Arkansas Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Arkansas incorporation.

What is the cost to incorporate in Arkansas?

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form an Arkansas corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Arkansas with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• 24-hour turn-around. Arkansas has a 24-hour filing option, which is outlined in our pricing.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

What are the requirements for a corporate name in Arkansas?

The corporation's name must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof. It may not contain language stating or implying the corporation is organized for other business purposes, and must be distinguishable from names in use by certain other enumerated entities.

What are the requirements for director information in Arkansas?

The following are Arkansas’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have not less than three directors, unless there are only one or two shareholders of record. In that case, the number of directors may be less than three but not less than the number of shareholders of record.
• Residence requirements. Arkansas does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Arkansas does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

What are the requirements for the Articles of Incorporation in Arkansas?

The document required to form a corporation in Arkansas is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Arkansas requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Arkansas. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Arkansas allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Arkansas corporations.

Corporate records

Corporations must keep the following at the principal place of business or the registered agent’s office within the State of Arkansas:

• The Articles of Incorporation, bylaws and any amendments to either
• Resolutions by the board of director
• Minutes of all shareholder meetings
• All written communications to the shareholders during the past three years
• Names and business addresses of current directors and officers
• Shareholder list
• Most recent annual franchise tax report

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees in Arkansas:

• Annual report. The Franchise Tax Report is required annually on or before May 1 of the reporting year. The minimum tax is $150 and the tax is calculated based on par value of the corporation’s outstanding shares of stock and the value of its real and personal property in Arkansas.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Arkansas corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Arkansas .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Arkansas does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Arkansas recognizes the federal S corporation election, but also requires a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Arkansas information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Arkansas:

• Arkansas LLC Formation