Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
If you are forming an Arkansas LLC, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and cost comprises filing a certificate of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is a Certificate of Organization?
A Certificate of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Articles of Organization in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. A Certificate of Organization usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- the effective date of the LLC,
- the company’s principal office,
- the business purpose,
- the duration of the business,
- a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
- the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
- at least one member of the company.
You can file a Certificate of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File an Arkansas Certificate of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing a Certificate of Organization in Arkansas.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Arkansas Secretary of State to download the certificate of organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Arkansas LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.
You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Certificate of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
LLC Service | Our Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 TOP PICK  | $0 + State Fees |
| |
 | $0 + State Fees |
|
Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Arkansas Secretary of State. 1401 W.Capitol, Suite 250, Little Rock, AR 72201.
File Arkansas Certificate of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
If you want to form an LLC in Arkansas, you are required to file for the Articles of Organization. The State website offers the option of online filing too. When applying through the online mode, it eases the overall process and helps with immediate processing as well. The guide in the following steps will help you file for the Certificate of Organization, so read below to get the info.
- Visit the Official website of the Secretary of State of Arkansas
Open the Official Website of the Secretary of State of Arkansas. The website will guide you in forming an LLC in the State, in an easy online mode. So, search for the Business and Commercial Services page on the Arkansas Secretary of State website.
- Search for “LLC”
On the following page, scroll down and select the link of “LLC”. The page will navigate you to the section containing all the information regarding LLCs, such as forms, fees, and mode of online filing.
- Click on the option of “ONLINE” under the heading Online Form.
Under the heading “Domestic Limited Liability Company”, go to the first option of “Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company”.
- Scroll down and click “Start Form”
The ‘Corporations Online Filing System’ page opens up. Scroll down to the heading “Domestic LLC”. Under this heading, click on the tab “Start Form”.
- Read the instructions
On the next page, the ‘Articles of Organization for Domestic LLC Form LL-01’ opens up. Read the instructions on the page and proceed to fill in the details of your business LLC.
- Fill in the entity information
Your business needs a name for recognition and establishment. The name has to be according to the State naming guidelines. So, add the name in the provided column.
- Provide the Principal Information
Proceed to fill in the next section requiring information about entity name, street address, and contact number, and email.
- Registered Agent
A registered agent is an important part of your LLC application. They take care of all your documents and legal compliances. You have to mention their name and street address.
- Incorporators/Officers details
The next section should be filled with the details of the members, preferably one incorporator and one officer.
- Contact details
In the following section, you must mention your address, phone number, and email address to receive communication from the State office.
- Annual Report Contact Information
In this section, provide the details of the person who shall receive the annual corporate franchise tax report from the State website.
- Signature
This is the final section where you should provide your signature to complete the application form. Next, click on the “Submit” tab.
- Review and make the payment
Check all the information and then proceed to make a payment of $45.00 for the online filing for the domestic LLC in Arkansas.
Filing Arkansas Articles of Organization by Mail
If you want to file the certificate of organization by mail, then you can easily do that. By following the instructions below, one can file the certificate of organization in Arkansas,
- Download the Application form PDF on your computer system
- Read it carefully and fill the form up with correct and accurate information. Print the form in clear ink.
- Make the check of $50.00 payable in the name of the Arkansas Secretary of State.
- Send all the documents to the following mailing address: Arkansas Secretary of State, 1401 W. Capitol Ave. Suite 250, Little Rock, AR 72201.
Cost of Filing an Arkansas Formation Certificate
It is more convenient to file for articles of organization online than by mail. The cost of filing an LLC in Arkansas is slightly higher for mail than online filing. Here is the cost of filing formation certificate in Arkansas
- Online filing costs $45.00
- By mail filing costs $50.00
F.A.Qs
A Certificate of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Arkansas in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Certificate of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
Where Can You Find Your Arkansas LLC Certificate of Organization
Certificate of Organization for Arkansas LLC can be accessed through the Arkansas Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.
So, where can you find your Arkansas LLC Certificate of Organization? The good news is that once your application has been processed and approved by the Secretary of State’s office, they will mail the certificate to the address provided in your application. This means that you don’t have to go out of your way to obtain the certificate, as it will be delivered directly to you.
It’s important to note that the processing time for LLC formation in Arkansas can vary, so it’s crucial to be patient during this period. The Secretary of State’s office typically processes applications in the order they are received, so there may be a wait time before you receive your Certificate of Organization. If you’re eager to get started with your business activities, it’s a good idea to plan for this waiting period and focus on other aspects of your business in the meantime.
Once you receive your Arkansas LLC Certificate of Organization, it’s essential to keep it in a safe and easily accessible place. This document verifies your LLC’s legal status and can be requested by banks, investors, or other entities when conducting business transactions. Additionally, having your Certificate of Organization on hand can help you demonstrate your company’s legitimacy and credibility to potential clients and partners.
If you ever need to show your Certificate of Organization to a third party, such as a bank or government agency, it’s important to make copies and keep the original document safe. Losing or damaging the original certificate can be a hassle, as obtaining a replacement may require additional paperwork and fees. By taking precautions to protect your Certificate of Organization, you can ensure that your LLC remains in good standing and can continue to operate smoothly.
In conclusion, your Arkansas LLC Certificate of Organization is a crucial document that validates your LLC’s existence and legal status. Once you receive this certificate from the Secretary of State’s office, be sure to keep it safe and readily available for any business dealings that may require it. By understanding where to find your Certificate of Organization and how to properly store it, you can set your Arkansas LLC up for success and establish a solid foundation for your business endeavors.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Arkansas LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.