From registration procedures to ongoing compliance, and the role of registered agents, we’ve got the details you need to navigate Oregon’s unique business environment.

Get the insights you need to start your LLC journey in Oregon today.

How Do I Start an LLC in Oregon?

To establish an LLC in Oregon, you’ll first need to choose a unique name for your business and check its availability. Afterward, file the “Articles of Organization” with the Oregon Secretary of State and pay the required filing fee.

Don’t forget to appoint a registered agent for your LLC. Thereafter, adhere to any other state-specific requirements, like obtaining the necessary licenses or permits. The Oregon Secretary of State’s website provides a detailed guide on the process.

What is the Cost to Form an LLC in Oregon?

The primary cost associated with forming an LLC in Oregon is the filing fee for the “Articles of Organization.” As of the last update, this fee is set at $100. However, other potential costs might arise, like hiring a registered agent service or obtaining necessary permits. Always check the current fees on the official state website to stay updated.

Do I Need an Operating Agreement in Oregon?

While Oregon doesn’t legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement, it’s highly recommended to create one. This internal document outlines the operational procedures and ownership structures of the LLC, ensuring that all members are on the same page regarding how the business will run. It provides clarity and can prevent disputes down the line.

How Long Does it Take to Form an LLC in Oregon?

After submitting the “Articles of Organization” to the Oregon Secretary of State, the typical processing time varies. Online submissions can be processed faster, often within a few business days, whereas mailed submissions might take a couple of weeks. You can check the status of your LLC formation on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website.

Are There Annual Reporting Requirements for Oregon LLCs?

Yes, Oregon LLCs are required to file an annual report, also known as the “Annual Renewal,” to maintain good standing with the state. This report can be filed online, and a fee is associated with the submission. Failing to file this report can lead to penalties or dissolution of the LLC. More details and deadlines can be found on the official state website.

Oregon LLC Name Search

How Do I Conduct an Oregon Business Name Search?

To check the availability of a business name in Oregon, visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Name Search tool. This online portal allows you to search the existing database for potential name conflicts. If your desired name or a very similar one is already in use, you’ll need to choose a different name for your business entity.

Are There Any Restrictions on Oregon Business Names?

Yes, Oregon has certain guidelines for naming business entities. The name must be distinguishable from other registered entities, can’t contain misleading terms, and, for LLCs, it should include “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”

Specific restricted words might require additional paperwork or licensed professionals to be part of the LLC. Always refer to the Oregon Secretary of State’s naming guidelines to ensure compliance.

Can I Reserve a Business Name in Oregon Before Forming My LLC?

Yes, if you’re not ready to establish your LLC but have settled on a name, Oregon permits you to reserve it for 120 days. There’s a fee associated with this reservation.

To reserve a name, you’ll need to submit a “Name Reservation” request, which can be done online or by mail through the Oregon Secretary of State’s website. This ensures that no other entity can claim the name while you prepare your LLC formation documents.

Oregon Registered Agent

What is an Oregon Registered Agent?

An Oregon Registered Agent is a person or entity designated by a business to receive legal documents, notices, and official government communications on its behalf. Every LLC operating in Oregon is mandated by state law to have a registered agent.

The agent can be an individual or a business entity but must have a physical address in Oregon. For further information, visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s Registered Agent requirements.

Why is it Necessary to Have a Registered Agent in Oregon?

Having a registered agent ensures that there’s always an available point of contact to receive important legal notifications, summons, and official documents for the LLC. This structure aids in preventing businesses from missing essential notices and helps maintain the separation between business and personal matters. An agent also helps the state to have a consistent way to communicate with businesses operating within its jurisdiction.

Can I Serve as My Own Registered Agent in Oregon?

Yes, as long as you meet the requirements, you can act as your own registered agent in Oregon. That means you need to be a legal resident, maintain a physical address (not just a P.O. box) in the state, and be available during normal business hours to receive documents.

However, some business owners choose to hire professional registered agent services to ensure prompt handling of all notifications and to maintain a degree of personal privacy.

Check the Oregon Secretary of State’s guidelines for more on this topic.

The first expense you’ll encounter is the formation filing fee. To legally establish an LLC in Oregon, you need to submit Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State.

The fee for filing your Articles is $100. This is a one-time fee and is non-refundable. You can file these Articles online or by mail, and it typically takes about a week for the state to process your application.

Oregon Annual Report Fee

Maintaining an LLC in Oregon also incurs ongoing fees. The state requires that all LLCs file an annual report to keep their information up-to-date in the public records. The cost of filing an annual report is $100, and it is generally due on the anniversary of the formation of your LLC.

Oregon Registered Agent Fee

Oregon law mandates that every LLC must have a registered agent residing in the state. This agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and correspondence on behalf of your business.

You can serve as your own registered agent, or you can hire a professional registered agent service. The fees for such services usually range from $50 to $200 per year.

Oregon State Business License Fee

While Oregon does not have a general state-wide business license requirement, certain types of businesses do require specialized state licenses. Fees for these licenses vary widely depending on the industry and level of regulation involved.

Oregon Professional Licensing Fees

If you’re in a specialized profession—like healthcare, real estate, or law—you will need to obtain a professional license. Costs for these licenses can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the profession and the governing body issuing the license.

Local Business License Fees in Oregon

In addition to state-level fees, you may also need to obtain local business licenses. Costs and requirements differ from one jurisdiction to another but generally range from $50 to $100. Always check with your local municipal and county offices to confirm what’s needed for your specific business.

Optional LLC Fees in Oregon

Oregon also offers a few optional services that come with their own fees. For example, if you want to reserve a business name before filing your Articles of Organization, the fee is $100. You can also file for a “doing business as” (DBA) name, for an additional fee that usually ranges around $50.

Business Insurance Premiums

Though not a state-mandated fee, most businesses should consider getting insurance. Costs can vary widely depending on the kind of business you run.

At a minimum, consider liability and property insurance. If you have employees, you’ll also need to get workers’ compensation insurance. Premiums can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.

Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in Oregon

If you’ve initially set up your LLC in another state but wish to operate in Oregon, you’ll need to register as a foreign LLC. The fee for this is $275. You’ll also be required to maintain a registered agent in Oregon, which will incur the usual registered agent fees.

Conclusion

Understanding the various costs involved in forming and operating an LLC in Oregon is crucial for a successful business venture. Fees can add up, from one-time formation costs to recurring annual fees and optional add-ons. By planning ahead and budgeting for these costs, you’ll be in a better position to navigate the financial landscape of business ownership in Oregon.

What is summary of costs involved in forming an Oregon LLC?

The formation process of an LLC in Oregon involves multiple steps and fees. Initially, there is a filing fee of $100 that you must pay to form your business entity with the Secretary of State.

You can file this online, via mail, or in person. If you are in a hurry, expedited filing is available for an additional charge. Moreover, you’ll need to designate a registered agent for compliance with state regulations, which could also add to your cost, especially if you opt for a professional service.

You’ll also need to consider annual renewal fees, including the annual report, which is essential for maintaining your legal entity in good standing. Oregon doesn’t have a franchise tax, but it does have various government fees and charges that can quickly add up if your compliance slips or becomes delinquent. If you’re in certain professions requiring specialized training, you might need to pay for professional licensing too.

Optional fees like name reservation, DBA (Doing Business As), and certificate of good standing could also be relevant depending on your business needs. If you operate outside your original jurisdiction, registering a foreign LLC will involve another set of fees. Finally, there are additional services you might want to consider like workers’ compensation insurance, the rate of which will vary based on the type of business.

How do I go about making sure my Oregon LLC is in complete compliance with state requirements, and what if I miss a due date?

Ensuring compliance for your LLC in Oregon requires vigilance. Firstly, the formation process includes filing your Articles of Organization and paying the associated filing fee. Following this, you will need to draft an Operating Agreement, although Oregon doesn’t legally require you to submit it. Subsequently, you must file an annual report by its due date to maintain your legal entity‘s good standing. Failure to do so can result in penalties and interest.

Different state fees like business license and professional licensing fees are relevant based on your type of business. For example, some professions require applicants to pass an exam after completing specialized training. You may also need to register with the local municipality depending on the jurisdiction.

For businesses operating outside Oregon, remember to register as a foreign LLC and abide by both local and state regulations. Additionally, if you opt to run your business under a fictitious name or DBA, you will need to reserve that name and may have to publish it depending on the privacy laws of the jurisdiction.

It’s essential to keep track of all these deadlines and requirements. If you become delinquent in your filings or payments, you could face interest and penalties, and your business could lose its certificate of good standing. Always consult your jurisdiction and municipality to understand the full rundown of starting and maintaining an LLC in Oregon.

Starting a business in Oregon requires several steps, one of which is conducting an Oregon business entity name search to confirm the availability of your desired business name.

Learn how to look up an LLC in Oregon with a Oregon business name search on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website.

How to Look Up a Business Name’s Availability in Oregon

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Choose a Name: Start by deciding on a name that is unique and reflects the nature of your business.
2. Visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s Website: The Oregon Secretary of State’s office manages a database of business entity names that are registered in the state.
3. Use the Business Name Search Tool: On the website, navigate to the “Business Name Search” page, which allows you to search for your desired name. You can also search on the Oregon Business Registry Database page.
4. Perform the Search: Enter your chosen business name into the search bar and click on ‘search’. This tool will display a list of business names that match or are similar to your search.
5. Review the Results: If your desired name appears in the results, it is already in use, and you’ll need to choose a different name. If your name does not appear in the results, it is likely available for use.
6. Understand Name Distinction: Please note that Oregon law requires business names to be distinguishable from other names on the record. Minor differences, or simply adding a numeral or preposition, may not be enough to consider the name unique.
7. Check Trademarks: After checking with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office, it’s also a good idea to verify if your chosen name is federally trademarked with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If a business in a similar field is operating under a federally registered trademark, they could potentially take legal action against you.
8. Reserve the Name: If the name is available, and you’re not ready to register your business, you might consider reserving the name. Oregon allows name reservations for up to 120 days, giving you some buffer time while you prepare to launch your business.

What is the Oregon Business Registry?

The Oregon Business Registry is a service provided by the Oregon Secretary of State’s office that allows you to perform numerous tasks related to setting up and managing a business in the state of Oregon.

It serves as a one-stop solution for several services that businesses in Oregon need to avail.

Here’s what you can do through the Oregon Business Registry:

1. Search for Business Names: Before you set up your business, you can use the Business Registry to search for existing business names and ensure that the name you want is unique and available.
2. Register a New Business: You can use the Business Registry to register your new business entity. This includes submitting the necessary forms and paying any required fees.
3. File Annual Reports: In Oregon, many types of business entities are required to file annual reports to maintain good standing. You can do this through the Business Registry.
4. Change Business Information: If you need to change your registered business information, such as your address or registered agent, you can do this through the Business Registry.
5. Register Assumed Business Names: If your business operates under a name different from its legal name, you’ll need to register this assumed business name. This can be done through the Business Registry.
6. Reinstate a Business: If your business has been administratively dissolved, you can apply to have it reinstated through the Business Registry.

The Oregon Business Registry is a key resource for Oregon business owners. It centralizes many of the essential processes and information related to starting and maintaining a business in Oregon.

How Do I Find My Oregon Business Registration Number?

Your Oregon business registration number, also known as the entity’s Registry Number, is a unique identifier for your business in the state of Oregon. If you’ve misplaced this number or simply need to find it, here are the steps you can follow:

1. Visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s website: Navigate to the Business Registry section.
2. Access the Business Name Search Tool: This tool allows you to search for registered businesses in the state of Oregon.
3. Perform the Search: Enter the name of your business and click ‘search’.
4. View the Business Record: Click on the name of your business in the search results to view its public record.
5. Find the Registration Number: Your Oregon business registration number, also known as the entity’s Registry Number, should be listed in this record.

It’s essential to keep this number in a secure and accessible place as you will need it for various business activities such as filing annual reports, changing registered agents, or making changes to your business name or address.

Remember, if you’re having difficulty locating your Oregon business registration number, you can also contact the Oregon Secretary of State’s office directly for assistance.

Does A Sole Proprietor Have To Register With The State Of Oregon?

In the state of Oregon, a sole proprietorship does not have to register with the state in the same way that LLCs or corporations do.

However, there are still some steps that a sole proprietor may need to take:

1. Assumed Business Name: If a sole proprietor plans to operate under a name different from their own personal name, they need to register an Assumed Business Name (ABN) with the Oregon Secretary of State.
2. Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on the nature of the business, the sole proprietor may need to obtain certain local or state business licenses or permits.
3. Employer Identification Number (EIN): While sole proprietorships without employees can use the owner’s Social Security number for tax purposes, those with employees will need to obtain an EIN from the IRS.
4. Business Taxes: Even though a sole proprietorship isn’t a separate legal entity, and income and losses are reported on the owner’s personal tax return, the business may still be responsible for other taxes. These could include transient lodging tax, tobacco tax, or others, depending on the nature of the business.

Oregon Secretary of State

Mailing Address

Oregon Secretary of State
Corporations Division
Public Service Building
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Phone: (503) 986-2200

Email: corporationdivision.sos@sos.oregon.gov or submit a question online