The Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is a legal business structure that seeks to combine advantages from across several other traditional business forms. A LLC has the advantages of a corporation's limited liability, but avoids double taxation like a partnership or sole proprietorship. Like a corporation, the LLC can also have an endless amount of shareholders, called members. Unlike a corporation however, if a member dies, files for bankruptcy, or otherwise leaves the LLC, the company is dissolved. For hundreds of years, limited liability has been a main goal of some business forms, but since the Oregon legislature enacted laws authorizing its formation, the modern LLC has become more and more popular.

Can My Business Be Formed as an LLC?

Oregon allows a company to incorporate using the business form it chooses. To start as an LLC, a company just files the necessary form with the Secretary of State. Fees are frequently charged for opening LLC's, however, and Oregon law determines the costs for creating LLC's. In deciding whether you should organize as an LLC, you should consider carefully the applicable laws. Finding the right business structure for your company may lead to increased profits, but the process may take some time.

Can I Change the Form of My Business to an LLC?

Under particular conditions, a business in Independence may change its form. Eligibility for conversion to a LLC is determined by Oregon law.

How Can an Attorney Help?

A lawyer versed in Oregon business law will be able to advise you of the advantages and costs for forming and maintaining a LLC.