How to Amend Arkansas Articles of Incorporation


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Amend Arkansas Articles of Incorporation

Starting a corporation in Arkansas is an exciting journey. But as your company grows, you may find it necessary to make changes to its structure and governance. Making any changes to your established corporation in Arkansas requires filing the Amendment of Articles of Incorporation. An amendment is a process through which you report the structural or any change in your corporation to the Arkansas Secretary of State. To do so, you require to follow a few simple steps. You need to get the amendment form, enter the details of changes, and submit it to the appropriate address with the filing fee will make things done.

In this article, we have shared the process in detail. You will learn how to amend Arkansas Articles of Incorporation in easy steps. It will be helpful for you if you read the article till the end.

What is Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?

The Arkansas Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that you need to file with the Secretary of State while registering your corporation in Arkansas. It is similar to the Certificate of Organization you file while creating an LLC in Arkansas. If you already own a corporation in Arkansas, you must know what the Articles of Incorporation is. However, those who are not aware of this document can get all the required details from this page. The Articles of Incorporation is a set of papers that have all the information regarding your corporation and are filed with the Secretary of State. You must pay the filing fees to register your Articles of Incorporation.

This document has information related to your corporation. Details like the name of the corp, principal address, Arkansas Registered Agent details, corporation structure, directors, shareholders, and signature of the incorporators should be mentioned in the document. An online or offline form mentioning these details should be filed with the SOS at the time of forming your corporation. You must pay the filing fee to the state online or by check.

Like forming an LLC, for the corporation, it takes some time to form your business in Arkansas after filing the documents. You can expedite the filing process by paying additional money over the filing fees.

It is good to make changes in your Articles of Incorporation. When you change anything, specifcally the name, it brings good and bad effects to the company. Make sure the name change does not affect your revenue or status adversely.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team

Why Amend Articles of Incorporation in Arkansas?

There can be several reasons why you make changes to your corporation. A business runs based on diverse components. From economic conditions to internal structures (shareholders and directors), the corporation can change many times in its life based on external or internal reasons.

Change of Arkansas Corporation Name: The name of the corporation does not often change because it is the primary identity of any business. Sometimes, a spelling or the entire name requires to be changed for many reasons. In that case, the corporation has to file the amendment with the SOS mentioning the old and new names. They have to submit the business name change form with the amendment form.

Change of Statement of Purpose: This is a document where you explain the purpose of your corporation. The purpose says that you are involved in legal and lawful activities through your business. If you are having a nonprofit, you must have a community purpose. If you change that purpose, you must file the amendment. If you change the nature of the business or the purpose of the corporation overall, then you must file an amendment.

Change in Numbers of Stocks and Shares: Finally, if you change the number of shares or stock issues in your company, then you must amend it. It can be reduced or increased if you decide to remove or add a shareholder/partner to the corporation. In that case, it must be amended with the SOS.

How to Amend the Arkansas Articles of Incorporation

There are three main steps to file your amendment to the Arkansas Articles of Incorporation. Before you proceed with the steps of filing the form, you must know what changes you can make in your corporation and what changes you cannot. Let’s start with the first step and some related information,

Step 1: Determine What Changes You Need in Arkansas Corporation

Updating your Articles of Incorporation periodically can be beneficial by making necessary changes. However, frequent alterations in structure or name may not be advisable. The first step involves determining which changes are needed and assessing their potential impact. Modifying aspects of your existing business can affect your revenue or client relationships, so it’s crucial to carefully consider whether the changes are truly necessary and what consequences they may bring.

An up-to-date Articles of Incorporation reflects the current status of a corporation in Arkansas. The key elements of your updated Articles of Incorporation may include the advantages of being a Registered Agent, the company’s contact information, and the process for receiving legal notices, among other details.

Step 2: Review the Changes You Made in the Articles of Incorporation

The subsequent step involves reviewing the changes. The Arkansas Secretary of State may request additional supporting documents based on the modifications made to your corporation. After finalizing the changes, you can proceed to draft the Arkansas corporate amendment. Consult with the SOS to determine if any other documents need to be submitted. For instance, if you are changing the business name, you might be required to submit a name change/reservation form along with the Arkansas Corporate Amendment form.

What Can Be Changed in Articles of Incorporation

It is not easy to change things in your business. Besides, there are some restrictions in changing things in your corporation in Arkansas. There are things you can change, but there are things that you cannot change. I have mentioned a few points in this article that you can change above, such as the name, statement of purpose, and the number of shares issued. Now, there are things that you cannot change in the Articles of Incorporation.

What Can not Be Changed in Arkansas Corporate Amendment?

If you started a corporation in Arkansas, you must initially have appointed a Registered Agent. You cannot change the initial registered agent in the Articles of Incorporation Corporate Amendment. You can change it using other methods and forms available in the Arkansas SOS.

Another point is the initial mailing address of your corporation cannot be changed in the Arkansas Corporate Amendment. In this case, you can change it through other methods requiring different forms.

The third point is the initial directors who formed the corporation in Arkansas. The details of the initial directors cannot be changed in the Arkansas Corporate Amendment. There is no other way to change the directors’ details.

Step 3: File the Arkansas Corporate Amendment

Finally, file the Arkansas Corporate Amendment with the Secretary of State by the methods (online or offline) available. You must go through the filing process mentioned on the SOS official website before you start the filing process. You must pay the state fees for filing the Arkansas Corporate Amendment.

Penalties for Not Filing the Amendment in Arkansas

Now, one question arises when we talk about filing the amendment what happens if you don’t amend the Arkansas Articles of Incorporation? The answer is simple. You might have to pay heavy penalties if you do not file it. Besides, you may lose existing clients as they may not be interested in continuing to work with your company.

They might cancel the existing contract; you might lose the bank loan or advance opportunities, or you may lose the business bank accounts for not complying with the amendment filing requirements. Hence, it is highly recommended to amend the Arkansas Articles of Incorporation.

FAQs

How do I amend my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?
You must file an amendment form with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
What is the filing fee for amending Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?
The filing fee is $10.
How long does it take for an amendment to my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to be approved?
It can take up to two weeks for an amendment to be approved by the Arkansas Secretary of State.
How do I know if my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation have been amended?
You will receive a filing receipt from the Arkansas Secretary of State when the amendment is approved.
What information must be included in an amendment to my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?
The amendment must include the name of the corporation, the name and address of the registered agent, the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue, the corporate purpose, and the name and address of each incorporator.
Is an amendment to my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation effective immediately?
No, an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation is effective upon filing with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Can I change the name of my Arkansas corporation by amending my Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, you can change the name of your Arkansas corporation by filing an amendment with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Do I need to file an amendment if I move my Arkansas corporation’s registered office?
Yes, you must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the registered office address.
What if I want to change the number of authorized shares in my Arkansas corporation?
You must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the number of authorized shares.
Can I add or delete directors from my Arkansas corporation by amending the Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, you can add or delete directors from your Arkansas corporation by amending the Articles of Incorporation.
How do I amend my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to add a corporate purpose?
You must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to add a corporate purpose.
Do I need to file an Arkansas Articles of Incorporation amendment if I change the name or address of my registered agent?
Yes, you must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the name or address of your registered agent.
What if I want to change the corporate structure of my Arkansas corporation?
You must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the corporate structure of your Arkansas corporation.
Can I file an amendment to my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation online?
Yes, you can file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation online with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Is there a time limit for filing an amendment to my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?
No, there is no time limit for filing an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation.
What if I need to change the name of my Arkansas corporation?
You must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the name of your Arkansas corporation.
Is there a fee for amending my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, the filing fee for amending your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation is $10.
Do I need to file an amendment if I want to change the number of directors on my Arkansas corporation’s board?
Yes, you must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the number of directors on your Arkansas corporation’s board.
Can I change the type of business my Arkansas corporation is engaged in by amending the Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, you can change the type of business your Arkansas corporation is engaged in by filing an amendment with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
How do I change the authorized shares of my Arkansas corporation?
You must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the authorized shares of your Arkansas corporation.
Can I amend my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the corporate name?
Yes, you can amend your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the corporate name.
What is the procedure for amending my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?
The procedure for amending your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation involves filing an amendment form with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Is there a form I must use to amend my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, you must use the Arkansas Articles of Incorporation Amendment form to amend your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation.
What happens after I file an amendment to my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?
After filing an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation, the Arkansas Secretary of State will review the amendment and may approve or reject it.
Do I need to file an amendment if I change the address of my Arkansas corporation?
Yes, you must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the address of your Arkansas corporation.
Is an amendment to my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation publicly available?
Yes, an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation is a public record and is available for inspection.
Can I add or delete members of my Arkansas corporation’s board of directors by amending the Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, you can add or delete members of your Arkansas corporation’s board of directors by amending the Articles of Incorporation.
What if I need to amend my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the corporate purpose?
You must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the corporate purpose.
What if I need to change the name of my registered agent in my Arkansas Articles of Incorporation?
You must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the name of your registered agent.
Do I have to file an amendment if I move my Arkansas corporation to a different county?
Yes, you must file an amendment to your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation to change the county in which your Arkansas corporation is located.

Also Read

Why Arkansas Corp Amendment is So Important

One of the key reasons why corporate amendments are so important is the ever-evolving nature of the business landscape. In today’s fast-paced world, companies must constantly be on the lookout for opportunities to improve their operations, expand into new markets, or streamline their processes. By amending their corporate charters, companies can better position themselves to take advantage of these opportunities and adapt to changing market conditions. Whether it’s by adding new business lines, tweaking corporate governance rules, or altering ownership structure, corporate amendments provide companies with the flexibility they need to stay ahead of the curve.

Furthermore, corporate amendments are essential for ensuring compliance with a myriad of laws and regulations. From tax laws to environmental regulations, companies must navigate a complex web of rules and requirements to operate legally and ethically. Amending corporate charters allows companies to stay abreast of changing legal landscapes and ensure that they remain in compliance with all relevant legislation. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, reputational damage, or even legal action. By proactively amending their corporate charters, companies can mitigate these risks and demonstrate their commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.

Additionally, corporate amendments play a crucial role in protecting shareholders’ interests. Shareholders are the lifeblood of any company, providing the capital and support needed for growth and expansion. As such, companies have a duty to act in the best interests of their shareholders and ensure that their rights are protected. By amending their corporate charters, companies can make changes that empower shareholders, enhance transparency, and strengthen accountability. Whether it’s by instituting new shareholder voting rights, clarifying dividend policies, or improving disclosure practices, corporate amendments can help to foster a culture of trust and collaboration between companies and their shareholders.

In conclusion, the importance of corporate amendments cannot be overstated. From adapting to changing business environments to ensuring legal compliance and safeguarding shareholder interests, corporate amendments are essential for companies looking to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. By embracing a proactive approach to corporate governance and making strategic amendments to their corporate charters, companies can position themselves for long-term success and achieve sustainable growth. It’s clear that the ability to adapt and evolve is critical for any company seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern business world.

Conclusion

Amending the Arkansas Articles of Incorporation may not involve numerous steps, but the process can be more complex than it appears. It’s crucial to carefully consider any changes to ensure they do not negatively impact your business or client relationships. Before proceeding with modifications and amendments, it is advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional for guidance.

Leave a Comment