Subsidy Errors Could Cost Oregon Citizens $1.12 million at Tax Time
The vast majority of Oregonians affected are expected to owe no more than $10 per month that their policy was in effect. That figure is not final, however, because a $10,000 consultant’s study intended to settle the question did not succeed. The exchange is planning to commission a second, more in-depth study.
Writing for The Oregonian, Nick Budnick reports: The problem that Cover Oregon was using an incorrect formula to award tax credits to qualified consumers, potentially affecting more than 10,000 people, was first reported by The Oregonian on Sept. 5, 2014. Exchange officials declined to provide estimates at the time, but on Sept.15, 2014, told lawmakers the erroneous formula affected only about 800 households. Sen. Chip Shields, D-Portland, expressed skepticism and suggested the exchange bring in an outside consultant to double-check. Shields’ comment was prophetic. Within about a week, officials realized the true number was much larger. Exchange officials announced a study to double-check their internal estimate. Read more from The Oregonian.
If you’ve got any questions about how this error could impact your taxes, please contact us. We’re here to answer your questions and assist you.