Costs of Forming an LLC in Arkansas: 2024 Guide

Sections of this topic

    Kicking off your LLC in Arkansas involves weighing various costs. These charges range from state filing fees, impacted by the LLC’s setup and how you submit your forms. 

    You might also opt for extras like speedier processing or legal advice. Companies like Tailor Brands offer these services, adding to your final bill. Understanding these costs is crucial for smart and effective business planning in Arkansas.

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    What Is the Cost of Forming an LLC in Arkansas?

    To set up an LLC in Arkansas, the main expense is the $45 charge for online submission of your LLC’s Certificate of Organization to the Arkansas Secretary of State.

    Arkansas Foreign LLC Formation Costs

    Setting up a Foreign LLC in Arkansas means registering an out-of-state LLC looking to expand its operations into the state. You’ll need to file an Application for a Certificate of Registration of Foreign LLC (Form FL-01). Registering online will cost $270 while doing it in person or by mail will set you back $300.

    Annual Cost for LLCs in Arkansas

    When thinking about starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Arkansas, it’s vital to factor in both the startup costs and the ongoing financial responsibilities of maintaining the LLC. The major recurring expense for an Arkansas LLC is the Annual Franchise Tax, which requires a yearly payment of $150, distinct from the Annual Report required in some states. This tax is payable to the Secretary of State’s office.

    Moreover, according to Arkansas law, every LLC must have a registered agent. Costs for this service vary based on whether you opt for personal representation or a professional service, generally ranging from $100 to $300 annually.

    Ultimately, these ongoing costs should be carefully considered in your financial planning for your Arkansas LLC.

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    How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Arkansas With the Best LLC Service? 

    Tailor Brands LLC Formation Cost

    Tailor Brands plans and pricing

    In Arkansas, starting an LLC costs a basic fee of $45, which may increase based on various factors. Typically, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. However, for an extra $50, you can reduce this to 7 to 9 days or pay $100 to shorten it to 4 to 5 days.

    Tailor Brands presents a variety of LLC formation plans tailored to suit different needs. The Lite LLC plan is the most economical choice, covering LLC setup and standard processing for just the state filing fee. Moving up, the Essential LLC plan, priced at $199 plus state fees, incorporates expedited processing, annual compliance services, and an operating agreement, with an ongoing annual fee of $199 for continuous support.

    For those seeking comprehensive services, the Elite LLC plan, priced at $249 plus state fees, encompasses all features of the Essential plan. It includes a business domain (complimentary for the initial year), a DIY website builder, an online storefront, eight complimentary logos, a digital business card, a business card tool, and a social media post creator. This plan also necessitates an annual fee of $249 to sustain access to these services.

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    Additional Costs When Starting an LLC in Arkansas

    Arkansas LLC Name Costs

    Registering a business name for your Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Arkansas is free. Submitting your Articles of Organization to the state includes this, with no additional fees involved.

    Contrary to some online sources, reserving a business name is optional to form an LLC in most states, including Arkansas. This clarifies a common misconception that such reservations are required.

    You can reserve your desired LLC name for up to 120 days before formally establishing your LLC. To do this, fill out an LLC Name Reservation (Form RN-06) and pay a fee of $22.50 if filing online or $25 if submitting by mail or in person.

    Arkansas Registered Agent Costs

    The cost for an Arkansas Registered Agent ranges from $0 to $125 annually. Under Arkansas law, appointing a Registered Agent is mandatory when you form your LLC.

    An Arkansas Registered Agent is either an individual or a company tasked with accepting legal documents and state notifications for your LLC. They must have a valid street address in Arkansas and be available during regular business hours.

    Opting to act as your own Registered Agent or designating someone you’re acquainted with carries no extra charges.

    Alternatively, you can enlist the services of a Registered Agent, usually priced between $100 to $300 annually. These services frequently offer supplementary business advantages and can aid in safeguarding your privacy.

    Hiring a Registered Agent service is recommended if:

    • You don’t have a physical address in Arkansas (as the law requires a state-based address for Registered Agents)
    • You prefer to keep your personal address off public records (some services might let you use their address for added privacy)

    Arkansas Operating Agreement Costs

    Creating an LLC Operating Agreement in Arkansas is free of charge. This document is a crucial agreement among LLC Members that details important elements like ownership stakes, management processes, and how profits are distributed within the LLC. It’s recommended for both Single-Member and Multi-Member LLCs to draft an Operating Agreement and keep it with their business records, distributing copies to each member.

    In contrast to many online platforms that charge between $50 and $200 for these agreements, there is no fee to create an Operating Agreement for your Arkansas LLC.

    Arkansas EIN Cost

    Getting an EIN Number, also known as an Employer Identification Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), is essential for tax purposes, setting up an LLC bank account, and hiring employees if necessary. 

    While many websites charge a fee to obtain an EIN, it is available for free. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides this service at no cost, and the online application process is quick, taking just a few minutes to complete.

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    Arkansas LLC Taxes

    Arkansas LLC owners must pay a wide range of taxes, leading to varied annual costs.

    Some taxes that LLC owners are responsible for include:

    Federal Income Taxes for LLCs

    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides several tax treatment options for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).

    Single-member LLCs are treated as Disregarded Entities by the IRS, which means they don’t file separate federal income tax returns. Instead, taxes are filed and paid by the owner. 

    Multi-member LLCs are classified as Partnerships and must file Form 1065 and distribute Schedule K-1s to each owner, who then report their share of income on their personal tax returns. In community property states, husband and wife LLCs can be classified as Single-Member LLCs for tax purposes.

    Electing Corporate Taxation for LLCs

    LLCs can choose to be taxed as corporations by submitting specific forms to the IRS, opting for either S-corporation or C-corporation status.

    S-Corps may reduce self-employment taxes, whereas C-Corps could offer advantages for large employers, particularly in saving on healthcare benefits. However, these choices should be made with careful thought and, typically, with guidance from a professional.

    Arkansas State Income Tax for LLCs

    In Arkansas, owners of Single-Member LLCs declare profits or losses on their personal state tax returns. Multi-member LLCs might have to submit a state-level Partnership return, with each owner reporting their portion of income on their individual returns. Additionally, the state provides a Pass-Through Entity Tax (PET) election that permits the LLC to file one collective tax return for the whole entity, provided specific conditions and requirements are met.

    Local Income Tax for Arkansas LLCs

    Owners of LLCs might need to file and pay income taxes at the local municipality level. Due to possible complexities, it’s advisable to seek professional help.

    Arkansas Sales Tax for LLCs

    LLCs that sell products to consumers in Arkansas must collect sales tax and secure a Seller’s Permit from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). This requirement covers both physical and online sales.

    Arkansas LLC Payroll Taxes

    LLCs employing staff in Arkansas need to manage payroll taxes, which encompass federal and state income tax withholding, as well as Social Security and Medicare taxes. To minimize the risk of errors and penalties, it’s recommended that they consult with a tax expert or utilize payroll services.

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    Arkansas LLC Cost – FAQs

    Conclusion

    Understanding the costs of establishing an LLC in Arkansas is crucial for prospective entrepreneurs. These costs can differ based on various factors, including filing fees, professional services, and optional extras. 

    Although these expenses represent an initial investment, they lead to significant benefits such as liability protection and flexible management options that an LLC provides. Companies like Tailor Brands can enhance this process with customized support and expertise.

    It’s wise to thoroughly plan and research these costs to ensure a seamless and well-informed approach to forming your LLC in Arkansas.

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