Anyone starting a business in Oregon must conduct a business search with the Oregon Secretary of State. Because the Secretary of State is in charge of keeping vital state records, any entity wishing to do business in Oregon must first register with them. Using the Secretary of State’s website to conduct an entity search will help you narrow down your business name and gain access to important information about other businesses. The business search function can be used by the owner of a pre-existing company to access their own company information.
| Official Website: | http://www.filinginoregon.com |
| Address: | 255 Capitol St NE, Ste 151, Salem, OR 97310-1327 |
| Phone: | 1(503)986-2200 |
| E-Mail: | oregon.sos@state.or.us |
| Hours: | 8am- 5pm, Monday-Friday |
Oregon Business Search Shortcut
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How to Search for Business Name Availability in Oregon
- Conduct a business search of the Secretary of State’s system to see if any given entity name is available. To begin, go to this page and click on Business Name Availability. Then, in the search field, type in an entity name.
- The provided name will be displayed if it is accessible. If the name is currently in use by another company, you will be told, and a list of alternative business names that may clash with your intended entity name will be displayed.
How to Search for Business Entity Details in the OR SOS Database
- Go to the Oregon Secretary of State website to learn more about a certain entity. Select a search strategy from the choices on the left to narrow down your results. On the right hand side of the page, you may search for current companies, inactive businesses, or both. Continue by typing an entity’s name into the search box.
- The results of all the entities that match your search will appear on the following page. Click on either the registry number or the entity’s name to get all the information you need about your search.
- The registered agent’s name and address, as well as a summary of the business entity’s history, are all listed here.
Steps to Form a New Corporation in Oregon
- Select a business concept
- Choose a legal structure.
- Choose a Name: You may check for suitable names on the Oregon SOS website by doing a company name search.
- Select a Registered Agent in Oregon
- Initial directors should be appointed.
- Fill out the Oregon Articles of Incorporation and submit them.
- Get your Oregon corporation an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
- Licenses and permits must be applied for.
Frequently Asked Questions on Oregon Secretary of State Business Search
Is it necessary to register my business in Oregon?
Yes. All businesses in Oregon, including DBAs, assumed names, sole proprietorships, LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships, must be registered. The form can be submitted online and can also be mailed to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation Division. The cost of filing is $50.
Why should I register my business name?
The main reason for registering your business name is to let the public (and other businesses) know who is operating under that name. The law requires people doing business in Oregon under a fictitious name to register it with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation Division as a public record. This registration informs the public that the name’s owner intends to conduct business under that name. It helps business owners establish their brand among other businesses while also providing contact information for legal proceedings to the general public. The required organizational documents must be filed with us just like when you form a business, such as a corporation or limited liability company.
Is it necessary to have a business license in Oregon?
In Oregon, there is no general business license. However, specific permits and licenses may be required depending on the type of business you plan to operate.
Why do I need a business identification number in Oregon?
All applicable payroll taxes, including withholding tax, unemployment tax, transit taxes, and the Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment, require an Oregon business identification number (BIN).
In Oregon, how do I obtain a business identification number?
You can get your business identification number, also known as a BIN, from the Secretary of State’s online business registry or by filling out and mailing or submitting the combined employer registration form.