If you’re planning to start a business in Arkansas or need to research existing companies, an Arkansas business entity search is a critical step in your process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to use the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool, provide state-specific insights about business registration, and offer expert tips for success.
What is the Arkansas Secretary of State Business Entity Search Tool?
The Arkansas Secretary of State Business Entity Search tool is an online database that allows you to search for information about businesses registered in Arkansas. The official system is maintained by the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Business and Commercial Services Division and provides access to information about corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities registered in the state.
Why You Would Need to Use the Arkansas Business Entity Search
There are several reasons you might need to conduct a business entity search in Arkansas:
- Checking name availability: Before registering your business, you need to ensure your desired name isn’t already taken.
- Researching competitors: Find details about other businesses in your industry.
- Verifying business credentials: Confirm a company’s legal status before entering into contracts.
- Finding registered agent information: Locate service of process information for legal purposes.
- Due diligence: Research potential business partners or acquisition targets.
How to Use the Arkansas Secretary of State Business Entity Search
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform a business entity search in Arkansas:
Step 1: Access the Search Portal
Navigate to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool at www.ark.org/corp-search/ or go to the Arkansas Secretary of State website at www.sos.arkansas.gov and click on the “Business Entity Search” link under Business and Commercial Services.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Parameters
The Arkansas business entity search tool offers several search options:
- Business Name or Fictitious Name: Search by the entity’s official or “doing business as” (DBA) name
- Filing Number: Search using the entity’s state-assigned filing number
- Registered Agent: Search by the company’s registered agent name
- Location: Filter by city or state of formation
Step 3: Enter Your Search Criteria
For a name search:
- Select “Business Name” or “Fictitious Name” from the dropdown menu
- Enter the full or partial name you wish to search
- Click the “Search” button
Pro Tip: For more precise results, you can enter additional search criteria such as the city or state of formation.
Step 4: Review Search Results
After submitting your search, you’ll see a list of matching business entities. The results page displays:
- Business name
- City and state of formation
- Current status (Active, Revoked, etc.)
Step 5: View Detailed Information
Click on any business name in the results to access detailed information, including:
- Business name and any fictitious names (DBAs)
- Filing number
- Entity type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- Current status
- Principal address
- Registered agent name and address
- Original filing date
- Officer information (for corporations)
Arkansas-Specific Note: Per Act 865 of 2007, LLC member information is now confidential and not displayed in search results, unlike some other states that may show this information.
Interpreting Arkansas Business Entity Statuses
When viewing search results, you’ll encounter various status labels. Here’s what they mean in Arkansas:
- Active: Business is in good standing with all requirements met
- Revoked: Business has failed to file annual reports or pay franchise taxes
- Dissolved: Business has formally ended operations
- Forfeited: Business has failed to maintain a registered agent or file required documents
- Withdrawn: Foreign entity has ceased doing business in Arkansas
- Name Reserved: Name is currently reserved but business is not yet formed
Starting a Business in Arkansas: Next Steps After Name Search
If your name search confirms your desired business name is available, here are the next steps to form your business in Arkansas:
1. Reserve Your Business Name (Optional)
While not required, you can reserve your business name for up to 120 days by filing an Application for Reservation of Entity Name with the Arkansas Secretary of State. This costs $22.50 if filed online or $25 for paper filing. This gives you time to prepare other formation documents without someone else taking your name.
2. Select a Registered Agent
Arkansas law requires every business entity to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The registered agent receives legal documents and official notices on behalf of your business. You can:
- Serve as your own registered agent if you have a physical address in Arkansas
- Designate another individual in Arkansas
- Hire a registered agent service (typically costs around $50-100 annually)
3. Prepare and File Formation Documents
Depending on your entity type, you’ll need to file the appropriate formation documents:
- For LLCs: Articles of Organization ($45 online, $50 paper filing)
- For Corporations: Articles of Incorporation ($45 online, $50 paper filing)
- For Partnerships: Certificate of Limited Partnership ($50)
4. Obtain an EIN and Business Licenses
After forming your business, you’ll need to:
- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Obtain necessary business licenses and permits based on your industry and location
5. File Annual Reports and Franchise Taxes
Arkansas requires businesses to file:
- Annual Franchise Tax Reports by May 1st each year
- Annual Partnerships reports by August 1st (for partnerships only)
FAQ: Arkansas Business Entity Search
How much does it cost to search for a business entity in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Secretary of State’s business entity search is completely free to use.
How long does a business name reservation last in Arkansas?
Name reservations in Arkansas last for 120 days and can be renewed if additional time is needed.
What are the filing fees for registering a business in Arkansas?
Filing fees vary by entity type and filing method:
- LLC formation: $45 online or $50 by paper
- Corporation formation: $45 online or $50 by paper
- Name reservation: $22.50 online or $25 by paper
- Fictitious name registration: $25
Can I register or reserve a business name online in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas offers online filing services through the Secretary of State’s website. Online filings are processed within 3-7 business days, while paper filings take 7-10 business days.
What do I do if my desired business name is already taken in Arkansas?
If your exact desired name is taken, you have several options:
- Choose a significantly different name
- Use a DBA (fictitious name) for marketing while registering under a unique legal name
- Form a different type of entity (e.g., LLC vs. Corporation)
- Add distinctive words to your name to make it unique
Does Arkansas allow foreign entities to register?
Yes, out-of-state (foreign) entities can register to do business in Arkansas by filing a Certificate of Authority with the Secretary of State. Fees are $300 for foreign corporations and $270 for foreign LLCs.
Tips for a Successful Arkansas Business Entity Search
- Try various search terms: If you don’t find what you’re looking for with an exact name, try partial names or keywords.
- Check for name similarities: Arkansas won’t allow names that are “deceptively similar” to existing entities, so check for variations of your desired name.
- Consider name requirements: In Arkansas, business names must include entity designators like “LLC,” “Incorporated,” or “Limited Partnership” as applicable.
- Look for inactive businesses: Even if a business shows as “revoked” or “dissolved,” its name may still be unavailable for use.
- Verify trademark availability: Beyond the state search, check the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database for federal trademark conflicts.
Example of an Arkansas Business Entity Search
Let’s walk through a sample search for “Razorback Solutions LLC”:
- Navigate to the Arkansas Secretary of State Business Entity Search portal
- Select “Business Name” from the dropdown menu
- Enter “Razorback Solutions” in the search field
- Click the “Search” button
Search results might show:
- Razorback Solutions LLC (Active, Little Rock, AR)
- Razorback IT Solutions, Inc. (Active, Fayetteville, AR)
- Natural State Razorback Solutions LLC (Revoked, Fort Smith, AR)
Clicking on “Razorback Solutions LLC” would reveal:
- Filing Number: 800123456
- Filing Type: Domestic Limited Liability Company
- Status: Active
- Filing Date: 01/15/2020
- Registered Agent: John Smith
- Registered Agent Address: 123 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72201
- Principal Address: 456 Commerce Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201
Conclusion
Conducting a business entity search in Arkansas is a straightforward but essential step when starting a business or researching existing companies. The Arkansas Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool provides valuable information that can help you make informed decisions for your business ventures.
For further assistance with Arkansas business filings or questions about the search process, contact the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Business and Commercial Services Division:
- Phone: 888-233-0325 or 501-682-3409
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Victory Building, 1401 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 250, Little Rock, AR 72201
Additional Resources
- Arkansas Secretary of State Business Services
- Download “Doing Business in Arkansas” Brochure
- How to Do a Business Entity Search in Texas
- How to Do a Business Entity Search in California
- How to Do a Business Entity Search in Florida
- How to Do a Business Entity Search in Delaware
- How to Do a Business Entity Search in New York
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Small Business Resources
