New Business Checklist

The following checklist itemizes the basic considerations and requirements for starting a business in Oregon. While the list is intended to be comprehensive, it is a general checklist and there may be some obligations for your specific business activity that are not covered. The State of Oregon Business Referral Center has a new feature known as the Business Wizard. Users answer a few brief questions and are provided with a customized referral list of government licensing, registration, and regulatory contacts and organization contacts for their business. This referral list contains phone numbers for the key agency contacts and internet links to appropriate forms and information about registration requirements for business. The referral list can also be saved to your computer desktop for future use and reference. You can obtain more detailed information by visiting the Oregon Business Guide at http://www.filinginoregon.com/brc/index.htm

• Select Your Business Name and Structure. Consult an attorney to draw up organizing documents. Register business name with Secretary of State.
• Check State License Requirements for your trade or profession
• Check Local License Requirements (e.g. City Licensing)
• Check Zoning for Business Location
• Obtain Income Tax Information by consulting with our office.
• Arrange for Personal Property Tax Report for Business
• Check on Other Taxes that Apply to your Business
• Check with Department of Environmental Quality, if necessary
• Obtain Federal Tax I.D. Number, if needed
• Determine if you Must Comply with Americans with Disabilities Act
• File Combined Employer Registration Report Form with the State of Oregon
• Obtain Withholding Exemption Certificate (W-4 Form) and Employment Verification (I-9 Form) for Each employee
• Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance
• Contact OR-OSHA About Safety and Health Regulations
• Obtain New Hire Report forms and submit to Support Enforcement