How to Start Your LLC in Arkansas
Legal Bueno helps with everything you need to start your business. We take care of all the paperwork so you don't have to worry about it. Want to learn more about the process we handle? Keep reading!
Quick Summary:
- Filing Fee: $45
- Turnaround time: 3-7 business days
How do I start an LLC in Arkansas?
Thinking about starting an LLC? The process is pretty similar across the states. You'll start by picking a unique name for your business (you'll need to check to make sure it hasn't been taken!) and then filing some paperwork—usually called Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation—with your state's agency.
If you want to check the name availability for Arkansas, visit https://www.ark.org/corp-search/index.php.
After that's taken care of, you'll want to draft a governing doc for your business called an operating agreement & find any licenses you might need. Just keep in mind that each state has its own little quirks, so it's always a good idea to double-check specific requirements for your area.
What are the costs & processing times of starting a business in Arkansas?
Here's the rundown for Arkansas:
- The filing fee is: $45
- There are ongoing fees of $150 (every year)
- It usually takes 3-7 business days if you're filing online or 2-3 weeks (plus mail time) if by mail.
Why Arkansas is a great state for your LLC
Starting a company in Arkansas offers numerous advantages that can enhance the experience for entrepreneurs and new businesses. Here’s a look at the key benefits:
- Incentives and Credits: Arkansas provides various business incentives, such as the Apprenticeship Program, which allows qualifying companies to receive financial support up to $2,000 or 10% of the wages of youth apprentices. This can significantly reduce training costs and foster a skilled workforce.
- Simplified Business Structure: Forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Arkansas is straightforward and efficient. This structure is particularly beneficial for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises, combining ease of management with legal protections typical of larger corporations.
- Tax Advantages: As an LLC, entrepreneurs can benefit from simplified tax filings and explore potential advantages regarding tax treatment. This can lead to better financial planning and increased cash flow.
- Compliance and Regulation: Establishing an LLC allows for easier management of compliance and regulatory requirements, freeing up time and resources to focus on business growth.
- Personal Asset Protection: One of the significant benefits of an LLC is the protection it provides personal assets from business liabilities and debts. This safety net is crucial for entrepreneurs concerned about personal financial risks.
- Affordability: The cost to file an LLC in Arkansas is relatively low at just $45, making it an accessible option for those looking to launch a business without excessive initial expenses.
Overall, Arkansas presents a supportive ecosystem for starting and growing a company, with tailored incentives and manageable structures that foster entrepreneurship.
Legal Requirements
Remember! Legal Bueno will handle all of these requirements for you, but if you're interested, here are the legal requirements for Arkansas:
Articles of Organization
The articles of organization must include:1. A name for the LLC that complies with Ark. Code Ann. § 4-38-112;
- the street and mailing addresses of the company's principal office; and
- the information required by Ark. Code Ann. § 4-20-105(a)
Ark. Code Ann. § 4-38-201
Filing fee: $50
Filing Process
After you've prepared the initial formation documents, you need to file it! Here is what Arkansas laws require for filing:
Any document permitted or required to be filed with the secretary of state must:1. Be required or permitted by this chapter;
- Be physically delivered in written form unless and to the extent the Secretary of State permits electronic delivery of records;
- Be in the English language. An LLC or foreign LLC name need not be in English if written in English letters or Arabic or Roman numerals, and the certificate of existence required of foreign LLCs need not be in English if accompanied by a reasonably authenticated English translation; and
- Be signed by a person authorized or required under this chapter to sign the record.
- State the name and capacity, if any, of each individual who signed it, either on behalf of the individual or the person authorized or required to sign the record, but need not contain a seal, attestation, acknowledgment, or verification.
Ark. Code Ann. § 4-38-206
Additional Legal Considerations
Here are some additional relevant laws that might be useful when operating your business in Arkansas:
Operating Agreement
Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.10
Binding effect and enforcement of operating agreement
Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.11
Statement of Information
Cal. Corp. Code § 17702.09