 2001, according to Washington County officials.   "We have no idea what's going to happen in the world in the next 30 years and it's silly for the state to think that it should sign 30-year agreements with any business," said Jody Wiser of Tax Fairness Oregon. "We shouldn't be tying future legislators hands forever. That's irresponsible."