Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
To start an LLC in Arkansas, file Articles of Organization with the Arkansas Secretary of State. This costs $45 and takes 7 days for approval.
There are 5 steps to follow:
- Choose an LLC Name
- Select a Registered Agent
- File Articles of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
If you want to form your LLC yourself, follow our free guide below.
If you want someone to take care of it for you, we recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(We recommend Northwest. We've reviewed all the top companies in the industry. And Northwest is our #1 pick for prices, customer support, and address privacy. Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom to learn more.)
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Arkansas?
It costs $45 to start an LLC. And then it costs $150 per year.
What are these fees for?
- The $45 is to file the Articles of Organization – the document that creates a Limited Liability Company.
- The $150 per year is for your Annual Franchise Tax Report – a mandatory filing that keeps your LLC in good standing.
To learn more about LLC Costs, see LLC Costs in Arkansas.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Arkansas?
If you file your LLC by mail, it will be approved in 2-3 weeks (plus mail time).
But if you file online, your LLC will be approved in 3-7 business days.
Please see How long does it take to get an LLC in Arkansas to check for any delays.
Here are the steps to forming an LLC
1. Search your LLC Name
Search your LLC Name to make sure it’s available in the state.
You need to do this because two businesses in the state can’t have the same name.
First, search your business name and compare it to existing businesses in the state. You can make sure the LLC Name you want is unique from existing businesses using the Arkansas Secretary of State: Business Entity Search page.
Second, familiarize yourself with the state LLC naming guidelines (so your LLC gets approved).
We’ll explain both in more detail here: Arkansas LLC Name.
2. Choose an Arkansas Registered Agent
The next step is to choose a Registered Agent.
An Arkansas Registered Agent is a person or company who accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Limited Liability Company.
Who can be an LLC Registered Agent?
You have 3 options for who can be the Registered Agent:
- You
- A friend or family member
- A Registered Agent Service
The Registered Agent for your LLC must have a physical street address in Arkansas. PO Boxes aren’t allowed.
And the Registered Agent’s name and address will be listed on public records.
If you don’t have an address in Arkansas, or you want more privacy, you can hire a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent
Our favorite feature about Northwest is they’ll let you use their office address throughout your LLC filing. This way, you can keep your address off public records.
They’ll also scan any mail sent to your LLC and upload it to your online account.
Northwest has excellent customer service, and they’re who we trust to be our own Registered Agent.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
3. File Arkansas LLC Certificate of Organization
To start an LLC, you need to file the Certificate of Organization with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office.
Note: The Arkansas Certificate of Organization used to be called the Articles of Organization until the state changed the name in 2021. These terms both mean the same thing and you may see this filing called either name.
The Arkansas Certificate of Organization costs $45 if you file online.
This is a one-time fee to create your LLC.
If you want to file this yourself, see our step-by-step guide: Arkansas LLC Certificate of Organization.
Or, you can hire a company to do it for you.
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)
4. Create an LLC Operating Agreement
An LLC Operating Agreement serves as a “companion” document to the Articles of Organization.
The Articles of Organization creates your LLC, and the Operating Agreement shows who owns the LLC.
Additionally, some banks require an Operating Agreement when you open an LLC bank account.
And having an Operating Agreement will be very helpful if you ever end up in court. Reason being, it helps prove that your LLC is being run properly.
That’s why we recommend that all LLCs have an Operating Agreement – including Single-Member LLCs.
Furthermore, an Operating Agreement is an “internal document“. Meaning, you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Just keep a copy with your business records.
You can download a free template below.
Then, learn how to fill it out by watching our step-by-step Arkansas Operating Agreement video.
5. Get an EIN for your LLC
The next step is to get an Arkansas EIN Number from the IRS for your LLC.
Note: An EIN Number is also called a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).
An EIN Number is used to:
- identify your LLC for tax purposes
- open a business bank account
- apply for business licenses and permits
How much does an EIN cost?
Getting an EIN Number from the IRS is completely free.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
If you apply online, it takes 15 minutes.
If you apply by mail or fax, it can take 1-3 months.
How can I get an EIN?
US Citizens/US Residents: If you have an SSN or ITIN, you can apply for an EIN online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
Non-US Residents: You can’t get an EIN online, but you can still get one by fax or by mail. Follow these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
What do I do after my LLC is approved?
After your LLC is approved, there are some additional steps.
Open an LLC business bank account
You’ll want to open a business bank account for your LLC.
This makes accounting and record-keeping much easier for your business finances.
Having a separate business bank account also maintains your personal liability protection. This is because it keeps your business finances separate from your personal finances.
Get business licenses and permits
Good news, Arkansas doesn’t have a state general business license.
However, depending on where your LLC is located, you may need a local business license or permit.
For example, if you want to start a daycare, you may need a business license from the city or county.
You can learn more on our Arkansas Business License page.
File your LLC Annual Franchise Tax Report
All LLCs in the state must file an Annual Franchise Tax Report every year.
This report keeps your LLC in good standing with the state.
How much does an LLC Annual Franchise Tax Report cost in Arkansas?
The Annual Franchise Tax Report filing fee is $150 per year.
When is the Annual Franchise Tax Report due?
All LLC Annual Franchise Tax Reports are due by May 1st every year.
When is my first Annual Franchise Tax Report due?
Your first Annual Franchise Tax Report is due the year after your LLC was approved.
For example, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, your first Annual Franchise Tax Report is due by May 1st, 2026.
How do I file my LLC Annual Franchise Tax Report?
You can file your LLC’s Annual Franchise Tax Report online or by mail. We recommend the online filing because it’s easier to complete.
Follow our step-by-step guide here: Arkansas LLC Annual Franchise Tax Report.
Pay taxes
LLCs don’t pay federal taxes. Instead, the LLC Members pay the taxes for the LLC.
Said another way, the owners pay taxes for the LLC as a part of their personal tax return.
How will my LLC be taxed?
By default, an LLC is taxed by the IRS based on the number of owners your LLC has:
- A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship.
- A Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership.
Alternatively, you can ask the IRS to tax your LLC like a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.
Besides federal taxes, there are also state and local income taxes – and sales tax. Learn more in Arkansas LLC Taxes.
How to Start an LLC in Arkansas FAQs
Can I start an LLC online in Arkansas?
Yes, you can file your LLC online. The Articles of Organization filing fee is $45.
When you start your LLC online, it will be approved in 3-7 business days.
What are the benefits of an LLC?
The first benefit of an LLC is protecting your personal assets. Meaning, if your business is sued, your personal assets – like your home, cars, and bank accounts – are protected.
This protection applies to all LLC owners (called LLC Members). It doesn’t matter if you have a Single-Member LLC or Multi-Member LLC. All of the LLC owners are protected from the business debts and liabilities.
This type of protection wouldn’t apply if you operate as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. With these types of informal business structures, the owners aren’t protected in the event of a lawsuit. For that reason, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a much more popular business structure.
Another benefit is LLC pass-through taxation. This means the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, the profits “pass through” to the LLC Members. And the Members pay the taxes on their personal tax return.
And state income taxes are very similar, since the state honors the federal tax treatment of your LLC.
To learn more, please see How are LLCs taxed.
Is Arkansas a good state to start an LLC?
Whether Arkansas is a good state to start an LLC depends on where you live – and where you’re doing business.
Meaning, if you live in or do business in Arkansas, then you should start your LLC there. While many websites talk about tax rates and advantages of certain states, none of that applies if it’s not the state where you live and do business.
For example, if you form an LLC in Delaware, but live in and conduct business in Arkansas, you’ll also need to register your Delaware LLC in Arkansas (and pay extra fees). And you’ll end up paying Arkansas taxes anyway. This ends up leading to more costs and more headaches with no advantages.
In summary, if you live in and conduct business in Arkansas, then yes, it is a good state to start a business. If you don’t live in and do business in Arkansas, then no, it isn’t a good state to start a business.
Real estate exception: If you’re purchasing real estate outside of Arkansas, you should form your LLC in the state where the property is located.
For more information, please see Best State to Form an LLC.
References
Arkansas.gov: Owning a Business
ASBTDC: Business Startup – Taxes
ASBTDC: Business Startup – Licenses and Permits
Arkansas Secretary of State: Business Services FAQ
Arkansas Secretary of State: Corporation Filing Fees
Arkansas Secretary of State: General Information and Definitions
Arkansas Dept. of Finance and Administration: Doing Business in Arkansas
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
We are starting up an indoor vendor flea market. Our account suggested doing a sole proprietor llc filing. Am I overlooking how to file for that? I see one or the other filing but not combined in arkansas. Thanks
Hi Kelly, the correct way to say it would be a Single-Member LLC taxed like a Sole Proprietorship. However, you said “we”, so will there be 2 or more Members? If so, then that would be a Multi-Member LLC taxed like a Partnership. Either way, there’s nothing on the LLC paperwork you check or select to get that tax treatment. That is the default tax treatment by the IRS. Meaning, all Single-Member LLCs are taxed like Sole Proprietorships by default. And all Multi-Member LLCs are taxed like Partnership by default. Hope that helps!
Hi Matt,
i am planning to register an LLC in Arkansas.
i am on H4 visa.
All my LLc operations will be performed from india( out of country)
is the LLC is the better option or do i need to register any specific kind of registration.
The business is publishing the health/medical articles for researchers,doctors in an online site.
Hi Pav, while you can form an LLC with an H4 visa, the type of work you do for the LLC may be limited. You may also need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). However, we are not immigration specialists, so you’ll want to speak with an immigration attorney about the details. We’re not able to comment on what you should or shouldn’t do. Thank you for your understanding.
I want to use a roofing business but noticed that they were late filing the annual report in prior year and have not filed the current annual report. due May 1st. Should I be concerned? How will that potentially affect any labor warranty on the roof?
Hi Vanessa, while this isn’t an immediate bad sign, I wouldn’t call it a good sign either. If this roofing company’s LLC gets shut down, it could leave you in a challenging position.
Hi Matt,
How do I know which filing act to choose when filing a LLC?
I was given many choice but 958 of 1987 was selected by default. I am in the start up phase for starting a non medical senior care service.
Hi Yolando, we form LLCs in Arkansas under “1003 of 1993”. Hope that helps.
I AM PLANNING ON STARTING A MOTORCYCLE TOWING BUSINESS . I WILL HAVE 2 VEHICLES USED FOR TOWING. THEY ARE CONVERTED HEARSES. I KNOW I HAVE TO GET BUSINESS AUTO INSURANCE FOR THEM (AND PLATES AND REGISTRATIONS) DO I ALSO NEED TO FORM AN LLC OR WILL THE AUTO INSURANCE COVER ME IN THE EVENT OF AN AUTO MISHAP?
Hi Mary, you don’t have to form an LLC to run your business and to title your vehicles, but you certainly can. An LLC to run the business is a very common setup as it protects your personal assets in the event of a lawsuit. You don’t have to title the vehicles into the LLC, but you certainly can. As for the auto insurance rates, they may be slightly cheaper in your name versus the LLC (which would be a commercial/corporate policy), however, even if the vehicles are owned by an LLC, in the event of an auto accident, you’re likely to be involved in the case personally since it could be you as the driver who was negligent and caused harm. This would be a good question to followup with an attorney though, to look more deeply at the advantages and disadvantages. Hope that helps.
I am starting a lawncare business and I am 16 years old . Can I get an llc in my own name ?
Hi Jonathan, in most states, an LLC owner (member) must be 18 years or older. We just called the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office for you though and they stated the age requirement is 21. You may want to ring up a few local attorneys though and see what their thoughts are. There may be a few creative work-arounds to use for the next few years. I look through the AR LLC Act for you, but I could not find the age requirements. Also, you can operate the lawn care business as a Sole Proprietorship for the time being. Hope that helps. Best wishes!
I need the number to call and pay my Arkansas llc yearly fee thanks Greg
Hi Greg, the number to the Arkansas Secretary of State is 501-682-3409. You can find more information on the Arkansas Annual Franchise Tax Report here. Hope that helps!