How to Conduct an Arkansas Business Entity Search

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, Arkansas had an estimated 258,552 small businesses as of 2021. There is no exact figure for registered companies in the state because Arkansas does not require a state business license, though counties often do.

Registering a business in Arkansas offers several advantages, including limited liability protection that separates personal assets from business debts, potential tax incentives such as a research and development (R&D) tax credit, and various programs to support funding and job creation. Registering also establishes legal separation and can increase your business's credibility.

Businesses can claim a state R&D credit equal to 20% of their state income tax liability. For an LLC, it's possible to elect pass-through taxation, meaning the business itself doesn't pay income tax, and profits and losses are passed directly to the owners' personal income without double taxation. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission offers programs like the "Create Rebate", which provides annual cash payments based on payroll for new, full-time, permanent employees.

The most common types of businesses in Arkansas are in retail shops, other services, and health care and social assistance, with sole proprietorships and LLCs being the most common business structures. Large industries like agriculture, food and beverage, and aerospace are also significant contributors to the state's economy.

Allowable Entity Types in Arkansas

Arkansas allows people to choose from several business entity types, including Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships (General and Limited), and various corporate structures, such as Corporations (C-corporations), Professional Corporations (PCs), and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). Owners choose the entity type based on factors such as liability protection, tax preferences, administrative requirements, and associated fees. Many small businesses choose LLCs for their flexibility.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are the most popular business entity type in Arkansas for small to medium-sized businesses. Although the simplest business structure is a sole proprietorship, LLCs offer limited liability protection and are often chosen for their flexibility and tax benefits.

Why Search for an Arkansas Business Entity

Before forming a company, most people search for an Arkansas business entity to ensure their chosen company name is unique and available. This search is a crucial first step in registering a business, as it helps you comply with state laws that prevent using a name already in use by another Arkansas entity. Additionally, you can search for information on registered businesses, including the registered agent, principal address, and status.

Some of the key reasons to search for an Arkansas business entity include:

• Information Retrieval: To find specific information about other registered businesses, including details like their name, fictitious name, filing number, status, and registered agent.

• Prevent Legal Issues: Searching for an existing entity helps you avoid legal battles over trademark infringement and other name-related disputes.

• Ensure Tax Compliance: A unique business name is crucial for tax purposes, as it ensures your business is correctly identified and associated with its tax obligations.

• Confirm Registered Agent Information: Use the search to find the registered agent for an existing company.

• Check Business Status: You can search for a "Certificate of Good Standing" to confirm that a business is current with all its state filings and franchise taxes.

• Research a Company: Search to find specific details like an entity's status, location, and registration type, or to view images of past filings submitted by the business.

• Investigate Potential Partners or Competitors: Researching a company can help you understand its history, structure, and regulatory compliance before making a business decision that could jeopardize your own company.

• Find a Business Organizer or Incorporator: If you know a founder's name, you can search for all the businesses they have been involved with.

• Gathering Information: Gathering information about a specific business for contracts, due diligence, or other legal research.

• Compliance: To check to see if a company is compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations.

• Name Reservations: To see if a preferred name is available to be reserved for a limited time, which can help secure a domain name and other branding elements while preparing to register the business formally.

• Before Investing: Conducting thorough due diligence when acquiring or investing in a business.

• Trademarks: Searching for registered trademarks to avoid conflicts.

How to Search for Business Entities

You may be able to find essential details on most registered business entities in Arkansas through the Secretary of State's website. This information may prove to be of great use, whether you wish to get information about a potential business partner, verify that a company is legit, or conduct your due diligence before closing a deal. To search for business entities in Arkansas, visit the Secretary of State's website.

You will typically have to provide at least one of the following search criteria to utilize SOS's business entity search platform:

• Corporation Type: Select the specific type of business you wish to look up. You may also choose the "all types" option if you are unsure of the particular type.

• Name: Enter the name of the business entity that you wish to get information on.

• Fictitious Name: You may use this search criterion for businesses operating under a fictitious name (also known as a "Doing Business As" name).

• Registered Agent (RA) Name: Enter the name of the business entity's registered agent (this is the person authorized to receive legal documents and notices from the state on behalf of the business entity). There are also separate fields to enter the RA City and/or RA State.

• Filing Number: You may run searches for business entities in Arkansas via the SOS's website using the entity's filing number.

You can provide information in multiple search fields to narrow the search results.

What Information Can You Find with the Secretary of State?

Once you input the necessary information into the search field(s) and click the "Search" button, the system usually generates a list of business entities that match the search criteria. The generated list typically includes the total number of entities matching the search criteria and basic details for each entity, including their full business name, city, state, and status. You may get more information by perusing this list and clicking on a specific entity of interest.

The Arkansas Secretary of State's website generally provides access to a wealth of information on business services, including:

• Business entity name searches

• Guidelines and resources for starting a new business

• Online filing for current businesses

• Forms and filing fee schedules

• Answers to frequently asked questions on doing business in the state

• Information on notary publics and notary services

• Information on filing annual reports for businesses

• Registered agent information

• Information on apostille certification

How to Access Detailed Information

Clicking on a specific business entity's name opens a pop-up page with more details about the entity. These include:

• The business entity's corporation name and fictitious names (if any).

• The business entity's filing number

• The business entity's filing type (such as for-profit, LLC, non-profit, etc.)

• The legal act under which the business entity was filed, and the date it was filed

• The business entity's current status (good standing, forfeited charter, revoked, dissolved, statutorily dissolved, etc.)

• The business entity's principal address

• The business entity's Registered Agent and the RA's address

• The names and positions of the business entity's key officers (be aware that LLC member information is deemed confidential per state law)

• The business entity's foreign name, foreign address, and state of origin (where applicable)

In addition to the displayed information, the pop-up also provides options to pay the franchise tax for the business entity, purchase a Certificate of Good Standing, and access a "Corporation Bulk Data Download service" (this option usually requires a subscription).

If you need additional help with your search or cannot find the information you are looking for, you may contact the Arkansas Secretary of State's Business and Commercial Services Division at (888) 233-0325, (501) 682-3409, or via email.

What Business Entity Information is Not Public

Generally, information required to form and maintain a business entity, such as the business's name, registered agent, and the names of the principal officers, is publicly accessible through the Arkansas Secretary of State. However, not all business information is public record. For example, the specific details about a business entity's financial or internal operations are generally not public in Arkansas, even though certain formation documents filed with the Secretary of State are public record.

Some other things that remain private in Arkansas include:

• Trade Secrets: Formulas, processes, methods, or other proprietary information that derives economic value from not being generally known to the public and is the subject of reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.

• Business Strategies: Confidential business strategies are not part of the public record. The business itself keeps this information under wraps.

• Private Employee Medical Records: Medical and health insurance information.

• Customer and Employee Identifying Information: Identifying information like Social Security Numbers, driver's license numbers, and passport numbers.

• Revenue and Profit Numbers (unless a public company): Smaller companies that are not publicly traded can keep their financial data private.

• Financial Data: Bank and credit card numbers, as well as loan information.

How to Find EIN and UCC Records in Arkansas

To find EIN records in Arkansas, you can use the Arkansas Secretary of State's Corporation Entity Search for businesses registered in the state, the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for nonprofits, or the SEC's EDGAR database for publicly traded companies. If you need to find your own EIN, check past tax documents, a business bank account, or contact the IRS directly.

Try using EntityCheck's EIN Lookup tool to quickly and easily find the EIN for a company in Arkansas.

To find UCC records in Arkansas, you must go to the Arkansas Secretary of State's UCC filing system and perform a search using either the debtor's name or another search option. The system is available online, and you can perform a standard search by the debtor's name or an advanced search for other information, such as the file number or the secured party.

You can also find UCC liens in Arkansas quickly using EntityCheck's robust search engine.

How to Find DBA Records in Arkansas

To find DBA (Doing Business As) records in Arkansas, use the Arkansas Corporation Entity Search on the Arkansas Secretary of State's website or contact the county clerk's office where the business is registered. You can also request public records through the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, which may require a written request to the specific agency or county clerk.

EntityCheck Business Background Check Goes Further

An even more insightful way to search for Arkansas business entities and access additional information is to utilize EntityCheck's powerful search engine. Search quickly and easily by business name, EIN, owner, phone number, or email address. Along with the information above, you can dig deeper to find incredibly illuminating details such as:

• 
  UCC Filings

  Discover Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, showing creditors' attachment to business assets. These files provide insight into the organization's financial stability by examining its standing debts and the risks they entail. Additionally, you can find lien details, creditor and debtor information, filing and expiration dates, as well as collateral and asset claims.

• 
  Court Cases

  Evaluate a company's legal record to assess potential risks associated with its operations and identify any outstanding issues. Review bankruptcy filings, liens and judgments, federal court cases, litigation, and legal history of ongoing and past court cases.

• 
  Licenses

  Verify business credentials, including licenses, permits, and government certifications, as well as the educational backgrounds of decision-makers, to assess credibility.

• 
  Filing & Compliance

  Review a company's financial performance reports, DBAs (Doing Business As), and government Tax IDs.

• 
  Trademarks & Patents

  Find out what intellectual properties a company controls and review the details of any trademarks and patents it holds.

• 
  Registered Individuals

  Identify key decision-makers, registered agents, corporate officers, and leadership, even if this information is not readily available through official records.

Alternative Resources Beyond the SOS (Secretary of State) Search

The Arkansas Secretary of State generally maintains the state's primary database of business entity information. However, several other governmental bodies may also hold information on businesses operating in Arkansas, such as:

• The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration: The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) is a state agency responsible for managing the state's finances and administrative functions, including tax collection, motor vehicle registration, and purchasing for state agencies. Its mission is to assist other state agencies in managing their resources efficiently and to provide services to citizens that encourage compliance with laws, such as tax and license requirements.

• The Arkansas Economic Development Council: The Arkansas Economic Development Council (AEDC) works to create economic opportunities by supporting businesses and communities through various initiatives. It promotes economic growth by offering financial assistance and incentives, developing workforce training programs, and supporting infrastructure development. The AEDC also conducts market studies and collects basic economic data to guide its strategies.

• The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries: The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas (AIA) works to improve the state's business climate by advocating for legislation, providing networking opportunities, and identifying and addressing key issues like taxes, workers' compensation, and workforce development. It is a private, non-profit organization that represents the interests of Arkansas businesses through government relations and offers members a variety of resources and programs.

• Local County Clerk's Offices: Arkansas county clerks' offices handle a variety of administrative and record-keeping duties, including issuing marriage licenses and Doing Business As (DBA) certificates, serving as the official voter registrar for the county, and maintaining official records for the county government, such as ordinances, resolutions, and meeting minutes for the Quorum Court. They are also responsible for managing election information, recording court documents, and handling county bookkeeping and payroll.

• The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services: The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) is a state agency that provides a range of services to both job seekers and employers, including administering unemployment insurance, connecting people to employment and training opportunities, and offering support for specific groups such as veterans and youth. Through its network of Arkansas Workforce Centers, it offers job-related assistance, skills training, and career development programs.

• Municipal Business Licensing Departments: Arkansas municipal business licensing departments issue local permits to businesses, ensuring they comply with local, state, and federal regulations before they can operate. They collect fees, enforce local ordinances, and ensure businesses pay applicable taxes, such as the gross receipts tax and the Advertising and Promotion (A&P) tax. These departments also process renewals and help companies to understand and meet specific requirements, which may include obtaining a state license or providing a surety bond.

How to Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Arkansas

You can usually find information on a business entity's owner and other key executives by running a quick search online. However, some of these websites may lack comprehensive details on the company's ownership. Notwithstanding this, you may still be able to get more in-depth information about the owners of a business entity operating in Arkansas through government records and public databases.

The Arkansas Secretary of State's Business Entity Search tool is usually a helpful resource for accessing information on business entity ownership in the state. This tool typically provides a broad range of information on registered business entities in the state, including the names of their key officers (note that information on certain LLC members is considered confidential). Available information may be accessed by inputting the business entity's name and/or other pertinent information into the provided search fields on the tool.

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

In addition to the Arkansas Secretary of State's Office, you may access information on business owners in Arkansas through several other sources, including:

• County Clerk's Offices: These offices typically hold information on business entities operating as sole proprietorships as well as those operating under a DBA (Doing Business As) name.

• Public Libraries: Many libraries have business directories or access to exclusive databases. You may find detailed information on business profiles, including the business owners' information.

• Chambers of Commerce: The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries, as well as local chambers of commerce across the state, typically provide access to public directories of their respective members, which may include ownership details.

• The Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB generally provides information on businesses in Arkansas, which may sometimes include details on who owns the company, as well as reviews, complaints, and other customer feedback (on the business).

• Professional Licensing Boards: For businesses operating in regulated industries, licensing boards may have information on business entity owners.

• Public Records: Public records about a business entity, such as business licenses, court documents, and real estate records, may also contain details on the entity's ownership.

• Social Media: Check out the company's social media presence and search for the company name and the words "owner, director, officer", etc., to identify who controls the business.

Types of Owners and Their Roles

Depending on the business structure, owners and controllers may assume one or more roles within the company. In Arkansas, business leadership roles range from top-level positions such as CEO, CFO, and COO to more specialized management roles, including Director of Operations, Marketing Manager, and Human Resources Manager. These roles involve setting strategic goals, motivating teams, and overseeing various aspects of a business, with specific examples including Senior Director of People Operations and Director, Operations Support.

The ownership/leadership roles available in Arkansas companies are as follows:

Executive and C-Suite Roles

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Oversees the entire organization's operations and strategy.

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Manages the company's finances.

• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Leads all marketing and advertising efforts.

• Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of a business.

Management and Director Roles

• Director of Operations: Manages and oversees the daily operations of a company.

• Senior Director, People Operations: Focuses on HR and people-related functions at a senior level.

• Director, Operations Support: Supports operational activities, often for specific departments or functions.

• Human Resources Manager: Oversees employee relations, recruitment, and benefits administration.

• Sales Manager: Leads the sales team to achieve sales goals.

Specialized and Project-Based Roles

• Strategic Planner: Develops long-term plans for the company.

• Project Manager: Oversees specific projects from start to finish.

• Management Consultant: Provides expert advice to businesses on how to improve their operations.

• Organizational Development Specialist: Works to improve an organization's effectiveness and employee performance.

Different entity structures have various roles and types of ownership. Some individuals who have control over a company may not hold a traditional role within it. Leadership is a crucial factor to understand before working with a company.

Some of the more conventional roles within specific entity types include:

• Shareholders (or Stockholders): They own the corporation by purchasing stock, which grants them voting rights to elect the Board of Directors and influence major corporate decisions.

• Directors: Directors set the strategic course for the corporation, make major decisions, and oversee the conduct of the officers.

• Officers: Officers, such as presidents (CEO) and secretaries, manage the day-to-day operations of the business and are hired and fired by the Board of Directors.

• Members: Members are the owners of the LLC. They can also serve as managers or delegate management to others. Members are typically protected from personal liability for the company's debts.

• Managers: Managers, who can be members or non-members, are designated to manage the business and affairs of the LLC.

• General Partners: They manage the business affairs as outlined in the partnership agreement. General partners are entirely liable for all business debts and obligations.

• Limited Partners: Limited partners have limited management rights. Their liability is typically limited to their investment in the business, providing them with some protection from business debts.

Red Flags to Look for When Searching Business Entities

A company may appear strong from the outside, but upon closer inspection, you might discover concerns that suggest deeper problems. When conducting business entity research, be aware of the red flags below to protect yourself and your company.

Some general red flags to watch out for are:

• Poor Online Presence: The business has no professional website, no listings on industry-specific sites, and numerous negative customer reviews.

• Lack of News Coverage: The business has no mentions in news stories, which could indicate it is new, not well-established, or operating in an unusual or less-regulated space.

• Poor Online Reviews: A consistent pattern of negative reviews can point to poor customer service or a problematic product or service.

Other more serious issues include:

Entity Status Problems

Lack of official registration with the Arkansas Secretary of State is a significant red flag, suggesting the company may be operating under the radar without proper legal authorization.

Additionally, if the business name does not follow Arkansas's naming conventions, it may be subject to additional regulations. This includes the use of incorrect abbreviations, punctuation, or forbidden words like "bank" or "insurance", which could also indicate something suspicious.

Is the company pretending to be a different entity type? If the business claims to be a specific type of entity (e.g., an LLC) but doesn't use the legally required ending (e.g., "L.L.C." or "LLC"), let this be a warning sign.

Inconsistent or Suspicious Information

Another red flag is inconsistent, missing, or suspicious information. Always verify the company's names and addresses. Ensure that the name on an entity filing was included with the person's consent and that the address was also provided with the person's consent. Check for consistency. Do the name, address, and other details match across all available documents, or are there differences? Let that be a warning; something may not be up to par. If the company has no physical address, only a P.O. box, watch out.

Arkansas requires a DBA for any company doing business under a name different from its legally registered name. Some companies have multiple DBAs. Always check which other names a company uses and research them.

Ownership and Management Concerns

The management of a company is also a factor in researching Arkansas firms. For example, high employee turnover can be a sign of poor management, a toxic work environment, or other internal issues.

It may or may not be easy to find out who owns a company. If the owners are deliberately trying to conceal their identity, that could mean trouble. If the owners' information appears to be fake, you may need to run a skip trace to find out who they really are.

The most common employment law issues in Arkansas often involve wage and hour violations, employment discrimination, and improper handling of at-will employment terminations. Wage disputes may arise from failing to pay the state's minimum wage or failing to pay overtime pay. At the same time, discrimination claims can be filed against employers who mistreat employees based on characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability. Incorrectly terminating an employee can also lead to legal challenges, especially if it violates public policy exceptions to the at-will doctrine or an implied contract from an employee handbook.

Financial Warning Signs

A company's financial troubles can quickly become your own if you aren't careful. For example, a persistent downward trend in revenue, profit, or customer numbers, even for a short period, could signal fundamental problems.

Before acquiring, investing in, or partnering with a company, thoroughly review its financials. Watch out for excessive debt, late payments, rising inventory while profits decline, missing assets, inadequate documentation, or duplicates. All of these could indicate poor management, misappropriation of funds, and fraud.

Legal and Compliance Gaps

The most common business lawsuits in Arkansas involve contract disputes, breach of contract, and employment-related claims, such as wage and hour violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Other frequent lawsuits include those related to consumer data privacy and regulatory compliance, as seen in recent cases brought by the state Attorney General.

Carefully examine the company's documents, looking for any gaps in filing regular annual reports or other local, state, and federal requirements. Specific industries require licenses and permits. Verify that these are current and active. The Arkansas Secretary of State and local county offices can provide information about compliance issues.

Use EntityCheck to check for lawsuits, compliance issues, and other legal matters that could complicate things if you engage with a company.

Connections & Affiliations

To ensure thoroughness in your research, cross-check owners/officers with other relevant entities. Sometimes one person runs multiple dissolved/failed companies. Look for repeat patterns of dissolutions followed by new formations. That is a significant indicator of potential fraud. Also, look for companies with connections to organized crime figures, politically exposed persons (PEPs), or other notorious companies with a history of poor business practices.

Some red flags in broader business records include the following:

Inconsistent Public Records

Company filings don't match what's listed in:

• Court records

• Tax records

• Property ownership filings

• An example of this is that the registered address differs from the address in lawsuits or liens.

Poor Record-Keeping

• Missing meeting minutes (for corporations).

• No updated ownership/member list for LLCs.

• Lack of transparency in accounting records.

Regulatory Issues

• Fines, sanctions, or loss of licenses with state agencies.

• Businesses flagged by the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office.

Unusual Patterns

• Very recent incorporation with sudden high activity.

• Foreign entities registered but not compliant with local laws.

• Shell-company indicators (multiple entities tied to the same registered agent at the same address).

Best Practices When Reviewing Business Entity Records

Utilize the best practices outlined below to maximize the benefits of your research. A business background check can take time, but it can yield a wealth of information that could help you avoid any costly mistakes.

• Cross-reference everything.

• Compare the UCC filing data with records from litigation and bankruptcy courts. Look for discrepancies between the documents.

• Check annual reports for consistency year-over-year.

• Research the owners of a company to detect possible bankruptcies, felonies, fraud, and other legal issues that could affect your business.

• Use business verification services or business background reports from EntityCheck.

• Keep in mind the context. For example, a single lien may not be alarming, but multiple filings, lawsuits, and frequent leadership turnover together signal real risk.

How to Register an Entity in Arkansas

Before opening a business in Arkansas, it's a good idea to confirm that your preferred business entity name is available. Doing this generally ensures that your desired business name is unique and compliant with state regulations.

You may utilize the Arkansas Secretary of State's Business Entity Search tool to check the availability of your desired business name. If your search returns no results, it may be because the name is available. Nonetheless, you may still perform further checks through other platforms, such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Electronic Search System and the ICANN Registration Data Lookup tool.

You may set up a business entity in Arkansas by taking the following steps:

• Choose a business structure. This will usually be determined by the circumstances surrounding your decision to open a business and may be either a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC.

• Choose a business name. Ensure that this name is unique and available.

• Register the business entity. This generally involves filing necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State, such as Articles of Incorporation or Organization, and paying the stipulated filing fees.

• Comply with tax requirements. You will typically need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and also register for a tax account with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

• Apply for necessary licenses and permits. Depending on the type of business you wish to set up, you may need to get state and/or local licenses and permits before commencing operations.

The Arkansas Secretary of State offers a Doing Business in Arkansas booklet that you can peruse for additional information on setting up a business in the state.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Arkansas?

Filing fees for registering a business with the Arkansas Secretary of State typically range from $50 - $300. Specific fees are generally determined by the type of business entity and documents to be filed. Be aware that additional costs may be incurred, including fees for obtaining necessary licenses and permits, as well as legal fees for any attorneys involved.

When naming your new company, you must follow Arkansas's strict naming guidelines. They are as follows:

In Arkansas, business names must be unique, distinguishable from other entities, and include specific corporate designators like "LLC", "Ltd..", or "Inc." depending on the structure. Certain words, such as those implying government affiliation or those related to banking and finance, are restricted and require special permission. To check availability, you should use the Arkansas Secretary of State's business name search tool.

The general guidelines are as follows:

• Uniqueness: The name must be distinguishable from all other registered business names in the state.

• Distinguishable Names: Minor changes like adding "the" or using an ampersand instead of "and" do not make a name distinguishable.

• Restricted Words: Words that might imply government agency affiliation are not allowed without special permission. Words like "bank" or "university" are also restricted and require additional paperwork.

• Check Availability: Use the online business name search tool on the Arkansas Secretary of State's website to ensure your name isn't already in use.

• LLC: The name must include "limited liability company", "limited company", or the abbreviations "LLC" or "LC". For professional services, the name must include "professional limited liability company" or "PLLC".

• Corporation: The name must include "corporation", "company", "incorporated", or "limited", or the abbreviations "Corp.", "Co.", "Inc.", or "Ltd.".

• Sole Proprietorship/General Partnership: You can operate under your own surname(s). If you want to use a different name, you must file a Doing Business As (DBA) or trade name.

• DBA: If you plan to use a name different from your formal business name, you will need to file a DBA with the state.

You can reserve a name for 120 days by submitting a name reservation request to the Arkansas Secretary of State for a fee.

FAQs

1. How do I look up who owns an LLC in Arkansas (members vs. managers)?

   You can look up an LLC's members or managers in Arkansas by using the online Corporation Entity Search on the Arkansas Secretary of State's website. The search results will typically provide the names of the managers or, if applicable, the registered agent. However, the state's public records do not list all members because this information is generally kept confidential and is not part of the public record unless the entity is member-managed and the members are listed as the registered agent.

   You can also use EntityCheck's business background search toolto find ownership details, officers, directors, and more.

2. How can I find a corporation's officers and directors in the state?

   You can find a corporation's officers and directors in Arkansas by requesting a customized list from the Arkansas Secretary of State's office. These lists can be customized by criteria such as the entity's name and can include specific fields, such as entity name, type, address, and status. For public companies, you can also use the SEC's EDGAR database to find ownership details.

3. Are business owners' names public or private in Arkansas?

   In Arkansas, whether a business owner's name is public or private depends on the business entity type. For registered entities, such as corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), owner information is often public record through the Arkansas Secretary of State's online database. For other business structures, such as sole proprietorships, finding owner information may be more difficult.

4. Where do I search official business records in the state?

   You can search for official business records in Arkansas through the Arkansas Secretary of State's Corporation Entity Search, an online tool available on the Arkansas government website. This search lets you find information about businesses registered in the state, including their legal name, status, and registered agent. You may also check with other government offices throughout the state for public records.

   Try using EntityCheck's Arkansas business search tool to find official business records.

5. How do I check if a business name is available or reserved in Arkansas?

   To check if a business name is available or reserved in Arkansas, use the Arkansas Secretary of State's Business Entity Search tool. You can search by the business name, fictitious name, or registered agent to see if a business with that name already exists. Additionally, you should also search for federal trademarks using the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure the name isn't trademarked.

6. How can I view recent filings (Articles, amendments, mergers, annual/biennial reports) for a company in Arkansas?

   You can view a company's filings by using the Arkansas Secretary of State's Business Entity Search. On the search portal, you can look up a company by name, registered agent, or filing number to find details like entity status and access to a list of available documents. The results will show basic entity information and a list of available documents, including Articles of Incorporation, amendments, annual reports, and other filings.

7. How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence in Arkansas?

   To obtain an Arkansas Certificate of Good Standing online, visit the Arkansas Secretary of State's website and search for the business entity. You can then purchase the certificate for a $3.00 fee. You can also apply in person or by mail, but the online method allows you to print the certificate immediately. The tool will only show companies that are current with all filings and fees, such as the annual franchise tax report, as a business cannot be in good standing if these are not up to date.

8. How do I obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in the state?

   You can get certified copies of formation documents and amendments in Arkansas by using the Arkansas Secretary of State's online search tool or by contacting the office directly. To obtain a certified copy, search for the business entity on the Secretary of State's website and follow the instructions to purchase a certified document.

9. How do I search UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) liens against a company in Arkansas?

   To find UCC liens against a company in Arkansas, go to the Arkansas Secretary of State's UCC website, find the UCC search or public records section, and enter the company's name to see any active filings. You may need to search by exact legal name and consider variations to find all potential liens.

   You can also use the handy EntityCheck UCC search tool to find liens against an Arkansas company.

10. What are the steps to register an LLC in Arkansas (forms, fees, timeline)?

    To register an LLC in Arkansas, you must check the name availability through the Arkansas Secretary of State. Then you must file Form LL-1 (Articles of Organization) online for $45 or by mail for $50. You will also need to provide the LLC's principal office address and registered agent information. After filing, apply for an EIN with the IRS. Processing time is 3-7 business days for online and dropped-off documents and 7-10 business days for mailed documents. The final step is to complete and submit the Combined Business Tax Registration Form (AR-1R) to register to pay taxes.

11. What are the steps to incorporate (C-Corp/S-Corp) in Arkansas?

    To incorporate in Arkansas, you must reserve your business name (using a corporate ending like "Corporation, "Incorporated", "Company" or "Inc.", file Articles of Incorporation (Form DN-01) with the Arkansas Secretary of State, designate a registered agent, draft corporate bylaws, issue stock, hold an organizational meeting, and then apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. For an S-Corp, you also need to file the appropriate form with the IRS to receive that tax status after the corporation is formed.

12. Do I need a registered agent in the state, and who can serve as one?

    Yes, a registered agent is required for most business entities, such as LLCs and corporations, in Arkansas. This agent can be yourself, an employee, or a professional service, as long as they are at least 18 years old, have a physical street address in Arkansas, and are available to receive documents during regular business hours.

13. What annual reports, franchise/margin taxes, or license renewals are required in Arkansas?

    In Arkansas, most businesses must file an annual franchise tax report, which also serves as their annual report, with the Secretary of State by May 1. The tax is calculated based on a business's assets, with a minimum of $150 for LLCs and corporations with stock, and $300 for corporations without stock. Some specific business types, such as non-profit corporations and professional licenses, have different requirements and deadlines. When filing online, you can expect to pay an additional $5 fee. Some businesses may also be required to file an additional annual benefit report at an additional fee.

    Businesses and individuals must renew professional licenses through the relevant state board, often via the Arkansas.gov website. The process and deadlines will vary depending on the specific license.

14. How long does state approval take in Arkansas, and are expedited options available?

    State approval time in Arkansas varies significantly by agency, but the Secretary of State's office indicates 3-7 business days for online and drop-off filings and 7-10 business days for mailed documents. Expedited options are not available for all applications, such as those filed with the Secretary of State. However, some programs, such as certain Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) programs, may offer expedited service under specific criteria.

15. Do I need to foreign-qualify to do business in Arkansas if my company is formed elsewhere?

    Yes, you need to foreign-qualify to do business in Arkansas if your company is formed elsewhere and is "transacting business" in the state. This typically involves having a physical presence, such as an office or employees, or conducting significant commercial activity within the state. Foreign qualification is a legal process that allows you to register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State and operate legally in the state.

16. What activities count as "doing business" in the state?

    The activities that qualify a company as "doing business" in Arkansas are as follows:

    • Transacting Business: The key factor is whether your company is "transacting business" or "doing business" in Arkansas.

    • Physical Presence: Having a physical location, such as an office, warehouse, or employees in Arkansas, is a strong indicator of doing business.

    • Significant Commercial Activity: A substantial amount of commercial activity in the state, even without a physical presence, can trigger the need to foreign-qualify.

17. How do I file a DBA/fictitious business name in Arkansas, and is county/city filing required?

    To file a DBA in Arkansas, you must first complete an "Application for Fictitious Name" with the Arkansas Secretary of State and then file a copy with the County Clerk's office in the county where your business is located. Yes, county filing is required for all companies operating under a fictitious name, including corporations, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. Failing to file with the county can result in fines of $100 per day.

18. How do I change my company's name, address, officers, or members with the state?

    To change your company's information in Arkansas, you must file the appropriate form with the Arkansas Secretary of State. For name or officer changes, you can file an Amendment or report it during your annual report. To change the registered agent/office, file a "Notice of Change of Registered Agent". To update the address, officers, or members, file an Amendment online at the Secretary of State's website, or file the correct forms by mail. Some changes, such as those to a contractor's license, will require a specific form from the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing.

19. How do I reinstate or revive a company that's been administratively dissolved in Arkansas?

    To reinstate a company in Arkansas, you must resolve the issues that caused the dissolution, pay all back taxes, penalties, and interest, and submit a tax clearance certificate from the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) to the Secretary of State's Business and Commercial Services (BCS). While no separate application form is needed, you will file delinquent reports with the BCS and pay any necessary fees online or by mail.

20. Do I need to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN, and how does that interact with Arkansas filings?

    Yes, most new and existing U.S. businesses likely need to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN unless an exemption applies. This federal filing is separate from and does not replace Arkansas state filings. An existing injunction made the filing voluntary as of January 2025; however, a new FinCEN announcement indicates the requirement is back in effect for many companies, despite ongoing legal challenges.