How to File Articles of Incorporation in Arkansas

If you’re planning to form a corporation in Arkansas, you’ll need to follow certain steps to complete the process. If you want to do so in a timely manner, you’ll need to follow these steps to submit your Arkansas Articles of Incorporation.

How to Complete the Articles of Incorporation Form

The Arkansas Secretary of State (SOS) will process your Articles of Incorporation. You can complete the Articles of Incorporation in a few different ways. You may choose to file them online, by fax, mail, or deliver them by hand. You’ll need to make sure they include the required information so they can be processed and approved with no delay. Keep in mind the information will be part of the public record.

The information required includes:

Name of the Corporation

The form requires you to provide the name of your corporation. You’ll need to make sure the name you choose isn’t already in use by another business. You’ll also want to make sure the name you choose reflects your brand and industry. If you find the perfect name but aren’t yet ready to file your Articles of Incorporation, you can use ZenBusiness’s Name Reservation service.

Number of Shares Available

You’ll need to add information about the number of shares that are available for the corporation and how they’ll be divided. You’ll also need to determine the par value of the shares or a statement that the shares have no par value. You’ll also list the class of each share and, if applicable, the series. You’ll need to organize all this with the board of directors. Keep a record of the decision so you can include the information in your corporate records.

Appoint a registered agent

When you create your corporation, you’ll receive a lot of mail and legal notices. It’s easy to lose these important documents in the mix. Instead of trying to manage all of it by yourself, you can appoint a registered agent to receive legal notices for you and correspondence from the SOS. Your registered agent will need to live in Arkansas, have a physical office in the state, and be available there during regular business hours. If you need help choosing a registered agent, try ZenBusiness’s registered agent services.

While some people think it’s best to be their own registered agent, this can be difficult. If you can’t be available during regular business hours during the week, it’s best to appoint a registered agent service to do it for you.

Choose an incorporator and initial directors

The incorporator is the person who fills out the forms and provides all the information on the Articles of Incorporation. You’ll need to choose an incorporator as well as the initial directors. There must be at least three directors and one incorporator. There are no residential or age requirements for the incorporator or the initial directors. You can add more or change the directors once the corporation has been formed.

File for an EIN

Before you can hire and pay employees, file taxes, and create a business bank account, you’ll need to get an employment insurance number (EIN). This is how the IRS will identify your corporation. You’ll need to complete the necessary forms on the IRS website or send them in the mail. ZenBusiness also offers an EIN service to help you complete the process in a fast and efficient manner.

Complete franchise tax contact info

Arkansas requires corporations to provide some basic information about their company on a form accompanying the Articles of Organization in order to receive the franchise tax form.

Include any supplemental forms

There may be other forms that are required to be added to the Articles of Incorporation. These may be needed depending on the industry or scope of your business. If you’re planning to expedite these forms, you’ll need to include an expedition form. Add it to the top of the packet when you submit it.

How to Submit the Form

There are a lot of options for submitting the forms. You can complete and submit them online. This is the quickest and most popular method. It ensures the Arkansas Secretary of State receives the forms quickly and can process them faster.

You can print out the forms, fill in the required information, then mail or hand-deliver them to:

Arkansas Secretary of State
1401 W. Capitol, Ste. 250
Little Rock, AR 72201

You may also fax them. Keep in mind it can take between two and four business days for the forms to be processed. Mailing in the forms can take a little longer.

After you file, you’ll want to make sure you stay in good standing with the state. Use our Worry Free Compliance service to put your mind at ease and focus on what’s important. We’ll send you reminders about important dates and file your annual report.

Conclusion

This process of forming a corporation in Arkansas requires a lot of paperwork. For some, it can be intimidating. The above information helps simplify the process by taking you through it step by step. If you need help filling out your Articles of Incorporation, submitting them, or guidance for any part of the process, be sure to consider one of ZenBusiness’s formation plans.