Arkansas makes LLC formation refreshingly affordable with a $45 online filing fee—one of the lowest in the nation. The Arkansas Secretary of State processes online filings within 3-7 business days, making formation both cost-effective and efficient for entrepreneurs.
The state maintains transparent pricing without expedited processing fees or complex surcharges. Arkansas also requires an annual franchise tax of $150, creating predictable ongoing costs that help business owners budget accurately for long-term compliance.
Arkansas maintains simple, consistent pricing across filing methods, though online submission offers faster processing:
The $5 difference between online and paper filing reflects the state's preference for digital submissions. Online filings provide immediate confirmation upon approval and eliminate postal delays that can extend paper processing to several weeks.
Arkansas doesn't offer expedited processing since standard online filings already process quickly compared to most states.
Arkansas stands out among neighboring states, like Mississippi, with some of the most competitive LLC formation costs in the region. The $45 online filing fee significantly undercuts most surrounding states, while the $150 annual franchise tax remains reasonable compared to states with higher ongoing obligations.
Texas charges $300 upfront but has no annual LLC fees, making Arkansas more attractive with its lower start-up costs. Oklahoma requires $100 to start with $25 annual reports, while Missouri matches Arkansas' formation costs at $50 but eliminates annual fees entirely. Tennessee becomes expensive quickly, at $300 minimum for formation and matching annual requirements, often much more with multiple members.
Nationally, Arkansas competes with the lowest-cost states while avoiding the compliance complexity that budget-friendly options sometimes create. California tempts with low initial fees but imposes substantial ongoing taxes. Massachusetts demands $500 just to get started. Arkansas delivers the sweet spot: predictable costs without hidden franchise taxes or surprise fees.
The state's online filing system works efficiently without the publishing requirements, residency mandates, or complex fee structures that create administrative headaches elsewhere. For entrepreneurs prioritizing both low costs and straightforward compliance, Arkansas consistently delivers value.
Beyond the basic $45 formation fee, several charges may apply during your LLC's lifetime:
Arkansas maintains consistent fee structures without surprise charges or hidden costs that can catch business owners unprepared.
Discern automates Arkansas formation filings, provides tools to track ongoing compliance, and handles registered agent responsibilities across all 51 jurisdictions.
Ready to take the stress out of LLC compliance? Book a demo with Discern today to learn more about our comprehensive solutions.
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