Oklahoma Department of Commerce - Site Selection

To help you find incentive information as quickly as possible, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Fast Forward Team provides this brief list of answers to the most frequently asked questions about Oklahoma's business incentives. For detailed information on the many incentives Oklahoma offers new and existing businesses, visit and bookmark www.OKcommerce.gov/incentives.

Contact: Fast Forward Team, 800-588-5959

Business Incentives FAQs

Q.Which Quality Jobs program should I apply for: large employer or small employer?

A.Large employers are those companies with a projected new payroll investment of $2.5 million or more. Small employers, under the Quality Jobs guidelines, are those with fewer than 90 employees. For a complete list of requirements, guidelines, and applications for either program, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/qualityjobs.

Q.What does applying for the Quality Jobs program involve?

A.To apply for the Quality Jobs program, your company must complete the two-page application and the two data sheets for either the large employer program or the small employer program. Commerce and its many economic development partners across the state offer all the free assistance you need to complete this process.

Application packets should include a copy of your company's health care insurance booklet; OESC-3 forms, which are used by businesses every quarter to report their total number of employees and taxable wages to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission; out of state sales history; Manufacturer's Sales Exemption Permit; and Company Background form.

Once Commerce receives and approves your application packet, you receive a Quality Jobs contract for review and approval. This process usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.

Once Commerce receives your signed contract, it's sent to the Oklahoma Tax Commission to establish your Quality Jobs account. You should receive the first incentive payment from the commission within 1 month of filing quarterly Quality Jobs benefit claim forms.

Q.What types of companies typically qualify for the Quality Jobs program?

A.Basically, companies in any industry need to achieve/create a $2.5 million annual payroll and pay an average county wage or a maximum of $28,572. Eligible companies must also offer healthcare benefits and pay a minimum of 50% of their employees' premiums.

In terms of specific industries, most manufacturing companies are eligible. A list of eligible industries by NAICS code can be found in the Oklahoma Business Incentives and Tax Information Guide.

Q.What if I don't meet my wage thresholds or annual payroll requirements; will I owe the state money?

A.If you don't meet the requirements outlined in your company's Quality Jobs contract, all payments cease until those wage thresholds and annual payroll requirements are met. You do not have to pay anything to the state.

Q.How do I claim my company's Quality Jobs cash payments?

A.The Oklahoma Tax Commission provides a claim form to complete for each quarterly benefit. At the end of each quarter, your company administrator uses the form to file employment and wage information with the commission. The commission verifies the claim and sends a warrant to your company.

Q.I don't believe my company is going to meet the required wage threshold for the Quality Jobs program. What other incentives are available to manufacturers?

A.As a manufacturer, your company can choose between the cash rebate or tax credits based on investment or job creation. Bottom-line benefit: a five-year tax credit on the greater of 1% per year of investment in qualified new depreciable property or a credit of $500 per year per job. This doubles in an Enterprise Zone.

Q.How does my company apply for the five-year property tax exemption?

A.Download the application from the Oklahoma Tax Commission website, www.tax.ok.gov, and complete and file with your county assessor by March 15 for the previous calendar year's assets.

Q.As my company prepares to relocate or expand, it needs help finding and training qualified people. What services does the state provide?

A.Commerce works closely with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and CareerTech -- a statewide system of 56 technology centers -- to find and train qualified employees for new and existing businesses. These services, which include the state's Training for Industry Program, job fairs, applicant screening, and hiring process administration, are all provided at no cost or at a low cost to your company.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma's Business Incentives

Business Incentives FAQs