Arkansas LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $45. Ongoing annual report fee: $150 (annual). Franchise tax: $150/yr minimum.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Arkansas database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Arkansas Secretary of State registry before submitting your $45 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Arkansas?
An LLC in Arkansas costs $45 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $150 per year in annual report fees. Arkansas also charges a $150/yr minimum franchise tax. The estimated total 5-year cost is $1,590, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $45 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Arkansas Secretary of State |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $150 | annual | Due May 1 | Arkansas Secretary of State |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $150/yr | Annual | Annual tax schedule | State Tax Department |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $45 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Arkansas LLC 5-Year Cost Model
ARChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($45) + registered agent
Annual report ($150/yr) + franchise tax
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Arkansas.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $2345-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your Arkansas filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Arkansas LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Arkansas LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Arkansas Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
Annual Franchise Tax is $150 flat fee due each May 1 to the Secretary of State.
Advantages of a Arkansas LLC
- Very low $45 initial filing fee online
- Simple online franchise tax portal
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- $150/yr flat franchise tax regardless of whether LLC is active
Founder Pro-Tip for Arkansas
Filing online is $45 compared to $50 by mail and is processed in 48 hours.
Step-by-Step Arkansas LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Arkansas Secretary of State registry.
Appoint a Arkansas Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in Arkansas (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($45 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the Arkansas Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within 2-3 business days.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (May 1)
Submit the annual report with the $150 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
Arkansas LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Arkansas.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Arkansas?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Arkansas is $45, paid to the Arkansas Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $84 in your first year.
What is the Arkansas LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Arkansas LLC filing fee is $45. This is a one-time fee paid to the Arkansas Secretary of State to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $25. Normal processing time is 2-3 business days.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Arkansas?
Arkansas charges a annual report fee of $150, due May 1. Additionally, Arkansas imposes a franchise tax of $150/year minimum. Annual Franchise Tax is $150 flat fee due each May 1 to the Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to maintain a Arkansas LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Arkansas LLC includes the annual report fee ($150), the state franchise/entity tax ($150/yr minimum), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $1,590.
Does Arkansas have a franchise tax for LLCs?
Yes. Arkansas imposes a franchise tax on LLCs: Annual Franchise Tax is $150 flat fee due each May 1 to the Secretary of State. The minimum annual franchise tax is $150.
Can I form an LLC in Arkansas if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Arkansas regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Arkansas, foreign LLC registration costs $270 plus $150/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Arkansas with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: