Start an LLC in Oklahoma

First, you need a business name. You can name your LLC pretty much anything you want, as long as it follows Oklahoma’s naming rules. Basically, your LLC name must:

• Contain an indicator like “limited liability company” or “LLC.” See 18 OK Stat § 18-2008 for a list of acceptable indicators.
• Be unique among approved business names in Oklahoma.
• Not include words or abbreviations that make it sound like the LLC is another kind of entity, like “corp” or “limited partnership.”

Already have a business name? Check to see if it’s available.

Oklahoma state law requires every LLC to have a registered agent. You can act as your own, designate your LLC or an acquaintance to do it, or you can hire a professional registered agent service. The important part is that your registered agent needs to have a local street address and agree to accept legal mail on behalf of your business. You’ll need a registered agent before you start filling out your Oklahoma Articles of Organization.

Learn why the pros use a registered agent service.

The Articles of Organization is the name of the document that—once approved by the Secretary of State’s office—legally creates your Oklahoma LLC. When the form is completed, you’ll submit it to the Oklahoma Secretary of State online, by mail, or in person.

Note: All of the information on this form will become part of the public record.

Provide the following information about your LLC in order to successfully fill out the articles:

• Company name. Include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC.”
• Principal office. List your street address in Oklahoma (no PO Boxes).
• Business email. This is where the Secretary of State will send notifications.
• Registered agent and office. List the name and street address of your Oklahoma registered agent.
• Term of existence. List your term of existence as “perpetual,” unless you want the LLC to expire on a certain date.
• Executor. The person you authorize to form and file your Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization. This doesn’t need to be someone within your LLC.

The operating agreement is an essential document for the future success of your LLC. In the simplest terms, your operating agreement is a document crafted and agreed upon by the members of LLC that spells out financial contributions, management roles, voting rights, and other responsibilities expected of the members. In other words, the operating agreement is the backbone of your LLC. It lends your LLC legitimacy—without an operating agreement, a court may view your LLC as a sole proprietorship or partnership, which could jeopardize the LLC’s liability.

Check out our attorney-drafted Oklahoma LLC Operating Agreement.

An EIN (“employer identification number”) is used by the IRS to identify your business on tax filings. Think of it as a social security number for your LLC. You can apply for an EIN directly from the IRS for free. Applying online is the fastest way to get an EIN, but if you don’t have a social security number, you’ll have to use the paper form.

Learn How to get an EIN for your LLC.

Beginning on January 1st, 2024, most new Oklahoma LLCs will need to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within 30 days of company formation. Existing LLCs have until January 1st, 2025. On the BOI Report, you’ll need to provide identifying information about your company applicant and all beneficial owners, as well as some information about the LLC itself.

A Beneficial Owner is anyone with at least 25% membership interest in your LLC (or with significant control over the LLC’s operations or finances).

Your Company Applicant is whoever files your Oklahoma Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, otherwise known as the LLC organizer.

Opening a bank account for your LLC is an important step in bolstering your LLC’s liability protections. The whole point of starting an LLC is to make it clear that you are separate from your business and so can’t be held liable for business debts. Opening a bank account for your LLC reinforces the fact that you are a separate entity from your business and that you are not mixing finances. A bank account also makes it easier to find potential tax write offs, and you’ll never be left trying to remember if that breakfast burrito was a business expense or a random craving.

To open a bank account for your Oklahoma LLC, you’ll need to bring the following to the bank:

• Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization (a copy is fine)
• the LLC’s operating agreement
• the LLC’s EIN
• an LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account (if your LLC has more than one member).

If your LLC has more than one member, use our free LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account.

It’s all about the Benjamins, baby. Funding the LLC is pretty straightforward. Each member should write a check (or initiate a bank transfer) from their bank account to the LLC’s bank account. This pays for membership interest. Members can also contribute property or services to the LLC in exchange for membership interest. This can result in tax events based on the value of the services or property provided.

LLCs must file an Oklahoma Annual Certificate each year. Similar to an annual report, the certificate basically just wants you to update your LLC’s information. Consider it an annual checkup. It only costs $25, but if you forget to file, your LLC will lose its good standing with the state and may even be dissolved.

Worried you’ll forget? Let us file your Oklahoma annual report for you.

*This is informational commentary, not advice. This information is intended strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. This information is not intended to create, nor does your receipt, viewing, or use of it constitute, an attorney-client relationship. More information is available in our Terms of Service.