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Form a C Corporation in Arkansas for Free

With Swyft Filings' Basic C Corporation formation package, you can start your Arkansas corporation for a $0 service fee + $45 state filing fee (online) or $50 (by mail). This package covers your name availability check, preparation and filing of Articles of Incorporation, and guidance from a formation specialist.

If you need more help setting up your C Corporation in Arkansas, our premium packages offer additional services, including drafting bylaws, multiple stock classes, initial corporate resolutions, EIN assistance, and other formation services.

Arkansas C Corp Formation Packages

Start your C Corp at $0 + state filing fee

How to Start a C Corp in Arkansas in 7 Steps

In general, the process of starting a C Corp in Arkansas involves choosing a business name, appointing a registered agent, setting your share structure, filing your Articles of Incorporation, adopting bylaws, holding an organizational meeting, and obtaining an EIN.

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Arkansas C Corporation

Your Arkansas C Corp needs a name that meets the state's corporate naming requirements and is distinguishable from other business entities on record. Before filing your Articles of Incorporation, follow these steps:

Choose a compliant name: The name must contain 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' or 'Limited,' or the abbreviation 'Corp.,' 'Inc.,' 'Co.,' or 'Ltd.'
Check that the name is distinguishable: Minor differences such as changing a suffix, punctuation, article, or singular/plural form generally aren't enough to make a name distinguishable from an existing entity.
Check trademarks separately: State approval does not necessarily give you exclusive trademark rights. The Arkansas Secretary of State recommends checking existing business names and trademarks before using the name.

Use the Arkansas Secretary of State's business name search to check whether your preferred name is available. Use Swyft Filings' free business name generator to shortlist some more options. Once you have confirmed that your preferred name is available, you can reserve it. Arkansas allows you to reserve a corporate name for 120 days by filing Form RN-06 with the Arkansas Secretary of State either online or by mail.

Yes. An Arkansas C Corporation can change its legal name after incorporation by filing the appropriate amendment with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State lists a Certificate of Amendment as the filing used for certain corporate changes, including a corporate name change. Don’t want to deal with this? Choose Swyft Filings' change business name service.

No. An Arkansas C Corporation name reservation is valid for 120 days and cannot be renewed. If the reservation expires before you file your corporation, you may need to submit a new reservation application if the name is still available.

It depends on how similar the names are. Arkansas requires a corporate name to be distinguishable from other business entity names on record. A preliminary search can help identify potential conflicts, but the Secretary of State makes the final determination when reviewing your filing.

You can perform a preliminary name search through the Arkansas Secretary of State's online business records. However, a search does not guarantee approval of the name. The name is secured for filing purposes only when the Secretary of State accepts and file-marks your corporate documents.

Yes. File an Application for Reservation of Entity Name for $22.50 online or $25 by mail. The reservation holds your name for 120 days and can't be renewed, so time it close to when you plan to file your articles of incorporation.

Step 2: Appoint an Arkansas Registered Agent

Every Arkansas C Corporation must designate a registered agent to receive legal documents, service of process, and official state correspondence on the corporation's behalf. The registered agent can be an individual or an eligible business entity, and need not be a shareholder or officer of the corporation.

When choosing your registered agent, make sure:

They have an Arkansas street address: The registered agent must have a physical address in Arkansas. A P.O. box or mail drop cannot be used as the registered agent's address.
They are located at the registered address: The agent must be available at that address to receive service of process and official documents.
They can reliably receive important documents: Missing legal notices or state correspondence can create compliance problems for your corporation.
Their information stays current: If your registered agent changes, you can file a Notice of Change of Registered Agent with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Yes. You can serve as your own registered agent for an Arkansas C Corp if you have a physical street address in Arkansas and are available at that address to receive legal and official documents. A P.O. box or mail drop alone cannot be used as the registered agent's address.

You can appoint yourself, another individual, or an eligible business or professional registered agent service. The agent must have a physical street address in Arkansas and be available to receive service of process and official communications. The registered agent need not be a shareholder, owner, or officer of your corporation.

Arkansas C Corporations are required to maintain a registered agent and registered office in the state. Without a properly designated agent, your corporation may miss important legal notices or service of process and could face compliance issues. Keeping your registered agent information current helps ensure your corporation can receive official communications.

No. Arkansas requires the registered agent's address to be a street address. A P.O. box or mail drop cannot be used as the registered agent address.

Yes. Arkansas does not require the registered agent to be a separate person from the corporation's owners or officers. An owner or officer can serve as the registered agent if they meet the state's registered agent requirements.

Before filing your Arkansas C Corp's Articles of Incorporation, decide how the corporation will structure and issue its stock. Your Articles of Incorporation must state the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue. This establishes the maximum number of shares the corporation can issue unless you later amend its Articles.

When setting up your share structure, consider:

Authorized shares: Decide how many shares your corporation can issue. You do not have to issue all authorized shares immediately, so you can leave some available for future investors, employees, or other business needs.
Classes of stock: If you plan to issue common and preferred stock, specify the different classes and the rights, preferences, and limitations associated with each class in your Articles.
Share rights: Determine voting rights, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, and other rights attached to each class or series of stock.
Issued shares: Decide how many shares you will actually issue to the initial shareholders. The number issued can be lower than the number authorized.
Future needs: Consider potential investors, employee equity, or additional owners when choosing your authorized share count.

Once your share structure is established, include the required stock information in your Articles of Incorporation and keep your corporate records updated when shares are issued or transferred.

There is no one-size-fits-all number of authorized shares for an Arkansas C Corp. Choose an amount that fits your current ownership structure while leaving room for future investors, employees, or additional stock issuances.

No. You can authorize a larger number of shares than you initially issue. The remaining authorized but unissued shares can be available for future investors, employees, or other business purposes.

The appropriate number depends on how ownership is divided among the founders and your plans for future equity. The important point is to determine each founder's percentage ownership and document the issuance properly in your corporate records.

No! Arkansas's Articles of Incorporation filing fee doesn't scale with share count the way some states do, so there's no direct filing-fee reason to keep your authorized shares low.

Not necessarily. Whether you use par value depends on how you structure your corporation's stock and what you include in its Articles of Incorporation. Consider your intended ownership and financing structure when deciding whether to include it.

Step 4: File Your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation

Once you have chosen your corporation's name, appointed a registered agent, and established your share structure, you can file Articles of Incorporation (Form DN-01) with the Arkansas Secretary of State. The Articles officially create your Arkansas C Corp once accepted by the state.

Your Articles generally include information such as the corporation's name, authorized shares, registered agent and registered office, incorporator information, and other required corporate details. Arkansas also currently requires an incorporator and at least one officer for initial filings.

Arkansas offers three filing methods:

Online filing: Submit Form DN-01 through the Arkansas Secretary of State's online filing system. The current filing fee is \$45, payable by credit card. Online filing is generally the more convenient option because you can submit the formation documents electronically
Paper filing: Download and complete Form DN-01, then mail it to the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business & Commercial Services, 1401 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 250, Little Rock, AR 72201. The current paper filing fee is \$50.
In-person filings: Deliver the form to the Secretary of State’s office at 1401 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 250, Little Rock, AR 72201.

Once the Secretary of State accepts your Articles and the filing is processed, your Arkansas C Corp is officially formed.

Yes. An Arkansas C Corp can amend its Articles of Incorporation after formation by filing a Certificate of Amendment (Form DN-07) with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

The filing fee depends on whether the amendment involves an exchange of shares. If no shares are exchanged, the fee is \$45 online or \$50 by paper filing. If shares are exchanged, the fee is \$90 online or \$100 by paper filing.

Yes. The Articles of Incorporation must identify the incorporator or incorporators who execute the formation document. The incorporator's role is primarily to establish the corporation and take the initial organizational steps required by Arkansas law.

Your Arkansas C Corp is formed when the Secretary of State accepts and files its Articles of Incorporation. Filing the Articles is what legally establishes the corporation as a separate entity under Arkansas law.

Step 5: Adopt Bylaws for Your Arkansas C Corp

After filing your Articles of Incorporation, establish your corporation's internal rules by adopting corporate bylaws. Bylaws explain how your Arkansas C Corp will be governed and provide a framework for making decisions as the business grows.

Your bylaws can address:

Board of directors: Number of directors, their roles, terms, and how vacancies are handled.
Officers: Officer positions, responsibilities, appointment, and removal.
Meetings: Procedures for shareholder and board meetings, notice requirements, voting, and quorum.
Stock: Rules for issuing, transferring, and recording shares.
Corporate records: How meeting minutes and other corporate documents are maintained.
Amendments: The process for changing the bylaws in the future.

The bylaws are generally kept with your corporation's internal records rather than filed with the Arkansas Secretary of State. After preparing them, the appropriate incorporator, board, or other authorized parties should formally adopt them and keep a signed copy with the corporation's records. If you want help preparing them, Swyft Filings' corporate bylaws service can help you prepare your corporation's governance framework.

The incorporator or the initial board of directors can take the necessary organizational steps to establish the corporation's bylaws. The corporation should document their adoption in its records.

Yes. A corporation can generally amend its bylaws in accordance with the amendment procedures set forth in its existing bylaws and applicable Arkansas law. Keep an updated copy with your corporate records.

Generally, no. Bylaws are internal corporate documents and are not filed with the Arkansas Secretary of State as part of the corporation's formation filing. Keep them with your corporate records.

Step 6: Hold Your Organizational Meeting

After filing your Articles of Incorporation, hold an organizational meeting to establish your Arkansas C Corp's initial governance and operations. This meeting gives the incorporator, directors, and shareholders an opportunity to formally approve important decisions and create a record of the corporation's initial actions.

At the meeting, you can:

Formally appoint the corporation’s officers.
Approve the initial issuance of stock
Set the corporation's fiscal year
Authorize opening a business bank account

Yes. Arkansas law requires an organizational meeting. The initial directors hold it if they're named in the Articles; otherwise, the incorporators do. Incorporators may act by unanimous written consent instead, and the meeting can be held in or outside Arkansas.

Minutes should generally identify the corporation, the meeting date, the participants, the actions considered, and the decisions approved. Any resolutions adopted should also be recorded and kept with the corporation's records.

A closely held corporation may have one person serving in multiple roles, depending on its structure. However, each corporate action should still be properly authorized and documented in accordance with the corporation's bylaws and applicable law.

Common decisions include adopting bylaws, appointing officers, authorizing stock issuance, approving a bank account, setting the fiscal year, and approving initial contracts or other business arrangements.

Not necessarily. Participation depends on the corporation's structure, bylaws, and the specific decisions being approved. Some matters may be handled by the incorporator or board of directors instead.

Step 7: Apply for Your EIN

C Corporations generally need an EIN, and you may also need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, or apply for certain business licenses.

The easiest way to get your EIN is to apply directly through the IRS online application. The application is free, and eligible applicants can receive their EIN immediately after completing the process. The IRS recommends forming your corporation with the state before applying for the EIN.

Before applying, have the following information ready:

Your corporation's legal name as shown on the formation documents
Arkansas as the state where the corporation was formed
Your corporation's entity type
The name and taxpayer ID of the responsible party
Your corporation's principal business address
The reason for applying for an EIN

The IRS also allows you to apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4 if the online application isn't available to you. Swyft Filings can also assist with applying for an EIN as part of its premium Arkansas C Corp formation packages.

What Are the Post-Formation Requirements for a C Corp in Arkansas?

Forming your Arkansas C Corp is only the first step. After incorporation, you'll need to keep up with franchise tax filings, corporate income tax, local licensing requirements, and proper financial records.

Here are the key compliance tasks to keep on your calendar.

1. File Your Arkansas Franchise Tax Report

Arkansas C Corporations must pay an annual franchise tax. The tax is 0.3% of the corporation's outstanding capital stock that is apportioned to Arkansas. The minimum tax is \$150. If your shares have no par value, Arkansas values each share at \$25 to calculate the tax. Your first franchise tax is due May 1 of the year after you incorporate. After that, it is due by May 1 every year.

To stay compliant:

File the Franchise Tax Report by the May 1 deadline.
Calculate the tax based on your corporation's outstanding capital stock.
Keep confirmation of your filing and payment with your corporate records.
Monitor the deadline even if your corporation has little or no business activity.

Late filing or nonpayment can result in penalties, interest, and other consequences for the corporation.

2. Pay Arkansas Corporate Income Tax

Your Arkansas C Corp may also owe corporate income tax on its taxable income. Arkansas currently uses a graduated corporate income tax structure, with the maximum rate reduced to 4.3% for taxable income over $11,000 for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024.

When handling your corporate taxes:

Determine your Arkansas taxable income and applicable tax rate.
File the required Arkansas C Corporation income tax return.
Make estimated tax payments when required.
Keep federal and state tax records organized.
Check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for current rates and filing requirements.

Tax rules can change, so confirm the applicable rates and requirements for the tax year you're filing.

3. Check Business Licensing Requirements

Arkansas does not have a single universal business license that covers all corporations and business activities. Depending on where your C Corp operates and what it does, you may need licenses or permits from a city, county, or state agency.

After forming your Arkansas C Corp:

Check licensing requirements in the city and county where you operate.
Identify industry-specific permits that may apply.
Check whether any licenses require periodic renewal.
Keep copies of licenses and permits with your business records.
Review requirements if you expand into another Arkansas location or industry.

Because licensing requirements vary by business activity and location, check with the relevant local and state authorities before beginning operations. You can also use Swyft Filings' business license research service, where professionals help identify which licenses apply to your C Corp and how to apply for them.

4. Open a Dedicated Business Bank Account

Once your Arkansas C Corp is formed, open a separate business bank account in the corporation's name. Keeping corporate and personal finances separate makes it easier to track business transactions and maintain clear financial records.

Use the account for:

Depositing business revenue
Paying business expenses
Handling payroll and taxes
Paying vendors and contractors
Recording shareholder or corporate transactions properly

Avoid using your personal account for routine corporate expenses or mixing personal funds with corporate money. Maintaining separate financial records also supports the distinction between you and the corporation as separate legal entities.

What Does it Cost to Incorporate a C Corp in Arkansas?

The cost of forming an Arkansas C Corp depends on the filing method you choose and any additional services you need.

Cost	Fee
Articles of Incorporation (online / paper)	$45 online / $50 paper
Name Reservation (120 days)	$22.50 online / $25 paper
Registered Agent Service	Varies
EIN	$0

Ready to Start Your Free Arkansas C Corp?

Start your Arkansas C Corp for free with Swyft Filings' Basic package for a $0 service fee + Arkansas state filing fee. You will get help with your business name search, Articles of Incorporation preparation and filing, and support from a formation specialist throughout the process. Need more support? Go for our premium Arkansas C Corp formation packages!

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*Disclaimer: This guide offers general information about forming a C Corporation in Arkansas and isn't a substitute for legal, tax, or financial advice.*

Check C Corp Formation Guides for Other States

C Corp rules, filing costs, and corporate tax structures vary by jurisdiction. Select any state below to view its specific C Corp laws.

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Starting a corporation in Arkansas requires filing complex paperwork. Adding this to running your business is where things get missed.

Swyft Filings has been helping businesses form and stay compliant since 2015. Our team of business formation specialists knows Arkansas's Secretary of State requirements and can file your C Corp quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with state requirements. Tell us about the business you want to build, and we will handle the paperwork.

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FAQ's

Starting a business can feel complex. We're here to provide clear answers to some of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask.

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Yes. An Arkansas C Corporation can generally have owners who are not U.S. citizens or residents. Foreign shareholders can hold corporate stock, subject to applicable federal tax rules, reporting requirements, and any industry-specific restrictions.

Yes. An Arkansas C Corporation can elect S Corp status later if it meets federal requirements. It can have no more than 100 shareholders. All shareholders must be eligible, which generally means U.S. citizens or residents and certain trusts and estates. Nonresident aliens, partnerships, and corporations cannot be shareholders. The corporation can have only one class of stock, although differences in voting rights are allowed. To make the election, the corporation files IRS Form 2553. Arkansas follows the federal election, so no separate state election is required.

An Arkansas C Corporation must have at least one director. The corporation’s bylaws can establish the number of directors and how they are elected, replaced, or removed. The board is responsible for overseeing corporate affairs and making major business decisions.

Arkansas C Corporations must file an annual Franchise Tax Report by **May 1** and pay the applicable franchise tax. The tax for stock corporations is generally based on outstanding capital stock, subject to the applicable minimum.