- Filing fee
- $45
- Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report
- $150
- First-year gov. cost
- $45
- Publication
- Not required
The steps, in order
Pick a name Arkansas will accept
Must be distinguishable and include standard LLC designators.
Search existing Arkansas business names before you commit. Arkansas naming rules in detail.
Appoint a registered agent
Physical Arkansas address required.
You can serve as your own agent, but your address will be public. Compare Arkansas registered agent options.
File the Certificate of Organization
Submit it to the Arkansas Secretary of State through the official filing portal and pay $45. $45 online versus $50 for a mailed paper form.
Processing: online 2 to 7 business days; by mail 2 to 7 business days. Expedite: No expedited processing option offered.
Write an operating agreement
Not statutorily required to be in writing and not filed with the state.
Get an EIN from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number is free from IRS.gov. You'll need it for a business bank account and, if you hire, for payroll.
Stay in good standing
File the Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report ($150), due On or before May 1st. $25 penalty plus 10% daily interest on tax and penalty Arkansas report deadlines.
Every Arkansas LLC fee
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Organization | $45 | $45 online versus $50 for a mailed paper form. |
| Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report | $150 | annual, On or before May 1st |
| Minimum state tax | $150 | Owed regardless of income |
| Name reservation (optional) | $22.5 | 120 days |
| Change of registered agent | $0 | Free of charge (Form DO-03) |
| Amendment | $22.5 | |
| Certificate of good standing | $15 | |
| Application for Certificate of Authority | $300 | For LLCs formed in another state |
| Statement of Dissolution | $45 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $22.50 online or $25 on paper | state |
How Arkansas compares nationally
- Arkansas's filing fee of $45 is the 3rd lowest of 51 jurisdictions (median $104).
- Arkansas's first-year government cost of $45 is the 3rd lowest of 51 jurisdictions (median $125).
- Arkansas's yearly cost after that of $150 is the 11th highest of 51 jurisdictions (median $45).
See every state side by side in our LLC cost by state table.
File it yourself or use a service?
Filing directly with the Arkansas Secretary of State costs $45 and nothing else, but you'll need a registered agent with a Arkansas street address, and that address goes on the public record. A formation service files for you and acts as your agent. Here's what that adds over three years, before Arkansas's own fees:
| Route | Year one with Arkansas fee | 3-year service fees |
|---|---|---|
| File yourself, be your own agent | $45 | $0 |
| Northwest | $84 | $289 |
| Bizee Basic | $45 | $298 |
Bizee vs Northwest, compared · All LLC services ranked
State taxes to plan for
Assesses a $150 flat franchise tax on all LLCs regardless of revenue. Pass-through income hits standard personal state brackets.
What's different about Arkansas
- Fee discount for online filings
- Strict enforcement of franchise tax at exact moment of dissolution
- Permits Series LLCs filed in person
More Arkansas LLC guides
Arkansas LLC questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Secretary of State charges $45 to file the Certificate of Organization. Counting mandatory first-year items, expect about $45 in government fees (Online formation fee).
How long does it take to form an LLC in Arkansas?
Online: 2 to 7 business days. By mail: 2 to 7 business days. Expedited: No expedited processing option offered.
Does an Arkansas LLC have to file an annual report?
Yes. Arkansas requires the Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report, which costs $150, filed annual. Due: On or before May 1st. $25 penalty plus 10% daily interest on tax and penalty
Can I be my own registered agent in Arkansas?
Yes. Physical Arkansas address required. Your agent's address becomes public record.
Does Arkansas require publishing a notice for a new LLC?
No. Arkansas has no newspaper publication requirement for LLCs, based on our latest check.
Is an operating agreement required in Arkansas?
Not statutorily required to be in writing and not filed with the state.
What taxes does an Arkansas LLC pay to the state?
Assesses a $150 flat franchise tax on all LLCs regardless of revenue. Pass-through income hits standard personal state brackets.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.