Form Your Arkansas LLC
State filing fee: $45 • Processing: 5-7 business days
Start Your Arkansas LLC in the Natural State
Arkansas offers entrepreneurs affordable LLC formation with a low filing fee and strategic location in the South. With growing manufacturing, agriculture, and retail sectors, Arkansas provides excellent opportunities for business development.
Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services
| Service | Price | Processing Time | Registered Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 1 day | $199/yr |
Bizee Fastest Formation | $0 + state fees | 3 weeks Expedited: 1 day | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
Inc Authority Free Formation | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 2 days | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | $0 + state fees | 5-14 days Expedited: 1 day | $249/yr |
Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents | $99.99 + state fees | 5-7 days Expedited: Not available | $149/yr |
Top 3 Recommended Services for Arkansas
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons:
- ✗ Some features require upgraded plans
- ✗ More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Customer service via chat/email only
Arkansas LLC Formation Costs
Arkansas LLC Cost Breakdown
Additional Costs to Consider:
- • Formation service fees: $0 - $299 (depending on provider)
- • Registered agent service: $99 - $299/year
- • EIN from IRS: Free (or $99+ if using a service)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Arkansas LLC formation fee is $45 when filed with the Secretary of State, making it one of the more affordable states for LLC formation. Arkansas requires an annual franchise tax report with a $150 fee, due by May 1st each year. The first report is due by May 1st of the year following formation. While the annual fee is higher than some states, the low initial filing cost helps offset this expense.
Standard processing time for Arkansas LLC formation is 5-7 business days when filed online through the Arkansas Secretary of State's website. Paper filings typically take 7-10 business days. Arkansas does not offer expedited processing services directly through the state, though some formation services may provide priority handling.
Yes, Arkansas requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with an Arkansas street address. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official state correspondence. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have an Arkansas address, or hire a professional service for privacy and reliability.
- File an annual franchise tax report by May 1st with a $150 fee
- Maintain a registered agent at all times
- No additional franchise tax beyond the annual report fee
- Keep basic company records and operating agreement
- Update the state of any registered agent or address changes
Arkansas attracts businesses with its low filing costs, central southern location, and diverse economy. The state is home to major corporations like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, creating a robust business ecosystem. Arkansas offers competitive operational costs, a skilled workforce, and excellent transportation infrastructure.
- Low $45 filing fee for LLC formation
- Strategic location in the South with excellent logistics
- Home to Fortune 500 companies creating business opportunities
- Competitive labor and operational costs
- Strong agriculture and food processing industries
- Growing manufacturing and technology sectors
- Business-friendly tax structure
Arkansas doesn't legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but it's strongly recommended. An operating agreement defines ownership structure, management responsibilities, and operational procedures. Without one, Arkansas's default LLC statutes will govern your business, which may not reflect your specific needs. Banks typically require an operating agreement for business account setup.
- Retail and consumer goods (Walmart headquarters)
- Food processing and agriculture (Tyson Foods)
- Transportation and logistics (J.B. Hunt)
- Manufacturing and industrial production
- Energy production (natural gas, hydroelectric)
- Technology and business services
- Healthcare and biotechnology
- Tourism and outdoor recreation
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