Overview of Starting a Business in Oregon
Starting an Oregon business has costs. Form an LLC for a $100 filing fee. Annual report fees are $100 too. Obtain licenses and permits costing $50-$500. Requirements vary by location and business type.
Oregon offers a business-friendly environment. Over 80,000 businesses opened in 2022. The state gives incentives and streamlined licensing. Tourism thrives with natural beauty. Growing sectors include tech, forestry, and manufacturing.
Steps to Start an Oregon Business
Before starting your Oregon business, make a plan. Validate your idea through market research. Use the SOS website to register your entity. Consider an LLC or corporation structure. Corporations have $50 annual fees, while LLCs pay $100.
Most cities and counties need a $100-$1,000 business license. Liquor licenses take 2-5 weeks longer. Operating multiple businesses may require separate licensing. Renewals are annual with small fees.
Federal taxes use an EIN. Oregon lacks a general sales tax, but some cities tax lodging and meals. With fast online filing, most licenses come in days. SOS lets you check status.
Key Steps for Registering a Business Name in Oregon
When naming your Oregon business, first choose your business structure as naming rules differ for each. The Oregon Secretary of State website has a business name search tool to check availability. Ensure your business name is unique, easy to remember, and descriptive.
Registering a "doing business as" (DBA) name is required for partnerships unless the name includes all partners’ last names.
It is advised to reserve your business name with the state if you want to hold it but aren’t ready to formally register your business yet. This reserves the name for 120 days with a $100 fee.
Check Oregon zoning regulations which affect business operations and acquire any necessary insurance coverage for your business type. Ongoing compliance with state laws is required to maintain registration.