Comcast can’t get “gigabit” tax break that was created for Google Fiber

Comcast has hit a roadblock in its attempt to get a big tax break that Oregon legislators wrote specifically for Google Fiber. It looked like Comcast had won a few months ago when Oregon's Public Utility Commission ruled 3-0 that Comcast's gigabit service qualifies the company for the tax exemption. But the exemption still needed to be certified by the state Department of Revenue, and recently the department refused to do so. Oregon law was designed to help Google Fiber, but Comcast benefits, too. The department "ruled Comcast ineligible for the tax break, at least for this year," The Oregonian reported. "The department declined to disclose its reasoning, citing taxpayer confidentiality, and referred questions to Comcast. Comcast said any information would have to come from the Revenue Department."

Comcast said it was disappointed in the decision. "The ruling conflicts with state law and has sent a message to the business community that significant investments, which were encouraged by the legislature, will not be honored by them," a Comcast spokesperson said. Comcast can appeal to the director of the Department of Revenue.