The 2024 Small Business Administration (SBA) report highlights Arkansas’s dynamic business environment, with 11,978 new business establishments created between March 2022 and March 2023, yielding a net increase of 4,120 entities.
The state is home to 280,772 small businesses, comprising 99.3% of all Arkansas businesses. Construction leads with 38,114 entities, followed by Other Services (36,716 entities) and Administrative, Support, and Waste Management sectors (28,330 entities). These businesses collectively employ 488,761 people, representing 47.5% of Arkansas’s workforce.
To access information about these business entities, an Arkansas business entity search is essential, which can be accomplished by following the steps below:
Go to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Website
To search for an Arkansas business entity, individuals can begin by visiting the official Arkansas Secretary of State (SOS) website at www.sos.arkansas.gov. From the homepage, they should navigate to the “Business Services” section located in the menu bar and select the “Current Businesses” option.
On the corresponding page, a link to the Business Entity Search will be available, providing access to details about registered businesses in Arkansas.
Search Using the Available Options
Searching Arkansas business entities can be accomplished through various searchable fields in the state’s official database. Users can search by corporation type by selecting from a dropdown menu or entering either the business name or fictitious name.
Additional search parameters include the registered agent information, their city and state, and a specific filing number. For more precise results, while not all fields are mandatory, providing multiple search criteria can help narrow down the results effectively.
Choose from the Listed Results
Once the query is submitted, the system generates a list of matching records, showcasing entity details such as name, city, state, and current status (e.g., statutorily dissolved, good standing, merged, or withdrawn).
View the Entity Details
Clicking on an entity name opens a detailed page providing business information. The details include the following:
- Corporation Name
- Fictitious Names
- Filing Number
- Type of Filing
- Filed Under Act
- Current Status (e.g., statutorily dissolved, good standing, merged, or withdrawn).
- Principal Address
- Registered Agent
- Agent Address
- Date Filed
- Officers
- Foreign Name (if applicable)
- Foreign Address (if applicable)
- State of Origin
Further Assistance About the Search
For additional help with searching Arkansas business entities, users can contact the Arkansas SOS office. The office provides guidance for resolving inquiries or challenges related to the search process.
Additional resources, such as bulk data download services and special business services requests, are available for those needing extensive business information. These services ensure users access accurate and comprehensive records while navigating the platform. With this support, users can confidently explore Arkansas business entity details with ease.
When Do You Need to an Entity Search in Arkansas?
Conducting an Arkansas business entity search is a valuable step for anyone dealing with businesses in the state. Whether forming a new entity, verifying existing business details, or ensuring compliance, this tool provides essential insights. Here are key reasons to utilize the Arkansas entity search:
- Verify Business Legitimacy: Understanding a business’s legal standing is critical. An Arkansas entity search helps confirm if a business is officially registered and in good standing with the state. This verification process protects individuals from engaging with fraudulent or non-compliant organizations.
- Check Name Availability: Planning to register a new business? The search tool allows users to determine if a desired business name is already in use. This step ensures compliance with naming regulations and avoids potential disputes over intellectual property.
- Access Detailed Business Information: Gaining access to a business’s core details is vital. With the search tool, users can view the entity’s name, status, filing type, and more. This data is especially useful for professionals conducting due diligence or researching market competitors.
- Ensure Compliance with State Requirements: Compliance is key to operating smoothly in Arkansas. An entity search helps businesses confirm their adherence to state filing obligations and deadlines. Staying up-to-date with requirements minimizes the risk of penalties and operational disruptions.
- Confirm Statutory Agent Details: Accurate statutory agent information is essential for receiving official documents. An Arkansas entity search allows users to confirm or update the statutory agent’s name and address, which helps important correspondence reach the right party.
- Review Historical Filing Records: Access to historical filing records provides valuable insights into a business’s operational history. These records help potential partners or investors assess the entity’s reliability and longevity before making significant commitments. By using the Arkansas business entity search, users can confidently make informed decisions, avoid pitfalls, and establish strong professional relationships.
Who Holds Data for Arkansas Business Entity Search
Besides the Arkansas SOS (Secretary of State), various other entities and sources maintain data pertinent to Arkansas business entity searches. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) plays a key role in managing state finances and providing business-related services. It oversees business tax records, including sales and use taxes, corporation income taxes, and withholding taxes. The DFA also facilitates business registration and offers a portal for electronic filings.
Additionally, the department supports businesses through compliance programs like voluntary tax disclosure and emergency listings. Business-related records, including tax filings and permit renewals, can be accessed through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) or by visiting the DFA’s website for various online services.
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce that supports economic growth and development in the state. They maintain business records related to economic development, including data on business incentives, tax credits, workforce programs, and industry performance.
These records also include information on business expansions, relocations, and investments in the state. The AEDC website provides public access to various reports, such as annual reports, economic data reports, and corporate data reports.
For more detailed data or specific business records, individuals can contact AEDC directly by phone or via email. Additionally, records can be requested under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for transparency and public access.
Arkansas Securities Department
The Arkansas Securities Department (ASD) safeguards the state’s financial markets by regulating the securities industry, including brokers, dealers, and investment advisers. They maintain records related to the registration of securities, licenses for financial services, and complaints regarding securities violations.
ASD also monitors activities related to mortgage loans and money services businesses. Public access to general information, such as rules, orders, and educational resources, is available on the ASD website. For more specific business records, individuals can contact ASD directly or file a request under the Arkansas FOIA for detailed data.
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing
The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing maintains various business-related records, including licensing records for electricians, boiler operators, elevator contractors, and amusement ride operators. It also holds inspection records for boilers, pressure vessels, elevators, amusement rides, and electrical systems.
These records, including wage claims, child labor work permits, and mine safety data, can be accessed through the department’s public databases. To request specific records, individuals must submit a written request to the Arkansas Department of Labor’s Legal Division, either by mail or via email.
Some records, such as mediation and certain OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) reports, are confidential by law.
Arkansas State Board of Collection Agencies
The Arkansas State Board of Collection Agencies (SBCA) maintains business entity records related to collection agencies operating within or contacting debtors in Arkansas. These records include licensing information, complaints, and compliance with state regulations.
To access these records, individuals can use the Board’s Licensed Collection Agency Search tool, which allows searches by business names, “Doing Business As” (DBA) names, and license numbers.
For specific inquiries or additional details, individuals can contact the SBCA at their office located at 900 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 400, Little Rock, AR 72201, or call 501-682-4500.
Federal Organizations
In Arkansas, several federal organizations are responsible for maintaining business entity records. These include:
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): The SEC oversees and maintains records of publicly traded companies in Arkansas. This includes filings related to stocks, bonds, and other securities, which are publicly accessible through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) database.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS tracks federal tax filings for businesses, including Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), tax-exempt statuses, and other tax-related records.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): The USPTO maintains federal trademark and patent records for businesses across the country. Arkansas businesses seeking trademarks or patents can access these records online.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC regulates business practices in relation to consumer protection, including keeping records of complaints about businesses, deceptive practices, and antitrust activities.
These organizations manage various aspects of business record-keeping at the federal level, and many of their records can be accessed online through their respective websites or databases.
County Clerk Offices
County Clerk Offices in Arkansas typically maintain some business entity records, though their scope is limited compared to state or federal agencies. They primarily handle Assumed Business Names (DBAs) records.
If a business operates under a name different from its legal name, it must file a certificate of “Assumed Name” or “Doing Business As” (DBA) with the County Clerk’s Office in the county where the business operates. These records are kept at the county level and provide basic information about the business name and owner.
Most Arkansas County Clerk Offices provide records or information about DBA filings in person or online through their websites.
City Clerk Offices
City Clerk Offices in Arkansas typically do not maintain business entity records such as incorporation documents, which are managed by the Arkansas SOS. However, City Clerk Offices are responsible for local business licenses and permits required for businesses operating within the city. These may include records related to:
- Business license applications
- Zoning permits
- Health permits
- Other local business regulations
To access such records, individuals must contact the specific City Clerk’s Office in the city where the business operates.
Commercial Database Providers
In addition to government sources, commercial database providers often maintain business entity records for Arkansas and other states. These providers gather and compile public business information from official sources such as the Arkansas SOS. Commercial database providers typically offer access to:
- Business entity details (name, status, formation date)
- Officer and director information
- Business address and contact details
- Compliance history
These records can be accessed through paid services provided by companies such as LexisNexis and Dun & Bradstreet. These services provide detailed business information for background checks, research, or due diligence purposes.
What Are Different Entities You Can Register in Arkansas?
When starting a business in Arkansas, entrepreneurs can choose from different business structures, each with unique advantages and limitations. Understanding these options helps make informed decisions about liability, taxes, management, and growth. While seeking advice from legal or financial professionals is recommended, here is an overview of some common business entities in Arkansas:
- Sole Proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is a business owned and managed by a single individual without a distinct legal structure. The owner is fully responsible for all business decisions and liabilities. This type of business is easy to set up, has fewer formal requirements, and provides quick decision-making. The owner is personally liable for any debts or claims and reports business income or losses on their personal tax return. Sole proprietors must also obtain necessary business licenses and register their business name with the local county clerk.
- Partnership: A partnership in Arkansas involves two or more individuals who agree to operate a business together. Partnerships can be formed through an oral or written agreement that outlines each partner’s duties, responsibilities, and share of profits or losses. A general partnership in Arkansas does not require formal registration beyond what is needed for a sole proprietorship, though partners may file with the Arkansas SOS (Secretary of State) to be officially recognized. This structure does not protect personal assets from business liabilities. Partners must file informational returns with the IRS and Arkansas Income Tax Division, sharing profits and losses according to ownership or other agreements. Each partner then reports their share of income or loss on their personal tax return.
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): An LLP in Arkansas provides some liability protection for its partners while allowing them to take an active role in managing the business. This structure is particularly common among professionals such as doctors, architects, and accountants. LLPs are created by filing with the Arkansas SOS and must file annual reports. Although the LLP structure shields partners from liability due to other partners’ actions, it does not protect individuals from personal liabilities arising from their own actions.
- Limited Partnership (LP): Limited partnerships in Arkansas consist of general partners who manage the business and limited partners who invest without participating in daily operations. General partners assume full liability, while limited partners are liable only up to the amount of their investment. LPs are required to file a Certificate of Limited Partnership with the Arkansas SOS and submit annual reports. The structure is more heavily regulated and was originally designed for real estate ventures.
- Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP): An LLLP is a special type of limited partnership where general partners also receive limited liability protection, similar to that offered to partners in an LLP. This protection applies to actions taken by other partners but not to their own. In Arkansas, LLLPs must file a Certificate of Limited Liability Limited Partnership and annual reports. They are treated as limited partnerships for tax purposes, with members required to file informational returns.
- Corporation: A corporation is a complex business entity separate from its owners, known as shareholders. This structure protects personal assets from business debts and liabilities. Corporations must file Articles of Incorporation with the Arkansas SOS and are required to maintain extensive records. Corporations are subject to state and federal taxes on profits, and dividends distributed to shareholders are taxed again. They must also file annual franchise tax reports and other returns.
- S Corporation: An S Corporation in Arkansas is a special type of corporation that elects to be taxed under Subchapter S of the IRS Code. It allows profits and losses to “pass through” to shareholders, who report these on their personal tax returns. S Corporations are limited to 100 shareholders, all of whom must be individuals, estates, or trusts. They are created by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Arkansas SOS and then applying for S Corporation status with the IRS.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): LLCs are popular business structures in Arkansas due to their flexibility and the protection they offer to members against personal liability. LLCs combine the benefits of corporations and partnerships, providing limited liability while allowing members to manage the business directly or elect managers. They are created by filing Articles of Organization with the Arkansas SOS. LLCs can choose to be taxed either as corporations or partnerships, depending on their structure.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Nonprofit corporations in Arkansas are formed for public, mutual, or religious purposes. They are different from for-profit corporations in that they cannot distribute profits to members or shareholders. Nonprofits must file Articles of Incorporation with the Arkansas SOS and must adhere to specific regulations regarding property distribution upon dissolution. Nonprofits must also file an annual disclosure statement and may apply for tax-exempt status under IRS code 501(c)(3).
- Nonfiling/Nonqualifying Entity: A nonfiling/nonqualifying entity in Arkansas is a business entity that does not need to file formal documents or register with the state to operate. However, this entity can choose to file a Nonfiling/Nonqualifying Entity Statement to have its registered agent information on record with the Arkansas SOS. This filing does not protect the entity’s name or grant the business any additional legal status. It simply ensures that the business’s service of process information is available.
- Commercial Registered Agent: A commercial registered agent in Arkansas is an entity or individual designated to accept legal documents on behalf of businesses registered in the state. These agents are regulated under the Model Registered Agents Act (MoRAA) of 2007. They are required to file a Commercial Registered Agent Listing with the Arkansas SOS and ensure that the business remains in good standing by receiving and forwarding essential legal communications. For more information about these business entity options, check and download a copy of the “Doing Business in Arkansas” handbook on the Arkansas SOS’s official website.
Useful Additional Information on the Arkansas SOS’s Website
The Arkansas SOS (Secretary of State) website provides various resources and features that go beyond business entity searches. Additional helpful features for existing businesses include:
Corporations / LLC / Nonprofit Online Filing System
The Corporations, LLC, and Nonprofit Online Filing System allows users to easily submit forms electronically to the Arkansas SOS. It supports various filings, including Articles of Incorporation, name reservations, amendments, and dissolutions. Filings are recorded as submitted, and users can verify certificates online. Additional information on annual franchise taxes and filing requirements is also available.
Paper Forms / Filing Fees
For initial filings, an incorporator/organizer and at least one officer are required to ensure accurate record-keeping and franchise tax liability. Forms for various entity types, including corporations and LLCs, are available online or as PDFs. Filing fees apply, and users can submit filings electronically or by mail along with required payments.
Filing Annual Reports (Partnership Only)
Partnerships, including LP, LLP, and LLLP, must file annual reports online or via paper. Online filings carry a fee of $15, while paper submissions also require the same payment. Forms are available for download in PDF or can be completed online. Payment can be made by credit card or mailed with documents. For additional services offered by the Arkansas SOS, explore the various sections of the website.
There are other key services for commercial registered agents, cooperatives, student exchange, other forms/filings, trademark/service marks, and frequently asked questions and more services for new businesses.
Arkansas Business Search FAQ
Find helpful solutions to frequently asked questions about Arkansas business entity searches:
What if Someone Only Knows Part of the Business Name?
The Arkansas entity search tool accepts partial business names and allows users to input keywords or phrases to locate matching entities.
How Often Is the Business Entity Database Updated?
The Arkansas SOS updates the business entity database regularly to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information.
Is There a Fee for Using the Business Entity Search Tool?
The Arkansas business entity search tool is free to use, though obtaining certain official documents may incur a nominal fee.
Are Foreign Entities Operating in Arkansas Searchable?
Yes, the Arkansas business entity search tool includes foreign entities registered to conduct business in the state. Searches can be refined by entity name, corporation type, and other criteria.
What Should I Do if I Can’t Find the Business Name I’m Searching for in Arkansas?
If a business name isn’t found, it could be unavailable or not registered in Arkansas. Consider checking for similar names, reviewing business registration requirements, or contacting the Arkansas SOS office for further assistance.
Can I Check if a Business Name Is Available Using the Arkansas Business Entity Search Tool?
Based on the official Arkansas SOS website, the business entity search tool also serves as the business name availability check. This tool helps users determine whether a desired business name is already in use or available for registration.
Can the Arkansas Entity Search Help Determine if a Business Name Is Reserved?
No, the Arkansas entity search tool only provides information about existing entities. It does not indicate if a name is reserved but not yet registered. For reserved name inquiries, contact the Arkansas SOS or use the Corporations, LLC, and Nonprofit Online Filing System.
What Should I Do if I Can’t Find the Business Records I Need in the Arkansas Business Entity Search Tool?
If records are not found through the Arkansas business entity search tool, individuals can submit a Records Request Form to the Arkansas SOS office by mail, in person, or via email to [email protected]. Fees apply for copies and certificates.
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