The Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is a legal business structure that seeks to combine benefits from across several other traditional business forms. A LLC has the benefits 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 unlimited 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 primary 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?

In Oregon, a business can be formed using the form that it chooses. Opening an LLC simply requires that the business founders file a form with the Secretary of State. Fees are often charged for opening LLC's, however, and Oregon law determines the costs for creating LLC's. When deciding whether to form a LLC, you should consider which laws would apply to your company. Although it may take some time to find, choosing the right business structure for your company will lead to increased profitability.

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

Under specific conditions, a business in Newport 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 benefits and costs for forming and maintaining a LLC.