How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Oklahoma

While obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is not mandatory for sole proprietors without employees, it is recommended.

An EIN is a nine-digit number allocated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It serves as a unique tax ID number for your business and can provide several benefits:

• Opens up business banking opportunities: Having an EIN allows you to open a business bank account separate from your accounts. This separation helps you maintain clear financial records and simplifies tax filing.
• Helps establish business credit: With an EIN, you can start building a separate credit history for your business, which may be beneficial when applying for loans or lines of credit.
• Eases the hiring process: If you plan to expand your sole proprietorship and hire employees, having an EIN is necessary for payroll tax reporting and other employment-related requirements.
• Enhances business privacy: Using an EIN instead of your Social Security Number (SSN) on invoices and contracts adds an extra layer of privacy and identity protection.
• Prepares for business growth: If you have plans to grow your business and potentially convert it into a different business entity, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a corporation, having an EIN is a crucial step in the transition process.

• Sole proprietors in Oklahoma do not need a general business license. 
• It is more than likely that you will need additional licenses and permits. These will depend upon your business activities.
• The Oklahoma Department of Commerce provides information on industry licensing requirements on its Business Licensing & Operating Requirements website.
• The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has created an interactive tableau table where you can search among hundreds of occupations and what professional licenses you may need. The table also supplies the licensed authority and contact information to ease the application process.
• Local requirements can vary depending on your city or county. Check with your local government offices, such as city hall or county clerk’s office, to determine if any specific licenses or permits are required for your sole proprietorship.
• Certain highly regulated sectors like financial services, agriculture, firearms, and more necessitate applicable permits from federal agencies before operating. The Small Business Administration website helps determine if federal licenses apply to your business activities.

Additional state and local taxes

• Most businesses must collect and remit sales tax on the sale of tangible goods. To register for sales and use tax, you can visit the Oklahoma Tax Commission’s website and follow the instructions for registering online.
• The Oklahoma Taxpayer Access Point (OKTAP) is a useful resource that allows you to pay your business taxes online.

Keeping your personal assets safe and creating segregation with your business finances is vital. Opening a dedicated business bank account will help you move towards this:

Setting up a business bank account comes with a host of benefits, such as:

• Simplified bookkeeping and record-keeping: When your personal and business finances don’t mix, keeping track of what you earn and spend is much simpler.
• Facilitates accurate tax reporting: If you have a bank account just for your business, spotting and reporting business transactions on your tax filings becomes much easier.
• Demonstrates professionalism: A business-only bank account gives your business a professional look and feel, boosting your credibility with customers, suppliers, and banks.

Being a sole proprietor means that you alone are responsible for any business debts, which makes insurance a key piece of your business strategy. This can help guard you against unexpected claims or incidents. Here’s what we suggest you consider:

• General liability insurance: This policy takes care of claims related to damage to property, physical injury, or personal harm that might be connected to your business.
• Professional liability insurance: This type of insurance is vital if your business provides services. It helps protect you from alleged supposed negligence, errors, or oversights in your services.

Keeping records is important for tax filing and managing your sole proprietorship’s financial affairs. You should make an effort to precisely track the following:

• Income
• Expenses
• Assets and liabilities
• Inventory
• Billing documents

Using bookkeeping software and spreadsheets or setting up a systematic method can help handle documents. Being as organized as possible will prove helpful when it’s time to file taxes, and it promotes the overall financial health of your business.

While a sole proprietorship might seem appealing due to its simplicity and few legal needs, it’s vital to consider possible downsides and look into other types of business structures, like a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Here are some things to think about when choosing between a sole proprietorship and an LLC:

• Protection from debt: One big plus of starting an LLC is its protection from debt. As a sole proprietor, you are responsible for any money owed or legal claims against your business, which could put your own assets at risk. On the other hand, an LLC gives a clear divide between your personal and business assets, keeping your personal belongings safe from business debts.
• Looking professional: An LLC could make you look more professional in customers’ eyes. Starting an LLC shows more dedication to your business.
• Potential to grow: If you plan to make your business bigger or attract outside funding, an LLC gives you more room to grow than a sole proprietorship.
• Flexibility with taxes: One plus of a sole proprietorship is how simple it is when it comes to taxes. You usually report money made and money spent by your business on your personal tax return with a Schedule C. An LLC also offers flexibility with taxes, as it can be treated like a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, or a corporation for tax reasons.

It’s important to remember that starting an LLC involves more steps and legal documents, like filing Articles of Organization and paying filing fees.