This post provides an overview of the primary taxes levied at the state level in Oklahoma. The state is competitive, featuring a low top individual income tax rate that is expected to continue falling, a low corporate tax rate, and one of the lowest property tax burdens in the nation. For individuals or businesses seeking comprehensive support with tax filings, compliance, or strategic planning, indinero offers expert services. We encourage all who utilize this summary to explore the tailored tax support available through indinero.
Individual Income Tax
Oklahoma utilizes a graduated state individual income tax system, though legislative intent points toward a reduction in the top marginal rate.
- State Rates (2025): The system has multiple brackets, ranging from a low of 0.25% to a top marginal rate of 4.75% on taxable income.
- Future Reductions: There is a legislative plan to reduce the top marginal rate to 4.5% beginning in the 2026 tax year, with a trigger mechanism in place for further, future rate cuts tied to state revenue performance.
- Local Income Tax: Oklahoma does not impose a local or county income tax.
- Retirement Income: Social Security benefits are not taxable in Oklahoma. The state also allows a significant retirement income exclusion for public and private pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs, subject to a cap.
Sales and Use Tax
Sales tax is a key revenue source, and Oklahoma has one of the highest average combined sales tax rates in the U.S.
- State Rate: The general state sales tax rate is 4.50% on the retail sale of most tangible personal property and certain services.
- Local Taxes: Local jurisdictions (cities and counties) impose substantial additional local sales taxes, which can be as high as 5.0% in some cities.
- Combined Rate: The average combined state and local sales tax rate is approximately 9.05% statewide. For example, the combined rate in Oklahoma City is 8.625%.
- Exemptions: Key exemptions include groceries (unprepared food for home consumption) and prescription drugs.
- Use Tax: A state use tax of 4.50% plus the applicable local rate applies to taxable items purchased outside of Oklahoma but used, stored, or consumed in the state if Oklahoma sales tax was not collected.
Property Tax (Ad Valorem Tax)
Property taxes in Oklahoma are collected exclusively at the local level by school districts, counties, and municipalities, and they are among the lowest in the U.S.
- Assessment Ratio: Real property taxes cannot be levied against more than 13.5% of the property’s fair cash value (market value). The Assessment Ratio generally falls between 11% and 13.5% of the fair cash value.
- Taxable Value: The Assessed Value is calculated by multiplying the Fair Cash Value by the Assessment Ratio.
$$\text{Assessed Value} = \text{Fair Cash Value} \times \text{Assessment Ratio}$$ - Homestead Exemption: The most common exemption is the Homestead Exemption, which reduces the property’s taxable value by $1,000 for owner-occupied, primary residences.
- Cap on Increases: The annual increase in a property’s assessed value is capped at 3% for residential homestead and agricultural property.
Corporate Income and Franchise Tax
Oklahoma imposes both a corporate income tax and a franchise tax on corporations.
1. Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
- Tax Rate: The corporate income tax rate is a flat 4.0% of the corporation’s Oklahoma taxable net income (reduced from 6.0% in 2022).
- Apportionment: For multi-state corporations, Oklahoma uses an equally weighted three-factor formula (property, payroll, and sales) to apportion business income.
2. Corporate Franchise Tax
- Tax Base: This tax is levied on a corporation’s capital invested or used in Oklahoma.
- Rate: The rate is $1.25 for each $1,000 of capital invested, with a maximum tax limit of $20,000.
Unique and Miscellaneous Taxes
- Motor Fuel Tax: A per-gallon tax is levied on motor fuels, set at 20.0 cents per gallon for gasoline.
- No Estate or Inheritance Tax: Oklahoma does not impose a state-level estate tax or inheritance tax.