United States

United States

Company Formation in Oregon

State of Oregon — Office of the Secretary of State (Corporation Division)

Formation Time
1–2 business days
Min. Capital
No minimum
Corporate Tax
6.6% (income ≤ $1M), 7.6% (income > $1M); 21% federal CIT; 0.57% CAT on sales > $1M
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

The State of Oregon is an economic and technological powerhouse on the US Pacific Rim, world-renowned for two defining business advantages: it is one of only five US states with **zero (0%) state or local sales tax**, and it is home to the 'Silicon Forest'—the world's highest concentration of semiconductor manufacturing, advanced silicon research, and high-performance computing on the West Coast. Anchored by the Portland metropolitan area and Hillsboro, Oregon hosts Intel's global technology development campus (the Ronler Acres mega-complex, employing over 22,000 engineers and developing next-generation EUV silicon chips) alongside multinational sports and apparel giants (Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton and Columbia Sportswear). With direct transpacific maritime shipping lanes to Asia-Pacific markets, clean and affordable renewable hydroelectric power, and zero sales tax on commercial transactions, Oregon is a premier destination for hardware engineering, outdoor lifestyle brands, digital tech startups, and Pacific trade logistics.

0% state and local sales tax
Silicon Forest semiconductor hub
Nike & athletic apparel global capital
Low $100 annual report fee
Direct Pacific Rim export port

Why Choose Oregon

1

0% state and local sales tax — one of only 5 sales-tax-free states in the entire US

2

The Silicon Forest — global capital for semiconductor R&D and advanced silicon engineering

3

Global headquarters of Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and world-leading athletic apparel cluster

4

Direct Pacific Rim shipping ports and air connections to Tokyo, Seoul, and East Asia

5

Clean, low-cost commercial electricity powered by Columbia River hydroelectric systems

6

Fast 1–2 business day electronic incorporation with the Oregon Secretary of State

7

No inventory tax and no worldwide unitary reporting requirements

8

Direct access to tier-1 US banking rails, Stripe merchant processing, and USD clearing

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
Limited Liability Company (LLC)100%1 manager/memberNonePass-through taxation for members; 0% state sales tax on all salesTech startups, e-commerce, sports apparel brands, consulting, Pacific Rim trading
Business Corporation (C-Corp)100%1 individualNone6.6% (income ≤ $1M) / 7.6% (income > $1M) + 21% federal CITHardware manufacturers, semiconductor suppliers, institutional VC-backed companies

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

Name Availability & Registered Agent

1 day

Verify corporate name and appoint licensed Oregon registered agent.

2

Articles of Organization Filing

1–2 days

Submit filing via Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry portal.

3

IRS EIN Issuance

1–2 days

Obtain federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS.

4

Operating Agreement & Corporate Bylaws

1 day

Execute company operating agreement and corporate resolutions.

5

Remote US Corporate Banking

3–5 days

Open FDIC-insured US corporate bank account with Mercury, Relay, or US Bank.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeUSD 100+
Our Service FeeUSD 850 – 2,200
Annual RenewalUSD 100+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Oregon corporations enjoy exceptional banking support through premier Pacific Northwest and national banking institutions (U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase) and tech-friendly digital business banking platforms (Mercury, Relay).

Account Opening Time
3–7 business days
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

U.S. Bank (Portland commercial hub)JPMorgan ChaseWells FargoMercuryRelay

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
6.6% on first $1M taxable income, 7.6% on income over $1M + 21% federal CIT. Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) is 0.57% on Oregon-sourced gross receipts exceeding $1,000,000
Personal Income Tax
4.75% to 9.9% progressive state income tax
VAT / Sales Tax
0% — Oregon has NO state or local sales tax whatsoever
Capital Gains Tax
Taxed as ordinary income at state rates
Withholding Tax
30% federal statutory (reduced by tax treaties)
Double Tax Treaties
68 countries

Single-member LLCs owned by non-US residents that do not have employees, inventory, or physical offices in Oregon and earn foreign-source revenue pay 0% Oregon state tax.

Visa & Residency

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

2–5 years, renewable

For citizens of treaty countries making substantial commercial investments in Oregon

L-1 Intra-Company Transferee

1–7 years

For executives transferring from a foreign parent to an Oregon operating subsidiary

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 2–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oregon really have zero sales tax?
Yes. Oregon is one of only five US states (along with Alaska, Delaware, Montana, and New Hampshire) that does not impose a state sales tax, and local municipalities do not levy sales taxes either. All retail and commercial sales in Oregon are 0% sales tax, creating major savings for e-commerce and retail businesses.
What is the 'Silicon Forest' in Oregon?
The Silicon Forest is the cluster of high-tech and semiconductor companies located in the Portland metropolitan area, especially in Hillsboro and Beaverton. Anchored by Intel's massive Ronler Acres research and manufacturing campus (Intel's largest global workforce), it includes dozens of leading chip equipment, laser, and electronic design firms.
What is the Oregon Corporate Activity Tax (CAT)?
The Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) is a 0.57% gross receipts tax imposed only on businesses with Oregon-sourced commercial receipts exceeding $1,000,000. The first $1,000,000 is 100% exempt. Crucially, commercial receipts derived from sales or services delivered outside the State of Oregon are completely exempt from the CAT.
Can foreign non-residents incorporate in Oregon remotely?
Yes. Non-US residents can form and 100% own an Oregon LLC or corporation without traveling to the United States or holding a US visa. Incorp International provides the mandatory Oregon registered agent and coordinates remote US bank account setup.
What is the annual report fee for an Oregon company?
Oregon requires LLCs and corporations to file an Annual Report with the Oregon Secretary of State before the anniversary date of formation. The state filing fee is a flat $100.
Why is Oregon a popular location for global athletic and outdoor brands?
Oregon is the world capital for athletic apparel, footwear, and outdoor equipment design, anchored by Nike's global world headquarters in Beaverton, Columbia Sportswear, Keen, Danner, and the North American headquarters of Adidas.