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. Also like corporations, LLC's may have as many shareholders, or members, as it likes. Unlike a corporation however, the death or bankruptcy of one of the members will dissolve the LLC. Business forms with limited liability have existed for hundreds of years, but the modern LLC became more popular in Oregon since the legislature enacted laws authorizing its creation.

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 regularly 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 might 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 certain conditions, a business in Washington County may change its form. Eligibility for conversion to a LLC is determined by Oregon law.

How Can an Attorney Help?

The decision of whether to form or convert to a LLC is best considered with the advice of local Lawyers practicing business law in Oregon.