Oregon Secretary of State

Nonprofit Services

Nonprofit organizations must register with the Secretary of State. The Department of Justice regulates charitable activities in Oregon. You may also need to register with them.

Getting Started

Choose your name and type of nonprofit︿

Before registering, use the Business Name Availability Check and Business Name Search to confirm your name is available.

Choose one of the three nonprofit types: Mutual Benefit, Public Benefit, or Religious. Among many other factors, this is a basic starting point.

Visit Starting a Business for guidance that applies for all new business entities, and take advantage of the resources under “Getting Support” below.

State
Nonprofits must register and renew annually with the Corporation Division. To register, use the Articles of Incorporation form or register online.

The Department of Justice regulates charitable activities in Oregon, so Public Benefit nonprofits also must register with them.

Local

Many cities and a few counties require licensing for operating in their area. Contact your city or county for “business license” requirements; start with their website.

Get your tax numbers︿

Internal Revenue Service forms and information:

See Tax Information for Charities and Nonprofits.
Call 877-829-5500 for technical assistance, 800-829-1040 for forms.
How to apply to the IRS for tax-exempt status.
GuideStar - Collects information about IRS-registered nonprofit organizations and offers nonprofit resource guides.
Nonprofit does not mean tax exempt.
Charitable Organizations Regulations
Compliance Guide for 501c(3) Public Charities IRS Pub 4221PC
Compliance Guide for 501c(3) Private Foundations IRS Pub 4221PCF

The Oregon Department of Revenue has tax information for nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations. If you will have employees, be sure to get set up for payroll tax withholding.

If you operate in the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District (TriMet) or the Lane County Transit District, you will need to file and pay for transportation taxes. See mass transit payroll/excise tax from the Department of Revenue.

Fulfill insurance requirements︿

If you will have employees, use the Oregon Employer's Guide for Unemployment insurance and Workers' Compensation requirements.
State licensing boards may require certain types of insurance for specific professions. Consult your licensing and permitting board.

Other Insurance Resources

Small Business Administration’s Tips for Business Insurance

NAIC Insurance for Small Business

Getting Support

Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO)︿

The Nonprofit Association of Oregon is the statewide membership organization providing nonprofit sector support.

The Nonprofit Institute︿

The Nonprofit Institute at Portland State University works to meet the needs of nonprofits.

Research Oregon Nonprofit Data︿

Complete your own nonprofit research requests, free of charge.

Better Business Bureau, Wise Giving Alliance︿

The Better Business Bureau, Wise Giving Alliance offers guidance on making informed giving decisions, tips publications and the quarterly Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide.

BoardSource︿

BoardSource is dedicated to building stronger nonprofit boards of directors.

Propel Nonprofits︿

Find information for and about nonprofit organizations at Propel Nonprofits.

Small Business Administration︿

Nonprofit organizations are both a recipient of Small Business Administration (SBA) services and a partner with the SBA in serving the small business community.

The People's Nonprofit Accelerator︿

The People’s Nonprofit Accelerator (The Accelerator), formerly Willamette Valley Development Professionals (WVDO), provides affordable and accessible, education and training for the nonprofit sector seeking support in fundraising, executive leadership, board development, and personnel management.