When starting a new business, there are many important decisions to make and many rules and procedures that must be addressed. While there is no single source for all filing requirements, the following steps have been developed to assist you in starting your business.
Before You Begin
Starting a successful business requires a great deal of preparation. The How to Start
a Business in Oregon guide is designed to provide basic information on how to start a business in Oregon. The guide provides a list of recommendations to help you get your business off to a good start. If you will have employees in Oregon, then you will also want to review the Employer’s Guide for Doing Business in Oregon, for information on laws, regulations and taxation requirements affecting businesses with employees.
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Preparation The Business Information Center is a cooperative outreach effort of state agencies designed as a first stop for starting a business in Oregon. An online Business Wizard provides customized referrals containing information regarding government or organization contacts for your business. The How to Start a Business in Oregon guide provides a general checklist to guide you through the process of registering your business. |
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Planning It helps to begin with a plan. A business plan is a blueprint of every aspect of your business. Sales, marketing, advertising, promotion and location are just some of the aspects of creating a plan. Click on the following link to the US Small Business Administration to find a tutorial on how to create a business plan. Oregon has many programs available to assist businesses. The Oregon Business Guide lists three broad categories of business assistance programs. Management & Technical
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Select Your Business Name and Structure Choose a business structure. Select a business entity type from the following list for a brief overview of the principal types of legal business structures available in Oregon. A legal representative and accountant should be consulted before making a determination as to the type of business entity to form. Choosing a Legal Structure. Sole Proprietorship |
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Register Your Business The Oregon Secretary of State's, Corporation Division is the place to register your Corporation, Nonprofit Corporation, Assumed Business Name, Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Partnership, Oregon Trademark or Service Mark. Go to the Forms & Fees page to download and print forms. |
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Understanding Tax Obligations Understanding your tax obligations is an important consideration for any business. The Business Information Center also provides information about Oregon and federal income taxes. Learn about requirements to report personal property to your county assessor's office. You will also want to check on other taxes that may apply to your business. Most businesses will need to apply to the Internal Revenue Service for a federal employer identification number (EIN). You can now apply online for a Federal EIN through the IRS and the Small Business Administration. |
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Check Licenses Many occupations and business activities require special licenses, permits, or certifications from state agencies or boards. The State of Oregon now offers and searchable online License Directory, a comprehensive directory of over 1,100 licenses, permits, and certifications. The Business Information Center also provides information on state license requirements. Construction and landscape contractors need to register with the Construction Contractors Board or Landscape Contractors Board. Cities and counties may also require businesses to have a license or permit in order to operate. Please check with your city and county government to determine the license, permit, or zoning requirements for your area. Check Local Licenses Requirements. |
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Other Requirements Protect your idea. Learn about registering Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, and Service Marks with the State of Oregon and the federal government. Check with the Department of Environmental Quality. Some business activities will require you to contact the Department of Environmental Quality. Determine if you comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many businesses are subject to this federal law that prohibits discrimination against disabled persons. |
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Ongoing Registration Requirements Now that you've established your business and fulfilled the initial requirements, you will want to make sure that you keep your reporting and registration obligations current. Businesses registered with the Secretary of State Corporation Division must file annual reports and renew their registration information. Payment coupons are mailed approximately 45 days prior to renewal due date. Check Business Registry & Renewal for more information. Nonprofit organizations that engage in charitable activities need to file annual reports with the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ), Charitable Activities Section, and the Internal Revenue Service. Check Information for Nonprofit Organizations. Many occupational or business licenses require annual renewal. Please check with the specific licensing agency for specific requirements. The Referral List provides contact information for government agencies arranged by subject or topic. |
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| Links to Other Government Agencies that you may want to contact. | ||