Choosing a Business Structure
One of the first decisions that you will have to make as a business owner is how the company should be structured. These resources offer an introduction to business structures and types of ownership.
This site from the Small Business Administrations defines the types of business ownership.
Information from the IRS to help you determine some of the forms that you may be required to file as a sole proprietor.
If you are a partnership or a partner (individual) in a partnership, use the information on this site to help you determine some of the IRS forms that you may be required to file.
In forming a corporation, prospective shareholders exchange money, property, or both, for the corporation's capital stock. A corporation conducts business, realizes net income or loss, pays taxes and distributes profits to shareholders. Use this site to determine which IRS forms to file.
S corporations are corporations that elect to pass corporate income, losses, deductions and credit through to their shareholders for federal tax purposes. This site offers information about what an individual may be liable for under an S Corporation and which IRS forms to file.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
LLCs are popular because, similar to a corporation, owners have limited personal liability for the debts and actions of the LLC. This site offers federal tax implications for LLC as well as additional resources for forming an LLC.
Fictitious Names / Doing Business As (DBA)
Understanding a DBA or Ficitious Business Name
This Business.gov site provides an explanation and filing requirements by state for DBAs and Fictious Names.
In the State of Oklahoma, Fictitious Names should be recorded with the County Clerk.
Search the Secretary of State for availability of your potential business name.
Registering a Business
Steps to Registering a Business
Whether you are starting a new business or expanding an existing business, you will need to follow some basic steps to ensure you have all the necessary licenses, permits and registrations needed to legally operate.
Oklahoma Secretary of State Business Filing Forms
Download forms to register your business with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Apply for an Employer Indentification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. Apply for an EIN online or by fax, phone or mail.
- Oklahoma Business Registration
Employer Resources from the Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission
The OESC requires employers to register and file a variety of reports including new hire reporting, unemployment, etc.
Permits & Licensing
Every business needs one or more federal, state or local licenses or permits to operate. Licenses can range from a basic operating license to very specific permits.
City of Tulsa Permits and Licensing
The City of Tulsa requires permits and licensing for certain types of businesses. Refer to this site to determine which permit or license your business might require.
Streamlined Business Registration System
This site will allow you to determine the steps necessary to register your business and any related licenses or permits you might need in order to operate your business in the state of Oklahoma. this site requires a free registration
Oklahoma Licensed and Certified Occupations
This publication provides students, clients, counselors and other interested persons with information concerning occupations that require licensing and certification in Oklahoma.
Zoning
Zoning codes could effect where you put your business.
Taxes
IRS Publication 538, Accounting Periods and Methods
Determining the when's and how's of your business accounting practices is another important decision you’ll need to make. This IRS publication offers information to assist with this decision.
This site contains the tax forms relevant to business owners and operators in the State of Oklahoma.
IRS Tax Information for Businesses
Tax topics and issues for businesses
IRS Small Business Forms and Publications
Publications from the IRS to guide and inform business owners.
- Oklahoma Sales & Use Tax
Business Certification
Small business certifications are like professional certifications. They document a special capability or status that will help you compete in the marketplace. In order to take advantage of business opportunities, such as government contracts, you may need to obtain some certifications.
Women & Minority Owned Business Certification
Information from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce about and how to obtain the Women-Owned Business Certification.
The 8(a) Program -- named for Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act – is a business development program created to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the market place.
- Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBzone)
Program allows federal contract set-asides for small businesses in economically depressed communities. - Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
Employer Issues
The Oklahoma Department of Labor answers questions age eligibility, wage and hour guidelines, safety standards and more.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All U.S. employers must complete and retain a Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and non-citizens.
The purpose of this form is to document that each new employee (both citizen and non-citizen) hired after November 6, 1986 is authorized to work in the U.S.
An Internet-based system that allows an employer, using information reported on an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to determine the eligibility of that employee to work in the United States.
Oklahoma Unemployment Insurance
Everything an employer needs to know to register and file employees with the OESC for unemployment insurance.
Oklahoma Worker's Compensation
The Oklahoma Worker’s Compensation Court provides information useful to injured workers, employers, insurers, medical providers, attorneys, taxpayers and other interested parties.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA's mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths.
Locating Professional Assistance
Tulsa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral
The Lawyer Referral Service is an easy way to get a ½ hour legal consultation for only $25.
Because sometimes you can't do it on your own and need professional help.
Martindale Hubbell Lawyer Directory
Locate lawyers using a variety of criteria.
Use this tool from the Oklahoma Accountancy Board to locate a certified or licensed accountant.
TCCL's Business Center
The Business Center brings together an assortment of working tools and learning opportunities for our community’s business customers at no charge for library card holders. Our resources include a variety of databases for market and industry research, tools for business planning, legal guides for business, and more.
Doing Business in Tulsa
The City of Tulsa's Doing Business in Tulsa is a great resource for finding out what it takes to operate a business legally and safely in Tulsa.
Greenwood Women's Business Center supports diverse women entrepreneurs in their journey across all business life cycles – from start-up to maturity – with information, tools, and resources designed to escalate their visions.
Partner Tulsa provides entrepreneurial education, management training, growth assistance and strategy.
The Small Business Enterprise Program seeks to support Tulsa-area small businesses by increasing access to government contracts.
Tulsa Small Business Connection is Northeast Oklahoma’s leading network for connecting small businesses with the tools to grow in a competitive global market.