Overview: When hiring employees in Oklahoma, you must register for State Withholding Income Tax through the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) and State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax through the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC). These registrations are required to ensure compliance with payroll tax obligations.
Important! This guide does not constitute legal or tax advice. You can consult a CPA or attorney for official guidance.
Taxes You Must Register For:
Oklahoma Withholding Income Tax
Registration Steps
1. Register for an Oklahoma Withholding Tax Account ID
Go to the Oklahoma Taxpayer Access Point (OKTap)
Under Businesses, select Register for a Business
Click NEW - Business Registration
Complete the registration steps
Your Account ID will follow this format: WTH-XXXXXXXXXX-XX. You will find this on OTC correspondence following registration.
2. Set Up Username and Password for OKTap
Go to OKTap
Click Register here
Set up your user profile
OKTap uses two-factor authentication for added security. You will receive an email or text to verify access.
Third-Party Administrator (TPA) Access
To authorize Check for filing and payment:
Sign in to your OKTap account
Click Allow Third Party Access
Create a Passphrase
Provide the passphrase to Check
Check will request access using the passphrase
Sign back into OKTap and grant All Access to Check
For step-by-step assistance, refer to the Third Party Access Guide
Oklahoma Unemployment Insurance Tax
Registration Steps
1. Register for an Oklahoma UI Tax Account Number
Go to the OESC Employer Registration page
Click Apply for Oklahoma UI Tax Account Number
Complete the paper application and fax it to (405) 557-7271
You will receive your Oklahoma Unemployment Insurance Account Number by mail.
2. Set Up Online Access
Visit the EZ Tax Express Portal
Click Create an employer account
Use your Oklahoma UI Tax Account Number to complete the process
Next Steps
Update your Buddy Punch account with your:
Oklahoma Withholding Account ID (WTH- format)
Oklahoma Unemployment Insurance Account Number
Need Help?
Oklahoma Tax Commission (Withholding): 405-521-3160
OESC (Unemployment): 405-557-5330