Starting an LLC in Oklahoma provides significant advantages for business owners. This business structure offers liability protection and management flexibility. Plus, the Sooner State has a low cost of doing business and a low cost of living for employees. With affordable energy rates, a central location, and strong infrastructure, Oklahoma LLCs are poised for growth. To make sure the process goes smoothly, follow our guide to learn how to start an LLC in Oklahoma.
How to start an LLC in Oklahoma in 6 steps
Forming an LLC in Oklahoma is a straightforward process. By following this guide, you’ll have your LLC up and running in no time, allowing you to focus on building and growing your business.
1. Name your Oklahoma LLC
You’ll need to choose a business entity name to include in your articles of organization before you can register your LLC. Names must comply with Oklahoma’s naming requirements. The following are the most important requirements to keep in mind:
- Your business name must be different from an existing business in the state. You can do an LLC lookup on the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s Business Entities Search Page to determine if a particular business name is in use.
- Your business name must include the words “limited liability company” or “limited company” or the abbreviations “LLC,” “LC,” “L.L.C.," or “L.C.” You can also abbreviate “limited" to “Ltd.” and “company” to “Co.”
If you aren’t ready to register your LLC but are concerned your business name might be taken by someone else, you can file an Application for Reservation of Name with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. Names may be reserved for up to 60 days by paying a $10 filing fee and submitting the proper form.
2. Choose your registered agent
Oklahoma requires you to appoint a registered agent for your LLC. This is the person or entity authorized to receive service of process and other official legal documents and notices on behalf of your LLC. A registered agent must be one of the following:
- The Oklahoma LLC itself
- Another individual who resides in Oklahoma, including an employee of the LLC
- Another business entity that offers a registered agent service and is domestic to Oklahoma or a qualified foreign corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership
In addition, the registered agent must:
- Have a physical street address in Oklahoma (P.O. boxes are not accepted).
- Maintain a business office that is open during regular business hours.
Registered agent services can help protect your privacy by keeping your address off the public record. They’re also simply convenient for busy LLC owners. LegalZoom offers an affordable registered agent service.
3. Prepare and file articles of organization
The articles of organization is a document that officially establishes your Oklahoma LLC by laying out basic information about it. To properly register your LLC, prepare the articles of organization and file them with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, either online or by mail.
To prepare your articles, you’ll usually need the following information:
- Your business name
- The street address of the LLC’s principal place of business
- An email address for a primary contact at the LLC
- The term of existence
- The LLC may be perpetual, meaning the duration is indefinite. If your LLC exists for a purpose that will end at a specified date, you can also give a set number of years or future expiration date.
- The name and physical street address of your Oklahoma registered agent
- The signature of at least one person, usually the person who files the articles of organization (the person does not have to be a member of the limited liability company)
The filing fee is $100 for both online and paper filings. Once you file your articles of organization, the Oklahoma Secretary of State will review the filing. If the articles are approved, the state will issue you a certificate that confirms your Oklahoma LLC registration. This certificate will allow the LLC to obtain an employer identification number (EIN), business licenses, and business bank account.
4. Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is a document that outlines how your LLC will operate. Oklahoma does not require an operating agreement, but it is recommended for LLCs. The operating agreement can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Duration of the LLC
- Information about the articles of organization
- Purpose of the business
- Members and their contributions
- Voting rights and decision-making procedures
- How profits and losses are distributed
- What happens when members join and leave the company
- How the LLC is managed
- Indemnification and liability clauses
Having a readily accessible, written LLC operating agreement is helpful to settle disputes that may arise over financial agreements and other potential litigation. Single-member LLCs can also benefit from having an operating agreement because it adds a layer of legal credibility and can help maintain limited liability protection. For those getting started, a single-member operating agreement template can provide a framework that covers the common clauses essential for your operation. However, since every business has its unique nuances, it's often wise to have an attorney review or tailor the document to ensure that it fully aligns with your specific goals and offers robust legal protection.
Without an agreement in place, courts make determinations based on Oklahoma’s Limited Liability Company Act, not necessarily what is in the best interest of the LLC and its members.
5. Get an employer identification number and open a business bank account
An employer identification number (EIN), also called the federal employer identification number, is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your Oklahoma LLC for federal taxes. You’ll need an EIN to file and manage taxes at the state and federal level, open a business bank account, and hire employees. Even if you don’t plan on hiring employees right away, having an EIN in place ensures you’re prepared.
You can obtain your nine-digit number by mail or online through the IRS, or use a solution like LegalZoom’s EIN filing service. Once you receive your EIN, you can open a business bank account. A separate account helps keep your records organized, simplify tax filing, and maintain your liability protection.
6. Register for state taxes and get business licenses
You won’t need a general business license to operate an Oklahoma LLC, but certain industries and activities may require specific permits or licenses. For example, if you own a restaurant you’ll need health department permits, and if you plan to sell beer, wine, or mixed drinks, you’ll need to obtain liquor licenses. Some service providers also need business licenses, including cosmetologists, massage therapists, security guards, locksmiths, roofing contractors, and plumbers, electricians, and HVAC workers.
On the tax side, any LLC selling tangible goods or material items to customers, as well as some service businesses like hotels, motels, and car rentals, must register for a sales tax permit through the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Oklahoma’s sales tax rate is 4.5%. Certain items—like gasoline, cigarettes, alcohol, and vehicle tires—have additional taxes. In addition, your local county or city may have its own sales tax permit, so check with your county clerk’s office.
If your LLC has employees, you will need to register for withholding taxes through the Oklahoma Tax Commission and unemployment insurance taxes through the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. Oklahoma does not impose a separate business income tax on LLCs. Instead, LLCs in Oklahoma are pass-through entities, meaning the company’s profits are reported on the members’ personal income tax returns.
Next steps after forming your Oklahoma LLC
Once you’ve learned how to start an LLC in Oklahoma, there are several important tasks you should complete to ensure your business runs smoothly and complies with state regulations:
- Register a domain name. Reserve the ability to create a website for your business by buying your domain name now. When you perform your Oklahoma LLC search, it’s a good idea to check if the URL is also available.
- Obtain a certificate of good standing. Though not required, this certificate verifies that your LLC is legally registered and in compliance with state requirements. It can be useful when applying for loans, contracts, or business partnerships. There is a $20 filing fee, and you can request the certificate through the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office.
- Purchase insurance for your business. Common types of business insurance include general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation insurance is required for most businesses with employees in Oklahoma.
- Consider a foreign LLC. If you plan to expand your business to other states, you’ll need to register as a foreign LLC in each state where you conduct business. This process involves filing paperwork and paying fees to each state’s Secretary of State office.
Annual filing requirements for Oklahoma LLCs
All Oklahoma LLCs are required to file an annual certificate. The filing fee is $25, and the certificate must be filed each year by the anniversary date of the LLC’s creation. Depending on the type of business, you may need to pay quarterly tax payments or renew your business licenses or permits. Remember that you also need to maintain a registered agent for your business. LegalZoom can help you stay in compliance with annual filing services.
The cost of forming an LLC in Oklahoma
Starting an Oklahoma LLC costs at least $100, which is the filing fee for your articles of organization. You might also want additional documents, or want to use other services to streamline the process. Here’s the complete breakdown of the cost of forming an LLC in Oklahoma.
- Name reservation: $10 filing fee
- Formation cost: $100 for filing the articles of organization
- Certificate of Good Standing: $20 filing fee
- Business licenses and permits: Varies by business type and area
- Registered agent service: $100 to $300 per year
- Operating agreement: $99 and up for an online service
The total cost to start an LLC in Oklahoma ranges from $100 to $530 or more if you need business licenses and take advantage of all the services available. Once you set up your LLC, you’ll also need to file your annual certificate for a filing fee of $25 each year.
How to start your Oklahoma LLC with LegalZoom
Learning how to start an LLC in Oklahoma doesn’t have to be complicated. LegalZoom simplifies the process of forming an LLC by handling much of the paperwork for you.
Our Oklahoma LLC formation services can help you conduct your LLC search, file your Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, create an LLC operating agreement, and get an EIN. We can also serve as your registered agent and help you file your annual certificate.
Start an LLC in Any State
Oklahoma LLC FAQs
What are the benefits of registering an Oklahoma LLC?
Registering a limited liability company in Oklahoma offers liability protection and tax advantages, and Oklahoma is a business-friendly environment with low costs and regulations. Oklahoma’s central location is also beneficial for logistics.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Oklahoma?
It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to form a limited liability company in Oklahoma. Filing your articles of organization online with the Secretary of State’s office speeds up the process.
How do I correct filing errors for my Oklahoma LLC?
To correct errors, file an amendment with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. This ensures your records are accurate and up to date. Fees may apply depending on the type of amendment.
How do I dissolve an LLC in Oklahoma?
To dissolve your limited liability company, file articles of dissolution with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. Before dissolving, make sure to pay all outstanding taxes and debts to avoid legal complications.
Rudri Bhatt Patel contributed to this article.
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