How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Arkansas?

Arkansas Online LLC Filing Fee: $50

The main cost to start an LLC is the $45 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Organization online with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Arkansas Franchise Tax: $150

Arkansas LLCs must pay a $150 franchise tax each year by May 1. This can be done online or by mail. There is a $25 late filing fee, plus interest.

Registered Agent Fee

In Arkansas you can be your own registered agent, but using a registered agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about Arkansas Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Arkansas

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Arkansas, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Arkansas.

The cost for registering an Arkansas foreign LLC is $270 online or $300 in person or by mail. You can register a foreign LLC in Arkansas by filing an Application for Certificate of Registration of Foreign LLC (Form FL-01).

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in Arkansas. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting an Arkansas business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an LLC Name Reservation (Form RN-06) and paying the filing fee. There is a $22.50 filing fee for online filing and a $25 filing fee if filing by mail or in person.

Doing Business As (DBA) Name:
File an Application for Fictitious Name (Form DN-18) and pay the filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name. The filing fee is $25 for online filing and $22.50 if filing by mail.

Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your Arkansas business documents by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying $5 +$0.50 per page.

Certificate of Good Standing:
An Arkansas certificate of good standing can be obtained by ordering through the Secretary of State and by paying the $25 fee. A certificate of good standing is often required by banks and lending institutions. This can be ordered online or by mail.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Arkansas

Step 1: Name Your Arkansas LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Certificate of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Arkansas LLC

When you name your Arkansas LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Arkansas
2. Meets Arkansas naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Arkansas guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Arkansas.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Arkansas must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Arkansas registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Arkansas
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Certificate of Organization

The Arkansas Form LL-01 - Certificate of Organization is a document that is filed with the Arkansas Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Certificate of Organization is $50.

For detailed instructions for completing the Certificate of Organization, visit our How to File the Arkansas Certificate of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Arkansas LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Arkansas LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees