Is a Business License Needed in Oregon?
- The first step in legalizing a business in Oregon is registering the business entity with the Oregon Secretary of State. Business owners must fill out and submit the "Assumed Name Registration" form, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Oregon officials will ask the owner about the business to ensure that the owner completes additional forms for the specific industries as required by the state of Oregon.
- Business owners in Oregon also must contact the Oregon offices of the Internal Revenue Service to get a tax ID number. The number is also known as an EIN, which is an abbreviation for employer identification number. IRS offices are located in Bend, Eugene, Medford, Salem and Portland. The IRS requires owners to complete form SS-4 online, in person or over the phone with a representative.
- Oregon also requires businesses to have additional licenses and permits depending on the service or industry that applies to the business. Examples of local permits that apply to most businesses in Oregon include signage permits for setting up marketing or warning signs, health permits if serving food or offering health-related services and a building permit if the owner wants to change the appearance of the business property or office. Industry-related licenses include beauty, child care, health, automotive, plumber, real-estate, restaurant or food businesses and financial services.
- During the business registration at the Oregon Secretary of State's office, the owner must fill out forms for employees working for the business. This includes the form I-9, which is employee eligibility verification. Insurance is also required to protect the business, such as workers' compensation and unemployment insurance taxes.