State Matrix

UPDATES

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The following guidelines provide background information on the most common types of filings and the related exemptions in Oklahoma.

Fundraising in this State

how to know (and what to do) if you're fundraising in this state

In Oklahoma, religious organizations are automatically exempt from charitable registration requirements. The religious exemption is not limited to IRS Form 990 non-filers, such as churches. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, § 552.4.

if you're Fundraising in Multiple states, make sure you Understand the URS.

evaluate whether you'll need a Registered agent

Some states require charitable organizations to appoint a “registered agent” in the state as part of the organization’s registration. Oklahoma has no such requirement for charitable and religious organizations. See Oklahoma’s charitable registration statute, Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, § 552.3, and its exemption of organizations incorporated for religious purposes, Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, § 552.4.

follow the rules about communicating with the public

Oklahoma does not require organizations to post specific language when conducting charitable solicitations.

Charitable REgistration statute

Charitable registration exemption statute

After you've registered–the Annual report requirement

Conducting Activities or Programs in this State

UNDERSTAND THE Business Registration REQUIREMENTS

Depending on the type and volume of activities an organization has in this state, the organization may also need to register as an out-of-state business (sometimes called a "foreign corporation") with the Secretary of State. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, § 1130. Foreign business registration requirements are separate from charitable registration requirements. Not every out-of-state organization needs to register. An attorney can assist the organization in determining whether its connections with this state are significant enough to trigger the foreign business registration requirement. Examples of activities that might trigger this requirement include having employees physically located in the state, conducting programs in the state, and having an office in the state.

Business registration statute

Get Acquainted with State and Local Tax Exemptions

State and local taxes

In Oklahoma, organizations exempt from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC Sec. 501(c)(3)) are automatically exempt from state income tax. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 68, § 2359(A). An organization may choose to send a copy of its IRS determination letter to the state department of revenue to indicate that it qualifies for the exemption. Note, however, that although an organization may be exempt, if it has unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) that is subject to federal taxation, that UBTI also may be subject to state income tax. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 68, § 2359(B). It is also important to consider whether applying for sales and use tax and property tax exemption would be appropriate for your organization. More information is available in this guide from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. An accountant or attorney can provide answers to specific questions regarding your organization’s eligibility for exemption.

Corporate Income Tax Statute

CORPORATE FRANCHISE TAX STATUTE

Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 68, § 1203 (in-state corporations); Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 68, § 1204 (out-of-state corporations)

what you need to know about sales tax

What This State Says about Nonprofits

A FINAL NOTE: OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

Annual Charitable Organization Reporting Requirement

Generally, charitable organizations in Oklahoma are required to annually register with the Secretary of State by the date that the charitable organization files its Form 990. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, § 552.3. However, organizations incorporated for religious purposes or engaged in bona fide religious programs are exempt from this requirement. Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 18, § 552.4.

background

state nonprofit corporation law

Corporate governance

For Religious Nonprofits

Understanding Religious Liberty in this State

Case Study

Religious Liberty Protections

Other Relevant State Laws and regulations

KEy employment Laws and regulations

BEFORE YOU GO: OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

useful links

Procedures to Qualify a Foreign Corporation: https://www.sos.ok.gov/forms/FM0012.PDF

Online Registration: https://www.sos.ok.gov/charity/Default.aspx

Guide on Sales Tax Exemption: https://www.ok.gov/tax/documents/PktE.pdf

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Legal disclaimer

This resource contains general educational information related to legal concepts, but this information does not constitute legal advice. Anyone seeking legal advice is strongly encouraged to consult with a licensed attorney regarding any of the matters discussed herein. Although licensed attorneys work with Napa Legal, Napa Legal is not a law firm and does not undertake legal representation on behalf of any clients. Further, no licensed attorney working with or on behalf of Napa Legal agrees to undertake legal representation on behalf of any client unless the terms of such representation are set forth in a separate, written representation agreement.