You Asked: Oregon Natural Resource Excluson & Resouce Credit. 4 Part Series

Article | April 08, 2025

Part 1: What are the Oregon Natural Resource Exclusion and Oregon Natural Resource Credit?

Oregon is the worst state in the union in which to die, in regards to Estate Taxes. In Oregon, any estate with assets above $1 million is taxable. For the family farm, this can be difficult, and could require selling parts of the assets to cover the taxes upon transfer of the estate to the beneficiaries.

The OR-NRE (Oregon Natural Resource Exclusion), and the OR-NRC (Oregon Natural Resource Credit) are provisions under Oregon estate tax laws that provide tax benefits to individuals transferring natural resource property (such as farmland, forestland, and fishing property) as part of an estate. These provisions aim to preserve family‐owned natural resource‐based businesses by reducing the tax burden on estates that hold qualifying properties. There are some restrictions, such as active participation in the operation of the natural resource over a period of time, and the qualifying ownership structure.

If you have an interest in discovering more about the OR-NRE or the OR-NRC, look for our three next issues, where we’ll outline both programs, or call our office to speak with Joseph Lewis or Glenn Munro.