Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma law does not mandate an LLC to have an operating agreement.
- However, it is strongly recommended to draft one to define internal operations, ownership structure, and member responsibilities, reducing potential conflicts. Our Oklahoma LLC Operating Agreement templates are designed to provide a solid foundation for your business operations.
- To form an LLC in Oklahoma, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, appoint a registered agent, and fulfill the required filing fee.
Oklahoma LLC Operating Agreement Templates by Type
Single Member LLC
Basic Single Member LLC Operating Agreement
Used 4,920 times
Are you required to uphold your limited liability corporation status in accordance with state law? If the business is sued, the owner’s assets may be safeguarded by this agreement.
Use this operating agreement template in Oklahoma when there is only one owner of the LLC.
Multi Member LLC
Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement Template
Used 4,872 times
Ensure that your newly formed LLC is run the right way by having a multi-member operating agreement in place.
Utilize this operating agreement template in Oklahoma when multiple individuals or entities co-own the LLC.
50/50 LLC
50/50 LLC Operating Agreement Template
Used 4,872 times
This free 50/50 LLC Operating Agreement template for businesses with equal ownership.
Employ this operating agreement template in Oklahoma when two equal partners equally share ownership and management responsibilities within the LLC.
Member-managed LLC
Member-Managed LLC Operating Agreement Template
Used 4,919 times
A manager is chosen by the firm owners to oversee day-to-day operations in a manager-managed LLC. Use this Member-Managed LLC Operating Agreement Template right away.
Opt for this operating agreement template in Oklahoma when the LLC’s management responsibilities are delegated to appointed members.
Legal Requirements
While there’s no legal requirement in Oklahoma for Limited Liability Companies to have a written operating agreement, as per 18 OK Stat § 18-2001.16 (2019), an operating agreement can be any form of agreement between members. It can prevent potential complications in the future. Here’s why:
- Proof of Ownership: Your operating agreement proves your ownership of the Limited Liability Company. State law helps maintain your privacy by not mandating the listing of members’ names in the Articles of Organization.
- Reinforcement of Limited Liability Status: It can help reinforce your limited liability status. In order to enjoy the benefits of limited liability, the company must demonstrate that it exists as a separate legal entity from its proprietors. Should a legal dispute arise, your operating agreement will prove a highly valuable asset.
- Conflict Resolution: It can help mitigate conflicts. There may be instances where your members may disagree.
- Override Default Laws: It can override the state’s default laws. Oklahoma’s Limited Liability Company default statutes govern any rule not established in your operating agreement, and they may not be suitable for your business.
How to Form LLC in Oklahoma
Forming a Limited Liability Company involves several steps. Here are steps on how to do it:
- Choose a Business Name: First, ensure your desired business name is available by conducting a name availability search. If the name is available but you’re not ready to register, you can reserve it for up to 60 days.
- File Oklahoma Articles of Organization: This is a crucial step in forming your Limited Liability Company. You’ll need to submit these documents to the Oklahoma Secretary of State. The filing process takes about 15 minutes and costs $100 plus a service fee.
- Use a Filing Service: A professional filing service can handle the registration process. This can simplify the process and ensure all documents are correctly filed.
- Appoint a Registered Agent: It must have a registered agent in Oklahoma. If it’s sued, this person or business entity agrees to accept legal papers on behalf of your Limited Liability Company.
- Draft an Operating Agreement: Although the state doesn’t require an operating agreement, it’s highly recommended that one be created. This document outlines the LLC’s ownership and operating procedures.
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): After registering your LLC, you must get an EIN from the IRS. This is also known as an Employer Tax ID and is used to identify your business for tax purposes.
- Open a Bank Account: Open a business checking account to separate your business and personal finances.
- Maintain Your LLC: Remember, LLCs and Limited Partnerships must pay an annual fee to the SOS to keep their registration active and in good standing.
Oklahoma LLC Laws
- No State Income Tax: In Oklahoma, LLCs are considered pass-through entities for tax purposes. This means the company itself doesn’t pay income taxes. Instead, the profits and losses are passed to the LLC owners, who report them on their personal income tax returns.
- Annual Reporting Requirements: The state requires all LLCs to file an annual certificate. You must submit this certificate yearly by the anniversary date of your LLC’s establishment. The filing fee for this certificate is $25 as of 2023.
- Registered Agent Requirement: Every Limited Liability Company in Oklahoma must have a registered agent. This person or business entity agrees to accept legal papers on behalf of your LLC if it’s sued.
- Foreign LLC Registration: If it was formed in another state but wishes to conduct business in Oklahoma, it must register as a foreign LLC. The registration process includes paying a registration fee, providing an original certificate from the certifying officer of the jurisdiction of the foreign company organization, and submitting an application for registration.
- Real Estate Considerations: If your LLC is involved in real estate, knowing the applicable laws and regulations is important. This includes understanding the benefits and legal considerations of forming an LLC for real estate investments. Oklahoma also has specific laws regarding land ownership, particularly concerning non-U.S. citizens.
- Employment Laws: If your Limited Liability Company has employees, you must comply with state and federal employment laws. This includes obtaining an employer identification number (EIN), registering with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, and complying with wage and hour laws.
