Your Ultimate Guide to Oklahoma Payroll

The role of an employer is multi-faceted and includes several key responsibilities to their employees and the overall operation of the business, including navigating various regulations and requirements to ensure proper payroll within the relevant state. 

If you’re an employer in Oklahoma, this guide is a useful introduction to what employers need to pay employees and withhold from payroll in Oklahoma. Stay tuned to learn more about Oklahoma’s unemployment insurance, personal income tax, and workers’ compensation. 

Paying unemployment insurance

Employers in Oklahoma are responsible for paying unemployment insurance, also known as UI. The payment is part of a national program administered by the US Department of Labor, providing temporary financial relief to people who become unemployed through no fault of their own. 

For added ease, employers can manage Oklahoma unemployment insurance through an online portal.

UI is a joint state-federal program, but it is not the only one employers must consider. Other federal taxes include Medicare, Social Security, and various state-specific employer payroll taxes or withholding. 

For more information on paying your unemployment insurance, you can consult the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission online. 

Withholding personal income tax from your Oklahoma employee

Another key consideration is personal income tax withholding, also known as individual income tax or state income tax. The amount is charged on the income of Oklahoma residents and is deducted from the employee’s wages. 

The employer withholds these taxes and pays the required amount to the state. The withheld amount can be paid through Oklahoma’s online portal for convenience. For more information on paying the withholding amount, you can consult the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

Paying your Oklahoma workers’ compensation

Workers’ compensation is another key consideration for organizations that hire employees in Oklahoma, even if only a single Oklahoma resident is part of a remote team. 

When an employee gets injured while performing their job, workers’ compensation acts as insurance that provides medical and wage replacement benefits. It protects the worker by offering financial assistance when sick or injured while protecting the employer from potential workplace-related accidents. 

In Oklahoma, employers typically purchase workers’ compensation from a qualified commercial carrier. Find out more about finding a state-specific commercial carrier online. 

Top tip: Make sure that you verify that your workers’ compensation insurance is compliant with the state’s regulations for workers’ compensation.

Simplify US payroll tax compliance with Deel

While this guide provides essential information on Oklahoma payroll taxes, payroll compliance, and state requirements extend beyond what is covered above. To streamline the process and ensure full compliance, companies can turn to Deel.

Deel offers a comprehensive solution for managing US and international payroll, including payments, taxes, worker classification, and more. Speak with an expert today to see how you can streamline your US payroll processes and ensure compliance with state regulations.