Arkansas Business Name Search
Selecting the right name is an essential first step for your Arkansas LLC, requiring you to ensure the name’s availability. Searching the Arkansas name database is vital to avoid infringing on existing business names and intellectual property rights within the state.
Our Arkansas LLC name search guide offers essential tips on checking LLC name availability, reservation, and registration, helping you secure a unique and compliant business identity efficiently.
Business Entity Search in Arkansas: How To Look Up an LLC in Arkansas?
Search the Arkansas name database, and look up LLC name availability
- Go to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website: Visit the website of the Arkansas Secretary of State.
- Navigate to the Business Entity Search tool: Look for a link or tab that says “Business”, “Business Services”, or something similar. Click on this link, and then look for a link that says “Business Entity Search”, or just click on this linkk, to directly visit the Arkansas Business Entity Search to check if your business name that you like is available.
- Perform the Search: In the Business Entity Search tool, you can search for a business by its name. Enter the name of the business you are interested in and click “Search”.
- Review the Results: If the business name is in the state database, you will be able to view the business’s information, including the status of the business (active, dissolved, etc.), the registered agent, and other related information. If there is no information returned, it is likely that the business is not registered in Arkansas.
Note that the search results may include multiple LLCs with similar names, so make sure to verify that the LLC you are looking at is the correct one.
Arkansas LLC Lookup Guide
Arkansas Secretary of State Business Search: A legal requirement to ensure that an LLC name is available is the Arkansas Secretary of State Business Search. The following steps are required to search for an Arkansas LLC.
- Visit the Search Page for Arkansas Business Entities
- To complete your search, use the drop-down menu by selecting the type of corporation
- In the “Name” field, enter the name of the LLC. Do not include LLC.
- Click “Search” to find related businesses in Arkansas
Business owners might also want to check the state website. They can also contact the United States Patent and Trademark Office for information about conflicting rights that may prevent them from registering their desired business name.
Tips for conducting the Arkansas Secretary Of State Business Search
You can ignore the following fields.
- Fictitious Name
- Register Agent
- RA City
- Filing
If there are no records, you can rest assured that the LLC name is free for you to register.
Filing Articles for Organization
You can form an LLC by filing Articles of Organization at the Arkansas Secretary of State. The following information must be included in your articles:
- The address and name of the LLC
- The registered agent
- Whether the manager will manage the organization
Arkansas Secretary of State
The Arkansas Secretary of State charges $50 for an article of organization. If you file online, the cost is $45 and $50 for paper forms. It will be recorded the same day if it is submitted before 3:00 p.m. If it is sent later, it may be recorded for the next working day.
It is important to understand that simply because you have filed for an entity named, it does not automatically grant you the right to use the name from the Arkansas Secretary of State. This is according to Act 1008 (2007). After you complete the filing, you will be sent a copy by post.
If there are any questions or concerns regarding your filings, the Arkansas Secretary of State will contact you at the number provided.
Preparing an Arkansas Operating Agreement
If you’re a sole proprietorship and general partnership owner, but you want to use a different name than the owner, you will need to apply to the Arkansas Secretary of State for a fictitious business name. Once you have signed this agreement, the county clerk will issue the Assumed name Certificate. You will also need to register the fictitious name at the Arkansas Secretary Of State.
Even if you don’t have employees, it is essential that your LLC obtains an IRS employee identification number (EIN) if there are more than one member. The EIN number can be applied online at the IRS website.
Register for Arkansas Tax
After the operating agreement has been signed, you can apply for the appropriate licenses for your industry and entity. To register for taxation and obtain an identification number for your new business, you will need to sign up. New entities can be subject to different taxation systems.
- Withholding tax
- Sales and Use Tax
- Unemployment insurance tax
- Franchise tax
You can find more information about taxation at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s page Tax.
All LLCs must pay at least $150 tax to Arkansas Secretary of State.
You will need to submit a W-4 form and W-2 form each year. This forms details your withheld taxes as well as paid wages.
Arkansas Secretary of State | Contact Information
Mailing Address
Arkansas Secretary of State
Victory Building
1401 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 250
Little Rock, AR 72201
Physical Address
Victory Building
1401 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 250
Little Rock, AR 72201
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Email: corprequest@sos.arkansas.gov
Phone: (888) 233-0325
AR Business Formation
If you’re ready to start an LLC in Arkansas, there are important steps and considerations to keep in mind. Begin by conducting an Arkansas entity name search to ensure that your desired business name is available for registration.
Once you’ve confirmed availability, it’s crucial to draft an Arkansas LLC operating agreement, which outlines the internal structure and operational guidelines of your LLC. As you proceed, you have the option to act as your own registered agent in Arkansas or enlist the services of a professional registered agent.
It’s important to note that the time it can take to get an LLC in Arkansas varies, but typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months. To expedite the process, gather all necessary information and promptly submit your filings. Additionally, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for an Arkansas LLC is crucial for tax purposes.
Consider utilizing a good LLC service in Arkansas to streamline the formation process and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. Decide if you plan to be your own registered agent. Engaging the services of the best registered agent services in Arkansas offers the advantage of efficient handling of important documents and legal notifications.
Don’t forget to acquire a business license in Arkansas, adhering to the specific licensing requirements relevant to your industry and location, and when budgeting for LLC formation, consider the cost to start an LLC in Arkansas, which typically includes filing fees and any additional services you choose.
If you ever want to change your registered agent in Arkansas check out our guide on that.
Finally, should the need arise, understanding how to close and dissolve an Arkansas LLC is vital for properly concluding your business operations. Seek guidance LLC professionals like Incfile’s LLC dissolution service to navigate the dissolution process effectively, ensuring compliance with Arkansas state regulations.
Additional Steps to Consider
1. Trademark Search
When searching for a business name, it’s important to note that availability doesn’t necessarily mean the name is free to use if it’s already a registered trademark.
To avoid potential complications down the line, it’s wise to conduct a thorough trademark search using the Trademark Electronic Search System before finalizing a business name.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
After you have chosen an LLC name that is distinctive and unique, you can now choose your LLC’s Registered Agent.
3. Check if the Domain Name is Available
To check if a domain name is available, you can follow these steps:
- Go to a domain registrar website, such as GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.
- In the search bar on the homepage, type in the domain name you want to check.
- Click on the search button to see if the domain name is available or not.
- If the domain name is available, you will be prompted to purchase it. If it’s not available, the registrar will suggest some alternative options or you can try a different domain name.
4. Check if Social Media Name is Available
Check if a social media name is available for a new business name
5. Register Arkansas Business Entity
When you complete the required documents for filing a new business entity, you then register your business and business name with the state. The state of Arkansas will either approve your business name or reject it.
If you hire a good LLC service like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness or Bizee, these LLC services have business name tools available for you to do a quick search.
6. Register an Employer ID Number (EIN) With the IRS
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses and other entities for tax purposes.
7. Create a Brand Logo
Creating a business logo involves several steps. There are affordable online services that can design a logo for you and assist with the process.
Define your brand: Before you start creating a logo, you need to define your brand’s personality, values, and mission. This will help you create a logo that accurately represents your brand.
8. Write a Business Plan
Writing a business plan involves a comprehensive process that covers various aspects of your business, including the industry, market research, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and more.
9. Open a Business Bank Account in Arkansas
A bank account is generally required for a new Limited Liability Company (LLC) or corporation to separate personal finances from business finances and to establish a clear record of business transactions.
Arkansas LLC Name Search FAQs
Who can be an Arkansas registered agent?
Any person who is a resident full-time in Arkansas, or any business entity already registered with Arkansas Secretary of State, can be a registered agent.
What is the process of creating an LLC in Arkansas?
You can form an LLC by submitting an Article of Organization (Article of Organization) to the Arkansas Secretary of State.
