How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Oregon

If you've started selling your homemade jewelry online or running personal training sessions out of your garage, you've likely formed a sole proprietorship already—and you're not alone. When an individual starts a business (sells goods or services) and that person hasn't filed any legal documents with the state officially registering the business, then the person automatically created a sole proprietorship.

A sole proprietorship is low maintenance. It doesn't typically require you to file any creation documents or submit renewal filings or fees, and you can usually report your income on your personal tax return. But sole proprietors are personally liable for the business's debts and obligations, so you might need to dip into your personal funds to satisfy any debts your business can't pay.

In Oregon, you can establish a sole proprietorship without filing any legal documents with the Oregon state government. Though no action is required to legally create a sole proprietorship, you should follow four simple steps to start your business:

1. Choose a business name.
2. File an assumed business name registration with the Secretary of State (SOS).
3. Apply for licenses, permits, and zoning clearance.
4. Obtain an employer identification number (EIN).

For more information, read our article on how to start a business in Oregon.

1. Choose a Business Name

In Oregon, a sole proprietor can use their own legal name or a trade name—also sometimes known as an "assumed business name" or "doing business as" (DBA)—to conduct business. If you plan to use an assumed business name or trade name for your business, it can't be the same name as any other company currently registered with the state.

It's also a good idea to choose a name that's not too similar to another registered business to avoid trademark infringement. Under trademark law, your trade name can't be used by someone else in a way that would cause confusion among consumers. So, if you use a name that's the same as or too similar to someone else's trademark and you both provide similar goods or services, then you could be infringing on that other person's trademark. If you find a competitor company already exists with a similar name, then it's best to choose another name.

For example, suppose you want to operate a furniture repair shop in your garage under the name Refined Wood and Cloth Furniture Repair. In the next town over, there's a furniture store called Refined Woods and Cloths Furniture that has been in business for years. Because your repair business would have a similar name to a store that already exists, you should choose a different name.

To make sure your business name is available, you should run a search in the following government databases:

• Oregon SOS business name search, and
• United States Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Electronic Search System.

For more information, read our FAQ on how to choose and register a business name.

2. File an Assumed Business Name With Oregon

If you use a business name that's different from your legal name, Oregon requires you to register that assumed business name with the SOS. (Or. Rev. Stat. § 648.010 (2023).)

For instance, suppose Madeline Zhang runs a bookshop under the name Shady Tree Books. Because Madeline's business name, Shady Tree Books, isn't the same as her legal name, she'll need to register her business name.

You can register your assumed business name online or by filling out a printed form and mailing it to the SOS. Both online registration and the printable form are available on the assumed business name registration webpage of the SOS website. As of 2023, the filing fee is $50. You'll need to renew your registration every two years.

3. Apply for Licenses, Permits, and Zoning Clearance

Depending on your business activities, you could need to apply for business or professional licenses. The SOS's business Xpress license directory is a searchable online directory of over a thousand licenses, permits, and certifications. In addition, state licensing boards for specific professions generally have websites with licensing information.

You might also need to comply with local regulations, building permits, and zoning laws. The SOS's state license requirements webpage has contact information for licensing offices in major cities. More generally, you should check with your city and county governments for more information.

4. Obtain an EIN

Sole proprietors who wish to have employees need to obtain an EIN. This is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax reporting purposes. All businesses with employees are required to report wages to the IRS using an EIN. You can register for an EIN online with the IRS.

Sole proprietors without employees aren't required to have an EIN. Instead, you can use your Social Security number to report taxes. Nevertheless, you might want to obtain an EIN. Some banks require an EIN to open a bank account, and having an EIN can reduce the risk of identity theft.

In Oregon, businesses are required to report taxes and file various employee reports. You might need to use your EIN when reporting business taxes. If you have employees, you must report and pay employment taxes on a periodic basis.

Next Steps for Sole Proprietors

You should consider taking the following additional steps once you've started your sole proprietorship:

• Open a business bank account for your sole proprietorship. Using your assumed business name and EIN, set up a bank account to keep your business and personal finances separate. You should keep your business income and expenses separate from your personal funds so you can easily distinguish your business's financial profile for tax purposes. For instance, you can more easily report business deductions on your tax return if you've created a separate account.
• Obtain general liability insurance. Because sole proprietors are personally liable for all debts and obligations of the business, a business liability insurance policy can offer financial protection against unforeseen events. You should also consider other types of insurance for your business, including property and auto insurance. For more information, read our article on the types of insurance your small business might need.
• Report and pay taxes. Depending on your specific business activities, you could be required to report certain kinds of taxes. Unlike most states, Oregon doesn't have a state sales tax or use tax. Check out the businesses section of the Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) website for more information on topics such as tax certificates, vehicle sales tax, and other business taxes. The website also includes links to various DOR webpages—such as for employee withholding and unemployment insurance. (For more information, see our section on business taxes and deductions.)

To find out how to form a sole proprietorship in any other state, see our 50-state guide to establishing a sole proprietorship.

Consulting a Small Business Attorney

You might not need to submit paperwork to start a sole proprietorship in Oregon. But your specific circumstances could require you to file certain forms and comply with certain rules and regulations. As a business owner, it's important to understand what steps you need to take to legally start and operate your sole proprietorship.

If you have business experience and only need to meet a few requirements to establish your sole proprietorship, you can probably do the work yourself. But if you need specific guidance or run into a complicated issue when starting your business, you should talk to a small business lawyer. They can help you register your name, file your taxes, and obtain licenses and permits.