Start an Oregon LLC

Our Oregon LLC Formation Package

Our Oregon LLC Formation Package is the best deal in the state. Although some of our competitors might claim to offer $0 business formation, they quickly hit you with add-ons and hidden fees—ultimately costing you hundreds each year.

That’s not how we roll at Oregon Registered Agent LLC. We never surprise you with hidden fees, and our Oregon LLC Formation Package includes everything you need at a transparent, affordable price. 

Here’s a complete list of everything you get when you hire us to form your Oregon LLC:

Once your Oregon LLC is formed, you’ll pay just $35 a year for our Oregon Registered Agent Service. This all-inclusive service covers everything you need. If you want more, we have a range of additional business services available through your client account, including Trade Name Service ($125 plus state fees) and expert guidance on state and federal filings.

Ready to begin the formation process? Use our FREE online tool to get started! You can file the Articles of Organization yourself OR make things simple and hire us! Need more time? Easily save your progress and come back when you’re ready.

How to Start an LLC in Oregon

The easiest (and most cost-effective way) to start an Oregon LLC is to hire us. You get everything (and we mean everything) to start, maintain, and grow your business for one low, affordable price. On top of our expert LLC formation service, you’ll get a full year of local registered agent service and several FREE services, including FREE attorney-drafted business documents and a 90-day FREE trial of our website and phone services.

But, if you’d rather complete the registration yourself, just follow our step-by-step guide below.

1. Name Your Oregon LLC

First things first—your LLC needs a name. When it comes to naming your company, here are a few things you’ll need to consider:

• The name of your LLC must include some variation of LLC or Limited Liability Company (for example, “L.L.C” or “Ltd. Company”)
• You cannot include words or abbreviations that suggest your LLC offers services you’re not legally allowed to provide. For example, if you own a jewelry shop, avoid using words such as “medical” or “at law” in your business name.
• Your business name must be unique, meaning the name of your LLC cannot be identical or too similar to another Oregon business.

You can conduct a business name search to see if the name you want is available. If it is, you can reserve the name for 120 days by filing an Application for Name Reservation ($100) with the Secretary of State.

2. Appoint a Registered Agent

Every LLC in Oregon must designate a registered agent. Your registered agent can be a person or business entity that accepts legal correspondence on behalf of your LLC (e.g., subpoenas or lawsuits). You can even be your own registered agent—if you don’t mind your personal information like your name and address on the public record.

Would you rather protect your privacy? Hire us to be your Oregon registered agent! We’ll list our address (instead of yours) on public forms whenever possible. Running a business should never mean sacrificing your personal information.

Learn why our local registered agent service is the best in Oregon.

3. Submit Your LLC Articles of Organization

To legally form your Oregon LLC, you must complete and file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100. Remember, the information on this form becomes part of the public record.

Here’s what you’ll be asked to provide:

• Name of your LLC
• Duration. Most LLCs are perpetual. If you have a known closing date for your LLC, list it here.
• Principal office. This must be a physical address
• The name and Oregon street address of your registered agent
• Address where the Secretary of State can send notices
• Management structure
• Professional services. This includes services such as accounting, law, psychology, and other professional fields. You can find a full description under OR. Rev. Stat. § 58.015(5)(m).
• Optional provisions. You can list any provisions here and include a separate attachment. There are two optional provisions listed already with check boxes, one to make your LLC a benefit company and the other for indemnification. You can check either of those or leave blank if none of this applies to your LLC.
• Name and address of each person forming your LLC.
• Names and addresses of each member/manager (optional).
• Individual with direct knowledge. Here you list a member, manager, or other authorized representative who knows the business operation.
• Name, signature, and title of the person filing your articles.
• Contact name and phone number. This is for the state to reach out to resolve any issues with the filing.

The Articles of Organization can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

Online:
Oregon Business Registry

Mail or in-person:
Secretary of State
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327

Processing times will vary depending on how you file. Online submissions often take 1-3 business days, while mail and in-person filings typically take a week to process.

4. Write an Operating Agreement for your Oregon LLC

Legally, you are not required to have an operating agreement for your LLC. However, writing an operating agreement will allow you to open a business bank account, protect your limited liability, and establish specific rules for how the business should function.

When you hire us to form your Oregon LLC, we’ll provide a FREE attorney-drafted operating agreement that you can easily customize to suit your needs.

5. Get an EIN

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique number the IRS uses to identify your business for tax purposes.

Oregon state does not require LLCs to have an EIN. However, you will need one if you hire employees or open a business bank account. You can obtain an EIN for free through the IRS website.

6. File Your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report

Most Oregon LLCs are required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). If you formed your LLC in 2024, you have 90 days to file a report, while those formed before January 1, 2024, have until 2025. Businesses formed after January 1, 2025, will have 30 days to file. There is no filing fee.

You will be required to provide basic information about your company, such as the name of your LLC (including DBAs), tax ID, initial formation date, and jurisdiction. In addition, you must provide the full name, date of birth, residential address, and a copy of an accepted form of ID (like a passport or driver’s license) for each of your LLC’s beneficial owners and company applicants. This information will NOT be made public.

Beneficial owners are individuals (such as members or managers) who own at least 25% of your company. The company applicant is the person who filed your Articles of Organization and/or directed it to be filed.

Sound overwhelming? For an additional $25, our local experts will file the BOI report for you.

Why Hire Us to Form Your LLC?

There are dozens of Oregon LLC formation companies to choose from, so what makes us the best choice? We don’t charge hundreds of dollars each year for the bare minimum of service. As a local Oregon company, we can provide way more value at a much more affordable and transparent cost.

Our clients get premier business formation service, a year of registered agent service, a FREE trial of our Oregon Business Presence, real-time annual report reminders, UNLIMITED access to our library of business resources, a FREE attorney-drafted operating agreement, and expert business support for the lifetime of their LLC—all for just $235. We promise you won’t find a more comprehensive and affordable deal.

How to Maintain Your LLC

Once you’ve formed your Oregon LLC, you need to know how to maintain your business—ensuring it’s compliant and successful.

Open a Business Bank Account

For most business owners, the whole point of forming an LLC is to take advantage of limited liability protection. A business bank account is crucial to maintaining that protection. Starting an LLC creates a distinct legal entity that’s completely separate from you (the business owner). But if you use your personal bank account for your business, you will likely mix your personal and business accounts, jeopardizing your liability protections.

Luckily, when you hire us to form your Oregon LLC, you’ll have everything needed to open a bank account: a copy of your Articles of Organization, an LLC operating agreement, and an EIN.

Launch Your Oregon Business Presence

In today’s marketplace, a website and online presence are essential for businesses to reach and engage with their audience, establish credibility, and remain competitive. Whether you offer services or products online or in person, most businesses need an online presence.

• Domain name (ex:MyBusinessNameHere.com)
• Customizable website
• SSL Web Security to protect your customer’s information
• Up to 10 individual email addresses directly linked to your domain (ex: [email protected])
• Phone service with a local area code

Obtain Oregon Business Licenses and Permits

Oregon doesn’t require a general business license at the state level. However, specific professions and business types require a license, certification, and/or permit. For example, tattoo artists must obtain a license from the Board of Electrologists and Body Art Practitioners and pay the $50 filing fee.

In addition, some cities and counties may require licenses to operate within their jurisdiction. For example, all businesses in Portland, Oregon, must obtain a license and pay an annual business license tax.

For more information, you can check out the Oregon Business License Directory.

File Oregon Annual Report

Oregon LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This yearly report keeps the state up-to-date on your LLC, including current ownership and how to get in touch with the business.

Your annual report will be due on the anniversary day of filing your Articles of Organization. So if you formed your LLC on October 1st, 2023, your annual report and annual report fee will be due October 1st, 2024, and so on.

Oregon LLC FAQs

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Oregon?

The filing fee for the Oregon Articles of Organization is $100.

How long does it take to form an Oregon LLC?

The processing time for the Articles of Organization will vary depending on how you file. Online submissions typically take 1-3 business days. Paper forms typically take a full week to process.

Can I register as a foreign LLC in Oregon?

Absolutely! For just $135 plus state fees, we’ll handle your filing and provide Oregon registered agent service. Check out our Foreign LLC page for more information.