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Oregon

In Oregon, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years under ORS 12.080(1).

Written contract

6 yr

Oral contract

6 yr

Open account

—

Promissory note

6 yr

When does the clock start?

ORS 12.010 runs the period from accrual of the cause of action (breach). For a balance due on an account, ORS 12.090 fixes accrual at the last charge or payment proved in the account — BUT the same section continues: "Interest, financing and carrying charges shall not be deemed such a charge." Interest and finance charges therefore do NOT move the accrual date.

What pauses it?

ORS 12.150 suspends the period if, when the cause of action accrues, the defendant "is out of the state AND SERVICE CANNOT BE MADE WITHIN THE STATE or the person is concealed therein"; the action may then be brought within the applicable period "after the return of the person into the state, or after the termination of the concealment of the person," and time absent or concealed is not counted.

Last reviewed 2026-07-26

This is an informational reference, not legal advice, and using it creates no attorney-client relationship. Limitations periods turn on facts this page cannot know — which state's law governs, the contract type, when the claim accrued, and whether anything tolled or revived it. Confirm against the primary source and your own counsel before acting.