Here are some steps on how to become a legal handyman business in the state of Oregon. You may want to start here: How To Start A Handyman Business. You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.
Getting started– The state of Oregon has a few resources to help you start your business: Starting A Business In Oregon and Oregon Start A Business Guide (PDF Download)
-Select your business structure
Find out more about business structures (Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.) and registering a business name here: http://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/select-business-name-structure.aspx
-Register your handyman business name.
Find out more here: http://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/registering-your-business-name.aspx
If you need help selecting a name for your handyman business: Choosing a Business Name and Handyman Business Name Ideas
-Register your handyman business.
Find out more about how register your handyman business with the state of Oregon here: http://www.oregon.gov/business/Pages/toolkit.aspx
-Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your handyman business with your new business name.
-Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.
You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://www.oregon.gov/business/Pages/taxes.aspx and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business
-Register as a Contractor.
Find out more here: http://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/index.aspx
-Get Business Software.
Business software will streamline your handyman business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.
You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!
-Get Liability Insurance.
We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Get A Quote >
-Worker’s Compensation.
You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Get A Quote >
-Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.
-Get Business Software.
Business software will streamline your handyman business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.
You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!
-Get Liability Insurance.
We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Get A Quote >
-Worker’s Compensation.
You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Get A Quote >
-Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.
-City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to operate your handyman business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.
-Permits.
Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of handyman-related jobs.
-Building Code and Inspections.
You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.
-OSHA.
Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations. http://www.osha.gov