How to Form an LLC in Arkansas Yourself (2026 Costs and Steps)
Last verified against official Arkansas sources on 2026-09-15.
- State filing fee
- $45 online, $50 by mail
- Form
- Certificate of Organization for Limited Liability Company (Form LL-01)
- Filed with
- Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services Division
- Processing time
- Published by the state: see the guide below
- Annual report
- $150 (annual)
- State LLC tax
- $150 (Arkansas LLC Franchise Tax)
- Be your own registered agent
- Yes, if you meet the rules below
Quick answer
The cost to file with the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services Division is $45 online or $50 by mail. You can file online or by mail. The Division completes most filings within two business days of receipt; in-person drop-offs currently have a 48-hour turnaround.
Step 1: Check that your LLC name is available
Search the Arkansas Secretary of State's business name records before filing to ensure your desired name is available.
Step 2: Choose a registered agent
The Certificate of Organization requires the registered agent's name and physical street address. The registered agent may or may not be an owner or officer.
Step 3: File your Certificate of Organization for Limited Liability Company (Form LL-01)
File Form LL-01 with the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services Division. The filing fee is $45 if you file online or $50 by mail. You can file online.
Step 4: Create an operating agreement
Create an operating agreement that covers ownership percentages, member roles and voting rights, and procedures for what happens if a member leaves the LLC.
Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS
Get your Employer Identification Number from the IRS for free at https://www.irs.gov/ein.
Step 6: Keep your LLC in good standing
File an Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report on or before May 1 each year, starting the year following formation. The fee is $150. This payment covers the Arkansas LLC Franchise Tax. Penalty and interest apply after May 1. No initial report is required. Form LL-01 includes a franchise tax contact page filed with the Certificate of Organization so the LLC receives its annual franchise tax form. No newspaper publication requirement applies.
Three ways to get it done
State fees are always extra and go straight to the state.
Do it yourself
Follow this guide in Arkansas. Every fee and form comes from the state’s own pages.
Download the PDF guideWe file it for you
We prepare and file your LLC paperwork in Arkansas so you don’t have to learn the portal.
Have us file itDone for you
Business in a box: the LLC plus the setup to run it, built so it doesn’t depend on you.
Book a callThis is general information, not legal or tax advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file an LLC in Arkansas online?
The total state cost to file online is $45.
How much does it cost to mail the filing?
The filing fee by mail is $50.
When is the annual report due?
The Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report is due on or before May 1 each year, starting the year following formation. There are no extensions.
Is there a franchise tax separate from the annual report fee?
No. The Arkansas LLC Franchise Tax is the same payment as the $150 annual report fee. It is not an additional charge.
Does Arkansas require a publication after filing?
No. No newspaper publication requirement applies to Arkansas LLCs.
Sources
Official sources, last verified 2026-09-15:
- Arkansas Secretary of State (www.sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services-bcs/forms-fees/llc)
- www.sos.arkansas.gov: LLC_Fees1.pdf
- www.sos.arkansas.gov: LL-01.pdf
- www.sos.arkansas.gov: LLC1_FT_2026.pdf
- Arkansas Secretary of State (www.sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services-bcs/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/business-services-faq)
- IRS: Get an employer identification number