Session 1 · Oregon
How to Start an LLC in Oregon (2026): a 7-Step Lesson and the 3 Best LLC Services
Key facts
In this lesson
- Where to file in Oregon and what the fee is
- What the registered agent rule asks of you
- The yearly upkeep
- How the graded picks compare
Our graded picks for Oregon
1. Mainstay Filing: best for skipping the annual report paperwork
Mainstay Filing gets our top grade for Oregon: three chores, the filing, the registered agent and the annual report, are folded into a single $199 annual price.
Three years here cost $200 more than Oregon Registered Agent.co, in return for doing more of the work.
It also files the annual report for you, and Oregon's $100 fee is billed at cost.
What the price covers
- Your formation filing is prepared and submitted
- Registered agent for twelve months
- Annual report prepared and filed
- The EIN application
- Official fee, at cost
Marks in its favor
- A flat $199 each year
- It takes care of the EIN application
- $199 at renewal
Where it loses points
- Oregon Registered Agent.co renews for $100 less
2. Oregon Registered Agent.co: best for a small first bill
Oregon Registered Agent.co lands in second place, and the reason is clear: formation costs $199 beyond the state fee, and the agent renews at $99.
Set aside time for the annual report every year, since the price does not include it.
What the price covers
- Your Oregon formation is prepared and filed
- The first year of agent service
Marks in its favor
- No agent fee in year one
- A low $99 renewal
- A formation fee of $199
Where it loses points
- The annual report filing is not included
- A $99 add-on for the EIN application
3. OR Registered Agent.org: best for a low agent renewal
OR Registered Agent.org lands in third place, and the reason is clear: formation costs $199 beyond the state fee, and the agent renews at $99.
Set aside time for the annual report every year, since the price does not include it.
Its prices equal Oregon Registered Agent.co's, so either is a sound choice.
What the price covers
- Your Oregon formation is prepared and filed
- The first year of agent service
Marks in its favor
- A low $99 renewal
- No agent fee in year one
- A formation fee of $199
Where it loses points
- The annual report filing is not included
- A $99 add-on for the EIN application
Our Oregon picks side by side
| # | Service | First year | From year two | Three-year total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $199/yr | $597 | Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | Oregon Registered Agent.co | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit Oregon Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | OR Registered Agent.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit OR Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
Starting an LLC in Oregon, one step at a time
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Step
1Settle on a name
Before filing, search the business records at the Oregon Secretary of State so you know the name is not already on the Oregon register.
Jot down two backup names before you search.
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Step
2Find your registered agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. An Oregon resident, or a corporation or LLC formed in Oregon or authorized there, whose business office is the registered office. The agent has to consent.
The address has to be a physical street address in Oregon where papers can be handed over. A commercial mail receiving agency, mail-forwarding business or virtual office is not accepted.
Every pick on our list includes a registered agent.
Where this comes from: Checked against oregonlegislature.gov, October 2026
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Step
3Will you file it yourself or use a service?
Either way the state keeps $100. A filing service adds $199, and our grades show which one is worth it.
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Step
4Prepare and file the Articles of Organization - Limited Liability Company
When the Oregon Secretary of State accepts the Articles of Organization - Limited Liability Company together with $100 (ORS 63.044), the LLC exists. Posted processing time: Online 1 to 3 business days.
Where this comes from: Checked against sos.oregon.gov, October 2026
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Step
5Ask the IRS for an EIN
Once approved, the LLC can get a federal tax ID, the EIN, from the IRS. A business bank account will need it. If you hire Mainstay Filing, it files the EIN application for you.
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Step
6Sign an operating agreement
Even if you are the only owner, a written operating agreement kept with the company records is a good idea for a Oregon LLC.
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Step
7Keep the LLC active
File the annual report every year ($100), by anniversary of the LLC's formation in Oregon, and the LLC stays active.
Where this comes from: Checked against sos.oregon.gov, August 2026
The cost of this lesson
| Cost item | Goes to | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The formation step | State office | $100 |
| Annual report | State office | $100 every year |
| Help from a service | The provider | $199 in year one |
| Three-year state total | State office | $300 |
Why Mainstay Filing comes first
What settled it was homework the price handles, worth 33% of the grade.
Having the annual report handled counted for more than Oregon Registered Agent.co's lower three-year cost.
Common questions
What does it cost to form an LLC in Oregon?
Oregon charges $100. Our picks charge $199 on top.
Which form creates the LLC?
The LLC comes into being when the Oregon Secretary of State accepts the Articles of Organization - Limited Liability Company.
Is a registered agent required?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
How long does Oregon take to process the filing?
Usually Online 1 to 3 business days. No paid expedite is offered.
What does Oregon require each year?
Oregon asks for the annual report every year. The fee is $100, and the due date is anniversary of the LLC's formation in Oregon.
Can I form the LLC without a service?
Yes, you may. Pay the state $100 when you file, and remember that the LLC still needs a registered agent.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?
Mainstay Filing first, then Oregon Registered Agent.co and OR Registered Agent.org; Mainstay Filing leads on homework the price handles.
Class references
- Source for Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division: sos.oregon.gov, confirmed in August 2026, and the reason our figures match the official ones.
- Source for Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division: sos.oregon.gov, confirmed in August 2026, and the reason our figures match the official ones.
- Source for Oregon report due date: oregon.public.law, confirmed in August 2026, and the reason our figures match the official ones.
- Source for ORS 63.044 and ORS 63.047: oregonlegislature.gov, confirmed in August 2026, and the reason our figures match the official ones.
- Source for Oregon formation fee: Filing fee, official source: sos.oregon.gov, confirmed in October 2026, and the reason our figures match the official ones.
- Source for Processing, official source: sos.oregon.gov, confirmed in October 2026, and the reason our figures match the official ones.
- Prices taken from the Oregon service page of Mainstay Filing on November 13, 2026
- Prices taken from the pricing page of Oregon Registered Agent.co on November 13, 2026
- Prices taken from the pricing page of OR Registered Agent.org on November 13, 2026