Oregon LLC – How to Form an LLC in Oregon? (8-Step Guide)

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Step 1: Pick Your Oregon LLC’s Name

• Be Distinct: Your name must be unique and easily distinguishable from the name of any other business, trade name, or other registered entity in the state of Oregon. This means you cannot choose the same name that any other business has chosen unless they have failed to maintain their registration. However, you may choose the same name as a business in other states that have not registered in Oregon, as well as domestic businesses that simply have not registered the name with the state.

Oregon’s law requires the Secretary of State to accept names that follow these rules and are distinguishable from ones previously on record. Most states require the last rule, being distinct; however, Oregon is particularly generous. In general, as long as the name is even a letter off from those already taken, it may be distinct enough to be accepted. Also, keep in mind that all assumed business names are associated with a particular county in Oregon, so there can be several identical names as long as they are filed in separate counties. However, this does not mean that you can legally use these names only that they will be accepted by the state, but we’ll talk more about that later on.

For more information on picking a name for your Oregon LLC, check out the Secretary of State website. You can also use the Business Registry Database to search for names to see if the name you have chosen is available. One thing you may want to consider before you settle on a name is whether a suitable URL is available for it. If so, consider purchasing it before registering your business to ensure it remains available.

Name Reservation

If you find a name you want to use, but you aren’t ready to file your Articles of Organization yet, it is possible to reserve your name. This is not required, and it will cost you a $100 filing fee to do so, but you may consider it worth it if you are attached to a name, and you are worried it might be taken by the time you register your business. If you choose to, just print and fill out this form, attach your payment for $100, and file it with the state.

For Doing Business With a DBA in Oregon

If your chosen business name includes the actual names of any owners, then you do not have to perform a “doing business as” (DBA) registration. As an example, if you are John Smith and you want to open John Smith Architecture, then you’re fine. If this is the case, there is no need to register it beyond what you were already doing when you registered your business. But, if this is not the case, be sure to register the assumed name with the state of Oregon for your LLC.

This means if instead of John Smith Architecture, you wish to open Best Value Architecture, this is an assumed business name, and you will need to register it as an assumed business name.

Just Because You Register the Name Does Not Mean You Can Use It

This may shock you, but Oregon does not guarantee that the name you have chosen is legally available, only that it is not actively registered with the state itself. The name you choose must be carefully considered and researched to guarantee it is actually available, and then you must use it and defend it legally if necessary to assert your right to it.

One potential issue is registering a name already in use. For example, if you choose the name Walmart, then you may be able to register it in a county located in Oregon. However, that does not mean that you could not be sued for attempting to use this name.

Additionally, you may find that other businesses choose names similar to your own, perhaps even only one letter off. Just because they registered does not mean you cannot take legal action against them. The only way to establish your right to a business name for your LLC is by first registering it, then using it, and finally by legally defending it as necessary.

For help in ensuring the name you choose is legally available and for more information on defending it, consulting a lawyer is suggested. Their advice can be invaluable in preventing unnecessary legal action.

Step 2: Select a Registered Agent for Your Oregon LLC

If you aren’t sure whether to hire a professional registered agent or do it yourself, here is some information to help you decide.

• Regular Business Hours: All registered agents in the state of Oregon must be available during regular business hours at the stated address. This means 9 am -5 pm regardless of when your business actually is open.
• Damage to Reputation: If your business acts as its own registered agent, and it is ever served, then this may occur in front of your customers, coworkers, and employees. This can be an embarrassing and damaging experience.
• Public Address: By acting as your own registered agent,  your address will be a part of the public record. This can be a problem for some if you run your business from home as it means that anyone can see your address on public databases connected to your business.

Professional Registered Agent

If you choose to use a professional registered agent,  there are several options available. One is to hire an attorney to act as your registered agent, but this can be very costly.

Another is to use one of a variety of online services that maintain registered agent addresses in every state. These are far more affordable, and some even offer the first year free if you choose to file your LLC with them. We will talk about some of the best options later on.

Step 3: How to Draft and File your Articles of Organization for Oregon State?

The processing time should be three to five days. You could also file online at the same website. If you choose to file online, the processing time should be about 24 hours.

You’ll want to have some information on hand to fill out the Articles of Organization, and we will list what you’ll need below.

1. Name of Your LLC: You will need to put the name you’ve chosen for your LLC. Be sure to include LLC, L.L.C., limited liability, or Limited Liability Company in your chosen name.
2. Duration of Your LLC: You could have a specific end date, or it could be perpetual.
3. Registered Agent Name and Address: You need to have a person who is available during business hours to accept legal paperwork on your business’s behalf in case it is involved in a court case or lawsuit. This is your registered agent. A registered agent can be a person or a service that handles this for your LLC. Many LLC formation services are willing to do this as a part of an LLC formation service package or for a separate fee.
4. Mailing Address: List the address where your business is carried out, or its records are stored. You are required to list a physical address, not a P.O. Box. Also, it cannot be a mail receiving service.
5. Names and Addresses of the LLCs Organizers: You need to list the names and addresses of all the people that organized your LLC.
6. Type of Management Structure: Your LLC can be member-managed or manager-managed. A member-managed LLC is run by its members. Whereas a manager-managed LLC is managed by a manager or managers chosen by the members of the LLC.
7. Description of Professional Service: If your LLC is providing a professional service, you need to describe it here. Otherwise, leave this space blank.
8. Optional Provisions: Theseare provisions you can select for your LLC if they are appropriate. If your LLC benefits society and the environment but still earns a profit, you can select for your business to be a benefit company. Although, your business will need to meet certain standards of an approved third-party organization.
   1. You can select the indemnification provision if you’d like your LLC to indemnify its managers, members, owners, or agents. This provides extra liability for these people. It will protect them personally against legal liability for their own actions. To fully understand this protection, it is best to consult an attorney.
9. Names and Addresses of Members and Managers: Oregon does not require that you list the names and addresses of your members and managers. However, a bank may require this when opening an account to prove ownership.
10. Signatures of LLC Organizers: All organizers of the LLC must sign and print their names in this section along with their titles.
11. Name and Phone Number of Contact Person: You need to put the name and phone number of a person who is authorized to speak for the LLC in case the Oregon Secretary of State has questions about the filing.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement for Your Oregon LLC

• Ownership Interest: Ownership interest is something you’ll definitely want to include in your operating agreement. Although a member’s ownership in the LLC is typically based on the amount of money he or she invests in the LLC, other arrangements are possible. Some members may bring other things of value to the LLC, such as ideas or experience, which may entitle them to a larger share in the LLC than their financial investment would indicate. However, it is important to specify the percentage of the business each member has to avoid misunderstanding. This is especially important when the percentage of ownership is not based entirely on the percentage of investment.
• Profits and Losses: Profits and losses are generally distributed according to the percentage of the business the member owns. The losses or earnings will pass through the LLC to the member. The member will then report the profit or loss on their personal tax return. However, the law does not require the profits and losses to be distributed based on the percentage of ownership. The members can agree to distribute the profits differently, but this should be spelled out in the operating agreement.
• Rights and Responsibilities: The rights and responsibilities of the LLC’s members will be different depending on whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed. So, it is best to specify in the operating agreement which form of management your LLC will have. Then, you should specify the responsibilities and rights of each member and manager. This should include how to choose or change managers as well as how to handle any disagreements the members may have.
• Changing Owners: In many states, if members don’t specify what will happen if a member leaves the LLC, the default action is to dissolve the LLC. This would be unfortunate if the other members would prefer to maintain the LLC. Therefore, it is best to prepare ahead and specify what will happen to the LLC should one or more of its members leave the LLC and the remaining members want to continue the LLC. You should put in the agreement whether any notice will be required and how the member’s share of the LLC will be distributed among the remaining members. Also, you should specify if the member will receive any compensation for his or her share of the LLC and, if so, what it will be.
• Dissolving Your LLC: Unless you planned for your LLC to last for a limited time period, you might not think you need to prepare for the dissolution of your LLC. But, it is best to plan ahead in case you do need to deal with this situation. You’ll want to specify how any assets will be divided. Specifying what will happen if the LLC is dissolved could avoid not only arguments but lawsuits as well.

Step 5: Apply for an EIN in Oregon

Step 6: Ensure Your Oregon LLC Protects Your Personal Assets

1. Get a business bank account. Opening a business bank account can help keep your business and personal assets separate, which will help protect your personal assets. It will also make bookkeeping and taxes easier.
2. Choose an authorized representative. If you designate an authorized representative for your LLC and have them sign any official documents for your LLC, it could help keep your LLC’s liability separate from your personal liability.
3. Obtain a business credit card. This is an additional step you can take to keep your business finances separate from your personal finances. It can also help build your LLC’s credit history.

Step 7: Compliance with Oregon LLCs

This report is due each year by the date on which your LLC was formed. The filing fee is $100. You can file it online at the Oregon Secretary of State website or mail it to:

Secretary of State, Corporations Division, Public Service Building

255 Capitol St. NE
Suite 151
Salem, OR. 97310

Business Licenses and Permits in Oregon

If you are going to operate an LLC in Oregon, you will need to comply with all federal, state, and local requirements. This means you may need to obtain various business licenses and permits for your business. You can check the Oregon Secretary of State website, and you can also check with your local county clerk to be sure you have any licenses or permits you need.

Step 8: Employer Taxes in Oregon

Consider Getting Assistance and Saving Time When Forming Your Oregon LLC

There are many LLC formation services that can help you make the process fast and easy. Here are two of the most respected providers you can consider using.

#1: Start Your LLC in Oregon With IncAuthority

IncAuthority is one of the few LLC formation services that offers a free option, although this does not include state fees. They also include a free year of registered agent service and provide lifetime alerts to help you stay in compliance with state laws.

#2: Start Your LLC in Oregon With ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is one of the best LLC formation services out there. It has very reasonable prices and allows people to choose a two-installment payment plan. It has several great features, but two of the best are worry-free compliance service which helps you stay in compliance with your state’s laws, and a free year of registered agent service.

Conclusion

Now you know how to form an LLC in Oregon following 8 easy steps. Forming an LLC is one of the best ways to lower your liability yet prevent the double taxation associated with forming a corporation. Luckily, Oregon is one of the best states in which to register your business with a low personal tax rate and no sales tax. So, go ahead; there’s no reason not to form an LLC in Oregon today.

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