Do you own a business operating in the state of Oklahoma? If so, you may need to acquire licenses and permits to ensure that your company operates in a compliant fashion.
But how do you determine which permits and licenses you need (if any), and where do you acquire them? In this guide to Oklahoma business licenses and permits, we’ll answer all the tough questions about this process.
Rocket Tip: If you haven't yet started an LLC and want help getting business licenses and permits, some LLC services can help you take care of those requirements as part of their packages. LegalZoom and Incfile being the two most popular.
Are There Federal Licenses That My Business Needs?
First off, let’s discuss the matter of federal licenses and permits. There are many business activities that are regulated by various federal agencies, from agriculture to transportation and logistics. We recommend taking a look at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to federal licenses and permits to make sure you’ve got your bases covered.
In addition, most businesses should acquire a federal tax ID number, also known as an EIN (employer identification number). This is essentially a social security number for your business, and it enables you to hire employees, pay business taxes, open business bank accounts, and more. You can acquire an EIN from the IRS for free.
What State-Level Licenses and Permits Apply in Oklahoma?
According to the Oklahoma state government website, “in Oklahoma, there is no general license required to start or own a business. However, for specific types of businesses and occupations, licenses, permits, or special registrations and filings may be required before opening or operating.”
Oklahoma has numerous licensing requirements for specific industries, from construction to transportation. You can learn more about the requirements for your industry right here.
In some cases, Oklahoma business activities impact air, soil, and water quality. Businesses that have a substantial environmental impact will need to obtain special permitting through the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. You can learn more about environmental permitting on the department’s website.
Which Tax Registrations are Required for Oklahoma Businesses?
In addition to occupational licenses and permits, there are a number of state-level tax registrations, which are based on the industry you operate in and which business structure your company uses.
Every Oklahoma business must register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission via the online registration system. This allows businesses to register for a number of different tax types, ranging from sales tax to tire recycling tax.
Certain industries also require specific tax registrations in Oklahoma. You can consult the Oklahoma Tax Commission website for more information about the requirements for your industry.
Are There Local Licenses, Permits, or Registrations in Oklahoma?
The answer to this question obviously depends on where in Oklahoma you’re operating your business, but there are indeed quite a few licenses, permits, and tax registrations required by Oklahoma localities.
Different cities and counties in Oklahoma have varied licensing requirements for businesses operating within their jurisdiction. You will need to contact your local county or city clerk for more information.
Thankfully, some cities in Oklahoma have business resource websites to help local businesses with the licensing process, including cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow.
If we were to break down the exact rules and regulations regarding permitting in every locality in the state of Oklahoma, this article would become excessively lengthy. With that in mind, we’ll simply say that every business owner should check with their local government to determine whether there are licenses, permits, or tax registrations required to operate in compliant fashion.
Can I Hire Someone to Research Licenses and Permits for My Business?
If this process sounds like a bit of a hassle, that’s because it certainly can be. If you would rather hire a reputable business services provider to handle this for you, that is always an option.
Companies like Incfile can research the necessary licenses and permits for your company on the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. They will then send you the applications you need to acquire these permits and licenses, meaning all you need to do is fill them out and mail them in.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for the question of which licenses and permits your business might require to operate in the state of Oklahoma. Instead, it’s important that you know how to access the resources to determine which permits your company needs to operate in a compliant fashion.
We hope this article helped you to do just that, and we wish you good fortune in your business future!