Form an LLC in Arkansas
How to start an LLC in Arkansas.
What the state asks for, what it charges, and what to file after you form. Fees checked against official Arkansas sources in .
Cheap to form, then a flat $150 franchise tax each year, whether or not the business makes money.
Arkansas at a glance
- State filing fee
- $45
- Certificate of Organization
- Annual Franchise Tax Report
- $150
- Every year
- Filed with
- Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services
- Operating agreement
- Not required
Domestic LLCs pay a flat $150 annual franchise tax and submit the corresponding franchise tax report. These are the state's own fees, separate from ours, and they can change. Confirm with the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services before you file.
Forming an LLC in Arkansas, step by step.
- 1
Choose a name and check it
Your name needs "LLC" or a similar designator and must be distinguishable from names on record. Search the Arkansas business database first.
- 2
Appoint a registered agent
Someone with a street address in Arkansas who accepts legal papers and official notices for the LLC. You can serve yourself or use a registered agent service.
- 3
File the Certificate of Organization
File with the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services. The state fee is $45. Online filing costs $45; paper filing costs $50.
- 4
Write an operating agreement
Not required. Either way it sets ownership, money, and decisions in writing. See the operating agreement guide.
- 5
Get an EIN
The business's federal tax ID, free from the IRS. Our EIN assistance can prepare it.
- 6
Register for sales tax if you sell taxable items
Arkansas issues a Sales and Use Tax Permit through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Check local licenses too.
- 7
File your Annual Franchise Tax Report
Every year: may 1 annually. The fee is $150.
General information, not legal or tax advice. State rules and fees change; this page was last checked in October 2026. YaH Brands is not a law firm or an accounting firm.
Forming in Arkansas? We prepare and file it, keep track of the follow-ups, and a real person answers when you call.
Services for this step
Every service is available on its own. Add only what your business needs.
- LLC filingPrepare the LLC filing you choose.
- Registered agentKnow who receives official notices for your business.
- EIN application assistanceGet oriented to your business tax ID application.
- Business AddressGive your business an address that fits how it works.
- Business license & permit researchFind out which permissions your business may need.
- Sales tax permit assistanceGet clear on sales tax registration steps.
Keep reading
All LLC guides- Start here8 min read
How to start an LLC
The steps to form an LLC in any state: choose a state and name, appoint a registered agent, file, write an operating agreement, get an EIN, and handle what comes after.
Read the guide - Keep it running5 min read
Annual report
What an LLC annual report is, what it asks for, how often it is due, and what happens if you miss it, including late fees and administrative dissolution.
Read the guide - Set it up6 min read
Foreign vs. domestic LLC
What domestic and foreign LLCs are, when you need to register in another state, how foreign qualification works, and whether to form out of state.
Read the guide
Arkansas LLC questions
The state filing fee for the Certificate of Organization is $45. Online filing costs $45; paper filing costs $50. Plan for ongoing costs too, including the Annual Franchise Tax Report fee of $150. Domestic LLCs pay a flat $150 annual franchise tax and submit the corresponding franchise tax report.
Yes. Arkansas requires a Annual Franchise Tax Report every year. The fee is $150, due may 1 annually.
Not required. Having one is still a good idea for any LLC, and banks often ask for it.
Yes. Every Arkansas LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to accept legal papers and official notices.