Forming an Oregon LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Oregon (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Oregon, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Oregon, you must submit the Articles of Organization to the Oregon Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100, and the approval process takes about 3 days.

Here are the 5 steps to follow:
Choose an LLC Name
Select a Registered Agent
File Articles of Organization
Create an Operating Agreement
Obtain an EIN

If you prefer to set up your LLC independently, refer to our free guide below. Alternatively, if you’d like professional assistance, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

What is the cost of starting an LLC in Oregon?

The initial fee to establish an LLC is $100, followed by an annual fee of $100. What do these fees cover? The initial $100 is for filing the Articles of Organization, which officially forms your LLC. The yearly $100 is for the Annual Report, a required submission to maintain your LLC’s active status. For more details, visit LLC Costs in Oregon.

How long is the process to obtain an LLC in Oregon?

Filing by mail will result in approval within 4-6 weeks, accounting for mail time. However, if you opt for online filing, approval is granted within 2-3 business days. Check How long does it take to get an LLC in Oregon for any potential delays.

Here’s how to establish an LLC in Oregon

1. Look Up Your LLC Name

Ensure your LLC name is available in the state by conducting a name search. This step is crucial because no two businesses in the same state can share an identical name.

Begin by checking your desired business name against those already registered in the state. You can verify the uniqueness of your chosen LLC name using the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Registry Search.

Next, get acquainted with the state’s naming regulations to ensure your LLC name receives approval. We’ll delve into both aspects further here: Oregon LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Oregon Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Oregon Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Oregon Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Oregon mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Oregon or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit Articles of Organization

To establish an LLC, you must submit the Articles of Organization to the Oregon Secretary of State.

The cost for filing these documents online is $100. This is a one-time payment required to form your LLC. If you prefer to handle this process independently, refer to our detailed guide: Oregon Articles of Organization. Alternatively, you can hire a service provider to manage it on your behalf.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Oregon Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Oregon EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

Once your LLC gets the green light, there are a few more tasks to tackle.

LLC Business Bank Account


It’s essential to set up a business bank account for your LLC. This step simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business finances. Moreover, having a distinct business bank account helps preserve your personal liability protection by separating your business funds from personal ones.

Obtain Business Licenses and Permits


Here’s some good news: Oregon doesn’t require a state general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, you might need a local business license or permit. For instance, starting a daycare might require a license from the city or county. For more details, visit our Oregon Business License page.

File Your LLC Annual Report


Every Oregon LLC must submit an Annual Report each year to stay in good standing with the state. What’s the cost for an Oregon Annual Report? The fee is $100 annually. When is it due? Your LLC’s Annual Report is due on your LLC’s anniversary date every year. The first Annual Report is due the year after your LLC is approved. For instance, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, your first report is due by February 15, 2026. Filing can be done online or via mail; we suggest online for ease. Check out our guide here: Oregon LLC Annual Report.

File and Pay Taxes


LLCs don’t pay federal taxes directly. Instead, the LLC Members handle the taxes for the LLC through their personal tax returns. How is your LLC taxed? By default, the IRS taxes your LLC based on its ownership: A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership. Alternatively, you can request the IRS to tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.

Partnership Minimum Tax
Oregon-based LLCs taxed as Partnerships might need to pay the Partnership Minimum Tax (PMT). Your Multi-Member LLC is liable for this tax if it conducted business in Oregon in the past year and must file an Oregon Partnership Return (Form OR-65). Find more details on the PMT from the Oregon Department of Revenue: Partnership Minimum Tax. Besides federal taxes, state and local income taxes also apply. Learn more in Oregon LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

Oregon Secretary of State Contact Info

Oregon Secretary of State (Corporation Division)
​​503-986-2200​​​​​​
8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday

How to Start an LLC in Oregon FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Oregon?

Absolutely, you can establish your LLC online. The Articles of Organization have a filing fee of $100. Once you file online, approval typically takes 2-3 business days.

One of the primary benefits of an LLC is the protection it offers to your personal assets. This means if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal belongings—such as your house, vehicles, and bank accounts—remain safeguarded. This protection is extended to all LLC members, whether you have a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. LLC members are shielded from the business’s debts and liabilities, unlike in a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where personal assets aren’t protected in lawsuits. Consequently, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a preferred business structure. Another advantage is LLC pass-through taxation, where the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits pass through to the members, who then report and pay taxes on their personal returns. Indiana state income taxation aligns with the federal tax treatment for LLCs. For further insights, refer to How are LLCs taxed.

Deciding if Oregon is a good state for starting an LLC depends on your residency and business activities. If you reside or operate in Oregon, you should start your LLC there. Although some websites highlight favorable tax rates in certain states, these benefits are irrelevant if it’s not your state of residence or business.

For instance, if you form an LLC in Wyoming but live and work in Oregon, you’ll need to register your Wyoming LLC in Oregon, incurring additional fees. You’ll still be liable for Oregon taxes, resulting in extra costs and complications without benefits. Therefore, if you live and work in Oregon, it’s a suitable state to start a business. Conversely, if you don’t reside or conduct business there, it’s not ideal.

Real estate exception: If investing in real estate outside Oregon, form your LLC in the state where the property is located. For further insights, see Best State to Form an LLC.

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