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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (April 13, 2016)
Page 4 April 13, 2016 photo by M ark W ashington /t he p ortland o bserver Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill embraces Perlia Bell, the mother of Asia Bell, a Portland woman who died of gun violence in 2002. ‘We Live in Fear’ C ontinued froM f ront tor Mark Strong, a member of the local African-American clergy. “This is a problem for all. Wheth- er it’s black, white, Hispanic, it’s everybody’s problem.” So far this year, police have re- sponded to 45 gang-related shoot- ings, up from 36 at the same time Arts Tax C ontinued froM p age 2 information. As it stands, every adult living within Portland city limits that makes a minimum an- nual income of $1,000 has to pay the $35 tax fee. The Arts Tax form is separate from federal and state income tax forms, and applies even if you don’t file your taxes. The 2016 Arts Tax is due on April 18, with a $15 penalty for late payment. Tax payments re- ceived after Oct. 17 come with a $35 penalty, doubling the tax. Cer- tain factors do qualify residents for an exemption. If you’re single and your annual income is less than $11,770, or if you’re a couple a year ago. There’s been 15 people wounded and one person killed with 414 bullet casings recovered at crime scenes, authorities indicated. The effort to make the commu- nity saver from gunfire was to tar- get the individuals who are pull- ing the triggers, “The worst of the worst,” to get them off the street and incarcerate them, police said. with an annual income of less than $15,930, you don’t have to pay. In order to opt out, however, you must still complete the Arts Tax form every year, providing a proof of income via copies of your tax form, or federal form 4506-T. If you’re over 70 years old, dis- abled, and fall within low income guidelines, the option of perma- nent exemption is available by completing a separate form. All these forms and qualifica- tions can be tricky to keep up with, so Elders in Action is available for assistance at 503-235-5474. The City of Portland Revenue Division encourages everyone to pay their tax online (portlandore- gon.gov/artstax) as the quickest and easiest way to avoid the pen- alty fee.