Starting & running a business in Oregon
Oregon has no statewide sales tax but does have state income tax, and construction contractors must be licensed with the CCB before they can legally bid or advertise work.
The order to do things in
- 1
Register with the Secretary of State
Form your LLC or corporation, or file an assumed business name if you're operating under anything other than your own legal name.
- 2
Get an EIN and set up state tax accounts
Register with the Department of Revenue for withholding if you'll have employees, and understand the state income tax that applies to your business income.
- 3
Contractors: get a CCB license
The Construction Contractors Board requires pre-license training, a bond, and liability insurance. Advertising construction work without an active CCB number is illegal in Oregon.
- 4
Check local requirements
Portland and Multnomah County have their own business license and taxes; many other cities require registration too.
- 5
Watch the transit and payroll taxes
TriMet/LTD transit taxes and statewide transit tax apply to wages in covered areas.
Informational only. Fees, rates and requirements change. Confirm every step with the official OR agencies linked below, or with a licensed attorney or CPA, before you act.
Official OR sources
Guides for Oregon
Starting a Business in Oregon
Oregon's quick-start: Secretary of State filing, BIN, no sales tax — but watch the CAT.
ReadHow to Hire a Contractor in WA, OR & Idaho (Without Getting Burned)
License lookups, three questions that help identify warning signs, and how deposits and milestone payments should work.
Read