Oregon Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Oregon incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Oregon

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Oregon corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Oregon with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Corporate Name

The name must contain either the word or abbreviation of "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated" or "Limited." It must be distinguishable from any corporation name, reserved name, registered name, professional corporate name, nonprofit corporate name, cooperative name, limited partnership name, business trust name or assumed business name. The name shall not contain the word "Cooperative" or include words in parentheses.The name must be comprised of the English letters "a" through "z."

Director information

The following are Oregon’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Oregon does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Oregon does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Oregon is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Oregon's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Oregon. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Oregon allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Oregon corporations.

Corporate records

Oregon corporations must keep the following items with their corporate records at their principal office:

• The Articles of Incorporation and any amendments
• Bylaws or restated bylaws and any amendments
• Permanent records of minutes of director and shareholder meetings
• Permanent records of actions taken by the shareholders or directors without a meeting or by a committee of the board of directors in place of the board of directors on behalf of the corporation
• Resolutions by the board of directors creating one or more classes or series of shares and fixing their relative rights, preferences and limitations
• An alphabetical record of shareholders including their names and addresses and listing the number and class of shares held
• Written communications to shareholders for the past three years
• A list of names and business addresses of current directors and officers
• Most recent annual report

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Oregon corporations:

• Annual report. Oregon requires corporations to file an annual report on or before the anniversary date of the incorporation. The filing fee is $50.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Oregon corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Oregon .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Oregon does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Oregon recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Oregon information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Oregon:

• Oregon LLC Formation