Arkansas Secretary of State business entity search

How the Arkansas Business Entity Search works

The Business Entity Search takes a name, a fictitious name, a registered agent, a filing number or a corporation type. The state also offers a call to a business services representative for the same name check.

The handbook calls these name searches strictly preliminary. A clear result does not guarantee the right to a name until the actual corporate papers are filed with the Secretary of State.

Unincorporated businesses never show up. The office keeps no record of them, so a sole proprietorship using the name you want will not appear in any result.

What makes an Arkansas name different enough

When a proposed name shares a word or phrase with an existing one, the office looks for added wording that significantly distinguishes it. A description of the business purpose or activity is the kind of addition the state has in mind.

An LLC that still wants a close name can apply to use an indistinguishable name, and the LLC fee schedule prices that application at $25.

Arkansas lets an LLC end its name with "Limited Company" or the abbreviation "LC" as well as the more familiar forms. The name endings every state accepts lists the full set for both LLCs and corporations.

Reserving an Arkansas name

The LLC fee schedule prices an application for a reserved name at $25. Filing the correct forms and paying that fee holds the name for 120 days, upon approval.

Renewal depends on the act. A reservation under the corporate act cannot be renewed, while one under the LLC and limited partnership acts gets a single renewal period.

The $150 franchise tax and its May 1 deadline

Every Arkansas LLC pays the same $150, according to the Secretary of State's franchise tax notice. The 2026 notice sets the due date for reports and taxes at on or before May 1.

Paying online by card adds a $5 processing fee, and mailed payments carry none. An unpaid tax can bring added fees, penalties and interest, or revocation of the authority to do business. The state also refuses further filings from an entity that has not paid.

Add the $50 Certificate of Organization to that and the first year is easy to estimate with the yearly LLC cost estimates.

Fictitious names in Arkansas

A fictitious name is filed with the Secretary of State, and the corporation fee schedule lists the filing at $25. A domestic corporation also files with the county clerk, unless it is in Pulaski County.

The DBA filing guide explains how a trade name differs from the legal name on the register.

Checking and claiming a name in Arkansas

1. Search the name in the Business Entity Search, once by name and once by fictitious name.
2. If another entity shares a word, add wording that describes the business purpose or activity.
3. Reserve the name for $25 if you need the 120 days.
4. File the Certificate of Organization for $50, listing an organizer and at least one officer.
5. Expect 3-5 business days for an online filing.