During the 2025 regular session, the Oklahoma Legislature passed SB 324 creating the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund and the Oklahoma Research and Development Program. Oklahoma Research and Development Program allows establishments that meet eligibility requirements to claim a 5% rebate for qualified research expenditures that occurred in Oklahoma. Although the program has been established, the legislature has not yet appropriated funds to the Research and Development Rebate Fund. If funds are appropriated, the legislature will determine whether they can be used for prior program years.
Final Round for 2023 Applications Open October 2, 2023
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the following documents on this webpage before applying:
- Agreement for Potential Participation (this document is required to be attached to the application)
- Program Rules
- SIDE Act FAQ
2025 3rd Quarter Submission Updates
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is in the process of reviewing the application(s) submitted. 2nd quarter application(s) will be evaluated by July 25, 2025.
| Type of Project | Number of Applications Submitted | Amount Requested |
|---|---|---|
| Intial Infrastructure | 2 | $3,817,923 |
| Economic Development | 1 | $2,000,000 |
| Total | 3 | $5,817,923 |
If all 3rd quarter application(s) are approved for their requested amount(s), there would be $3,266,091.60 remaining for subsequent open periods. After July 25, 2025, Commerce will provide updates on the website for the 3rd quarter project(s) that were allocated tax credits through the SIDE Act.
- Application
The Oklahoma department of Commerce will be accepting applications for the 2025 program year (most recent tax year) until December 31, 2025. Applications will be evaluated for completeness and eligibility. However, claims will NOT be processed until there is an appropriation to the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund. If funds are appropriated for the 2025 program year, complete applications meeting eligibility requirements will have their claims processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications and required materials must be submitted online. All applications received by any other means (i.e. mail, fax, email, etc.) will be rejected.
Applicants must download, sign and notarize a copy of the attestation and upload a copy when applying.
Applicants must upload a copy of the completed form that was filed with the applicant’s tax returns for the applicable tax year. For the 2025 program year, applicants must upload the federal Form 6765 filed with their most recent tax return.
Application Timeline:
- On October 2, 2023, applicants may begin filling out and submitting their online applications for the third and final round for 2023.
- Applications must be submitted by October 13, 2023 5 p.m. CST.
- Between October 13, 2023 and November 3, 2023, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce will review and score applications. Commerce will provide updates on our website on the number of applications, types of projects and amounts of tax credits requested before November 3, 2023.
- Applications will be evaluated by November 3, 2023. Commerce will provide updates on our website of the projects that were awarded tax credits through the SIDE Act.
- On January 2, 2024, Commerce will begin accepting applications for SIDE Act projects that will begin in 2024.
Join the Research and Development Rebate Program Alerts mailing list for program updates.
- SIDE Act Program One Sheet
Learn more about how the Oklahoma Strategic Industrial Development Enhancement (SIDE) Act facilitates construction of new or existing facilities at rural industrial parks and promotes the competitiveness of railroad infrastructure in the state.
- Program FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the program will be posted here as they are developed.
In order to be eligible for the rebate an establishment must satisfy the following requirements:
- Filed federal Form 6765 (Rev. December 2024), Credit for Increasing Research Activities, with their federal tax returns for the applicable tax year.
- Have qualified research expenditures that occurred in the state of Oklahoma.
- Be in good standing with the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
Establishments meeting the above requirements are encouraged to apply.
The amount of qualified research expenses claimed on line 5, 20, or 48 of federal Form 6765 (Rev. December 2024) or the relevant line number of federal Form 6765 for expenses that occurred in the State of Oklahoma.
If funds are appropriated, claims for rebate shall be equal to 5% of the total qualified research expenditures that occurred in Oklahoma.
However, the total claims approved shall not exceed the balance of the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund or $20,000,000 in any fiscal year.
Those who have submitted applications and those who’ve signed up for the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Program mailing list will receive email updates if funds are appropriated to the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund.
- Rules
Call us today at 800-588-5959 and we’ll get started on a cost/benefit analysis for your business. After your preliminary assessment, we can assist you with the application process.
Disclaimer
Although the program has been established, the legislature has not yet appropriated funds to the Research and Development Rebate Fund. Commerce will begin accepting applications on August 28, 2025. Applications will be evaluated for completeness and eligibility; however, claims will not be processed until there is an appropriation to the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund. There is NO guarantee that funds will be appropriated; however, if there is an appropriation, claims will be processed on a first come first serve basis.
Your Research & Economic Analysis Services Team
Let us know if you need more information or specific data for site selection or other economic services.
Jon Chiappe
