05. Register Your Business
Those doing business within the City of Portland are required to register with the city. Depending on the business structure you choose, you may also need to register with the State of Oregon. If you hire employees, you will be required to register federally. Registering your business appropriately helps you stay compliant and avoid potential fines.
Choose a legal structure
Before registering, choose a legal structure that best fits your business. Depending on what structure you choose, personal liability, tax requirements and how to maintain your legal structure differs. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand how to best manage these choices.
Explore the State of Oregon's Business Xpress Startup Toolkit for an overview of different organization structures.
Choose a business name
See if the business name you have in mind is available in Oregon.
Check your name against the US Patent and Trademark website and Oregon Active Trademark. Search or hire an attorney to research current trademarks before settling on a business name.
File an Assumed Business Name (ABN) if you are conducting business under a name other than the true and legal name of each person conducting the business.
City of Portland Registration
Who is required to register?
Individuals who do business in the City of Portland are required to register for a Revenue Division tax account within 60 days.
Verify if your location falls within the city limits.
Temporary business license
Businesses, including vendors and promoters, doing business over a very limited term in Portland must apply for a temporary business license from the City of Portland's Revenue Division.
Learn more about the eligibility and the registration fee.
Below are some examples of doing business in the City of Portland:
Regularly maintain a stock of goods for sale;
Own or lease an office;
Own or lease a place of business (other than an office) where affairs of the business are regularly conducted.
How to Register
Follow the steps here to register a business online or by mail, fax, or in person.
Information needed to register your business:
Business legal structure
Employer Identification Number (for individuals/sole proprietors, this is your social security number)
Business name
Business start date
Primary business address
Primary business contact (name and phone number)
Your email address is needed if registering online
Learn about business taxes for the city of Portland and its exemptions.
If a tax filer qualifies for an exemption from the City of Portland Business License Tax or Multnomah County Business Income Tax, they must file their business tax return to request an exemption each year and provide supporting tax pages.
State Registration
If your business structure is Business Corporation, Nonprofit Corporation, or Limited Liability Company, you are required to register with the State of Oregon.
Federal Registration
You may be required to register with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). It is free to register. This is optional if you are a sole proprietor with no employees.
Get Assistance
Meet with a Portland Office of Small Business Liaison
Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service gives referrals for lawyers in Oregon. The Lawyer Referral Service can help you find the right lawyer based on 1) area of law, 2) specific language access 3) location. Call (503) 684-3763 or 1 (800) 452-7636.
Prosper Portland Inclusive Business Resource Network
