How To Start An LLC In Arkansas In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in Arkansas, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Natural State.
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Arkansas offers affordable LLC formation with reasonable fees and a business-friendly environment. With a $45-$50 state filing fee and processing times of 3-5 days online, Arkansas provides an excellent foundation for starting your LLC. Whether you're in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Bentonville, or anywhere else in the Natural State, you can establish your Arkansas LLC efficiently and cost-effectively.
Our top pick for Arkansas LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They handle Arkansas's specific requirements expertly, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $45 Arkansas state fee. With their knowledge of Arkansas business regulations and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and reliable.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best Arkansas LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for Arkansas LLC Services
Best Overall for Arkansas ZenBusiness excels at Arkansas LLC formation with their thorough understanding of Arkansas's specific requirements. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your Arkansas Secretary of State filing, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team understands Arkansas's annual franchise tax requirements and can help ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
Arkansas entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and reliable filing
Pros
- Expert handling of Arkansas LLC filing requirements
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Includes Arkansas franchise tax reminder service
- Support team familiar with Arkansas regulations
- 100% accuracy guarantee on Arkansas filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Great Value for Arkansas Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers excellent Arkansas LLC formation with professional handling of all state requirements in 3-5 days online. They provide a free Arkansas registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks Arkansas's May 1st franchise tax deadline. Perfect for entrepreneurs who need their Arkansas LLC formed efficiently and cost-effectively.
Best For:
Arkansas businesses needing reliable, budget-friendly formation
Pros
- Professional Arkansas LLC processing (3-5 days)
- Free Arkansas registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for Arkansas compliance
- Dashboard tracks Arkansas franchise tax due dates
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in AR LegalZoom brings decades of experience with Arkansas business formation. Their attorney network includes Arkansas-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for Arkansas businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
Arkansas businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for Arkansas law
- Comprehensive Arkansas legal forms library
- Phone support with Arkansas expertise
- 30+ years serving Arkansas businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
- Professional Arkansas filing process
Cons
- Arkansas registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best Arkansas Branding Package Tailor Brands combines Arkansas LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for Arkansas's growing tech and agricultural industries, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional Arkansas business presence online and offline.
Best For:
Arkansas creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with Arkansas business info
- Business cards with Arkansas address
- Professional Arkansas processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for Arkansas business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- Standard processing timeframes
Free Arkansas Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free Arkansas LLC formation where you only pay the $45 state fee. They include a free Arkansas registered agent for the first year and handle all Arkansas Secretary of State filings. While processing follows standard state timeframes, they're perfect for Arkansas entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings.
Best For:
Budget-conscious Arkansas entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free Arkansas LLC formation
- Free Arkansas registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for Arkansas businesses
- Handles Arkansas Secretary of State filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- Arkansas business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes standard state timeframes
- Arkansas registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to Arkansas LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your Arkansas Secretary of State registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation.
Best For:
Arkansas entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for Arkansas businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles Arkansas Secretary of State filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward Arkansas LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- Standard state processing timeframes
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive Package BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to Arkansas LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus Arkansas's $45 state filing fee. With transparent pricing and everything included, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want simplicity without hidden costs in their Arkansas LLC formation process.
Best For:
Arkansas businesses needing everything done with transparent pricing
Pros
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- Arkansas-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
- Professional Arkansas filing process
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple Arkansas LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to Arkansas-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation follows standard state timeframes, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex Arkansas business needs.
Best For:
Arkansas businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to Arkansas-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Arkansas business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
- Professional Arkansas filing services
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
- Standard Arkansas processing time
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable Arkansas LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many Arkansas business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand Arkansas's specific LLC requirements and annual franchise tax obligations.
Best For:
Arkansas entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with Arkansas expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- Arkansas franchise tax reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
- Professional Arkansas filing process
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing timeframes
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of Arkansas business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established Arkansas businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
Arkansas businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing Arkansas compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- Arkansas franchise tax filing services
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Standard processing timeframes
- Limited customer support hours
Arkansas LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form an Arkansas LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Limited Company," "LC," or "L.C."
- ✓ Arkansas Registered Agent: Required by law - must have an Arkansas street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Certificate of Organization: Filed with Arkansas Secretary of State (Form LL-01)
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by Arkansas but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Franchise Tax Report: Due by May 1st each year ($150 fee)
Arkansas LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $45 online / $50 by mail
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Franchise Tax: $150 per year (due by May 1st)
- • Business License: Varies by city/county and business type
Arkansas LLC Timeline
- • Name Availability Check: Search Arkansas Secretary of State database
- • Online Processing: 3-5 business days (may take up to 7 days)
- • Mail Processing: 7-10 business days after receipt
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 3-7 business days with online filing
Why Form Your LLC in Arkansas?
Cost Advantages
- • Low $45 online filing fee
- • Reasonable $150 annual franchise tax
- • No personal income tax at city/county levels
- • Competitive business costs
Business Environment
- • Right-to-work state
- • Home to Fortune 500 companies (Walmart, Tyson)
- • Growing tech and logistics sectors
- • Strategic central US location
Legal Protections
- • Strong asset protection laws
- • Limited liability protection
- • Flexible management structure
- • Pass-through taxation benefits
Incentives Available
- • Advantage Arkansas Income Tax Credit
- • InvestArk Sales and Use Tax Credit
- • Create Rebate program
- • Various business incentive programs
Arkansas LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Arkansas?
The Arkansas state filing fee is $45 if you file online or $50 by mail. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and the annual franchise tax of $150. Most Arkansas entrepreneurs spend between $195-$550 total to form their LLC, depending on which services they choose.
Do I need a registered agent for my Arkansas LLC?
Yes, Arkansas law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with an Arkansas street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have an Arkansas address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Some services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Arkansas?
Arkansas LLC formation typically takes 3-5 business days when filed online, though processing can take up to 7 business days due to volume. Mail filings take 7-10 business days after being received. Arkansas doesn't offer expedited processing, so online filing is the fastest option. Using a professional service can help ensure your documents are correct the first time.
What is Arkansas's annual franchise tax requirement?
Arkansas LLCs must file an Annual Franchise Tax Report and pay a $150 franchise tax by May 1st each year. This report is due starting the year after formation, regardless of when during the year your LLC was formed. Late filing incurs a $25 penalty plus interest. You can file online through the Arkansas Secretary of State's system with a $5 processing fee.
Can I form an Arkansas LLC if I don't live in Arkansas?
Yes, you don't need to be an Arkansas resident to form an Arkansas LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with an Arkansas street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for Arkansas LLCs?
Your Arkansas LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Limited Company," "LC," or "L.C." at the end. You can search name availability through the Arkansas Secretary of State's database. Certain words may require additional approval or licensing.
Popular Arkansas Cities for LLCs
- • Little Rock
- • North Little Rock
- • Conway
- • Benton
- • Fayetteville
- • Bentonville
- • Rogers
- • Springdale
- • Jonesboro
- • Paragould
- • Blytheville
- • Searcy
- • Fort Smith
- • Hot Springs
- • Texarkana
- • Pine Bluff
Ready to Start Your Arkansas LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their Arkansas LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.