How to Start an LLC in Oklahoma: Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated:byTRUiC Team

To start anOklahoma LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, which costs $100. You can apply online, by mail, or in person.

Follow our step-by-stepHow to Start an LLC in Oklahomaguide to get started today.

  1. Name Your Oklahoma LLC
  2. Choose a Registered Agent
  3. File the Articles of Organization
  4. Create an Operating Agreement
  5. Get an EIN

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Learn more about LLCs and their benefits in our118bet金博宝 guide. To form an LLC in any state, visit ourHow to Set Up an LLCguide.

Oklahoma State map icon with filing cost

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 anOklahoma LLC searchon the Secretary of State's website.

To learn more about searching for anOklahoma LLC name, read our full guide. Find name ideas using our freeLLC name generator.

3. Is the URL available?We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a网络域. 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.

Find a Domain Now

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

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FAQ: Naming an Oklahoma LLC

What is an LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. Read our118bet金博宝 guide for more information.

Or, watch our two-minute video:What is an LLC?

How do I name my Oklahoma LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

You must follow the Oklahoma LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:

  • Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
  • Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
  • Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.

If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC, use ourLLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.

After you get your business name, get a unique logo using ourFree Logo Generator.

Do I need to get a DBA or trade name for my business?An orange arrow pointing down

Most LLCs do not need a trade name or DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.

To learn more about DBAs in your state, read ourHow to File a DBAguide.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Oklahoma

You arerequiredto nominate anOklahoma registered agentfor your LLC.

What is a registered agent?注册代理人是一个个人或业务tity 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 aregistered agent service, authorized to transact business in Oklahoma. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

Recommended:Check out thesebest registered agent services.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Can I be my own registered agent?An orange arrow pointing down

Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your Oklahoma LLC.

Read more aboutbeing your own registered agent.

Is a registered agent service worth it?An orange arrow pointing down

Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your Oklahoma LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.

For more information, read our article onOklahoma registered agents.

Step 3: File Your Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Oklahoma LLC, you will need to file theArticles of Organizationwith the Oklahoma Secretary of State. You can apply online, by mail, or in person.

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

File the Articles of Organization

OPTION 1:File Online with the State of Oklahoma

File Online

- OR -

OPTION 2:File by Mail or In Person

Download Form


State Filing Cost:$100, payable to the Oklahoma Secretary of State (Nonrefundable)

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103

For help with completing the form, visit ourOklahoma Articles of Organizationguide.

Oklahoma LLC Formation Document

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of Oklahoma, you will need to form aforeign LLC.

FAQ: Filing Oklahoma LLC Documents

How long does it take to get an LLC in Oklahoma?An orange arrow pointing down

Filing the Articles of Organization takes two business days online and 7 to 10 business days by mail.

What is the difference between a domestic Oklahoma LLC and foreign LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.

Read ourWhat Is a Foreign LLCarticle to learn more.

How much does it cost to start an Oklahoma LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

The cost to start an Oklahoma LLC is $100.

To learn more, read our guide on thecost to form an Oklahoma 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 ourOklahoma LLC operating agreementguide.

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FAQ: Creating an Oklahoma LLC Operating Agreement

Do I need to file my operating agreement with the state?An orange arrow pointing down

No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.

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:

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:Youdo not need an SSNto get an EIN.Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

- OR -

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax:(855) 641-6935

Fee:Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?An orange arrow pointing down

An SSN isnotrequired to get an EIN. You can simply fill outIRS Form SS-4and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.Learn more here about applying as an international applicant.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.

Learn why we recommendalwaysgetting an EIN and how to get one for free in ourDo I Need an EIN for an LLCguide.

What tax structure should I choose for my Oklahoma LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the differenttax classification optionsthat are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing theS corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read ourLLC vs. S Corpguide.

Considering Using an LLC Formation Service?

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

BEST LLC SERVICES

How to Maintain Your LLC

File the Annual Certificate

Oklahoma requires LLCs to file an annual certificate (i.e., annual report) with the Secretary of State. This can be submittedonlineorby mailalong with the $25 filing fee.

Annual certificates are due each year by the end of the anniversary month in which the LLC was formed. Oklahoma does not charge late fees if you miss your filing deadline, but after 60 days, Oklahoma will revoke your “good standing.” Oklahoma may dissolve or revoke your LLC after three years for failure to file an annual certificate.

Steps After LLC Formation

Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.

Visit ourAfter Forming an LLCguide to learn more.

What is the corporate veil?An orange arrow pointing down

业务实体,如有限责任公司和企业,protect their owners from personal liabilities for the business’s debts. This protection is often referred to as the corporate veil. Learn how to protect your LLC's corporate veil in ourguide.

Keep Your Company Compliant

Oklahoma LLC Business Licenses & Permits

To operate your LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. Fees and requirements for licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of business license you need.

Find out how to get the necessary business licenses and permits for your LLC with ourOklahoma Business Licenseguide.

Recommended:Consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read ourbest business license servicesreview.

俄克拉荷马州LLC)纳税申报的要求

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

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

Oklahoma Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for aseller's permitthrough theOklahoma Taxpayer Access Pointwebsite.

Oklahoma's state sales tax rate is 4.5%. Many cities and counties add an additional local sales tax of up to 5.5%, a full list of which can be found on theState of Oklahoma's website.

Oklahoma Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Oklahoma, you will need to register forUnemployment Insurance Taxthrough the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. You will also need to sign up forEmployee Withholding Taxthrough the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

Income Tax

State
Oklahoma has six individual income tax brackets. Depending on your LLC's income, your tax rate will range from 0.25% to 4.75%.

State tax returns are due each year at the same time as your federal return. To calculate your tax or determine your tax bracket, visit theOklahoma Tax Commission website.

Federal
You’ll also need to report your federal income tax using eitherForm 1065(multi-member LLC) orForm 1040 Schedule C(single-member LLC).

Hiring Employees in Oklahoma

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

Find more information at theOklahoma Employment Security Commissionpage.

Check out ourHiring for Your Small Business Guidefor resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.

What is the minimum wage in Oklahoma?An orange arrow pointing down

The minimum wage in Oklahoma is $7.25 per hour.

How often do I need to pay employees in Oklahoma?An orange arrow pointing down

Oklahoma requires wages to be paid regularly at least twice per month.

Oklahoma Business Resources

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