Oklahoma Payroll & Paycheck Tax Calculator
Managing payroll in the Sooner State shouldn't feel like drilling for oil without a map. From Oklahoma City to Tulsa, our Oklahoma Payroll Tax Calculator makes calculating employee withholdings as smooth as Route 66. Navigate state income tax, municipal taxes, and federal requirements with confidence—all in one user-friendly tool.
Oklahoma Payroll Tax Steps
Oklahoma’s progressive tax system combined with various municipal taxes can make payroll more complex than a tornado’s path. Our calculator helps you navigate Oklahoma’s payroll landscape without getting swept away, ensuring accurate calculations whether you’re in Tornado Alley or Green Country. Get precise withholdings faster than an Oklahoma land rush.
Here are some key steps you’ll have to take to make smarter payroll decisions.
Step #1: Register with Oklahoma Tax Commission and OESC
To hire employees in Oklahoma, you'll need to register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) for withholding taxes and the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) for unemployment insurance. Oklahoma's online OkTAP system streamlines registration, making it as easy as a prairie breeze. Some cities require separate registration for municipal taxes.
New employers pay 1.5% unemployment tax on the first $25,700 of each employee's wages for their first three years.
Step #2: Navigate Oklahoma's Multi-Layer Tax Forms
The Sooner State's paperwork includes state and local requirements:
- Federal W-4 and Oklahoma OK-W-4 forms for withholding
- Federal forms from the IRS: • Form 941 (Quarterly federal tax return) • Form 940 (Federal Unemployment Tax, FUTA) • W-2 and 1099 (Year-end wage reporting)
- New Hire Reports: Submit within 20 days to Oklahoma NEWHIRE
- Workers' Compensation: Required for most employers with employees
- Form WTH-10001: Quarterly withholding return
- Form WTH-10002: Annual reconciliation
- Municipal tax forms where applicable
Several Oklahoma cities impose their own income taxes, requiring additional compliance.
Step #3: Master Oklahoma's Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws
Oklahoma's minimum wage follows federal law at $7.25 per hour for employers with 10+ full-time employees or gross annual sales over $100,000. Smaller employers can pay $2.00 per hour. Tipped employees can be paid $2.13 per hour, with employers making up any difference to reach minimum wage.
For overtime, Oklahoma follows federal FLSA rules: 1.5x regular pay after 40 hours per week. No daily overtime requirements exist, and weekends or holidays don't automatically trigger overtime unless exceeding 40 weekly hours.
Step #4: Follow Oklahoma's Pay Period Requirements
Oklahoma doesn't mandate specific pay frequencies for most private employers, allowing flexibility in choosing schedules. Most employers opt for weekly, bi-weekly, or semi-monthly pay periods. Public employees must be paid at least monthly.
When employment ends, Oklahoma requires payment by the next regular payday following termination or resignation. Employers can mail final checks or use direct deposit if previously authorized. Special expedited rules may apply to oil and gas industry workers.
Oklahoma doesn't require paid sick leave, vacation, or holiday pay. However, if included in company policies or contracts, these benefits become enforceable obligations.
Step #5: Use our Simple Oklahoma Payroll Calculator
Oklahoma's tax structure includes state and local components:
- Federal income tax withholding
- Oklahoma state income tax (0.25% to 4.75% based on income)
- Municipal income taxes (varies by city)
- FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare)
- Unemployment taxes (FUTA and state UI)
Our calculator instantly processes all applicable taxes based on work location, providing accurate calculations for gross pay, deductions, and net pay.
Step #6: Submit Taxes and File Oklahoma Payroll Reports
Oklahoma employers maintain various filing schedules:
- Quarterly WTH-10001 returns for state withholding
- Monthly or quarterly deposits (based on withholding amounts)
- Quarterly wage reports for unemployment (Form OES-3)
- Annual WTH-10002 reconciliation by January 31
- Municipal tax filings where applicable
Most small employers deposit monthly through OkTAP. After three years, unemployment rates adjust based on experience, ranging from 0.3% to 9.2%.
Fingercheck and any related entities do not offer tax, accounting, or legal advice. This content is designed for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of tax, legal, or accounting advice. It is recommended that you consult your tax, legal, and accounting advisors before undertaking any related activities or transactions.