Form a Corporation in Arkansas
Everything you need to know about forming a Corporation in Arkansas. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
Want this turned into your personalized Corporation roadmap for Arkansas?
Sign up free — we'll track every step, deadline, and what comes after the LLC.
How to File
Choose and Reserve a Corporate Name
Select a unique name that includes 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' or an abbreviation such as 'Corp.' or 'Inc.' Search the Arkansas Secretary of State business name database to confirm availability, and optionally reserve it for 120 days for a $25 fee.
30 minutes
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Arkansas who will receive legal and official documents on behalf of the corporation. The agent can be an individual Arkansas resident or a registered commercial agent service authorized to do business in the state.
15–30 minutes
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with the Arkansas Secretary of State, either online through the Arkansas Secretary of State's online portal or by mail. The document must include the corporate name, number of authorized shares, registered agent information, and the incorporator's signature.
1–2 hours
Pay the State Filing Fee
Submit the $50 base filing fee along with your Articles of Incorporation. Payment can be made online via credit card or by check if filing by mail. Select expedited processing for an additional fee if faster turnaround is needed.
10 minutes
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Create Corporate Bylaws — Draft internal corporate bylaws that govern how the corporation will be managed, including procedures for shareholder meetings, board of directors responsibilities, officer roles, and voting rights. While not filed with the state, bylaws are legally important and should be adopted at the first organizational meeting.
- •Hold Organizational Meeting and Issue Stock — Conduct the initial organizational meeting of the board of directors to adopt bylaws, elect officers, authorize issuance of stock, and address other startup matters. Issue stock certificates to initial shareholders and record ownership in the corporate stock ledger.
- •Obtain EIN, Licenses, and Open a Bank Account — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, obtain any required Arkansas state and local business licenses or permits, and open a dedicated corporate bank account to maintain separation between personal and business finances.
Advantages
- ✓Limited liability protection shields shareholders' personal assets from corporate debts and legal judgments
- ✓Ability to raise capital by issuing multiple classes of stock and attracting investors or venture capital
- ✓Perpetual existence means the corporation continues regardless of ownership or management changes
- ✓Enhanced credibility with customers, vendors, lenders, and business partners due to formal corporate structure
- ✓Potential tax advantages through deductible employee benefits and S-Corp election to avoid double taxation
Considerations
- •Double taxation risk for C-Corporations, where profits are taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends to shareholders
- •More complex and costly to maintain than an LLC, requiring formal meeting minutes, bylaws, stock records, and stricter compliance requirements
- •Higher administrative burden with ongoing state filing obligations, annual reports, and franchise taxes that can be costly for small businesses
Annual Obligations
What OpenChamber Does
We don't file paperwork for you — we guide you through doing it yourself, which saves money and helps you understand your business from day one.
Personalized Checklist
Every task you need, organized by priority and tailored to Arkansas.
Vetted Professionals
When you need help, we connect you with professionals we trust.
Progress Tracking
Never lose track of where you are or what's next.
Track Your Progress
Get a personalized checklist for forming your Corporation in Arkansas — and everything that comes after.
Get Your Free Checklist