Business registration in Oklahoma follows a specific a process but what do you do next after your business has been registered? The next step is to identify whether your company, corporation, LLC, or partnership firm requires a business license to operate in the state. Some businesses may require licenses while others may require permits. It is important to know however that not every business entity in the state needs a license. General business licenses in the state are issued for the following types of businesses or sectors:

• Retail
• Construction
• Wholesale
• Restaurants and bars
• Transportation services
• Advertising
• Consumer credit services
• Pawnbroker

Check the Oklahoma Business License List

Oklahoma Business License Requirements

Some businesses require statewide business licenses while others have to apply for a license issued by the city or county within which the business is situated or planning to operate from. Who issues the licenses? Which business entities require a license and which require permits? What are the requirements for obtaining a business license in Oklahoma? These are important questions and hence we have created a guide to provide relevant information regarding the same.

Here is a step-by-step approach towards acquiring a business license in the state of Oklahoma.

Step#1: The Industry or Business Type

How would you know what type of business or professional license is required to operate in Oklahoma? The type of industry or the activities of a business entity helps in identifying the type of business license required. It is important to know that different types of licenses and permits are issued by different state agencies.

Let’s look at an example to understand this well.

• Airport or Heliport Business – You will require a business license and it will be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The fee is dependent on the following services:
  – Public heliport or airport license: $50
  – Private heliport or airport license: $30
  Sample Application
• Food Service Establishment – You will require a license. Food establishment refers to a permanent, temporary, or mobile establishment where food is served, or is prepared or stored for retail sale. The fee will vary according to the type of food establishment. For example, the fee for a Food Service Establishment Class A, B, or C with 10 or less employees is $50 while those with 25 or more employees is $100. There will also be additional fees if there is a frozen dessert plant ($150).
  The inspection is conducted by the Oklahoma City County Health Department (OCCHD) and once approved business license in Oklahoma is issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC).
  Sample Application

Step#2: Licenses issued by City/County

If your business or industry type doesn’t fall under a statewide license then you will have to check with the local city or county office. A business license in Oklahoma can also be issued by local counties or cities in which the business is located. Let’s look at an example to understand this.

If you were to establish a hotel business in the City of Tulsa then you will require an Oklahoma company license from the City of Tulsa Finance Department pursuant to Title 21, Chapter 16 of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances (Hotel Licensing). The fee schedule is pro-rated for initial issuance and there is an additional processing fee as well. The license fee is different for different months. For instance, the fee for January is $75 while that of December is $18.75.

Download Hotel License Application

Some of the other licenses issued to businesses in the City of Tulsa include Mobile Vendor or Outdoor Seller, Pawnbroker, Recreation Center including Youth Recreation Facility and Family Recreation Center, Sexually Oriented Businesses, Taxi and Para-Transit Service including horse-drawn carriages and Physically limited transport.

Step#3: Issuance of a Business License

How is a business license in Oklahoma issued? You have to identify the following to complete the process:

1. The type of business or industry
2. Do you need a license or a permit?
3. Will it be issued by the state or the county?

Once you have identified the above, all you need to do is either download the application online or contact the concerned state department or city of clerk office.

It is important to note that a business license or permit will have to be renewed annually unless specific dates have been mentioned, to keep the business operational.

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The “Land of the Red Man” with an annual growth rate of 2.8% witnessed a 1.5% increase in Private-sector employment. According to the U.S Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, more than 1300 new businesses were set up in 2017 and this took the total number of small businesses to 347,165. The maximum number of new jobs were created in the professional, scientific, and technical services industry. The growth of businesses and industries is more so because of the pro-business environment and this is one of the reasons why you should form a corporation in Oklahoma.

A diversified economy where aviation and aerospace are the largest industry. What Industry do you want to form a business in? REGISTER COMPANY IN OKLAHOMA

The big question is how do you go about company formation in Oklahoma? This is where we can be of assistance!

We are one of the top Oklahoma registered agents and are familiar with all incorporation processes pertaining to the Oklahoma State and can provide information and assistance for successful set up of your business!

Oklahoma LLC Registration and Formation

LLC company formation in Oklahoma is governed by Oklahoma Revised Statutes – Chapter 21, Oklahoma Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. The procedure for registration and formation of LLC is as follows:

Step#1: Maintain a registered agent

If you are planning to form a Limited Liability Company in Oklahoma then you will be required to designate and continuously maintain a registered agent in the state pursuant to 18 OK Stat § 18-2010 (2014). This law is applicable to domestic limited liability companies as well as foreign limited liability companies.

We would take this opportunity to share with you the fact that we are one of the top registered agents in the state and have been responsible for over 11,494 businesses set up in Oklahoma. We can assist you to form an Oklahoma business LLC.

Step#2: LLC Name Reservation

One of the first steps in company formation in Oklahoma is identifying a name for your business entity. What is the process? The process is as follows:

1. Identify a name for your business entity
2. According to 18 OK Stat § 18-2009 (2014), the name should contain the phrase or words “limited liability company” or the abbreviations “L.L.C.”, or “LLC”.
3. The chosen name should be distinguishable and should not be deceptively similar to the name of any limited partnership, corporation, or limited liability company
4. Apply for reservation of name pursuant to provisions of Title 18, Section 1139, Section 2009, or Title 54, Section 500-109A.
5. Submit the form FM0034 through online or via mail at the Office of the Secretary of State along with the applicable fee. An LLC can reserve its name for a period of 60 days.

Step#3: Articles of Organization and Application for Registration

If you are planning to form an Oklahoma business LLC then the most important step is to prepare and file the proper documents for a Limited Liability Company. The steps are:

• If you want to register a domestic LLC then you will be required to file “Articles of Organization” governed by 18 OK Stat § 18-2004 (2014).
• If your business entity is a foreign LLC then you will be required to file “Application for Registration” pursuant to 18 OK Stat § 18-2043 (2014).
• The application or documentation for registration of LLC can be filed with the office of the Secretary of State, Business Filing Department, through mail or online.

We can file the form on your behalf as your registered agent in the state and provide you with certified copies of the LLC registration.

In case, you have any questions regarding how to form a business in Oklahoma, feel free to call us on 702-871-8678.

Oklahoma Corporation Registration and Formation

If you are planning to form a Corporation in Oklahoma then the procedure for registration and formation is as follows:

Step#1: Maintain a Registered Agent

If you are planning to form a business or professional corporation in Oklahoma then you will be required to continuously maintain a registered agent in the state pursuant to 18 OK Stat § 18-1022 (2014). This law is applicable to domestic as well as foreign corporations.

We would take this opportunity to share with you the fact that we are one of the top registered agents in the state and have been responsible for over 11,494 businesses set up in Oklahoma. We can assist you to form an Oklahoma business as we are in compliance with all regulations in the State of Oklahoma.

Step#2: Corporate Name Reservation

In order to form a corporation in Oklahoma, one of the key steps is identifying a name for your business entity. What is the process? The process is as follows:

1. Identify a name for your business entity
2. Conduct a business name search
3. According to 18 OK Stat § 18-1139 (2014), a corporate name should contain the phrase or words “corporation”, “company”, “incorporated”, or the abbreviations “Corp.”, or “Inc.”
4. The chosen name should be distinguishable and should not be deceptively similar to the name of any limited liability company, limited partnership, or corporation
5. Apply for reservation of name pursuant to provisions of Title 18, Section 1139, Section 2009, or Title 54, Section 500-109A.
6. Submit the form FM0034 through online or mail at the Office of the Secretary of State along with the applicable fee. A business corporation can reserve its name for a period of 60 days.
7. If the name of a foreign corporation is prohibited under Title 18, Section 1140 of the Oklahoma Statutes then you will have to file a fictitious name report.

Step#3: Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Qualification

If you are planning to form a corporation in Oklahoma, then the most important step is to prepare and file the proper documents for a business corporation. The steps are:

• If you want to register a domestic corporation then you will be required to file a “Certificate of Incorporation” pursuant to 18 OK Stat § 18-437.18 (2014).
• If your business entity is a foreign corporation then you will be required to file a ” Certificate of Qualification” to transact business in the state pursuant to 18 OK Stat § 18-437.23 (2014).
• The application or documentation for registration of a corporation can be filed with the office of the Secretary of State, Business Filing Department, through mail or online.

We can file the form on your behalf as your registered agent in the state and provide you with certified copies of the incorporation.

If you have any questions regarding Oklahoma incorporation or LLC formation, you can simply visit the Oklahoma Business Formation page.

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Business Information & Rankings

• Oklahoma ranked among the Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2005 (Pollina Corporate Real Estate Report)
• Oklahoma ranked 7th on the Top 10 States with the Lowest Cost of Doing Business. (North American Business Cost Review, 2004)
• According to Economy.com, Inc., Oklahoma ranked 6th among the 10 states with the overall lowest labor costs. (2005)
• Oklahoma ranks 4th in the nation in the production of all wheat, 4th in cattle and calf production, 5th in the production of pecans, 6th in peanuts and 8th in peaches. (TravelOK.com)

Cost of living

Crime Rate

Oklahoma has the 39th lowest overall crime ranking in the U.S. (FBI, 2004)

Fees & Taxes

Business Inventory Tax
Taxed. Assessed on average value.

Corporate Income Tax
Oklahoma’s corporate tax structure consists of a flat tax of 6% on all corporate income.

Personal Income Tax
Oklahoma’s personal income tax system consists of eight brackets and a top rate of 6.65% starting at an income level of $10,000.

Personal Property Tax
Real property and tangible personal property are taxed. Personal property is assessed at an amount between 10% and 15% of its fair cash value.

State Sales and Use Tax
Base Rate: 4.5%
Machinery Rate: none

There is an exemption for tangible personal property, machinery, or equipment for use in a manufacturing operation.

Unemployment Insurance
Oklahoma’s new employers’ rate is 1.2% for 2 years.

Once your company is set up, you will need:

1. Tax ID (EIN) – free over the Internet or phone.
2. Yearly Requirements and Fees for Oregon companies
3. Company Minutes & Stock Certificates – are included in incorporation. You will have access to documents generated on your client account.

Oregon additional services

• Registered Agent
• Annual Report
• EIN (Tax ID)
• More Additional Services

• Why Oregon?
• Oregon Registered Agent
• Oregon Annual Requirements
• Oregon Corporation Statutes: ORS Chapters 58 (Professional Corporations), 60 (Private Corporations) and 65 (Non-profit)

• Why Oregon?
• Oregon Registered Agent
• Oregon Annual Requirements
• Oregon LLC Statutes: ORS Chapter 63