How to Start an LLC in Oregon

Why Create an Oregon LLC?

The state offers numerous business benefits, including several tax incentives, provided your LLC meets specific criteria. For example, if you start a business in certain Oregon counties, you may qualify for the Oregon Investment Advantage. The program allows you to deduct taxable income related to business operations for a specified period of time.

For most people wanting to start a business, creating an Oregon limited liability company (LLC) is the fastest and easiest way. An LLC is an ideal business entity for startups and small- to medium-sized businesses, granting you the advantages and protections that larger Oregon corporations benefit from, but with simplified rules and regulations.

If an LLC isn't the right entity for the type of business you're starting, you may want to consider forming an Oregon Corporation instead.

Benefits of starting an Oregon LLC:

• Protect your personal assets from your business liability and debts

• Simple to create, manage, regulate, administer and stay in compliance

• Easily file your taxes and discover potential advantages for tax treatment

• Low cost to file ($100)

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure.

In this guide, you’ll find information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, Oregon business taxes and much more. We also cover what you'll need to register and file your LLC and how you'll interact with the Oregon Secretary of State.

How to Form an Oregon LLC Yourself in 6 Steps

1

Choose a Unique Business Name and Complete an Oregon LLC Search

You’ll need a distinctive and original name for your LLC that’s not used by any other business in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using Incfile’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You'll need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Oregon Business Names page.

Once you’ve chosen a name, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in Oregon. To find out whether another company in the state is using your chosen business name, use our tool to do a business name search. You can also carry out a name search on the Oregon Secretary of State website.

2

Provide an Official Address for Your LLC

Whether it’s an office building, a home (if the company is run from a residence) or any other physical location, every LLC in Oregon must have a designated street address. It can be outside the state, but it cannot be a P.O. Box.

If you run a home-based business and don't want your home address published as part of your business public record, you may be able to use a virtual mailbox instead. Regardless of where your business is located, it offers you convenience. Incfile can provide you with an Oregon virtual mailbox where we'll receive your mail and scan it for your online review.

3

Assign a Registered Agent

Someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and is responsible for filing reports with the Oregon Secretary of State is called a Registered Agent. Every LLC in Oregon is required to have a Registered Agent.

This position can be filled by you, another manager in your business or a dedicated Registered Agent service. If your Oregon Registered Agent is a person, they must have a physical street address in Oregon and must be present during business hours to receive important documents on behalf of your company. In Oregon, you appoint your Registered Agent when you file your Articles of Organization and formally create your business.

All of Incfile’s packages include Registered Agent service. It’s free for the first year and just $119 per year after that. You can also log in to our dashboard and easily view any document we've received on your behalf.

4

File Your Articles of Organization with the Oregon Secretary of State

Once you've gathered all the information for your Oregon LLC, you’ll need to file a form with the Oregon Secretary of State to create your Articles of Organization. Filing it officially creates your LLC.

Your Articles of Organization can be filed online with the Oregon Secretary of State, you can mail a form to the Office of the Secretary of State, or you can have Incfile do it on your behalf. The Oregon LLC filing fee is $100.

You only need to file your Articles of Organization once, but every year after, you must file an annual report. Incfile can either remind you to do it, or we can do it for you.

What are the fees and requirements to form a business in Oregon?

5

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

You’ll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. An EIN is also required to open a business bank account. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or Incfile can get one for you as part of the Oregon LLC formation process.

6

Create an Operating Agreement

A kind of "instruction manual" that explains how you'll run your business, an LLC Operating Agreement details how decisions will be made, how the business is divided among members and what will happen if a member leaves the company.

Some states require that a company have this document in place. You're not legally required to have an Operating Agreement in Oregon, but it’s a good idea to have one nonetheless.

Other Oregon LLC Types

Professional LLC

Different from professional corporations, Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) typically have licensing requirements applicable to certain fields, such as law and medicine. In order to form a PLLC, you may need a state license to practice.

The state doesn't make a distinction between an Oregon PLLC and a standard LLC. Instead, they'll allow an LLC that renders professional services to register as a standard LLC.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Foreign LLC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to Oregon—or vice versa—you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC.

Learn more about Oregon Foreign LLC registration.

Helpful Resources from the State of Oregon