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How to Start an LLC in Oklahoma

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If you’re planning on starting a business in Oklahoma, you should consider forming a Limited Liability Company or LLC for short. An LLC allows you to protect yourself and your personal assets from liability in case your business is sued or in debt.

These limited liabilities are the main reason LLCs are such a popular choice among entrepreneurs. However, there are also some favorable tax treatments for LLCs. The following step-by-step guide will teach you all the necessary steps to start an LLC in Oklahoma.

Choose a Name for Your Oklahoma LLC

The first thing you need to do to start an LLC in Oklahoma is to choose a name for your Oklahoma LLC or business. The state has set a few guidelines that you must follow when naming your business. These include: 

  • The name of your business must be unique and distinguishable from other existing business entities in Oklahoma. You can perform a business entity name search on the official website of the Oklahoma Secretary of State here to make sure that your name is unique and not the same as an existing entity.

  • The name of your business must contain the phrase “limited liability company” or an abbreviation of the same, like “LLC” or “LLC.”

  • Any words that might create a false association with government agencies cannot be used. These words can include bureau, board, treasury, FBI, state department, etc.

  • You may require additional paperwork for restricted words (University, Hospital, Bank, Attorney, etc.), along with a relevant licensed individual (layer, doctor, etc.) to be a part of your Oklahoma LLC.

Appoint a Registered Agent in Oklahoma

Starting any business has its fair share of risks. There can be legal troubles, or your business may get sued. For these reasons, when you start an LLC in Oklahoma, the state requires you to appoint a representative who can receive all important legal notices, documents, tax forms, and official government correspondence on your LLC’s behalf.

For Oklahoma LCCs, this representative is a registered agent, who you must appoint before filing the Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization (more on this in the next step).

Your Oklahoma registered agent must be a resident of the state or a corporation, like a registered agent service, authorized to conduct business in Oklahoma. If you want, you may appoint a member of your LLC or even yourself as the registered agent.

File the Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization

To register and start an LLC in Oklahoma, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. You can either file it by mail, in person, or online by clicking here.

You must mention the following basic information before filing the document:

  • The name of your Oklahoma LLC

  • The street address of your LLC’s principal place of business (PO Boxes are not accepted)

  • The active email address of your LLC’s primary contact for correspondence

  • The name and address (no PO Boxes) of your registered agent

  • The term of existence of your LLC (can be perpetual)

  • The signature/s of the filer/s

The cost of filing the Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization is just $100. If you do no not seek any external help, the cost of filing this document is the only cost of starting an LLC in Oklahoma. Once the Oklahoma Secretary of State approves your filing, your LLC is established formally, and you can officially start your business operations.

Form an Operating Agreement for Your LLC

An operating agreement is an internal legal document that outlines the structure and framework of your LLC. It includes things like the rights and responsibilities of various members, ownership shares, management structure, operating procedures, etc.

Unlike many other states, Oklahoma does not require you to include this document when filing the Articles of Organization. However, having one can benefit your LLC greatly in the long run.

You can form your own Operating Agreement, hire a professional to form one for your LLC, or you can get a suitable one from various online resources like this one.

Obtain Your Federal EIN from the IRS

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number, and it is sometimes referred to as the Federal EIN (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN). It is quite similar to a social security number, but for businesses.

Without an EIN, your LLC cannot open a business account, hire employees, or file and manage taxes. This is why you must obtain an EIN from the IRS to start an LLC in Oklahoma, so both federal and state authorities recognize your business.

Fortunately, the process is extremely simple and perhaps the easiest thing you’ll do when forming your LLC in Oklahoma. Simply visit the official IRS website to apply for your EIN online for free.

Get Insurance for Your Oklahoma LLC

When starting an LLC in Oklahoma, business insurance can help you manage risk better and focus on your business. You can opt for General Liability Insurance, which is a broad insurance that works well for most small businesses.

Or, if your LLC is a professional service provider (accountants, consultants, etc.), you can opt for Professional Liability Insurance, which covers malpractice and other such business claims.

However, if your Oklahoma LLC has one or more employees (excluding owners), the state requires you by law to have Worker’s Compensation Insurance to cover employees for job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths.

Of course, if your LLC has vehicular assets, you should also consider Commercial Auto Insurance.

Set Up a Business Website and Start Marketing

Once you have completed all the mentioned steps for starting an LLC in Oklahoma, you must consider other key aspects of your business. For example, one of the first things you should do is build a business website for your LLC, where your target audience can convene and contact your business easily.

A business website is a primary hub of information for potential customers in the modern world. This is why it is important that your business website is easy to navigate, informative, and SEO-friendly. If your business is service-based, you will also require features like online bookings and appointments. 

Fortunately, you do not need to learn complex coding or hire full-time professionals, as convenient online solutions like Trady.com can help you create the ideal business website with all the necessary features required to improve customer experience and attract more business.

Similarly, your business needs to attract the right target audiences with its marketing. This requires extensive marketing knowledge, effective tactics, and skillful execution. With Trady.com as your marketing partner, you can significantly boost customer outreach.

Whether you need social ads, email marketing, or local mailing drops, Trady.com can handle all your marketing and branding needs for you, so you can focus on other important aspects of your business.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your 14-day free trial today to test our services.