How to start an Oklahoma LLC
By Bazal Razzaq
Chief Editor
Updated: September 25, 2023, 12:30pm
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- Choose a good name for your Oklahoma LLC
- Choose a Registered Agent for your Oklahoma LLC
- File for Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement for Oklahoma LLC
- Get an EIN for your Oklahoma LLC
- File for Oklahoma LLC Annual Certificate
- Make your LLC Compliant
- How To Form An LLC In 50 States
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are you thinking of starting an Oklahoma LLC? Well, Oklahoma offers various opportunities to entrepreneurs along with the low cost of doing business. But, do you know how to get an LLC in Oklahoma? Don’t worry, we have got you covered.
Follow the steps given below to start an Oklahoma LLC.
#1 Choose a good name for your Oklahoma LLC
Selecting a name for your LLC in Oklahoma is the first and basic step to begin with. You can choose a name that fulfills the naming requirements of Oklahoma LLC. To make the process easy, we have laid down the naming guidelines for you.
- The company name must have a ‘Limited Liability Company’ phrase or its abbreviations LLC or L.L.C
- The company name must not be a government agency name such as FBI, Treasury, etc.
- The Restricted words like University and bank will require additional paperwork, and licensed persons like doctor, and lawyer.
- The company name should not be the same as another Oklahoma LLC, limited liability partnership, corporation or limited partnership.
You can go to the Oklahoma Business Entities Search page to check if your LLC name is unique or not. Also, one can go through the list of Oklahoma’s naming rules.
#2 Choose a Registered Agent for your Oklahoma LLC
You must nominate a Registered agent for your LLC. A registered agent is a person or business entity who takes care of all the legal documents, and notices of lawsuits for your business. The agent is a point of contact with the state who takes care of all the legal matters.
A registered agent can be a resident of Oklahoma or a corporation like a registered agent service. It can be a family member including you. He/SHe should be available during business hours (9 am – 5 pm) from Monday to Friday.
#3 File for Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization
This is yet another step for starting your own LLC, file for Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. You can apply online, by mail/personally. After that determine whether your Oklahoma LLC is member-managed vs. manager-managed.
Apply Online: File Articles of Organization online with the State of Oklahoma.
Apply through Mail: File Articles of Organization by mail or in person.
The Articles of Organization costs $100 which is payable to the Oklahoma Secretary of State, and is nonrefundable.
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
If you are planning to expand your LLC to the state of Oklahoma, you will have to form a foreign LLC.
#4 Create an Operating Agreement for Oklahoma LLC
An operating Agreement is not required to start an Oklahoma LLC but it is advised to have one as it outlines the ownership and operating steps of an LLC. A single-member LLC can decide not to have an Operating Agreement in place because a single member is conducting the business. For multiple business owners, the agreement ensures all of them are on the same page, and it reduces future conflicts among them.
The Operating Agreement will include-
- Name of the LLC and address.
- LLC’s Duration.
- Mention the name and address of the Registered Agent.
- Details of Articles of Organization.
- Business Purpose.
- Other members and their contributions.
- Profit and loss share.
- Procedure for employing and outgoing employees.
- Permit and Liability Clause.
- Management of Oklahoma LLC.
#5 Get an EIN for your Oklahoma LLC
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is obtained from the IRS for free. It identifies the business entity and tracks the business tax reporting. It is the same as the Social Security number (SSN) for a company.
An EIN is required for the following reasons:
- Open a Business Bank Account.
- For Federal and State tax.
- Hire Employees.
The EIN can be obtained from the IRS either online or by Mail.
Apply Online: Get an EIN form IRS through an Online platform
Apply Through Mail: Get the EIN form IRS by downloading the form and sending it by mail.
Mailing Address:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
#6 File for Oklahoma LLC Annual Certificate
LLC mandates LLCs to file for an Annual Certificate with the Secretary of State. You can apply online or download the application filing form, and send it through the mail. The filing costs $25 which is payable to the Secretary of the State.
Every year the certificates are due by the end of the month in which LLC was formed. There is good news, Oklahoma doesn’t charge a fee for late filing but after 60 days it revokes your standing. The Secretary of State may dissolve or revoke your LLC after 3 years of failed filing for the annual certificate.
#7 Make your LLC Compliant
To successfully operate your LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. Fees, business licenses, and permits depend on the type of business you are running.
You must also keep your tax filing requirements up to date. The nature of your business will determine if you have to register for one or more forms of taxes.
If you are selling a product, you will need to apply for a seller’s permit at the Oklahoma Taxpayer Access Point website. The state’s sales tax rate is 4.5%.
If you are planning to hire employees for your LLC, then abide by the law and follow the steps-
- Check if new employees can work in the US.
- Mention employees as ‘new hires’ to the state.
- Give workers compensation.
- Print the workplace compliance posters and put them in the easily visible areas of the workspace.
You can get more information from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission page.
Hope these steps are beneficial in forming an LLC in Oklahoma.
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Most LLCs don’t need a trade name or DBA. The LLC name will serve as the company’s brand name. You can accept checks and other payments under the same name.
Anyone in your company can serve as a registered agent including you.
It takes about 7 days online and 10 days by mail to file for Articles of Organization.
A domestic LLC operates in the state it is formed whereas a foreign LLC operates in the area it is formed and its operation can be expanded.
It takes about $100 to start an Oklahoma LLC.
You don’t need to have an SSN to obtain an EIN. Fill out the IRS Form SS-4 and don’t fill section 7b. After that, call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete the filing.
An LLC with more than one member must have an EIN.