Starting a business in Arkansas

How to start a business in Arkansas

Starting a business in Arkansas can and should be easier than you think. You file simple forms with the secretary of state, and your business is formed! Obviously there’s a few more things than that, but if you’d like to start your own business yourself, you will find it easy to hire us as your registered agent and you’ll find all the forms you could file to start a business in Arkansas, along with great filing instructions on the quickest and cheapest ways to start your business in Arkansas.

What’s the actual process to start a business in Arkansas?

• You file articles of incorporation for an Arkansas corporation or articles of organization for an Arkansas LLC with the AR Secretary of State.
• You obtain a federal tax ID number (FEIN or EIN) with the IRS after you have confirmation and filed articles from the State of Arkansas showing your approved Arkansas business.
• Opening a business banking account under your new Arkansas business name should be easy with these two items.
• If you’re going to have employees or need to withhold sales tax, you will probably need to register with the AR department of revenue. We provide all these links in your online account.
• If your business trade requires a license, you’ll have to apply for a license with the Arkansas licensing board.  (Most businesses don’t.)  But if you do, these quick links and contact details are in your online account.
• Some local cities or counties have a general license, but most don’t.
• You obtain a local trade license if the city or county you’re going to be working in requires it.
• If you’re going to have an office or shop you might need an approval from the city zoning for your type of business in that location.
• If you get overwhelmed, just get your business pulling in money and worry about regulations later.

If you want a corporation, you file Arkansas Articles of Incorporation:

The Arkansas articles of incorporation cost $50 with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

We custom draft your Arkansas articles of incorporation when you hire Northwest to start your Arkansas business. The basic requirements of Arkansas corporations are:

• The Arkansas corporation must have a corporate ending such as incorporated, corporation or an abbreviation thereof.
• The duration of the corporation is "perpetual" unless otherwise stated.
• The purpose of the Arkansas corporation.
• The number of shares the Arkansas corporation is authorized to issue and par value.
• The name of the registered agent in Arkansas and the registered office address.
• The name and address of the directors of the Arkansas corporation.
• The name and address of the Arkansas incorporators.
• Date of execution.
• The Arkansas incorporator must sign the articles of incorporation.
• The name and business address of the person preparing the AR articles of incorporation

Arkansas does not require original signatures on new AR corporation filings. The stamped form will be mailed to the address of the person who filed the documents.

If you want a LLC, you file Arkansas Articles of Organization:

To form an Arkansas LLC, you file Arkansas articles of organization. The basic requirements of Arkansas LLC filings are:

• The business name must have a limited liability company ending or variation of it such as LLC, L.L.C.
• The Arkansas business name must be different than already registered Arkansas businesses.
• The duration of the Arkansas LLC, (Usually perpetual.)
• Arkansas limited liability companies do not need to state a LLC purpose.
• The Arkansas registered agent and the physical address.
• The names and addresses of the initial member(s) are not required
• If the AR limited liability company is to be managed by one or more managers, you must specify this management structure.  Managers names are not required.
• Someone must sign as the AR LLC organizer.

Arkansas does not require original signatures on new AR LLC filings. You’ll get a certificate of formation mailed back to you after the state approves your filing.

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? You can save some money:

If you want to start a business in Arkansas yourself, you can just hire us as your Arkansas registered agent, and you'll instantly have the Arkansas LLC or corporation forms to file along with filing instructions on the quickest, cheapest, and most efficient way to incorporate an Arkansas corporation or form a Arkansas LLC. You'll get the ongoing support of our online tools, reminders and the support of a professional Arkansas registered agent service.