Oklahoma Certificate of Formation and Incorporation Procedures Austin Burgoyne, June 5, 2023June 6, 2023 This article provides a concise overview of the procedures required for forming and incorporating a business in the state of Oklahoma. Table of Contents Toggle Forming an Oklahoma Corporation: Steps and BenefitsUnderstanding the Oklahoma Certificate of FormationObtaining an Oklahoma Certificate of Authority for Foreign EntitiesImportant Information for Corporations and LLCs: Registered Agents and State Contact Information Forming an Oklahoma Corporation: Steps and Benefits Forming an Oklahoma Corporation involves a few important steps that can be easily completed with the right guidance. Firstly, you need to file the Oklahoma Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State (SOS) and pay the required fee. Once the SOS approves your application, you can proceed to file the Articles of Incorporation. This document contains the corporation’s name, purpose, and other relevant information. Benefits of forming a corporation include tax advantages, limited liability protection, and greater access to funding. Corporations can also continue to exist even after the owner’s death or departure from the company. If you’re already running an LLC or nonprofit in Oklahoma, you can convert it into a corporation through a simple process. You can also merge or withdraw a corporation, or obtain a Good Standing Certificate or Certificate of Qualification if required to do business in another state. Don’t forget to draft an Operating Agreement to govern the company’s internal affairs. Understanding the Oklahoma Certificate of Formation The Oklahoma Certificate of Formation is a legal document that establishes the creation of a new business entity, such as an LLC or nonprofit. It must be filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State (SOS) and includes important information about the business, such as its name, registered agent, and purpose. Incorporation procedures can vary depending on the type of business entity and whether it is a domestic or foreign corporation. A good standing certificate may be required for some filings, and certain qualifications or operating agreements may need to be included. The SOS form must be completed accurately and submitted with the appropriate fee. Once approved, the business is considered a legal entity in the state of Oklahoma. Additional procedures, such as mergers or withdrawals, may require further filings with the SOS. Understanding the Oklahoma Certificate of Formation and incorporation procedures is crucial for successfully establishing and maintaining a business in the state. Obtaining an Oklahoma Certificate of Authority for Foreign Entities Foreign entities looking to do business in Oklahoma must first obtain a Certificate of Authority. To do so, the entity must submit an application to the Secretary of State’s office. The application requires the entity’s legal name, state and date of incorporation, and a registered agent in Oklahoma. Additionally, the entity must provide proof of good standing from its home state. Once the application is submitted, there is a filing fee that must be paid. If the entity is an LLC, it must also submit a copy of its Operating Agreement. Non-profit organizations must provide a copy of their articles of incorporation. If the entity is already registered in another state and wishes to do business in Oklahoma, it may qualify for a simplified process known as a “Registration of Qualification.” Foreign entities looking to convert to an Oklahoma LLC or merge with an Oklahoma corporation must follow different procedures. Similarly, entities looking to withdraw from Oklahoma must complete a separate filing. Important Information for Corporations and LLCs: Registered Agents and State Contact Information Important Information for Corporations and LLCs: Registered Agents and State Contact Information Registered Agent Requirement: Corporations and LLCs must appoint and maintain a registered agent in Oklahoma. The registered agent must have a physical address in the state and be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the company. State Contact Information: Oklahoma Secretary of State: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Phone Number: (405) 521-3912 Website: https://www.sos.ok.gov/ Austin BurgoyneWas this article helpful?YesNo LLC Formation Requirements