How to Find the Best Registered Agent in Arkansas
Recommended services
This guide will help you find the best registered agent in Arkansas. We’ll explore key factors to consider, evaluate top providers, and equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your business’s registered agent needs.
Jump to
What is an Arkansas registered agent?
In Arkansas, all formal businesses must appoint a registered agent. The Arkansas Secretary of State defines a registered agent in Arkansas as the person or business entity responsible for receiving official correspondence and service of process for a business.
The agent must be able during regular business hours to receive important documents, including:
- Certificate of Organization – the LLC formation documents in Arkansas
- Arkansas annual report – LPs, LLPs, and LLLPs file annual reports
- Tax notices from the Secretary of State – The annual franchise tax is due May 1st every year.
- Legal documents
An agent is physically present
The Arkansas Secretary of State requires all registered agents in Arkansas to have a physical street address to be available during normal work hours to receive legal notices.
If your office address is private, you will appoint a registered agent so that the service’s address is listed in the Arkansas Business Entity Search instead of your small business.
An agent is the point of contact
Registered agents in Arkansas act as the point of contact and are responsible for receiving a summons and legal documents.
Failure to respond to a subpoena in Arkansas within 30 days will result in a default judgment and financial liability.
Registered agent services save time
While a registered agent is required in Arkansas, appointing one can free up a business owner’s time and energy to focus on more critical issues.
For instance, an agent will remind you when the Arkansas annual report and franchise tax are due and assist you in submitting the correct forms.
Cost of a registered agent in Arkansas
A registered agent service in Arkansas can cost between $50 and $500 annually.
Appointing yourself as the company’s registered agent comes at no cost.
Arkansas requires registered agents to be 18 or older and have a physical address in the state. You can appoint a family member or trusted friend as the registered agent if they meet the Arkansas registered agent requirements.
When to appoint a registered agent
All limited liability companies in Arkansas must appoint a registered agent when they submit the Certificate of Organization. In Arkansas, the Certificate of Organization is the formation document for an LLC.
Corporations in Arkansas will provide registered agent information when submitting the Articles of Incorporation.
All business structures in Arkansas must appoint a registered agent during business formation.
Other business structures include:
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Nonprofit
How does an Arkansas LLC appoint a registered agent?
You will file the LLC’s Certificate of Organization with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
1
File the Certificate of Organization
You can download and complete the Certificate of Organization for a limited liability company (form LL-01).
Section 3 of form LL-01 will be where you list the service and the registered office address.
Mailing address:
Arkansas Secretary of State
1401 W. Capital Ave.
Suite 250
Little Rock, AR 72201
You can file the Certificate of Organization using the Arkansas Secretary of State Online Filing System.
2
Appoint your registered agent
Form LL-01 will ask you for specific information regarding your registered agent.
- Registered agent name
- Full registered agent address
3
Pay Arkansas filing fees
You will pay the $50 Arkansas filing fee when you submit the Certificate of Organization form.
Arkansas does not offer any LLC expedited services.
The cost to file your LLC Certificate of Organization is $50 in Arkansas.
How to change your registered agent in Arkansas
An LLC may want to switch registered agents for any number of reasons.
Submit the notice of change form online
You will use the corporation’s online filing system to file the notice of change of registered form and submit it to the Arkansas Secretary of State to switch registered agents.
Submit the notice of change form by mail
You can download and complete the notice of change of registered form and submit it to the Arkansas Secretary of State by mail.
You will have to list the street address of your previous registered agent and your new one.
It takes the Secretary of State 10 to 15 days to process the notice of change of registered agent form.
The Arkansas does not have a filing fee for the notice of change form.
How do I withdraw my consent to act as a registered agent in Arkansas?
According to Arkansas state law, if a company fails to change registered agents, you must write a letter to the Secretary of State withdrawing as the LLC’s agent.
The official correspondence must list your name, contact information, and a statement saying you are resigning.
Benefits of appointing a registered agent in Arkansas
-
Your business remains in good standing
You will get notifications when official documents and tax notices arrive, such as the Arkansas annual franchise tax that’s due every year on May 1st. An agent will also assist you in submitting the proper documents and fees.
An Arkansas business organization must remain in good standing to retain liability protections. A registered agent protects an LLC from penalties and barred from doing business in Arkansas.
-
Your address remains private
Private offices and small business owners that work from home risk personal addresses becoming public record in Arkansas and searchable using Arkansas Business Entity Search.
A business address is searchable by business structure type, fictitious name, registered agent, or filing number.
A registered agent’s address is listed in the business entity search rather than your private office or home address.
-
An agent provides a peace of mind
A registered agent receives legal documents and summons from law firms. It keeps the interaction between you and a process server out of the view of clients, customers, and employees.
-
You get flexibility in your work schedule
Arkansas code 4-28-214 requires a registered agent to be available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. You are responsible for being open from 9 to 5, Monday through Friday.
Arkansas registered agent services are available during normal business hours, which gives you the flexibility to work when you want to.
-
You can access the Certificate of Formation from anywhere
Your LLC’s Certificate of Formation and good standing from the Secretary of State is available anytime from anywhere.
The fast access helps apply for business loans and open new business bank accounts more easily.
-
Easy expansion into other states
You will have to appoint a registered agent if you plan to expand your Arkansas business into a different state. A registered agent service will help you form a foreign LLC.
FAQs
How do I register as a registered agent in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not require any special registration to nominate yourself as your own registered agent. You name yourself as the registered agent on the Certificate of Organization that you submit to the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Do I need a business license in Arkansas?
The state of Arkansas doesn’t require generic business licenses. However, Arkansas does have a sales tax permit (seller’s permit) for businesses that sell goods and services for $50.
Does Arkansas have an annual report fee for LLCs?
There is no annual report fee in Arkansas for LLCs, only LPs, LLPs, and LLLPs. But, the state does impose an annual franchise tax.
Related posts
How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Arkansas
How to Set Up a DBA in Arkansas
Arkansas LLC Costs
Arkansas Business Entity Search (Step-by-Step Guide)
Best Cities to Start a Business in Arkansas
Best LLC Services (2024)
Northwest Registered Agent Review (2024)
Best Registered Agent Services for Your New LLC
Find the best registered agent in your state
Click below to get started.
