Starting a Business in Arkansas: Licenses, Registrations & Checklist

Arkansas start-up checklist

Register for state taxes with Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Official page
Business-level tax: Corporate income tax and franchise tax.
Sales tax: get a Arkansas sales tax permit from Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before you sell taxable goods. Official page
Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
Local sales taxes are collected through the state return.
If you have employees, withhold Arkansas income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Register for unemployment insurance with Arkansas Division of Workforce Services. The 2026 taxable wage base is $7,000 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0.1% to 6%. Official page
New employers start at 1.8%.
Workers' compensation through Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission and private insurers. Required when: 3 employees
Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

File Annual Franchise Tax Report (LLCs, corporations and nonprofits): every year by May 1; fee $150.
(limited partnerships): every year by May 1; fee $15.
(limited liability partnerships): every year by April 1; fee $15.
State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Business filings and annual reports: Arkansas Secretary of State. Official page
Taxes: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Official page
Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Arkansas Division of Workforce Services. Official page
Workers' compensation: Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission.
Contractor licensing: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
Real estate licensing: Arkansas Real Estate Commission.
Alcohol licensing: Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.
Child care licensing: Arkansas DHS Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.
Health facility licensing: Arkansas Department of Health.

City business license (City clerk): Many Arkansas municipalities require a local business license.
Cannabis: medical licensing only, regulated by Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission (licensing) and Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (enforcement).

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

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