Arkansas LLC Annual Report: Requirements, Due Dates & Filing (2025)

1. Does Arkansas Require an LLC Annual Report?

For Arkansas LLCs, the yearly requirement most people call an “annual report” is usually handled through the Annual Franchise Tax Report process. In simple words: each year, Arkansas expects most LLCs registered in the state to file the annual franchise tax report and pay the annual franchise tax.

2. What Arkansas LLCs Must File Each Year

Arkansas yearly compliance is usually a simple checklist. The exact details can vary by situation, but most LLCs should plan for these recurring items:

Annual compliance checklist

1. Annual Franchise Tax Report filing: yearly filing submitted to the state’s franchise tax/annual report system
2. Annual franchise tax payment: commonly a flat $150 for many LLCs
3. Registered Agent renewal (if using a service): keep a valid agent and address to receive official/legal notices
4. Federal tax return (IRS): depends on SMLLC vs partnership vs S-corp election
5. Bookkeeping + records: maintain clean records to avoid issues with banks, payments, and audits

3. The “Annual Report” Equivalent: Annual Franchise Tax Report

In Arkansas, the recurring yearly obligation for LLCs is typically the Annual Franchise Tax Report and the related payment. This annual filing helps keep your entity active and compliant for ongoing operations.

What the Annual Franchise Tax Report typically does

1. Confirms your entity is active and compliant at the state level
2. Reports information required for the state’s franchise tax processing
3. Helps maintain eligibility for banking, contracts, and vendor verification
4. Supports ongoing registration status until you formally dissolve/withdraw
5. Acts as the main “annual filing” for Arkansas LLCs

If you only remember one thing: Arkansas LLC annual compliance is usually the Annual Franchise Tax Report + payment. Missing it can cause penalties and good-standing problems.

4. Arkansas LLC Due Dates (May 1)

For many LLCs, Arkansas annual franchise tax reports and taxes are due on or before May 1 each year. Filing late can trigger penalties and interest, and continued noncompliance can create serious good-standing problems.

5. Where to File + What You’ll Need

Arkansas annual compliance is usually filed through the state's franchise tax/annual report filing system. Before you file, prepare your basic business details so you can submit without errors.

What you should keep ready

1. Legal LLC name and Arkansas filing number/entity ID
2. Principal address and registered agent details
3. Basic company contact details for notices
4. Your method for paying the annual tax
5. Proof storage (receipt/confirmation) for compliance history

Why founders use a compliance service

1. Avoid missed deadlines and late penalties
2. Reduce rejections due to incorrect information
3. Keep clean records for banking and payment processors

6. How to File Arkansas Annual Franchise Tax Report (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm your entity details

Confirm your exact LLC name, filing number/entity ID, principal address, and registered agent details. Small mismatches can cause processing problems or delays.

Step 2: File online (recommended) or by mail if needed

Many Arkansas businesses complete the annual franchise tax report online. Online filing is faster and helps you keep a clean compliance history. In some cases, paper forms may be available for mail filing.

Step 3: Pay the annual franchise tax and keep proof

Pay any amount due on time and save proof (confirmation, receipt, and report copy). This is helpful for audits, banking, and future compliance checks.

Step 4: Store your confirmation in a compliance folder

Keep a simple folder with your yearly filings and receipts. It makes re-verification much easier later.

7. Tips to Stay Compliant

• Set a reminder for May 1 (start preparing in early April)
• Keep your registered agent and principal address updated
• Store confirmations and receipts in a “Compliance Folder”
• If you no longer need the LLC, dissolve/withdraw properly instead of “ignoring” filings

8. Fees, Penalties & Good Standing

• Annual franchise tax (many LLCs): commonly $150/year
• Registered Agent (if using a service): typically $50/year
• Late filings: can trigger penalties/interest and create good-standing issues
• Good standing impact: affects banking, payment platforms, and vendor onboarding

9. Federal Compliance That Impacts Arkansas LLCs

1. Federal tax return (IRS)

Your Arkansas LLC’s federal tax filing depends on classification: single-member LLCs often report on the owner’s return, partnerships file an informational return, and S-corp elections follow S-corp filing rules.

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Many LLCs use an EIN to open bank accounts, hire employees, and work with payment processors. Keeping EIN-related records and IRS confirmations helps with compliance documentation.

3. BOI updates (Corporate Transparency)

If your ownership or key information changes, you may need to update federal beneficial ownership information (where applicable). This is separate from Arkansas annual compliance but often comes up during yearly reviews.

4. Other recurring federal obligations

• Payroll tax filings if the LLC has employees
• Information returns (such as 1099 forms) when required
• Keeping clean bookkeeping for audits, banking, and compliance reviews

10. Conclusion

The biggest takeaway: Arkansas LLCs typically complete yearly compliance by filing the Annual Franchise Tax Report and paying the required annual franchise tax (commonly $150 for many LLCs), often due by May 1.

With FormLLC, you can stay compliant without confusion—our team helps you follow the right schedule, file correctly, and keep your business in good standing.