How to Start a Business in Oregon and Form an LLC

Oregon Business Facts and Environment

Oregon Business Facts

Oregon’s laid-back youth culture, an abundance of outdoor activities, and high-tech employment opportunities are just a few of the reasons this scenic state of the American Northwest ranks highly on national “Best Places” lists. Oregon’s economy is growing at a healthy pace and the city of Portland in particular is a breeding ground for independent businesses with both locals and tourists drawn to the self-expression of its entrepreneurs.

Major Companies Headquartered in Oregon

Oregon is the corporate home base to many domestic and international businesses, like Nike, Daimler Trucks North America, Collins, Precision Castparts, Fred Meyer, Lithia Motors, and Les Schwab Tire Centers.

Oregon Startup Environment

Oregon entrepreneurs get a boost from the state’s pioneer spirit, educated workforce, strong infrastructure, and high quality of life. However, Oregon’s lack of capital, high personal income, and capital gains taxes, and restricted land use laws inhibit the growth of Oregon businesses.

Step 1: Decide on a Business Structure

There are 3 basic options: a DBA, a Corporation, or an LLC. Click here to learn more about business entities.

• A DBA or “Doing Business As” (also known as a “Fictitious Business Name” or FBN) is not really a separate structure, but just a different name that an individual or partners use as their business name.
• A Corporation is a separate entity (provides liability protection to the owners) that has a structure that includes shareholders, directors and officers. More complex than a DBA but the entity of choice for large companies and startups that intend to raise funding. Some professions are required to choose what is known as a “Professional Corporation” or PC (doctors, lawyers, architects, etc.).
• An LLC or “Limited Liability Company” is a newer type of business that is both a separate entity but provides very easy management (doesn’t require directors or officers) and taxation. Has largely replaced the DBA and Corporation in popularity recently as it provides liability protection but with much less complexity (and taxation) than a Corporation.

Step 2: Pick a Business Name

Choosing a business name is easier said than done – many legal and business problems can arise from picking the wrong name (it’s easier to keep your original business name than changing it later). In Step 3 we’ll show you how to search for the name in Oregon, but we highly recommend you do the following before searching Oregon state databases:

• Make sure you’ve covered the basics: unique, easy to understand/pronounce (practice saying it out loud: “Thanks for calling XYZ”) and can survive over time (“DVD World” is not timely). Here are some of our tips on business identity including logo and trademarks.
• Search the web for your proposed name. Search Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo as a “first sweep” for any potential conflicts, especially in your state or local jurisdiction. NOTE: If you intend to operate nationally or even internationally it will be even more important that your name be unique. This should cover many cases where a company name is being used but not officially trademarked (see next tip).
• Do a trademark search with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This will be a very good indicator if your name will have any conflicts. There’s an art to trademark searches (trademark specialists will charge you handsomely to do a thorough search) but in our experience if you can use Google at a fairly advanced level you can reasonably clear a name yourself.

TIP: search misspellings, plurals, variations of spelling, sound-alikes, and other versions of your chosen name to be sure it’s not already registered.

• Make sure your company name choice is available by searching the Oregon Business Entity Database. NOTE: Make sure to search variations of spelling, plurals and misspellings as the state may reject a name that is too similar (then you have to start all over again, wasting valuable time).

Restrictions on Oregon Business Name & Business Purpose

• Oregon LLCs must end with “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation.
• Corporations must contain an entity identifier such as “corporation”, “company”, “incorporated”, “limited” or any abbreviation or derivation thereof.
• Restricted words need approval from institutions, such as departments of banking, insurance, education, as well as professional organizations. Prohibited words are not allowed.

Step 3: Register the Business

Each state has its own requirements for registering a business. Now that you’ve chosen a business structure and selected your business name, here are the requirements to register your business in Oregon.

How to form an LLC in Oregon

• File the “Articles of Organization” with the Oregon Secretary of State.
• Once the articles are filed and approved you will then need to properly organize the LLC (this also applies to “1-person LLC’s”) by holding an “Organizational Meeting” which takes contributions from the members, issues Member Certificates, adopts the company Operating Agreement and more.

How to Incorporate in Oregon

• File the “Articles of Incorporation” with the Oregon Secretary of State.

• Hold an “Organizational Meeting” to determine the percentage of ownership for each shareholder as well as resolve to do tasks like open a company bank account, pay back pre-incorporation expenses, elect S-Corporation status and more.
• Corporations can elect S-Corporation status with the IRS by filing IRS Form 2553. Click here to learn more about S-Corporations.

NOTE: When registering a new company the Secretary of State can take several weeks to file the paperwork. You can expedite the process by hand delivering the documents directly to them or one of their field offices and paying an additional fee.

TIP: Check our order form to see how long Oregon is currently taking to process regular and expedited orders.

How to File a DBA in Oregon

• Check the state database of business names.
• Register your fictitious business name with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation Division.

Optional considerations when registering an Oregon business

• Hire a professional Registered Agent for your Oregon business. Many people list their home or business address on the Articles of Organization or Incorporation. This can cause issues because it becomes public record (you’ll get lots of junk mail). A professional Registered Agent will provide their address and forward any important documents to you, this is also convenient if you have to move (you don’t have to file forms or pay fees, just update your address with your agent).

Ready to register a business in Oregon?

• We specialize in registering businesses in Oregon.

Ready to Start Now? Let Us Do The Work

Sure, you could do all the steps above or you could spend 5-10 minutes on our order form and let us take care of it while you work on more important things.

• Find out about our simple and affordable formation system
• Read our verified reviews and 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
• Contact our friendly support team if you have any questions

Step 4: Obtain Your Federal Employer Identification Number

Your EIN is like your Social Security Number for your company. It’s required for Corporations and LLCs and optional for DBA’s (if you don’t have any employees, then it’s required). However, if you are a DBA and don’t obtain an EIN you will be forced to use your Social Security Number on many documents so it’s typically recommended you obtain the EIN to prevent identity theft.

To obtain an EIN you can apply online with the IRS or via IRS Form SS-4.

TIP: We will obtain your EIN for you if we form your company.

Step 5: Open Company Bank and Credit Accounts

To keep business and personal expenses separate, you should open a separate account for your business. In addition, getting business credit cards is how you begin to build a company credit profile (corporation or LLC required) and can later qualify for larger loans and lines of credit. To open the account simply call your chosen bank and inquire on the steps to open a business bank account. Typically you’ll need a) your filed paperwork b) your EIN c) a company resolution authorizing your company to open the account (signed by the owners, members, officers or directors, etc.).

Click here to view a list of our recommended banks in our Vendor Network.

TIP: Our business formation service includes a free banking resolution for your use.

Step 6: Set-up An Accounting System

Setup your Accounting and Record-keeping system and learn about the taxes your new company is responsible for paying.

Company documents generally are required to be kept for 3 years, including a list of all owners and addresses, copies of all formation documents, financial statements, annual reports, amendments, or changes to the company. All Tax and Corporate Filings should be kept for at least 3 years. View our “Accounting & Financial Management” section for help with setting up an accounting system and purchasing accounting software.

Review our list of Accountants, Accounting Software, and Bookkeepers in our Vendor Network.

Step 7: Obtain Licenses and Permits

Now that you’ve registered your business name you need to obtain a business license for your company – this authorizes your company to do business in your city or county. Typically this also involves registering for state taxes and permits (the city may require them as part of the business licensing process).

TIP: We can help you identify the necessary forms to obtain your business license.

Step 8: Hire Employees (if applicable)

If you intend to hire yourself or others as a full or part-time employee of your company, then you may have to register with the appropriate State Agencies or obtain Workers Compensation Insurance or Unemployment Insurance (or both). View our “Employees & Payroll” section for help with hiring employees and processing payroll.

Review our list of recommended Payroll Providers in our Vendor Network.

Step 9: Obtain Business Insurance

There are many types of insurance for businesses but they are usually packaged as “General Business Insurance” or a “Business Owner’s Policy”. This can cover everything from product liability to company vehicles. A decent policy can run as little as $300/year and offers a great extra level of protection.

Click here to view our list of insurance providers in our Vendor Network.

Step 10: Systemize and Organize

Prepare the business as if someone needed to take it over and run it for you. Every business needs a method to process orders, pay bills, pay employees, pay taxes, maintain your permits, etc. Basically, try to make the operational aspect of the business as automated and efficient as possible so you can concentrate on growing your business. View our “Manage Your Company” section for help with systemizing and automating your business.

Step 11: Branding and Marketing

Now that you’ve set up the company for success, you need to get the word out. Create a marketing plan for your products and services that targets your ideal customer. View our “Marketing & Sales” section for help for more information.

Step 12: Annual and Ongoing Requirements

DBA: Your assumed business name must be renewed every two years.

LLC: Oregon LLCs must file an annual report every year by the filing anniversary date.

Corporation: Corporations in Oregon need to file an annual report every year by the filing anniversary date. LLCs and Corporations will pay a filing fee of $100.

Click here to view our MyCompanyWorks Premium™ service which can automate most of your ongoing compliance tasks.

Important Oregon Contacts

Oregon Secretary of State

Corporation Division Services (for Corporation and LLC filings)
Public Service Building
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310
Phone: ​​503-986-2200​​​​​​

Oregon Taxation Departments

• Oregon Department of Revenue

Oregon Labor and Employment Departments

•  Bureau of Labor and Industries

Oregon Startup Resources

1. Small Business Administration (SBA) Oregon

• Oregon District Office

2. SCORE Oregon

• Portland SCORE is part of a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.
• The Central Oregon SCORE chapter has 17 volunteers and staff that provide small business entrepreneurs free and confidential business counseling services throughout the area.

3. Oregon Legal Statutes

• Chapter 60 Private Corporations – note this is the broad code that includes various other topics including business corporations.
• Chapter 63 Limited Liability Companies – the specific act that applies to Oregon LLC’s.

4. Oregon Chambers of Commerce

• Oregon Chamber of Commerce
• Portland Business Alliance
• Salem Area Chamber of Commerce

5. Business Xpress

• Business Xpress – a “One Stop Shop for Business” online portal to provide resources for starting, expanding and operating a business in Oregon or relocating a business within or to Oregon.

6. Oregon Angel Investors

• List of Angel Investors in Oregon

7. Oregon Business News

• Oregon Live
• Portland Business Journal

8. Business Oregon

• Business Oregon is the state’s economic development agency.

9. Oregon Small Business Development Center

• The Oregon Small Business Development Center at Portland Community College has been helping thousands of business owners in the Portland metro region for 30+ years.

10. Oregon Green Business

• Oregon Green Business Directory
• EarthShare Oregon helps support Oregon’s environmental legacy of clean water, fresh food, sustainable communities, healthy families and access to nature.