About City of Portland
& Multnomah County
Business Licenses & Taxes

The City of Portland began requiring a business license in 1854. Over the years, the City of Portland Business License has been required for regulatory and revenue purposes. Today, Portland's Business License is for revenue purposes for the General Fund. The General Fund finances Police, Fire, some Parks programs, and general government functions. Business License revenue is the second largest source of revenues for Portland's General Fund needs.

Within 60 days of the start of business activity in the City of Portland OR Multnomah County you are required to submit a Registration Form (Form REG). No payment is due with this form.

There are certain exemptions to operating a business without a business license, however exempt businesses must submit a request for exemption.

Need additional help?  If you have questions you can't find the answer to in this site, don't forget that you can always email or call us (503) 823-5157.

The Portland Development Commission also provides a comprehensive handbook in PDF format that can answer many general questions about starting a business in Portland.