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To start an LLC in Oklahoma, you file Articles of Organization, SOS Form 0073, with the Secretary of State and pay $100. The filing can be made online or on paper. Once it is accepted, the LLC exists and owes a $25 annual certificate on each anniversary of its filing date. That is the whole state side of the job. Our Oklahoma business search guide covers the lookup tools if you want to check a name first.
What name can an Oklahoma LLC use?
The name must contain "limited liability company" or "limited company", or one of the abbreviations LLC, L.L.C., LC or L.C. You may shorten "limited" to Ltd. and "company" to Co.
The name also has to stand apart on the state's records. The Secretary of State compares it with other LLCs, limited partnerships, trade names and fictitious names, and with corporations that exist now or existed in the last three years. A name someone has reserved counts too.
Do a name check before you file, using the name availability search. The state calls the result preliminary, and the Business Filing Department decides at filing. If you are not ready to file, a name can be reserved for 60 days for $10. A filing only blocks the same or an indistinguishable name from being filed later. It does not give you trademark rights.
Who can be the registered agent?
Every Oklahoma LLC needs a registered agent with a street address in the state. The LLC can name itself, an Oklahoma resident can serve, or a domestic or qualified foreign entity can serve. The address cannot be a PO box. The rules, the $25 change fee and the resignation steps are on our Oklahoma registered agent page. If you want to do it yourself, read how to be your own registered agent first.
How do I file the Articles of Organization?
Gather these before you start:
- the LLC name, with its required ending
- a street address for the principal place of business, with no PO box
- an email address for the primary contact
- the registered agent's name and street address
- the term of existence, which you can state as perpetual
Then sign. One signer is enough, and the signer need not be a member.
You can file through the Secretary of State filing portal or mail the form to the Business Filing Department in Oklahoma City. The state's procedures sheet and form lists the $100 fee. The department handles filings in the order received. If you walk a document in, same day service costs an extra $50 per document.
Check the email address twice. The state sends its annual certificate notice only to the email in your articles.
What do I do after the state approves it?
Start with the paperwork inside the company. Write an operating agreement that says who owns what and who makes decisions. The articles form has no place for it, so it stays with the company.
Next, get an EIN. The Secretary of State does not issue one, so apply to the IRS through our EIN guide. Then open a business bank account with your approved articles and EIN letter.
What does an Oklahoma LLC file every year?
One thing: the annual certificate, due on the LLC's formation date each year. It confirms the LLC is active, lists its principal address and email, and costs $25. You can file it online by entering the LLC's filing number.
There is a 60 day grace period. No late fee is listed, but after 60 days the LLC becomes inactive and loses good standing. To fix that, you file the free reinstatement form and one annual certificate for every year you owe. The state does not show the inactive date or the years owed online, so check your own records.
The Oklahoma Tax Commission says the state franchise tax has been eliminated. Income and sales taxes are separate matters for your accountant. See annual report deadlines to compare Oklahoma with other states.
Can I form an Oklahoma LLC if I live somewhere else?
Yes, as far as the form goes. The articles have no residency question for the signer or members. You do need an Oklahoma agent and a street address for the principal place of business. Read LLCs for non-residents for the trade-offs.
Ready to file? Use our start an LLC form.
After approval, check the rules in our Oklahoma business license guide.