Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Published on August 14, 2022 Updated on October 2, 2023
If you’re starting an LLC in Oregon, the business entity formation process is one of the first and most important hurdles. This step can be terribly complex and time-consuming, which is why many entrepreneurs turn to professional formation services.
But which are the best LLC formation services in Oregon? This article takes a closer look, stepping into an entrepreneur’s shoes, to help you choose the service that puts you on the road to success.
Here we summarize our top picks of business formation services in Oregon.
Best LLC Formation Services in Oregon
ZenBusiness
4.7/5
Best for Startups
Price: $0 to $349 (3 plans offered) + state filing fees
Offers registered agent services, but as an add-on for $199
ZenBusiness offers a range of plans tailored for those looking to establish an Oregon LLC.
Their Starter plan, priced at $0 plus Oregon state fees, ensures the availability of your business name in Oregon and assists with the formation process, providing robust support throughout.
For a more comprehensive package, the Pro plan at $199 plus Oregon state fees includes everything in the Starter plan, alongside an Oregon-specific operating agreement template, an EIN, annual compliance services, and an expedited filing feature.
Meanwhile, their Premium plan, priced at $349 plus Oregon’s state fees, integrates all the Pro offerings with additional features like a business document template library, domain name, website, and email for Oregon LLCs.
ZenBusiness emerges as our top recommendation for forming an Oregon LLC. Their commendable low-cost base service starts at $0 plus Oregon state fees and includes LLC filing with a 100% accuracy guarantee.
Moreover, as a Public Benefit Corporation, ZenBusiness operates with a commitment to community benefits, akin to a nonprofit, making it an ideal choice for Oregon entrepreneurs.
For Oregon LLCs seeking more than just formation, ZenBusiness offers a suite of add-on services, from registered agent solutions to essential business tools. Though some of these may influence the overall cost, ZenBusiness consistently receives positive feedback from its Oregon clientele for its exemplary services.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-priced packages offer good value ($0 business formation plan)
Great customer support
Positive customer reviews
Quick and easy purchase process
Company is socially responsible and active
Cons
Registered agent service not included in the plans (add-on)
Cancellation can be a lengthy process
Some information is difficult to find on the website
ZenBusiness offers valuable services for budding entrepreneurs. While registered agent services are an add-on, their excellent customer support, user-friendly site, and positive reviews make them a top choice.
Northwest’s Oregon-specific plan, priced at $39 plus Oregon state fees, offers a comprehensive package to establish an Oregon LLC. This includes business formation in Oregon, complimentary registered agent services for a year, a dedicated business address in Oregon, an Oregon-compliant operating agreement, and some additional benefits.
The value of this plan for an Oregon LLC stands out, especially considering the inclusion of both registered agent services and an operating agreement, which are paramount for businesses in the state.
However, it’s essential to note that even if you opt out of the registered agent services for your Oregon LLC, the package’s full price remains unchanged.
Northwest Registered Agent is renowned, especially in Oregon, for its outstanding registered agent services. They pride themselves on providing highly personalized customer support to Oregon businesses, coupled with swift correspondence notifications.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-designed package offers good value (registered agent service included in the first year)
Outstanding customer service
Website is intuitive and resourceful (free legal documents and forms)
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent because of their transparent pricing, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to maintaining your privacy. They pride themselves on personalizing their approach to meeting your registered agent needs, which are their specialty.
For just the Oregon state fees, Swyft Filings’ Basic package provides company name verification, preparation of Oregon-specific articles of organization, and state document filing. It also grants online document access and lifetime support.
At $199 plus Oregon state fees, the Standard package includes everything from the Basic, plus a custom Oregon LLC operating agreement, an EIN, banking resolution services, and organizational minutes tailored for your first Oregon LLC meeting.
The Premium package, at $299 plus state fees, offers all Standard features with the addition of expedited Oregon filing, a business document library, compliance alerts, a business domain, and a website. It also boasts a digital LLC kit with a company “seal”, ledger, and customized ownership certificates.
Swyft Filings is noted for its stellar support and positive feedback from Oregon LLC owners.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-priced packages offer good value
Fast turnaround times
Personalized customer service specific to your needs
Quick and easy purchase process
Good rating from the Better Business Bureau
Cons
Registered agent services not included in packages and pricier than competitors
Swyft Filings offers fast processing but doesn’t include registered agent services in their packages, making additions somewhat costly. However, they provide good value overall and strong customer support.
For those forming an Oregon LLC, Rocket Lawyer offers a straightforward approach. Their Oregon business formation service comes at a flat fee of $99. However, if you opt for their $39.99 membership, the formation process for your Oregon LLC becomes complimentary.
This membership also provides a discounted rate for registered agent services in Oregon, costing you just $111.99 instead of the regular $149.99.
Additionally, as a member, you’ll gain access to a suite of business document templates tailored for Oregon businesses, inclusive of an Oregon-specific LLC operating agreement.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Quick and easy purchase process
A+ rating from Better Business Bureau
Membership option is a good value if you need legal help
Free LLC formation service for new members
Discounts on various legal services
Cons
Some legal documents are expensive
Some customers complained on the complicated cancellation process
Even if you opt for a free trial, you need to enter credit card details
Rocket Lawyer simplifies business start-up, though it lacks some services offered by competitors. Their membership stands out, providing ongoing legal assistance and offering the best value.
For Oregon entrepreneurs, MyCorporation’s Basic plan is priced at $99 plus state fees. This package offers business formation for your Oregon LLC, a name availability search specific to Oregon, and secure online document storage.
Their Standard plan, available at $124 (plus Oregon state fees) annually, includes the invaluable service of annual report filing tailored for Oregon LLCs.
Stepping up to the Deluxe plan, for $224 (plus Oregon state fees) annually, Oregon business owners not only receive the annual report filing but also benefit from registered agent services within the state.
The top-tier Premium plan, priced at $324 (plus Oregon state fees) annually, features the innovative service named MaintainMyBiz.
It’s noteworthy to mention that MyCorporation tends to mark up state fees to gain an additional profit, a practice somewhat unusual in the industry. For instance, while Oregon’s filing fee stands at a certain amount, MyCorporation might charge slightly more. They don’t always disclose this, so it’s essential for Oregon entrepreneurs to be well-informed.
Beyond these plans, MyCorporation extends a variety of additional services for extra fees. This includes some unique offerings that not all business formation services provide, such as unemployment insurance and tax withholding registration, which can be particularly relevant for Oregon LLCs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Long-standing reputation
Wide range of business services
Easy to use website, with a very straightforward procedure
Great customer service with many positive reviews
Additional features for new business owners
Cons
Confusing and seemingly inflated prices
Pushy upselling
Lack of clarity on turnaround times
We put MyCorporation on the list because of the extensive list of services they offer, although we are not a fan of the marked-up state fees that are not disclosed. They have, however, been in business for a long time and have a good Trustpilot rating.
Harbor Compliance doesn’t present packaged solutions for Oregon LLCs but rather offers a la carte services tailored to the Oregon business landscape.
For the formation of an Oregon LLC, the service charges are $99 plus the specific Oregon state fees. Additional services are available to support your Oregon business, such as registered agent services, annual report filing, and EIN.
Registered agent service is $99 annually ($50 off if you pay for five years upfront, $100 off if you pay for 10). For Oregon businesses keen on streamlining compliance, annual report filing services are available at a rate of $175 plus any associated state filing fees annually (you’ll get $250 off if you purchase ten years’ worth of annual report filing).
Moreover, they provide business license management tools and a plethora of other services beneficial for an Oregon LLC.
What sets Harbor Compliance apart, especially for Oregon businesses, is their swift processing combined with a broader range of services than many competitors. Their registered agent services, in particular, are competitively priced for the Oregon market.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Fast turnaround time
Easy to use website
Large variety of services including business licensing
Personal customer service
Cons
No free business formation
Prices of a la carte services can add up
No money-back guarantee
Harbor Compliance provides extensive services, including comprehensive annual compliance and business license guidance, surpassing competitors. Though on the pricier side, they cater to most needs of new business owners.
Filenow presents its Starter plan tailored for Oregon LLCs at a modest cost of $49. This plan covers company compliance alerts specific to Oregon regulations, a tax consultation suited for the Oregon business environment, and assistance in setting up a business bank account in Oregon.
Taking it a notch higher, their Premium plan for Oregon LLCs, priced at $199, encompasses a slew of additional benefits. This includes a complimentary year of registered agent services in Oregon, an operating agreement designed for Oregon standards, an EIN, a banking resolution, business contract templates suitable for the Oregon market, and a promise of 24-hour processing.
Filenow stands out, especially for Oregon businesses, with its swift processing times and robust money-back guarantee. Their Premium plan, in particular, offers remarkable value for entrepreneurs establishing an Oregon LLC.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Good value offered without hidden fees
Live 24-hour order processing
24/7 customer support
Money-back guarantee
Error-free filing, or your money back
Cons
No free business formation plan
Limited service options (no annual reporting, no legal services)
Filenow’s Premium plan is an exceptional value based on what you get for the price. It’s less expensive than similar plans offered by competitors. They also offer fast turnaround times, and a money back guarantee.
Why Use a Business Formation Service for your LLC in Oregon?
A business formation service handles the business formation process for you, making it nearly seamless while offering additional services that can make life easier for a new business owner. Whether you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, a business formation service takes care of all the red tape, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.
What to Look for When Purchasing an LLC Service in Oregon?
With so many business formation services to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. There are four essential elements that can help you make your decision.
Features
Each service offers various products and services, and their plans are all designed differently. You may need some services but not others, so you need to choose the service that offers everything you need. For example, only some of the providers offer annual report filing.
If it’s important to you to get that task off your plate, you’ll want a service that offers that feature. Another feature you might need is a digital dashboard where you can always access your business formation documents.
You’ll want to choose a service that has everything you need to make starting and running your business as easy as possible.
Pricing
Of course, you’ll want to get the best value for your money!
Compare the cost of each service for everything you need. The price can really add up when you start adding extras, so be careful not to go too far. You also want to get good value and great customer service, so if you’re considering the cheapest service, check the reviews to see how people feel about it.
Turnaround time
Business formation turnaround times vary with each service, so if you’re in a hurry to get your business up and running, you’ll want to look for the quickest service. You don’t want your order to sit in an office too long before your paperwork gets filed with the state. Some services differentiate themselves with fast turnaround times, so if they also offer good value, that might be your best choice.
Customer Service and Reviews
One good way to learn about the quality of anything you’re buying is to listen to what people are saying about it. When we review services we look at Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot ratings and reviews. It’s wise to look at both positive and negative reviews to find out what people love about the service and about issues customers have encountered.
Remember that fake reviews are common, so you should take some of the reviews with a grain of salt.
Our Approach
As an entrepreneurial advisory site, we take our responsibilities seriously. We understand that countless entrepreneurs, and potential entrepreneurs, rely on our judgments and insights, particularly when it comes to creating their business.
As a result, our writers do their utmost to gain a comprehensive understanding of the services offered and the actual customer experience. In nearly every case, we:
Examined every page of the service’s website
Reviewed all of their offerings, from a la carte products to packages
Put ourselves in the customer’s shoes, creating an account
Communicated with customer service via chat, email, and phone
Gained a full understanding of the customer experience and service value
Thanks to this full immersion in the actual customer experience, our reviewers are able to provide the most complete and insightful analysis of various LLC formation services.
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