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How to start an LLC in Arkansas: checklist (2026)
To start an LLC in Arkansas, file the Certificate of Organization for Limited Liability Company (LL-01) with the Arkansas Secretary of State for $45, name a registered agent, get a free EIN and check your local licenses. Mainstay Filing, our best overall pick, does the filing, the agent, the EIN application and the report for $199 a year.
- Official sources, checked October 20, 2026
Arkansas checklist
- File the formation document. Certificate of Organization for Limited Liability Company (LL-01), Arkansas Secretary of State, $45.
- Name a registered agent. Required. A commercial registered agent listed with the Secretary of State, or a noncommercial agent: an individual or a business entity serving as agent in Arkansas. The company can also name a position inside it, such as its manager, whose holder then receives papers.
- Get an EIN. Free from the IRS online.
- Check licenses. Arkansas Secretary of State FAQ says: “Most businesses that require a state license or permit are regulated by a state board or commission.” (depends on the business).
- Keep it current. Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report, yearly: $150, due may 1.
Mainstay Filing
$199 / year, same at renewal
- LLC formation, prepared and filed
- Registered agent, all year
- EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
- Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
- Compliance reminders and stored documents
Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.
Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Arkansas?
The state filing fee is $45 for the Certificate of Organization for Limited Liability Company (LL-01). The first Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report later costs $150.
Do I need a registered agent in Arkansas?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Do I need a business license in Arkansas?
Arkansas Secretary of State FAQ says: “Most businesses that require a state license or permit are regulated by a state board or commission.” (depends on the business).
Sources
- Ark. Code Ann. § 4-38-201 (Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, enacted by Act 1041 of 2021) (multira state research spine): arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2021R%2FPublic%2FACT1041.pdf, checked August 12, 2026
- Arkansas formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: www.sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services-bcs/forms-fees/llc, checked October 1, 2026
- Arkansas yearly filing: Franchise tax report: what and when, official source read 2026-10-01: www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/bcs/LLC1_FT_2026.pdf, checked October 1, 2026
- Arkansas yearly filing: Franchise tax: amount and filing, official source read 2026-10-01: www.sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services-bcs/franchise-tax-report-forms/, checked October 1, 2026
- Arkansas report due date (multira state research spine, due dates verified 714/714): www.sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services-bcs/, checked August 12, 2026
- Arkansas registered agent statute (Ark. Code Ann. § 4-20-105): www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=/ACTS/2007/Public/ACT638.pdf, checked October 20, 2026
- IRS: Get an employer identification number: www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number, checked October 21, 2026
- Arkansas Secretary of State FAQ (business license statement): www.sos.arkansas.gov/frequently-asked-questions/62, checked October 21, 2026