How to Start an LLC in Oklahoma

Step 1: Name Your Oklahoma LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step of starting an LLC in Oklahoma. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Oklahoma naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
• Your name must be distinguishable from any other Oklahoma limited liability company, corporation, limited liability partnership, or limited partnership.

2. Oklahoma LLC Name Availability: Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing an Oklahoma LLC search on the Secretary of State's website.

To learn more about searching for an Oklahoma LLC name, read our full guide.

3. Is the URL available? We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

We reviewed and ranked the best LLC services. Find out which is best for you.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Oklahoma

You are required to nominate an Oklahoma registered agent for your LLC.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent? A Registered Agent must be a resident of Oklahoma or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to transact business in Oklahoma. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

Step 3: File Your Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Oklahoma LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. You can apply online, or by mail.

Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.

For help with completing the form, visit our Oklahoma Articles of Organization guide.

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the State of Oklahoma, you will need to form a foreign LLC.

Step 4: Create an Oklahoma LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required in Oklahoma, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Oklahoma LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an Oklahoma LLC EIN

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Step 6: File the Annual Certificate

Oklahoma requires LLCs to file an annual certificate with the Secretary of State. This is referred to in other states as an annual report.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Oklahoma LLC Business Permits & Licenses

Does my Oklahoma LLC need business licenses and permits?

To operate your Oklahoma LLC you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.

The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well.

Fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.

Find out how to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business or have a professional service do it for you:

• Business License Guide: Use our detailed Oklahoma Business License guide.
• Federal: Use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide.
• State: Use the State of Oklahoma's Development Services page.
• Local: Contact your local county clerk and ask about local licenses and permits.

Oklahoma LLC Tax Filing Requirements

In order to keep your business in good standing, it's important to stay up to date on your Oklahoma LLC taxes.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax.

Oklahoma Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the Oklahoma Taxpayer Access Point website.

This certificate allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales.

Sales tax, also called "Sales and Use Tax," is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.

Read our Oklahoma sales tax guide to find out more.

Oklahoma Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Oklahoma, you will need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. You will also need to sign up for Employee Withholding Tax through the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

Federal LLC Tax Filing Requirements

Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year using:

• Form 1065 Partnership Return (most multi-member LLCs use this form)
• Form 1040 Schedule C (most single-member LLCs use this form)

How you pay yourself as an owner will also affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.

Hiring Employees in Oklahoma

If you plan to hire employees for your Oklahoma LLC, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:

• Verify that new employees are able to work in the US
• Report employees as "new hires" to the State
• Provide workers' compensation insurance for employees
• Withhold employee taxes
• Print workplace compliance posters and place them in visible areas of your workspace

Find more information at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission page.

Common Questions About Oklahoma LLCs

Oklahoma Business Resources

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State of Oklahoma Quick Links

• Oklahoma Secretary of State Business Services
• Oklahoma LLC Statutes