If you're going to operate your business in Arkansas, when you start up you're going to incur filing fees and licensing fees depending on the type of business you run and your business form (corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership or limited liability company (LLC)).

Corporations. If you're doing business as a domestic corporation (a corporation incorporated in Arkansas), you will be subject to the following fees when you start up, amend, merge, or dissolve your corporation. You must pay the following fees to the Arkansas Secretary of State:

If you are a foreign corporation (a corporation incorporated somewhere other than in Arkansas) seeking to do business in Arkansas, the following fees apply:

Limited liability companies (LLC). An Arkansas LLC is formed when the articles of organization are delivered to the commission for filing. The fee for filing articles of organization is $45 ($50 for paper filing). The fee for filing a foreign LLC registration application is $270 ($300 for paper filing). There is no annual registration fee.

Before doing business in Arkansas, if you are a foreign LLC you must register with the Secretary of State by submitting an original signed copy and a duplicate copy of an application for registration.

Business licenses and fees. Arkansas requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if you are operating certain types of businesses in the state. Below is a partial list of some of the types of businesses required to obtain a license. Be sure to check with the state to make sure you are complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

• accountants
• barbers
• checks, drafts, and money orders
• child-care facilities
• contractors
• cosmetologists
• electricians
• food service establishments
• insurance — agents, brokers, solicitors, adjusters, consultants
• nursing homes
• real estate brokers and salespeople
• surveyors
• travel bureaus or services