Bend has a lot of capable independent professionals, and some genuinely great free help. The trick is knowing which one you need, checking that they’re licensed when Oregon requires it, and asking the right questions before you sign. Use the tools above, then the Bend-specific notes below.
Bend money & business calendar
The dates local pros plan around. Put the ones that apply to you in your calendar now.
Jan 15Q4 estimated tax payment (federal & Oregon) for the self-employed.Also: W-2s and 1099s due Jan 31
Feb–AprFree AARP Tax-Aide season at Central Oregon sites. Book early.Check sites in January
Feb 15Second Deschutes County property-tax installment, if you pay in thirds.No discount on installments
Apr 15Federal and Oregon returns due, plus Q1 estimated taxes.Extensions don't extend payment
May 15Final Deschutes County property-tax installment.Last third of the year's bill
Jun 15 & Sep 15Q2 and Q3 estimated tax payments.Set a reminder, they're easy to miss
Mid-OctoberBend Venture Conference (Oct 15–16, 2026, Tower Theatre). Deschutes County property-tax statements arrive late October.Founders & investors
Nov 15Property tax due. Pay in full for a 3% discount, or two-thirds for 2%.Deschutes County
Your anniversaryOregon business annual report is due on your registration anniversary. City of Bend business registration renews every year too.Late renewals can cost you
Oregon rules your pro will ask about
No sales taxOregon has no general sales tax, which is why income and property taxes carry more weight here.Nice for retail; plan for income tax
Oregon income taxOne of the higher state income taxes, plus a small statewide transit tax withheld from paychecks.Relevant for remote workers moving here
Corporate Activity TaxBusinesses with more than $750,000 of Oregon commercial activity must register; tax is owed above $1 million ($250 plus 0.57% of the amount over $1M).Applies to LLCs and sole props too
Licensed tax preparersOregon licenses paid tax preparers (LTC and LTP). CPAs and attorneys are exempt.Ask for the license number
Moving from Portland?Metro and Multnomah County income taxes are tied to living or working there, so they generally stop applying once you're living and working in Bend.Confirm with your tax pro
Property taxes in thirdsDeschutes County bills in late October: pay by Nov 15 for up to 3% off, or split into Nov, Feb and May installments.Escrow? Your lender pays it.
Starting a business in Bend
- Get free advice first. Book a session with the COCC SBDC or a SCORE mentor to pressure-test the plan, pricing and startup costs.
- Pick a structure and register it. File an LLC or corporation (or assumed business name) with the Oregon Secretary of State's Business Registry.
- Get an EIN from the IRS. It's free, so don't pay a website for it.
- Register with the City of Bend if you'll do business inside city limits, and check zoning rules for home-based businesses and signs.
- Hiring? Register as an Oregon employer for payroll taxes and set up workers' comp before your first hire.
- Check your trade's license. Contractors (CCB), tax preparers, real estate and many other fields need state licenses.
- Set up the basics: separate bank account, bookkeeping from day one, and business insurance matched to your risk.
- Watch the CAT threshold as you grow. Register once Oregon commercial activity passes $750,000.
How professionals charge
HourlyCommon for attorneys, consultants and IT. Ask for an estimate range and billing increments.Watch: open-ended totals
Flat feeCommon for tax returns, wills, website builds and defined projects.Watch: what's excluded
Monthly retainerBookkeeping, marketing, managed IT and some legal work.Watch: deliverables & cancellation terms
% of assets or dealFinancial advisors (assets under management), realtors (commission) and property managers (% of rent).Watch: convert it to dollars per year
CommissionInsurance and some financial products pay the pro through what you buy.Watch: conflicts of interest
ContingencyInjury attorneys are paid a share of what you recover, only if you recover.Watch: percentage and case costs
Local tip: Bend is a small professional community. Referrals from your banker, another business owner or the Chamber are often the fastest way to a good fit. Still verify the license yourself.
FAQ
Hiring a professional in Bend: common questions
Where can I get free business advice in Bend?
Start with the COCC Small Business Development Center, which offers free, confidential one-on-one advising, and SCORE Central Oregon, which provides free volunteer mentors. EDCO helps startups and growing companies, especially those raising capital.
Do I need a business license in Bend?
Bend uses a business registration program rather than a traditional license. Businesses doing work within city limits, including those based elsewhere, are required to register with the City of Bend and renew annually. You'll also register with the Oregon Secretary of State, and some trades need state licenses.
Do tax preparers need a license in Oregon?
Yes. Anyone paid to prepare Oregon personal income tax returns must be licensed by the Oregon Board of Tax Practitioners, unless they're a CPA, a licensed public accountant or an attorney. Ask for the license number before you hand over your documents.
Where can I get free tax help in Bend?
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation each season at Central Oregon sites, including the Council on Aging of Central Oregon and COCC. It's aimed at low- and moderate-income taxpayers, and AARP membership isn't required.
When are property taxes due in Deschutes County?
Property taxes can be paid in thirds on November 15, February 15 and May 15. Paying the full amount by November 15 earns a 3% discount, and paying two-thirds by then earns 2%.
Does Oregon have a sales tax?
No. Oregon has no general sales tax, but it has a state income tax, a small statewide transit tax withheld from wages, and a Corporate Activity Tax for businesses with more than $1 million in Oregon commercial activity.
Do Portland-area taxes apply if I live in Bend?
Portland-area local income taxes, such as Metro's supportive housing tax and Multnomah County's preschool tax, are based on living or working in those areas. They generally don't apply to Bend residents working locally. Check with a tax professional if you still earn income in the Portland area.
