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Form with NorthwestArkansas LLC guide
How to Start an LLC in Arkansas
To set up an Arkansas LLC, you'll need to appoint a registered agent with a registered office in Arkansas, file the Certificate of Organization (Form LL-01) with the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services, and pay the state filing fee (which is either $45 online or $50 via mail). Each year after that, you'll need to file the Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report by May 1.
- State filing fee
- $45 online or $50 paper The official forms-and-fees page lists both filing methods and prices.
- Formation filing
- Form LL-01 Arkansas Secretary of State
- Registered Agent
- Required Arkansas address
- Ongoing report
- Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report May 1 each year
- Publication requirement
- Not required No statewide newspaper publication requirement.
Verified from 3 official sources.
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The filing path
Form your Arkansas LLC in five steps
Use the Arkansas LLC Launchpad to check your proposed name, review the state's registered agent rules, and get a formation plan matched to your priorities before you begin Step 1.
Arkansas LLC Launchpad
Step 1 of 5
Name Your Arkansas LLC
The first step is picking a business name for your Arkansas LLC
State
Step 1: Name Your Arkansas LLC
Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your Arkansas LLC.
This will need to comply with all applicable naming requirements under Arkansas law and be both succinct and memorable, as this will make it easily searchable by your potential clients.
1. Important Naming Guidelines for Arkansas LLCs:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (e.g., FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Restricted words (e.g., Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your professional limited liability company.
- Your name must be distinguishable from any other Arkansas limited liability company, corporation, or limited partnership or a name that has been reserved by any of these other business entities.
We recommend checking out the guidelines included in the Arkansas Code for a complete list of naming rules in this state.
2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Arkansas
You can check if the name you want to use for your LLC has already been taken by another business entity in Arkansas by performing a business entity search on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days, with a $22.50 processing fee.
For more information, you can have a look at our Arkansas LLC Name Search guide.
3. Conduct a Domain Name Search
We recommend checking to see if your business name is available as a web domain as well. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.
Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.
FAQ: Naming an Arkansas LLC
LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while still providing liability protection for your personal assets. Read our What is a Limited Liability Company guide for more information.
Or, watch our two-minute video: What is an LLC?
Most LLCs do not need a “doing business as” (DBA) name, called a fictitious name in Arkansas. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.
To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA in Arkansas guide.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Arkansas
After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate an Arkansas registered agent.
What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.
Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Arkansas or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to transact business in the state of Arkansas. You can choose to elect an individual within the company (e.g., yourself, etc.) or use a business attorney.
Get Free Registered Agent Services
Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge.
FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent
Certainly. You have the option to serve as your own registered agent, designate someone from your LLC, collaborate with a business attorney, or engage a professional registered agent service (recommended).
For more information, have a look at our What is a Registered Agent article.
Opting for a professional registered agent service can be a cost-effective strategy to handle your LLC’s paperwork. For the majority of businesses, the benefits of employing such a service far exceed the expenses associated with it.
Step 3: File the Arkansas LLC Certificate of Organization
To register your Arkansas LLC, you will need to file Form LL-01: Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can do this online, by mail, or by fax.
Before filing, make sure you have completed your Certificate of Organization correctly. You will need to have filled in the following sections:
- The name of your LLC
- The address of the principal office of your LLC
- The name and address of your LLC’s registered agent
- The name and title of at least one officer (for franchise tax purposes)
- The signature of the organizer
File the Certificate of Organization
OPTION 1: File Online With the Arkansas SOS Corporations Online Filing System
File OnlineSelect “Certificate of Organization for Domestic LLC – LL-01” and select “Start Form”
– OR –
OPTION 2: File Form LL-01 by Mail or In Person
Download FormState Filing Cost: $45 online, $50 by mail, payable to the Secretary of State. (Nonrefundable)
Filing Address:
Arkansas Secretary of State
1401 W. Capitol Ave.
Suite 250
Little Rock, AR 72201
For help with completing the form, visit our Arkansas Certificate of Organization guide.
Note: If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Arkansas, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).
FAQ: Filing Arkansas LLC Documents
The processing time for Certificates of Organization is typically between seven to 10 business days after being received if filed by mail or from three to seven business days if filed online or dropped off in person.
An LLC is referred to as a “domestic LLC” when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign limited liability company must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.
Read our What Is a Foreign LLC article to learn more.
The cost to form an LLC in Arkansas is between $45-$50.
To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form an Arkansas LLC.
Step 4: Create an Arkansas LLC Operating Agreement
While it’s not a legal requirement for Arkansas LLCs, it’s a good practice to have a readily accessible, written operating agreement.
An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:
FAQ: Creating an Arkansas LLC Operating Agreement
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many other states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.
Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Arkansas LLC
You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:
- To open a business bank account for the company
- For federal and state tax purposes
- To hire employees for the company
Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.
Get an EIN
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
– OR –
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
FAQ: Getting an EIN
A Social Security number is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.
All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member (i.e., a multi-member LLC), must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.
Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.
When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.
However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.
Best LLC Services in Arkansas Compared
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LegalZoom
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$472 | $0 | $249/yr | $79 | $99 |
For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Service review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.
Important Next Steps to Protect Your Arkansas LLC
After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:
- Separate your personal and business assets
- Stay compliant with state and federal laws
Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
You can protect your business with these two steps:
1. Opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
2. Getting a business credit card:
- Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
- Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.
Get Insurance
Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:
- General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
- Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Arkansas, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers compensation insurance.
What This Means:
Without insurance: If someone sues your bakery for $40,000, they could take your commercial mixer and empty your business account ($25,000 total), but won’t be able to touch your house or personal savings.
With insurance: Your business liability policy could cover the $40,000 claim, meaning that both your personal and business assets would remain untouched.
That’s why many small business owners turn to providers like Ergo Next Insurance for affordable, tailored coverage. Get a free quote today.
Want to learn exactly what coverage your Arkansas business may need? Read our full Arkansas Business Insurance Guide.
Obtain Business Licenses If Needed
While Arkansas doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.
- State-Level Licenses: Visit the Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC) website to review industry-specific licensing requirements.
- Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
- Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol, firearms, or operating in transportation), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.
For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Arkansas Business License Guide.
If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service.
Pay Arkansas LLC Taxes
Your Arkansas LLC will have several key tax obligations:
Federal LLC Tax Requirements
As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.
Income Taxes
This group of taxes refers to the charges imposed on the earnings of individuals and business entities that operate within the state. There are two main types of Arkansas income tax to be aware of:
- Personal Income Tax: LLCs taxed as disregarded entities are subject to personal income tax, which in Arkansas is set at a gradual rate that varies between 0.00% and 3.9% if you make less than or equal to $89,600 and between 2.00% and 3.9% if you make over this.
- Corporate Income Tax: This tax is paid by LLCs that have elected to be taxed as corporations at a rate that varies between 1% and 4.3% depending on the business’s net taxable income.
Sales and Use Taxes
If you’re selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller’s permit through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
This permit allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales. You can register for your seller’s permit online using the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point.
Sales tax, also called “Sales and Use Tax,” is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.
Read our sales tax guide to find out more.
Employer Taxes
If you have employees in Arkansas, you will need to register for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax through the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS). You will also need to sign up for Withholding Tax through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Most Arkansas LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15 through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP). For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full Arkansas LLC Tax Guide.
Need personalized help? Schedule a free consultation with 1-800Accountant to get expert guidance from CPAs who specialize in small business taxes.
Submit an Arkansas Franchise Tax and Annual Report
In Arkansas, all LLC owners are required to file annual franchise tax reports, also called an annual report, and pay $150 in franchise tax by May 1. This can be done online or by mail and is a requirement regardless of your business’s gross receipts.
Note: Submitting your report late will result in your LLC being charged a flat fee of $25 plus 10% interest for each additional month. This interest will continue to accumulate each year up to a cap of $300.