
To make online tax payments in Oklahoma, you'll need to register for an account with the Oklahoma Tax Commission's online payment system.
You can register online or by phone, and you'll need to provide some basic information, including your name, Social Security number, and email address.
Oklahoma residents with online accounts can make tax payments, view payment history, and even file their tax returns online.
The Oklahoma Tax Commission recommends making payments at least 5 business days before the due date to avoid late fees.
Business Requirements
To collect sales tax in Oklahoma, businesses must first obtain a sales tax permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
To register for a sales tax permit, you'll need to register your business with the Oklahoma Secretary of State if required, such as corporations or LLCs. You can do this online or submit a paper application (Form 13-16).
There is no fee to obtain a sales tax permit in Oklahoma.
Physical Nexus Checklist
Businesses often have to navigate complex requirements, but determining physical nexus for sales tax is a crucial one. If you have a business location in Oklahoma, such as an office or retail store, you likely have a physical nexus.
Having a physical presence in the state is just one factor to consider. Storing inventory or goods in Oklahoma, even through a third-party fulfillment center or warehouse, can also create a nexus.
Employees, contractors, or agents working in Oklahoma can also trigger a physical nexus. It's not just about having people on the ground, though - attending trade shows, fairs, or events in Oklahoma where sales occurred can also create a nexus.
Here's a checklist to help you determine if your business has a physical nexus in Oklahoma:
- Do you have a business location in Oklahoma (office, retail store, etc.)?
- Do you store inventory or goods in Oklahoma, including using a third-party fulfillment center or warehouse?
- Do you have employees, contractors, or agents working in Oklahoma?
- Have you attended trade shows, fairs, or events in Oklahoma where sales occurred?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your business likely has a physical nexus in Oklahoma and is required to collect and remit sales tax.
Employment for Business
As a business owner in Oklahoma, you'll need to handle employment taxes, which can be a bit complex.
You're required to withhold a certain amount of money from your employees' wages as a withholding tax, and you'll pay this tax to the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC).
The withholding tax rate varies and can change on a yearly basis, so be sure to check the OTC's website for the current rates.
You'll need to pay withholding tax returns on a quarterly basis, based on the amount withheld and the same schedule as you pay the IRS federal withholding tax.
This means you'll have four deadlines throughout the year to file and pay your withholding tax returns to the OTC.
Tax Obligations
As an Oklahoma business owner, it's essential to understand your tax obligations. Oklahoma corporations must file an Oklahoma income tax return and pay corporate income tax, with a flat rate of 6% as of 2021.
The good news is that this rate will reduce to 4% for tax years beginning on January 1, 2022. This means you'll have a lower tax burden starting next year.
In addition to income and employment taxes, Oklahoma business owners also need to be aware of other tax categories, such as additional state tax obligations.
What Is the Rate?
The sales tax rate in Oklahoma can be a bit tricky to figure out. The state sales tax rate is 4.5%.
Local tax jurisdictions, like cities and counties, can add their own sales tax rates, which can vary significantly. This means the combined sales tax rate can range from 4.5% to over 11% in some areas.
If you're a business operating in a city with a local tax rate, you'll need to add that rate to the state tax rate. For example, if a city has a local tax rate of 2%, the combined sales tax rate would be 6.5% (4.5% state tax rate + 2% local tax rate).
As local sales tax rates can change, it's essential to verify the current rates with the Oklahoma Tax Commission or through a reliable sales tax software solution.
Corporate Income Obligations
Oklahoma corporations must file an Oklahoma income tax return and pay corporate income tax. The rate is 6% as of 2021, but it will reduce to 4% for tax years beginning on January 1, 2022.
This flat rate applies to all corporate income, unlike other types of taxes with graduated rates.
Oklahoma's corporate income tax rate is lower than what many other states offer.
Permits and Registration
To get started with online tax payments in Oklahoma, you'll need to obtain a sales tax permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
First, you'll need to register your business with the Oklahoma Secretary of State if you're a corporation, LLC, or other business type that requires it.
You can apply for a sales tax permit online through the Oklahoma Tax Commission website, or submit a paper application (Form 13-16).
To apply, you'll need to provide your business name, EIN or SSN, business address, business structure, and estimated monthly sales tax liability.
There's no fee to obtain a sales tax permit in Oklahoma. You can also register in person at the Oklahoma City or Tulsa offices of the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
To register, you'll need the following information:
- Personal identification information (Name, address, SSN, etc.)
- Business identification information (Name, address, EIN, etc.)
- Business entity type
- Date of incorporation (if applicable)
- Types of products sold
Note that it costs $20 to apply for an Oklahoma sales tax permit, and there are convenience fees for paying with certain types of cards.
Filing and Payment
Filing and payment of Oklahoma online tax payments can be a straightforward process if you know the requirements. You can file online through the Oklahoma Tax Commission website, which is the preferred method for filers who pay more than $2500 per month.
To file online, you'll need to provide the required information, including total sales, taxable sales, and sales tax collected. You can remit your payment through their online system, making it a convenient and efficient way to handle your tax obligations.
You can also file by mail using the corresponding form found on the OTC's website, but keep in mind that filers who pay more than $2500 per month are required to file online.
The due date for sales tax returns and payments is the 20th day of the month following your sales tax reporting period, which is assigned when you register for your sales tax permit.
Here are the options for filing and paying your Oklahoma sales tax:
- File online – File online at Ok TAP and remit your payment through their online system.
- File by mail – File on paper and by mail using the corresponding form found on the OTC's website.
- AutoFile – Let TaxJar file your sales tax for you and take care of the payments.
Remember to keep records of your sales tax returns and payments for at least three years, as the Oklahoma Tax Commission may request them in case of an audit.
Economic Nexus and Taxability
Oklahoma considers vendors who sell at least $100,000 in the previous 12 months in the state to have economic nexus.
This means the state considers these vendors obligated to collect sales tax from buyers in the state. You can read Oklahoma's economic nexus guidance for sellers here.
The economic nexus threshold in Oklahoma is set at $100,000 in annual gross revenue from sales into the state, including both taxable and nontaxable sales.
Economic Nexus Threshold
Economic nexus is a concept that allows states to require out-of-state businesses to collect and remit sales tax based on their sales volume or transaction count.
The threshold for economic nexus in Oklahoma is $100,000 in annual gross revenue from sales into the state, which includes both taxable and nontaxable sales.
If your business surpasses this threshold, you will have economic nexus in Oklahoma and are required to collect and remit sales tax on sales made to customers in the state.
Oklahoma considers vendors who sell at least $100,000 in the previous 12 months in the state to have economic nexus, effective November 1, 2019.
This means the state considers these vendors obligated to collect sales tax from buyers in the state.
SaaS and Digital Service Taxability
In Oklahoma, Software as a Service (SaaS) and digital services are generally exempt from sales tax. This means businesses providing SaaS or other digital services to customers in Oklahoma are typically not required to collect and remit sales tax.
Oklahoma SaaS sales tax laws are subject to change, so businesses need to stay up to date with the latest sales tax laws to avoid any potential compliance issues.
Businesses providing digital services in Oklahoma can breathe a sigh of relief, as they are generally exempt from sales tax. However, this exemption may change in the future, so it's essential to stay informed.
Online sales tax legislation is evolving rapidly, and Oklahoma is no exception. This means businesses need to be proactive in monitoring changes to sales tax laws to ensure compliance.
In Oklahoma, digital services are generally exempt from sales tax, but this exemption may soon become a thing of the past as laws continue to evolve.
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