Essentials

Selecting a Business Form: Various organizational structures exist for business, one of which must be chosen, according to liability and/or tax considerations. To learn more you may visit the Oregon Secretary of State's website and the U.S. Small Business Administration's website.

Business Name & Registration: Every business requires a legal name. Determine name availability and whether or not the business needs to be registered with the Secretary of State Corporation Division. To complete registration with the State, you must submit an application and a nonrefundable processing fee to the Business Registry.

City Business License: Businesses and persons (including home businesses) doing business within the City of Scappoose must obtain a Business License each year.

Federal tax identification number, or an employer identification number (EIN), is mandatory, except for sole proprietorships with no employees. This requires the SS-4 Form.