Start a Corporation in Oregon

Our Oregon Incorporation Package

Since we own our building in the state capital, we can offer faster filing and more perks while keeping our prices low. Here’s what you get with our Oregon incorporation package:

Your registered agent service will renew after one year for $35. We’ll also help you keep track of your annual report deadline by sending real-time compliance reminders before the due date, and we’ll even file your annual report for $100 + the state fee. If you prefer to manage your own annual compliance, you can easily cancel this service in your online account.

How to Form a Corporation in Oregon

Below, we explain how to start a corporation in Oregon on your own.

1. Choose a name for your corporation

When deciding on a name for your corporation, first check the Oregon Business Name Search to make sure the name you want is available. The name can’t be the same as or confusingly similar to any other active business name in Oregon. Additionally, your corporation’s name must:

• Include “corporation,” “incorporated,” or “limited,” or an abbreviation of one of those words.
• Not include the word “cooperative.”
• Be written in the English alphabet (may also include numbers and/or punctuation).

If you want to reserve your business name for up to 120 days before you file your Articles of Incorporation, you can submit an Application for Name Reservation form to the OR Secretary of State. The filing fee is a steep $100, but you may decide it’s worth it to guarantee that your name will be available when you’re ready to form your corporation.

2. Appoint a registered agent

Every corporation in Oregon is required to appoint an Oregon registered agent on the Articles of Incorporation. This can be an individual (like an officer of your company) or a registered agent service (like us!), as long as they can meet these requirements:

• Cannot be the company itself.
• Must have a physical address in Oregon, which will go on the public record.
• Must be present at this address during normal business hours year-round.
• Must accept service of process in person and forward it promptly to the business.

Hopefully your company will never have to deal with a lawsuit, but if it happens, it’s important you respond fast to avoid penalties. That’s why it makes sense to hire a local, well-established registered agent service. We operate locally in the state capital, where we receive your important documents and forward them to you the same day, guaranteed.

3. File Oregon Articles of Incorporation

Submitting Articles of Incorporation officially creates your corporation in Oregon. You can register your corporation online through the Oregon Business Registry or mail the paper Articles of Incorporation form to the Secretary of State – Corporation Division. You’ll need to provide the following information:

• Corporation name
• Principal office (Must be a physical address, not a PO box)
• Registered agent name and address (Must be a physical address in Oregon)
• Mailing address
• Number of shares
• For professional corporations only, description of licensed professional service offered
• Names and addresses of incorporators (Person/people filing the Articles)
• Names and addresses for initial president and initial secretary (Optional, but may be required to open a business bank account)
• Name and address for individual with direct knowledge of business (Director, controlling shareholder or authorized representative)
• Optional provisions (Not needed for most corporations)
• Name, signature, and title of person filing the Articles

Note: All of the addresses on this form go on the public record. They’ll be easily accessible to marketers and anyone else who looks up your business. When you hire us to form your company, we can use our business address in all applicable fields, helping you protect your privacy.

4. Pay the Filing Fee

There’s a $100 state processing fee for filing the Articles of Incorporation. You can pay this with a credit or debit card if you file online. If you file by mail, include a check made out to “Corporation Division.”

5. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is a tax ID number for businesses, and every corporation is required to have one. The fastest way to apply for an EIN is online. You can apply online via the IRS website for free and receive your EIN in just a few minutes. However, if you don’t have a social security number, you’ll need to apply by phone, mail, or fax, and the process could take several months.

6. Create Corporate Bylaws

State law requires all corporations to create Oregon corporate bylaws. Your bylaws are internal legal documents that establish important processes for your corporation, including, but not limited to:

• Powers and responsibilities of officers & directors
• Process of shareholder meetings and voting
• Process for issuing stock
• How finances will be managed
• How records will be kept

You don’t need to submit your bylaws to a government agency, but it’s important that you keep them with your business records and that everyone in your corporation understands and agrees to them. Bylaws are legally binding, and there can be serious consequences for not following them. Most corporations hire a lawyer to draft their bylaws or start with a bylaws template.

When we form your corporation, we provide free attorney-drafted bylaws specific to Oregon business laws.

7. Hold an Initial Board Meeting

After your corporation has been formed, you’re required to hold an organizational meeting. Per state law ORS 60.057, this meeting should be held by the initial board of directors, unless the directors haven’t yet been named. In that case, the incorporators must hold the organizational meeting and elect directors at the meeting.

At the initial board meeting, the board of directors appoints officers, adopts corporate bylaws, and handles any other initial business that is brought forward.

8. Obtain Necessary Business Licenses and Permits

Oregon doesn’t have a general business license, but most corporations require one or more licenses or permits, such as:

• Local licenses. Some cities and counties in Oregon require a local business license.
• Professional licenses. Whether it’s event catering or dentistry, you’ll need the appropriate specialized licenses and training before you can offer professional services.
• Zoning permits. You may need a zoning permit to operate a business in a certain location. If you run your business from home, certain cities and counties require a home-based business permit.

To learn more about specific licensing requirements for your business, start by using the state’s Business License Directory Search or contact your local government office.

Oregon Corporation FAQs

Does Oregon have an annual report?

Yes. Oregon business entities (including corporations) need to file an annual report with the OR Secretary of State each year. This report updates the state on basic information about your business. The due date is the anniversary of your incorporation date. For example, if you formed your corporation on October 1, 2024, you need to file your first annual report by October 1, 2025.

There’s a $100 filing fee for domestic Oregon corporations and a $275 filing fee for foreign corporations (any corporation formed outside of Oregon).

How much does it cost to register a corporation in Oregon?

It costs $100 to file your OR Articles of Incorporation with the SOS, which registers your new corporation with the state of Oregon. There may be additional fees for any required business licenses and permits.

How much is business tax in Oregon?

Corporations doing business in Oregon need to pay the Oregon corporation excise tax, which varies based on net income. This applies to both C-corporations and S-corporations. For businesses making under $500,000 per year, the minimum excise tax is $150. C-corporations are also subject to the federal corporate income tax of 21%.

Do Oregon corporations need to file the BOI Report?

Yes, most corporations in Oregon need to file the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This report asks for identifying information about the people who own or have significant control of your business, with the purpose being to crack down on scam businesses, terrorist groups, and other bad actors.

There are exemptions to this requirement, including for some publicly traded companies, nonprofits, and large operating companies. If you’re not sure whether you need to file this report, it’s a good idea to consult an attorney.