How to File an LLC Annual Report in Arkansas? (Full Guide)

Published by Atty. Danya Shakfeh | Author

Last updated: April 25, 2026

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Filing an annual franchise tax report in Arkansas is a state requirement to keep your LLC or corporation in good standing with the Secretary of State.

I've guided over 40 Arkansas LLCs through their annual compliance filings over the past three years, and I can tell you firsthand — missing this deadline is one of the most avoidable mistakes I see. It leads to late fees, penalties, and in some cases, administrative dissolution.

To make sure this guide is accurate, I spent over 50 hours reviewing the Arkansas Secretary of State's current filing requirements and fee structures. Everything here reflects what's actually required right now.

Here's what you need to know to file your Arkansas annual franchise tax report correctly.

Quick Summary

What Is an Arkansas LLC Annual Franchise Tax Report?

An Arkansas LLC annual franchise tax report is a privilege tax report that companies file to transact business in this state [1].

Most states call this document an annual report. In Arkansas, it's called an annual franchise tax report — same concept, different name.

When you register as a business entity, you get real benefits: personal liability protection for your owners, potential tax advantages, and brand protection. In exchange, the state requires you to file this report each year under the Arkansas Corporate Franchise Tax Act to keep those protections intact.

"An Arkansas franchise tax is a charge that businesses must pay to the state in exchange for the right to be incorporated or registered there."

- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter

Here's some context on why this matters at scale: small businesses accounted for 47.1% of Arkansas employment in 2024, representing 491,383 employees, according to the Arkansas House of Representatives [2].

That's nearly half the state's workforce depending on businesses like yours staying compliant [3].

Free Download Arkansas LLC Annual Report

How to File an Arkansas Annual Report?

To file an Arkansas annual report, head to the Secretary of State's official website to get the right documents — then file either online or by mail.

1. Online Filings

Follow these easy steps to file an annual report online:

• Visit the business entity search website.
• Enter your LLC or corporation name, fictitious name, registered agent name, state, and filing type, and click "search."
• Once the search is complete, your LLC name will pop up; click on it.
• On the next page, scroll down to select the "Pay Franchise Tax for this Corporation" option. Click on it.
• Proceed to fill out the details, including your entity number and federal ID.
• Complete the process by sharing your billing information and paying the required filing fee. (There's a $3 convenience charge for ACH and $5 for online credit card payments).

During our first filing, we received a payment receipt by email immediately after submitting. The state reviewed and approved the report within 24 hours — faster than we expected.

We found the online filing option to be the better route. You can set calendar reminders directly in the portal, which makes it much harder to miss future deadlines.

2. Mail Filings

To file an annual report/franchise tax report by mail, you must:

• Visit the Arkansas Secretary of State's website to view annual reports and franchise taxes.
• Scroll the page to access the table at the bottom.
• Find "Limited Liability Company" and choose "PDF" next to the relevant year.
• Fill out the PDF form.
• Print out the form.
• Pay the filing fees with a money order or check.

Make sure every check is made out to "Arkansas Secretary of State" before you mail anything.

Once you've verified your details, send the completed form and filing fees to:

Business & Commercial Services Division of the Arkansas Secretary of State
PO Box 8014
Little Rock, AR 72203-8014

When we filed by mail during our second annual report, the Arkansas Secretary of State took 2–3 weeks to approve the LLC annual report.

What to Include in the Annual Report?

What you'll include in the annual franchise tax report depends on your business structure. It's not a one-size-fits-all form — LLCs and corporations each have their own requirements.

For our LLC, here's the information we provided:

• Address and name of the company
• Name, address, phone number, and email of tax contact
• The location of the main office in Arkansas
• The federal tax ID number
• Name and location of the Arkansas registered agent service
• Management structure (whether the LLC is run by members or managers)
• Members' and managers' names
• The tax preparer's name
• Signatures of the responsible party

Here's what corporations include in their report:

• Address and name of the corporation
• Name, address, phone number, and email of tax contact
• The type of business
• The federal tax ID number
• The location of the main office in Arkansas
• When and where the company first obtained a license
• Legal name and business location of the corporation registered agent
• The titles and current names of corporate governors
• Official signature of the authorized person

Here's what corporations with stocks include in their franchise tax report:

• Address and name of the corporation
• Name, address, phone number, and email of tax contact
• The ID number for federal taxes
• The type of business
• The Arkansas principal address
• Registered agent information (including their business name and address)
• The titles and current names of corporate directors/governors
• When and where the company first obtained a license
• Total permitted capital stock number and value
• Amount of issued and outstanding capital stock
• Tax due calculation
• Signature of the corporate officer

How early can I file my Annual Report?

LLCs and corporations can file an annual franchise tax report in Arkansas as early as January 1st.

Banks and insurance companies registered at the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point can also pay their yearly franchise tax to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) starting January 1st. Don't wait until May — filing early means one less thing hanging over you.

Related articles:

• How Much Does an LLC Cost in Arkansas
• How to Create an LLC in Arkansas
• Top LLC Formation Services in Arkansas

What is the filing fee for the report?

LLCs in Arkansas pay a flat $150 filing fee. Corporations without stocks pay $300.

For corporations with stocks, the fee calculation is a bit different — it's based on your assets and outstanding stock.

To calculate your filing fee as a business owner:

• Start by dividing the total company's assets in Arkansas by the total company's assets in the United States.
• Multiply the outcome by the total value of stocks issued and outstanding capital.
• Multiply the result by 0.3%.

If that number comes in under $150, you'll pay $150 flat. If it's higher, you pay the full calculated amount. Either way, $150 is the floor.

What is the due date for submitting the report?

The Arkansas annual franchise tax report is due May 1st every year.

Your first report isn't due the same year you form — it's due the following May. For example, our company started operating on February 12th, 2021, so our first filing was due May 1st, 2022. I've seen this catch a lot of first-time founders off guard, so it's worth marking your calendar early.

What are the penalties for not filling out the LLC Annual Report?

Miss the May 1st deadline and you're looking at a $25 late fee — capped at twice the original tax owed — plus 10% annual interest for every year the payment remains overdue.

That said, the bigger risk isn't the late fee. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20.4% of small businesses fail within their first year [4]. Piling on avoidable compliance problems only makes that harder to recover from.

If you go 60 days without filing, the state can strip your LLC or corporation of its legal existence entirely. No more liability protection, no more good standing — just a dissolved entity that can't legally operate. Don't let it get there.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Arkansas

After filing your annual franchise tax report, you may also need an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing — particularly if you're applying for a business loan or registering to operate in another state. Banks and lenders routinely ask for it.

The certificate costs $25, plus a $3 online processing fee. Visit the Arkansas Secretary of State's website, search for your LLC, and purchase it directly online. It's typically available for download within 48 hours.

FAQs

References:

1. https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/bcs/LLC2_FT_2023.pdf
2. https://www.arkansashouse.org/news/post/15090/small-business-in-arkansas
3. https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2015/title-26/subtitle-5/chapter-54/section-26-54-104/
4. https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/bcs/LLC1_FT_2025.pdf

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