Start a Business in Arkansas
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LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp?
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Limiting Your Liability
Do you need liability insurance, limited liability protection, or both?
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This guide on starting your business in Arkansas provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.
Step-By-Step Startup
Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.
- If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
- If wish to form your business in a different state than Arkansas, click here.
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Arkansas Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Arkansas Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Arkansas Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Arkansas
- Pay attention to your corporate suffix - for example, "Corporation", "LLC", or "Co.". Arkansas requires such a corporate designator and offers a short list of permissible suffixes.
- Filing documents with the Arkansas Secretary of State is actually pretty easy. You can file them online and they'll be processed in 2-3 business days.
- Arkansas offers a consolidated state tax registration application. Apply at least 2 weeks before the taxable activity begins. But do not submit more than 60 days prior to opening date.
- Corporations must keep certain records at their Arkansas registered office or principal place of business. We'll get into the detail later of exactly what records and what locations are permissible.
- You must file a Franchise Tax Report with the Arkansas Secretary of State each year . You may be more familiar with the term used in other states - an "annual report".
