Key Takeaways

  • The AR Secretary of State Business Search helps verify name availability and access detailed information about registered entities in Arkansas.
  • Searches can be conducted by business name, fictitious name, registered agent, or filing number.
  • The search tool allows users to view entity status, officers, filing history, and whether the company is in good standing.
  • Filing Articles of Organization in Arkansas requires essential information such as business name, address, and registered agent details.
  • Businesses must pay filing fees, register for taxes, and comply with franchise tax requirements.
  • An operating agreement and federal EIN are critical for multi-member LLCs.
  • Annual franchise tax reporting is required, with penalties for late filing.

Arkansas Secretary of State Business Search: What Is It?

The Arkansas Secretary of State Business Search is a legal requirement for making sure that the LLC name a business would like to register is still available. To search for an Arkansas LLC name, the following steps need to be completed:

  • Visit the Business Entity Search Page
  • Use the drop down menu to complete the search, by selecting the corporation type
  • Enter the LLC name in the "Name" field, and don't include LLC
  • Click "Search", and find the related businesses in Arkansas.

In addition to checking this state website, business owners may want to check with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to find out if there are any conflicting rights that could prevent them from registering their desired business name.

What Information Can You Find in the AR Secretary of State Business Search?

The AR Secretary of State business search does more than confirm name availability. It also provides access to key public records about existing businesses in Arkansas, including:

  • Business Name & Status – Verify whether a business is active, dissolved, or revoked.
  • Filing Number – A unique ID assigned to each registered entity.
  • Registered Agent Information – Name and address of the individual or business authorized to accept service of process.
  • Principal Office Address – The official business address on file.
  • Entity Type & Formation Date – Whether the business is an LLC, corporation, nonprofit, or partnership, and when it was established.
  • Officers, Members, or Managers – For corporations and LLCs, leadership details may be listed.
  • Filing History & Documents – View annual reports, amendments, or past filings.

This level of transparency helps entrepreneurs, investors, and the public confirm the legitimacy of a business before engaging in contracts or financial dealings.

Tips for Conducting the Arkansas Secretary of State Business Search

Ignore the following fields:

  • Fictitious Name
  • Registered Agent
  • RA City
  • Filing

If you haven't found any records, you can be assured that you are free to register the LLC name for your business.

Additional Search Options and Filters

In addition to searching by entity name, the AR Secretary of State business search allows:

  • Registered Agent Search – Useful when tracking all businesses associated with a specific agent.
  • Filing Number Search – Provides the fastest way to locate a business if you know its assigned number.
  • Fictitious Name Search – For sole proprietors or partnerships operating under a “doing business as” (DBA) name.

These filters make it easier to identify the right entity, especially if multiple businesses have similar names.

Filing Articles of Organization

You can create an LLC in the state of Arkansas by filing Articles of Organization with the Arkansas Secretary of State.  When you file articles, you will need to include the following information:

  • The name and address of the LLC
  • The registered agent
  • Whether or not the organization will be run by a manager

Secretary of State Filing Information

The cost of filing an article of organization with the Arkansas Secretary of State is $45 if you file online or $50 if you use the paper forms. If you submit your filing before 3 p.m., it will be recorded the same day, but if you send it later, it will be recorded for the next day.

You need to know that just because you filed for an entity name does not mean you automatically get the right to use it from the Arkansas Secretary of State, according to Act 1008 of 2007. Once you have completed the filing, you will receive a copy of the application via post.

If the office of the Arkansas Secretary of State has further questions or queries related to your filing, they will call you at the phone number provided.

Processing Times and Name Reservation

Most filings submitted online to the Arkansas Secretary of State are processed the same day if received before 3:00 p.m. Paper submissions may take longer. Business owners also have the option to reserve a business name for 120 days before officially registering their LLC or corporation. This can be particularly useful if you need more time to prepare your Articles of Organization but want to secure your chosen name in advance.

Preparing an Operating Agreement

In the case of a sole proprietorship or general partnership, if you are planning to use a name that is other than the owner's name, you need to apply for a fictitious name, also known as “doing business as.” Once you have created this agreement,  you can register the business with the county clerk under the Assumed Name Certificate issued. Further, you will need to register your fictitious name with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

If your LLC has more than one member, it is important that you obtain an IRS employee identification number (EIN), even if your LLC doesn't have any employees. You can apply for the EIN number by completing an online application on the IRS website.

Registering for Tax in Arkansas

Once the operating agreement is in place,  you will need to apply for the licenses appropriate for your entity and industry. You will need to obtain identification numbers for the new business and sign up for taxation. There are different business taxation systems that apply to new entities:

  • Withholding tax
  • Sales and use tax
  • Unemployment insurance tax
  • Franchise tax

For more information on taxation, you should visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Tax web page, where you can find answers to your specific questions.

All LLCs need to pay a minimum of $150 tax to the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Each year you need to submit a W-4 and W-2 Form that details your withheld taxes and paid wages.

Annual Franchise Tax and Reporting Requirements

Arkansas requires most business entities to pay an annual franchise tax and submit a report to the Secretary of State. Key points include:

  • Minimum Tax: $150 per year for LLCs and corporations.
  • Due Date: May 1 of each year.
  • Penalties: Late filings may result in additional fines and loss of good standing status.
  • Good Standing Certificates: Only businesses that remain current on taxes and filings may request a Certificate of Good Standing, which is often required for loans, contracts, or expansion into other states.

Keeping up with franchise tax obligations is essential to maintain compliance and avoid administrative dissolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is the AR Secretary of State business search free to use?
    Yes. The search tool is publicly available online, and anyone can access it at no cost.
  2. How do I check if a business is in good standing in Arkansas?
    Search the entity in the Secretary of State database. The results will show whether the business is active, revoked, or dissolved.
  3. Can I reserve a business name in Arkansas?
    Yes. You can file a name reservation that holds your desired business name for 120 days.
  4. What happens if I miss the franchise tax deadline?
    Your business may face penalties, lose its good standing, and risk administrative dissolution.
  5. What is the fastest way to find a business in the database?
    Using the filing number, if available, is the quickest method to locate an entity in the AR Secretary of State business search.

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