Oklahoma Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Oklahoma incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Oklahoma

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Oklahoma corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Oklahoma with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation.

Corporate Name

The name must contain either the word or an abbreviation of (when applicable) "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated," "Limited," "Association," "Club," "Foundation," "Fund," "Institute," "Society," "Union" or "Syndicate." The name must be distinguishable from that of any other corporation, limited partnership, trade name, fictitious name, reserved name, limited liability company, limited partnership or any limited liability company name filed with the Secretary of State.

Director information

The following are Oklahoma’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Oklahoma does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Oklahoma does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Certificate of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Certificate of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Oklahoma is called the Certificate of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Oklahoma's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value can affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Oklahoma. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Other filings required at time of incorporation

Some states require additional filings or steps at the time of incorporation, such as a county level filing, publishing notice of the incorporation in a local newspaper or an initial report filing. Oklahoma requires the following:

• Business registration. Oklahoma requires corporations file a Business Registration Form with the Oklahoma Tax Commission within 60 days from the date of incorporation.

Professional services businesses

Oklahoma allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Oklahoma corporations.

Corporate records

Oklahoma corporations must keep the following items with their corporate records at the principal location:

• A list the names and addresses of shareholders with the number and class of shares owned by each
• A stock transfer ledger
• Records of account

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Oklahoma corporations:

• Annual report and franchise tax. Oklahoma requires corporations to file Annual Franchise Tax Return with the State Tax Commission by July 1. The tax is calculated based on the capital used, invested or employed in Oklahoma.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Oklahoma corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Oklahoma .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Oklahoma does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Oklahoma recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Oklahoma information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Oklahoma:

• Oklahoma LLC Formation