Credit card processing and merchant services in Gresham, OR
Gresham wants a business license from every business that works in the city, including ones based elsewhere, plus a separate license for each location. A second store means a second license, and usually a second merchant ID.
Opening a business in Gresham starts with a City license. The City's business license page says anyone who conducts business in Gresham, or owns a business based there, needs one on or before the day the business begins. Companies based in Portland or anywhere else that take work inside city limits have a license category of their own.
The rule that catches growing businesses is the count. Gresham requires a separate license for each type of business and for each location, so a second storefront means a second license. It's also a good moment to give the new store its own merchant ID, which keeps each location's deposits and statements apart when you reconcile at month end. Our merchant ID guide explains when a second one makes sense.
Two groups get a break on the fee. A business whose only operation in Gresham is a temporary community or public event lasting three days or less doesn't pay it. If that's you, a mobile card reader is usually all the hardware the booth needs. Nonprofits still need a license, but the City waives the fee with proof of 501(c)(3) status. The City also points out that some businesses are subject to a separate Multnomah County business tax, which the City of Portland administers.
Statewide rules from our Oregon page apply too. There's no general sales tax, most places open to the public must take cash, and we found no Oregon limit on card surcharges beyond what Visa and Mastercard set.
With no sales tax to configure, your processing rate is the checkout cost you can most easily change. We price on interchange-plus, so every fee is itemized, and a free statement review shows the effective rate you're paying today.
Rules that matter in Gresham
Gresham business licenses by location and business type
The City of Gresham requires a business license from anyone who conducts business in Gresham or owns a business based there, on or before the day the business begins. A separate license is required for each type of business and for each location, and businesses located outside Gresham that conduct business in the city have their own license category.
Nonprofits need a license as well, with the fee waived on proof of 501(c)(3) status. A business whose only operation is a temporary community or public event lasting three days or less doesn't pay the fee. Some activities, including alcohol sales, home occupations, short-term rentals and secondhand dealing, need an additional license or permit.
Sources: City of Gresham, Business licenses; City of Gresham, Gresham Revised Code, Chapter 9: Business licenses and regulation (PDF)
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Common questions
Does a Portland company need a Gresham business license to take jobs in Gresham?
Generally, yes. Gresham's requirement covers anyone who conducts business in the city, not just businesses based there, and the City has a license category for businesses located outside Gresham that work inside it. Get the license before the first job. On site, a mobile card reader takes payment when the work is done, or you can send an invoice from the virtual terminal.
Does a second Gresham location need its own business license?
Yes. The City requires a separate business license for each location and for each type of business, so a second shop, or a new kind of business at your first address, means another license. Set the new location up with its own merchant ID at the same time, so its card deposits and statements don't blend into the first store's.
Do vendors at a short event in Gresham pay the business license fee?
Not if the event is the only thing they do in Gresham and it lasts three days or less. The City doesn't charge the license fee to a business whose only operation is a temporary community or public event of that length. For card sales at the booth, tap to pay on a phone or a small card reader is usually enough, as long as you have a data connection.
Do nonprofits in Gresham need a business license?
Yes, though the fee can be waived. The City waives the license fee for a nonprofit that provides proof of 501(c)(3) status, but the license itself is still required. If your organization takes donations, memberships or ticket sales by card, start with our guide to card processing for nonprofits.
Does a home-based business in Gresham need more than a business license?
It may. The City lists home occupations among the activities that need an additional license or permit on top of the business license, along with alcohol sales, short-term rentals and secondhand dealing. Sort out both before you put a home address on a merchant account application, and ask the City's business licensing office if you're unsure which applies to you.
Disclaimer: general information, not professional advice
This page is general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. Rules and rates vary by place and change, so confirm them with the official source and a qualified professional before you act. Full terms are in our Terms of Service.
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