Starting a new business? There are essential steps required to form a business in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Business Hub is a great resource when it comes to planning, launching and operating your business. This site is a collaborative effort with multiple state agencies that play a role in business operations in the state.
Download our quick reference guide to learn the five steps to get a new business registered in the state of Oklahoma .
Starting a new small business? Find out where to begin and how to achieve success.
Looking to update your business name, address, or owner?
Stay up-to-date with all you business tax needs.
Learn more about the certification process and unlock a world of new possibilities.
Quick Reference Guide Read a quick overview of common terms and business formation steps.The first step in forming a business is to select a legal business structure. This decision is based on how your business will operate and who will own it, along with legal and tax considerations.
The two most basic business structures are:
These are sometimes called informal structures. You do not need to file with the state to operate as either of these two basic structures. You may choose to create an operating agreement or legal documents with an attorney to specify company ownership and responsibilities.
There are four additional business structures in Oklahoma:
These four structures are called formal structures and must be registered with the Secretary of State to be formed. Learn about these structures and how to form them at the Secretary of State’s Business Organization page .
Choosing a name is a creative decision, but there are some steps you may need to take with the state or federal government.
Filing a Trade Name with the Oklahoma Secretary of State will protect the use of your business name within Oklahoma. The filing will also check for conflicts with existing Oklahoma businesses.
Filing for a federal trademark protects your name nation-wide. Check business, product and service name ideas to see if they are already protected and file your own trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office .
In Oklahoma, there is no license required just to start or own a business, but there are specific licenses and permits for different industries and business activities.
The terms license and permit are often used by different government agencies, cities and towns to mean a qualification or permission from an authority to engage in some kind of activity.
Some of these licenses or permits apply to individuals, companies, or the types of items being sold or services being offered.
One of the most common permits is the sales tax permit. It is required for retailers, resellers, or others that sell tangible property on an ongoing basis.
Obtain a sales tax permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission .
The Department of Commerce doesn’t license businesses. You will obtain required licenses or permits from the agencies or local governments that issue them. Those agencies and county or city departments will also provide information on regulations and other operating requirements.
Research license and permit requirements for your type of business and the counties and cities in which you will operate. We provide a list of the most common licenses. Call our Business Customer Services team at 405-815-5218 for information. You may also need to consult an attorney.
The federal EIN isn’t just for businesses with employees. Your accountant may recommend that you establish an EIN for your business and your bank may require one to set up business banking accounts and services.
All employers must obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number, so if you will have employees, you must file for an EIN.
File for a Federal Employer Identification Number with the Internal Revenue Service .
Employers must set up a withholding account for state income taxes through the Oklahoma Tax Commission .
The Internal Revenue Service requires employers to have an EIN and withhold income and payroll taxes for their employees.
You will need to set up an account for employees’ unemployment taxes through the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission .
