Didn’t find answer to your question? Email as at info@incparadise.com

There are several key industries in Oklahoma which are not only making a positive impact on the economy and GDP but have also witnessed strong growth. There are several industries where incorporation in Oklahoma can help you reap long-term benefits. The Greater Oklahoma City is one of the regions that are home to one of the largest concentration of aviation or aerospace firms and this technology-intensive industry is playing a key role in decreasing unemployment numbers. Energy is another top industry with oil and natural gas generating a large share of the revenue for this industry. Oklahoma is also home to 70-plus data centers with giants like Google and IBM making the most of a highly skilled work force.

Why Choose Oklahoma for Incorporation?

Sometimes, known as the state of motivation and success, Oklahoma has created exactly the right environment for businesses. If you set up company in Oklahoma, you will be able to take advantage of some of the lowest tax rates and highly beneficial tax incentives. This is probably amongst the many reasons why small businesses have mushroomed in the state in recent times.

Now let’s take a look at some of the salient benefits that are responsible for fuelling growth of small businesses:

• Enterprise Zones: The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has designated certain areas as “Enterprise Zones (EZ)” and these consist primarily of disadvantaged cities or counties. If you set up a company in Oklahoma enterprise zone then you can benefit from one of the most competitive business incentive packages in the state. Apart from this, if your business obtains ad valorem exemptions from a local taxing entity then it may be exempted for a period of six years. Financial support is also available in the form of low interest loans. Enterprise Zones Map
• Business Expansion Incentive Program: The Business Expansion Incentive Program assists business entities that make investments in depreciable items like equipment, machinery, and buildings. As a part of this program, you will get annual cash payment awards, which will help your business grow and expand in Oklahoma.

How do you incorporate in Oklahoma?

What is the process of company incorporation in Oklahoma? Do you require any specific documents? How can you submit or file these documents? These are some of the questions that you will be confronted with and hence the following steps will provide you with information on how incorporation works in Oklahoma:

Type of Business

What type of business would you like to form in Oklahoma? There are a variety of businesses you can form in the state of Oklahoma and these include Domestic and Foreign Business Corporations, Nonprofit Corporations, Limited Partnerships, and Domestic and Foreign Limited Liability Companies among others. If you are planning to incorporate a company in Oklahoma or form an LLC then it is important to first identify the type of business you want to set up.

Business Entity Name

What is the next step towards incorporation in Oklahoma? The next step is to identify and reserve a name and this can be done as follows:

1. Naming Requirements: The naming requirements in the state of Oklahoma are governed by 18 OK Stat § 18-2009 (2014) for an LLC and 18 OK Stat § 18-1139 (2014) for a Corporation. The name of each limited liability company must contain words like “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations like “L.L.C.” or “LLC”. A corporate name must contain words like “corporation”, or “incorporated” or abbreviations like “corp.” or “inc.
2. Business name search: You need to search for a business name that is not in use currently. You can conduct a name search here.
3. Name Reservation: Once you have identified a business entity name, you can reserve the name with the Secretary of State for a period of 60 days. Business Name Reservation
4. Name Registration: If you are a foreign entity planning to set up a company in Oklahoma then you will be required to register your business name with the Secretary of State if your existing legal name is prohibited by Title 18, Section 2008 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Foreign Name Registration

Choose a Registered Agent

Each Business or Professional Corporation and Limited Liability Company in the state of Oklahoma is required to maintain a registered agent pursuant to 18 OK Stat § 18-2010 (2014) for an LLC and 18 OK Stat § 18-1022 (2014) for Corporations.

We are one of the respected registered agents in Oklahoma and will be responsible initiating company incorporation in Oklahoma through the processing of all your documents including “Articles of Organization” and “Certificate of Incorporation” for domestic business entities and “Application for Registration” and “Certificate for Qualification” for foreign entities.

Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Qualification

If you are planning to form a domestic corporation (For profit), then you will have to file “Certificate of Incorporation” pursuant to 18 OK Stat § 18-437.18 (2014). If you are planning a foreign business incorporation in Oklahoma then you will be required to file a “Certificate of Qualification” pursuant to 18 OK Stat § 18-437.23 (2014). In order to streamline the process we can file documents on your behalf through the online process or through an expedited process.

Date Stamped Copies

As part of the process of company incorporation in Oklahoma, we will ensure, you receive date-stamped and filed copies that verifies that the state has filed as well as formed your corporation.

Costs and Fees associated with Oklahoma Incorporation

What would it cost to set up company in Oklahoma? Check Fees here!

Order LLC now  Order INC now

What has led to the steady increase in numbers of small businesses and start-up companies in Oklahoma? There are several reasons but the most obvious is that the state has a strong pro-business climate. The state was ranked #11 in 2014 for cities with “Top Business Climate”.

The highly competitive climate is due to a variety of factors including business friendly regulations and taxes, low cost of skilled labor and supportive legal climate. The policies and strategies of “The Sooner State” are aimed at encouraging businesses growth, expansion, and overall development. The state also has the 7th lowest ratio of primary state debt to state personal income.

Do you want to benefit from some of the most innovative incentive programs?

Setting up an LLC or Corporation – Advantages

There are a variety of small businesses or start-up campanies Oklahoma you can choose from including an LLC or a Corporation. What are the benefits of a corporation or LLC in this state? Let’s look at the advantages of the most common forms of formal associations:

Advantage#1: Salient benefits of Corporation or LLC formation

Corporation

• Incentives for Businesses: There are a variety of incentives offered to businesses in order to encourage economic development. If you register a new company in Oklahoma, you can benefit from:
  – Cash Incentives: This is a direct form of business incentive that is provided in the form of program like the “Quality Jobs Program”. The aim of the programs is to provide quarterly cash payments to qualifying companies.
  – Credit Programs: This type of program is intended to reduce the tax burden on corporations and small businesses.
  – Exemptions: These are incentive programs where a business can receive tax exemption on income, property and sales tax.
• Independent Life: If you register a new business in Oklahoma as an S Corporation then the most important advantage is that it will enjoy an independent life. The business entity will continue operation undisturbed even if it faces the death of one of its stockholders.
• Change in Ownership: If you have formed an S Corporation in Oklahoma then sale, purchase, as well as gifting of stock can facilitate changes in ownership. The changes can take place without disturbing the ability of the corporation to conduct its business.

LLC

• Oklahoma Tax Credit Programs: If you register a new company in Oklahoma as an LLC then there are a variety of tax credit programs that you can benefit from. These include popular programs like:
  – New Markets Tax Credit Program: This is a federal program where your small business can benefit from tax credit incentives on equity investments made in a certified Community Development Entity (CDE).
  – Small Employer Quality Jobs Program: This type of program is targeted at those who register a new business in Oklahoma. The program provides quarterly cash rebates of a maximum of 5% on new payroll. You can benefit from this rebate for a period of 7 years.
  – New Jobs Tax Credits: This is a tax credit program aimed at growing manufacturers and provides tax credit on employment of full-time employees and on investment in depreciable property.
• Limited Liability: The owner of an Oklahoma LLC will be able to enjoy limited liability protection, which means creditors can sue the LLC but not the owner or investors.

Advantage#2: Business Incentive Programs

Every small business or start-up needs support in the form of financial incentives and funds. The state of Oklahoma has dedicated programs that are aimed at facilitating growth and expansion of small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s). Let’s take a look at some of the top programs for a start-up companies in Oklahoma:

• Oklahoma Enterprise Zones: The Oklahoma enterprise zone is an unincorporated area of a city or county that has the lowest 25 percent of per-capita personal income or 30 percent of the population lives below poverty. In order to benefit from the various tax incentives and business benefits in an enterprise zone, you will have to register a new business in Oklahoma. The business incentives under this program are governed by the Oklahoma Local Development and Enterprise Zone Incentive Leverage Act. Map
• Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program: Whether you form an LLC or a corporation in Oklahoma, you can definitely benefit from the quality jobs program. The different sub-programs that can be categorized under this parent program include:
  – 10 Year Cash Incentive: A start-up company in Oklahoma can receive quarterly cash payments on 5% of total payroll for a period of ten years.
  – High Impact Program: The payout will be 2.5 percent of the taxable wages for a period of 6 years.
  – Small Employer Program: A business can receive almost 5% cash-back incentive for a period of 7 years.
  Check Program Guidelines

Are there any Disadvantages of Incorporating in Oklahoma?

If you are wondering if there are any disadvantages if you register a new company in Oklahoma then it is important to know that every state has its own advantages and disadvantages. Similarly, every business also has its own advantages and disadvantages or pros and cons. The disadvantages in the state of Oklahoma are specific to the type of business entity you form. For example, a limited liability company has “Limited Life” while the process of incorporation takes more time than other forms of organization.

Order LLC now  Order INC now

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.

Order LLC now  Order INC now

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.

Order LLC now  Order INC now

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.