Decide on the legal structure of your business. See our business tax structure page. Common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• C-Corporation (C-Corp)
• S-Corporation (S-Corp)
• Nonprofit

For more information, see our Tax Structure Guide!

Oregon does not require you to reserve a business name before registration, but it’s recommended to ensure your desired name is available:

• Check Name Availability: Oregon Business Name Search 
• Reserve a Business Name: Fee: $100.
  • File Online 

Submit the necessary formation documents based on your business structure to the Oregon Secretary of State:

• LLC: File Articles of Organization.

  • Fee: $100.
  • File Online 
  • Download Forms 

• Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation.

  • Fee: $100.
  • File Online 
  • Download Forms

If operating under a name different from your legal business name, register an Assumed Business Name (DBA) with the Oregon Secretary of State:

• Fee: $50.
• File Online

If your business will hire employees or sell goods, register with the Oregon Department of Revenue:

• Business Identification Number (BIN): Required for businesses with employees.

  • Register Online

• Corporate Activity Tax (CAT): Required for businesses exceeding $1 million in taxable commercial activity.

  • More Information

Certain businesses may require additional permits or licenses depending on their industry or location:

• Use Oregon’s License Directory to identify required licenses:
  • https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/

Separate your personal and business finances by opening a business bank account using:

• Your EIN (Employer Identification Number).
• Formation documents or operating agreement.

• Annual Report: LLCs and Corporations must file an Annual Report with the Oregon Secretary of State:
  • Fee: $100.
  • File Online

• Oregon Secretary of State – Business Division: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/
• Oregon Department of Revenue: https://www.oregon.gov/dor/
• Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC): https://oregonsbdc.org/