Portland, Ore., Launches Online Business License Account Access

Businesses operating in Portland and Multnomah County, Oregon, can now access and manage their business tax account information with a simple visit to PortlandOnline. All it takes is a PortlandOnline account and either a most recently filed business income tax return or a security code to connect to one's business license account. Easy on-screen instructions help with the process. Security codes are provided by postal service mail; business license staff does not have access to security codes.

Main features of this new online option include the ability to:

• Print a copy of one's business license
• Update addresses and contact information
• View account prepayments and compliance history
• Determine what documents or payments are needed to bring an account into compliance

Tax professionals who need to determine estimated payments a client has made can also connect to an account using the most recently filed tax return.

"We are very excited to offer this new tool to businesses," said bureau Director Sue Klobertanz. "This is a wonderful supplement to our growing collection of online tax services which are all conveniently available 24/7."

The Revenue Bureau has been working to implement a comprehensive array of "e-commerce" Web services: a move that has already resulted in increased access and better customer service. Business owners who have used these services comment that they are convenient, quick, easy, and user-friendly. Four out of five respondents to a recent questionnaire about these online services said they would recommend using them. They also noted the efficiencies of using these city Web services to avoid a trip downtown, waiting on the phone or in line, and wasting paper.