Cost to Start an LLC in Oklahoma

If you’re thinking of starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Oklahoma, you’ll want to know in advance how much it’s going to cost. LLC formation fees vary by state, so it’s wise to do a bit of research and prepare yourself, and your new business, for the necessary steps. 

LLC Costs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Articles of Organization Cost

In Oklahoma, you form an LLC by filing Oklahoma articles of organization, which requires a $100 fee. It’s a simple process you can do online using the state’s Business Entity Filing service provided by the Secretary of State. 

If you need a certified copy of the articles of organization, there is an initial $10 fee, with an additional $1 charge per page. If you need a Certificate of Good Standing, there is a $20 fee. If you’d like the state to hold your LLC name before you register, you can apply online here for $10 to reserve it for 60 days. 

Completed paper forms and their accompanying fee should be sent to:

Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 N.W. 13th, Suite 210
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103

Oklahoma Registered Agent Cost

In Oklahoma, you are required to have an Oklahoma registered agent, also known as an agent of service in process.  A registered agent is a person or business authorized to accept and respond to legal, tax, and financial documents on behalf of your business.   

In Oklahoma, you can be your own registered agent, or it can be another member of the LLC. An individual who is not a member or a professional agency can also serve as the registered agent for your LLC. 

Costs for a registered agent service range from $50 a year up to $300 or more. Several online firms, such as ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent, provide quality services at reasonable rates.

Oklahoma Business Licenses and Permits Cost

Starting an LLC in Oklahoma requires obtaining the required licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. Fees for these vary, but most costs are minimal.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments to learn more. 

Business license fees depend on the type of business and the agency issuing the license or permit. On average, business licenses cost between $100 and $300+, plus renewal fees.

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package ($149 + state fees). They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

Oklahoma Operating Agreement Cost

In Oklahoma, your LLC is not required to have an operating agreement in place. But it’s highly recommended, as an effective operating agreement can help avoid disputes and lawsuits that could threaten the stability of your LLC. 

An LLC operating agreement is an important legal document that details who owns the business and provides essential information pertaining to member duties. An LLC operating agreement establishes the financial relationship between members and the basics of the working relationships between those members and the managers who oversee daily operations. 

The operating agreement is not filed with the state, but instead remains private. It’s advisable to hire an attorney to ensure your operating agreement is thorough and legally binding. 

Creating an operating agreement is free if you just draw it up yourself (here you can find free Oklahoma LLC Operating Agreement template). Alternatively, you can pay around $100 for guidance from an online business advisory.

This is an extremely important document, so it’s recommended that you use the services of a specialist or legal firm. If you choose to hire an attorney, the price will be around $500 for a single-member LLC and $2,500 for a multi-member LLC.  

Oklahoma LLC Formation Service Cost (Optional)

Forming an LLC in Oklahoma tends to involve a lot of red tape and paperwork, so for many entrepreneurs just starting out it’s a good idea to hire an experienced service provider. 

Some of the best services for forming an LLC in Oklahoma are ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent. LLC Formation service will take care of all the key steps, keeping you updated while allowing you to focus on launching and growing your business.

The cost of professional services depends on your requirements and LLC formation plan. Most LLC service providers offer different plans/packages and there are many LLC services that offer free LLC formation.

Ongoing Oklahoma LLC Costs

Every state has a different fee structure and timelines for LLC documents and licenses. It’s important to stay up-to-date or your business could face significant penalties. The fees and timelines for Oklahoma are detailed below. 

Annual Fees

You’ll need to file an Oklahoma LLC annual certificate with your state to keep your LLC in good standing. The fee is $20 and you can file online by visiting Oklahoma’s business entities search page to look up your business and order your certificate.

Franchise Tax Reports

A franchise tax is not a tax on a franchise business. It is a fee that the state imposes on registered business entities for the right to operate. Oklahoma charges an annual franchise tax rate of $1.25 per $1,000. 

Business License Renewal Fees

Some business licenses and permits must be renewed periodically, which may have a small associated fee. For example, sales tax permits cost $20 to acquire and must be renewed every three years. As long as your business doesn’t have any outstanding charges due, your permit will be renewed automatically at no cost.

Conversely, food licenses require annual renewal for a fee of $335. It’s best to create calendar reminders to monitor when expirations are coming up to ensure you have time to apply for renewal and run your business without interruption.