How to File Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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File Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation

Incorporating a business is essential for entrepreneurs looking to establish their venture as a separate legal entity. By filing Certificate of Incorporation, business owners in Oklahoma can enjoy myriad benefits, such as limited liability, tax advantages, and increased credibility. However, the incorporation process may seem daunting for many, especially those not well-versed in the legal intricacies of their state. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to file Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation, taking you through the necessary steps and requirements to establish your corporation successfully.

Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding the process of filing Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma, popularly known as The Sooner State, is crucial for the seamless formation of your corporation. The following sections will outline the paperwork, fees, and registration procedures specific to Oklahoma, along with tips on navigating potential roadblocks and ensuring your application is approved. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of incorporating your business in Oklahoma.

What is Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma?

The Certificate of Incorporation is a legal document required to file with the state government to legalize the creation of your corporation. In other words, filing these documents with the Oklahoma Secretary of State ensures the formation of the corporation in Oklahoma officially. The Certificate of Incorporation is similar to filing the Oklahoma LLC Articles of Organization while filing an LLC in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma, also known as The Sooner State, has some rules when it comes to file the Certificate of Incorporation. We shared the step-by-step process here to file the incorporation document with the Oklahoma SOS. Checking with the SOS is recommended for more information.

It is always wise to consult a legal professional before you file your company under the Oklahoma SOS. FIling process can be easy, but it is sensitive. If you miss anything, it can totally stope the filing process.

– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to File Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation

You can file the Certificate of Incorporation in several ways based on the state you are willing to start your corporation. In Oklahoma, you can file it in three methods that are online, by mail and in-person. The details are similar to the details you need when forming an LLC. Here are the details you must submit while filing the documents-

Step 1: Get the Form and Enter the Details

The first step is to get the Certificate of Incorporation form from the Oklahoma Secretary of State. You will get both offline and online forms on the site, as available. You must pay the $25 for online, by mail filing or in person filing. when submitting the form. Following are the details you must add to your incorporation form-

Name of the Entity

The first thing you need to do is submit your company’s name. Make sure to mention the exact name of the company that you decided on. Like the LLC naming guidelines, you must also follow the Oklahoma corporation naming requirements too. There are a few points to note when you name your company. They are,

  • You cannot have a name used by other companies or businesses.
  • You cannot have any name that is misleading or the same as government organizations.
  • Banks, Insurance, Insurer, or any such names cannot be used as they reflect the financial organization.
  • You must add terms like corporation, limited, company, incorporated, or incorporation. You can also add abbreviations like co., ltd., inc., and corp instead of the above terms.

Address of the Corporation

The next section of the form is to provide your main address. It is necessary to have a physical street address in Oklahoma. For those running an online business, you must provide any address in the state (including your home address) where you will receive all the business and legal documents and mail. While sharing your address, make sure not to use abbreviations, such as N.Y. for New York or L.A. for Los Angeles.

Oklahoma Registered Agent

The next point is to provide information about the Registered Agent. The Oklahoma Registered Agent is an individual or business entity that is responsible for receiving all the legal and official documents on behalf of the company. They must be aged above 18 years and have eligibility to conduct business in the state. The Registered Agent should be legit and experienced because, in case of any lawsuit, you need an expert to handle your issues. In most cases, the Registered Agent’s official address is the company’s official mailing address. If you form an LLC, hiring a registered agent is the most crucial step in the process.

Shares and Stocks

The next important information you must provide is about the stocks and shares. While filing the Certificate of Incorporation, you must mention a minimum of one share. In Oklahoma, to start a corporation, you need at least One director(s) initially. When filing the incorporation documents, you must provide the share of directors in the corporation. It decides the ownership of the company.

If you amend Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation in the future, you will not be able to change the initial directors. You might need an additional form to change the initial directors’ details. You must check with the Oklahoma SOS while filing the Certificate of Incorporation amendment.

Additional Documents

You might need additional documents to submit along with the incorporation documents. In Oklahoma, you can attach a cover letter with the documents as an additional document. if you are willing to start a foreign corporation in Oklahoma, then you must add one document along with the Certificate of Incorporation. Foreign corporations in Oklahoma must submit the Oklahoma Certificate of Good Standing along with the incorporation documents.

Signature

Finally, the signature of the directors and shareholders are required on the form. You can have more than one share and director. All your initial directors must submit their official signature while filing the corporation in Oklahoma. Get their signatures to file the Certificate of Incorporation.

Step 2: Submit the Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma

Once you are done filling up the form, now it is time for you to submit it. The form can be submitted in three methods that are online, by mail and in-person. Checking with a legal professional or a formation service while filing your corporation is recommended. It is sensitive, and one mistake can stop the entire filing process immediately.

  • Online filing: Create an account/Log in to the SOS site, get the online form, fill it, and submit online
  • Offline filing: Send the form by mail or drop it off in person at Oklahoma Secretary of State, 421 N.W. 13th Suite 210, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Cost of Filing the Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma

The cost of filing the Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma is an important aspect to consider when starting a new business. This one-time fee is necessary for officially registering your corporation with the Secretary of State and can vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of Oklahoma. In some cases, additional fees may be required for expedited processing or other optional services. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to budget for this expense and research the specific costs associated with their Oklahoma in order to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process. To file the Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma, you must pay a filing fee. The filing fee is $25 for online, by mail filing or in person filing..

FAQs

What is a Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma?
A Certificate of Incorporation is a legal document that is filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State in order to form a corporation in the state of Oklahoma.
What information is required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
The filing of an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation requires the name of the corporation, the purpose of the corporation, the address of the registered agent, and the name and address of the incorporator.
Who can file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
The Certificate of Incorporation can be filed by an individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Oklahoma.
How much does it cost to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
The filing fee for an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is $100.
How long does it take to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
The filing of an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation typically takes 2-3 business days.
What is the purpose of filing an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
The purpose of filing an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is to form a corporation in the state of Oklahoma, which will allow the business to conduct activities in the state and to protect the business owners from personal liability.
Is an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation required to do business in Oklahoma?
Yes. An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is required to form and register a corporation in Oklahoma in order to do business in the state.
Is a registered agent required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
Yes. A registered agent is required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation and will serve as the point of contact for the corporation.
Is a corporate seal required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
No. A corporate seal is not required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation.
Does an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation need to be filed with the IRS?
No. An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation does not need to be filed with the IRS.
Can an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation be filed online?
Yes. An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation can be filed online through the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website.
Is an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation the same as an Articles of Incorporation?
Yes. An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is the same as an Articles of Incorporation.
Can an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation be amended?
Yes. An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation can be amended by filing an Amendment with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
What is the filing fee for an Amendment to an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
The filing fee for an Amendment to an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is $25.
Is an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation required to open a bank account?
Yes. An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is required to open a bank account in the name of the corporation.
Are there any additional fees associated with filing an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
Yes. Some counties charge an additional filing fee for certificates of incorporation.
How long is an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation valid?
An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is valid in perpetuity, unless it is revoked or dissolved.
Can an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation be revoked?
Yes. An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation can be revoked by filing an Amendment with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Is a bylaw required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
No. A bylaw is not required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation.
What is the difference between an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation and an Oklahoma Limited Liability Company (LLC)?
An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is a legal document that is used to form a corporation, while an Oklahoma Limited Liability Company is a legal document that is used to form an LLC.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
No. A Certificate of Good Standing is not required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation.
What is the difference between a Certificate of Incorporation and a Certificate of Authority?
A Certificate of Incorporation is used to form a corporation in Oklahoma, while a Certificate of Authority is used to authorize a corporation to do business in Oklahoma.
Can an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation be filed without a registered agent?
No. An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation must be filed with a registered agent in order to be accepted.
Is a Reservation of Name required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
No. A Reservation of Name is not required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation.
Is a name search required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
Yes. A name search is required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation to ensure that the name is available and not already in use.
Is a Certificate of Merger required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
No. A Certificate of Merger is not required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation.
Is an Operating Agreement required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
No. An Operating Agreement is not required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation.
Does an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation need to be notarized?
No. An Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation does not need to be notarized.
Is an Initial Report required to file an Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation?
Yes. An Initial Report is required to be filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State within 6 months from the date of formation.
What information is required to file a Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma?
The information required to file a Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma includes the name and address of the corporation, the purpose of the corporation, the number of shares to be issued, the name and address of the registered agent, and the name and address of the incorporator.
What are the filing fees for filing a Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma?
The filing fee for filing a Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma is $50.
What is the timeline for filing a Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma?
The timeline for filing a Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma is typically 1-3 business days.
Are there any other forms or documents that must be filed along with a Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma?
Yes, some other forms or documents that must be filed along with a Certificate of Incorporation in Oklahoma include the Articles of Incorporation and the corporate bylaws.

Also Read

Why Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is So Important

In the context of Oklahoma, where businesses of all sizes and nature thrive, the Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of companies looking to establish themselves and grow in the state. The certificate is essentially a document issued by the Oklahoma Secretary of State that officially recognizes a business as a legal entity. By granting this status, the state bestows upon the corporation certain rights and responsibilities that are integral to its functioning.

One of the key reasons why the Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is so important for businesses operating within the state is that it provides the kind of legal protection that is indispensable in today’s complex and litigious business environment. When a company is incorporated, its owners and shareholders are shielded from personal liability in the event that the corporation is sued or faces financial difficulties. This means that even if the company defaults on its debts or incurs legal liabilities, the personal assets of its owners are typically safe from seizure.

Furthermore, the process of incorporation not only confers protection on the owners of the company but also helps to establish the credibility and reputation of the business in the eyes of its stakeholders. When a company is incorporated, it is seen as a serious and committed player in the market, which can benefit it in various ways, such as attracting investors, securing financing, and engaging in contracts with other businesses. The Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation, therefore, serves as a symbol of the company’s dedication to adhering to legal and ethical standards in its operations.

Moreover, for businesses looking to expand or operate in multiple states, having a certificate of incorporation is essential for compliance with various federal and state regulations. In Oklahoma, as in most states, certain activities, such as conducting business, hiring employees, or owning property, are strictly regulated and require companies to have a certificate of incorporation in order to operate legally. Failing to have the proper documentation can result in severe penalties, fines, or even suspension of business activities.

Additionally, being incorporated can also open up new opportunities for growth and development for businesses in Oklahoma. Once a company is officially registered as a legal entity, it gains access to various benefits and incentives offered by the state, such as tax breaks, grants, and subsidies. These incentives can be instrumental in helping businesses to expand, innovate, and create new job opportunities in the state.

In conclusion, the Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is not just a piece of paper; it is a fundamental building block for businesses looking to establish themselves and thrive in the state. By providing legal protection, credibility, and compliance with regulations, the certificate serves as a cornerstone for the success of companies in Oklahoma and plays a crucial role in shaping the business landscape of the state.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of filing Oklahoma Certificate of Incorporation is a crucial step for businesses looking to establish their presence in the state. This legal document serves as the foundation of the company’s structure and outlines essential information, such as the company’s name, purpose, and management team. To ensure a smooth and successful filing process, it is vital for business owners to familiarize themselves with the State of Oklahoma’s requirements, adhere to the applicable laws and regulations, and provide accurate and complete information in the Certificate of Incorporation.

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