Arkansas Franchise Tax Report: Deadlines, Fees and Filing Steps

Arkansas uses a combined approach for business compliance. Most for-profit entities submit a Franchise Tax Report that collects the annual franchise tax and refreshes key company information in a single filing. Some entities only provide an information-only annual report. Knowing which track you are on, and when it is due, keeps your business in good standing and avoids unnecessary fees.

How Arkansas
reporting works
The Franchise Tax Report serves two purposes at once. It updates public record details such as addresses, management, and registered agent, and it calculates and collects the franchise tax that applies to many for-profit entities. The state’s system is designed to simplify interactions with the Secretary of State while maintaining accurate records and steady tax collection.
Key features
• Combined tax plus information reporting for many entities
• Fees range from flat amounts to a percentage calculation, depending on structure
• Most due dates fall on May 1st
• Online filing is available with immediate confirmation
• Some entities submit an information-only annual report instead of a tax report
Who must file, and which report applies
Your obligations depend on your entity type. Corporations and LLCs usually complete the Franchise Tax Report. Certain entities submit an information-only annual report, often with different due dates and little or no fee.
Franchise Tax Report entities, due May 1st
• Corporations with stock: 0.3 percent of capital stock value, minimum $150, plus $5 online fee
• Corporations without stock: $300, plus $5 online fee
• Limited liability companies: $150, plus $5 online fee
• Professional entities: Pay according to the underlying entity type
• Insurance companies: $300 to $400, depending on assets
Annual report only entities
• Nonprofit corporations: No fee, due August 1st
• Limited partnerships: No fee, due May 1st
• Limited liability partnerships: $15, due April 1st
• Limited liability limited partnerships: $15, due May 1st
• Cooperative corporations: Fee varies by type, due May 1st
Filing
requirements
Before you begin, confirm your entity category and make sure your records are current. Accurate information reduces corrections and avoids delays.
Information you will provide
• Legal entity name and Arkansas filing number
• Principal office address and registered agent information
• ames and addresses of directors, officers, managers or members
• Financial details where applicable, including capital stock value for corporations
• A brief description of business activity and industry classification

Filing steps

A short checklist and an online submission are usually all that is required.

Step 1

Determine your filing type.
Confirm whether you owe a Franchise
Tax Report or an information-only
annual report.

Step 3

Gather your information.
Verify management, addresses,
registered agent and, if relevant,
capital stock value.

Step 5

Verify completion.
Save your confirmation and
check that payment and
status updates are
recorded.

Step 2

Calculate your fees.
Apply the applicable flat fee or
percentage, and note the $5
online processing fee where
it applies.

Step 4

File online.
Use the Arkansas Secretary
of State site for faster processing
and immediate confirmation.

Step 1

Confirm your anniversary date.
That’s your deadline.

Step 2

Assemble documentation.
Verify officers, addresses, agent, and shares.

Step 3

Choose your method.
Online filing (recommended) or paper submission.

Step 4

Pay and submit.
For most corporations the fee is $45; nonprofits $10.

Step 5

Save proof.
Keep your confirmation and check that status updates are reflected.

Step 1

Determine your filing type.
Confirm whether you owe a Franchise Tax Report or an information-only annual report.

Step 2

Calculate your fees.
Apply the applicable flat fee or percentage, and note the $5 online processing fee where it applies.

Step 3

Gather your information.
Verify management, addresses, registered agent and, if relevant, capital stock value.

Step 4

File online.
Use the Arkansas Secretary of State site for faster processing and immediate confirmation.

Step 5

Verify completion.
Save your confirmation and check that payment and status updates are recorded.

Deadlines and early filing
Most Franchise Tax Reports are due on May 1st. You can file as early as January 1st, which helps avoid last-minute congestion or payment issues. Information-only entities follow their own schedule: nonprofits by August 1st, LLPs by April 1st, and several other categories by May 1st.
Late penalties and interest
If franchise tax is unpaid after the due date, Arkansas applies a 5 percent per month penalty on the unpaid amount. Interest also accrues. Continued non-compliance can lead to administrative dissolution, and foreign entities can face revocation of authority
Consequences of
non-compliance
Delays quickly affect cost and status. Late penalties and interest increase the total due, good standing is lost, and you may be blocked from filing other documents. If the lapse continues, administrative dissolution or revocation may follow, which can complicate banking, licensing, and contractual obligations.
Reinstatement requirements
• File all delinquent reports and pay franchise tax
• Pay accumulated penalties and interest
• Submit a formal reinstatement application
Why this system can work in your favor
The integrated report reduces duplicate tasks and centralizes updates, which means one filing maintains your records and settles tax for the period. Fees are clear and predictable for LLCs, and corporations can plan for percentage-based tax with a published minimum. The online portal provides immediate confirmation, which makes internal recordkeeping and third-party verification easier.
Professional Arkansas filing services
If you manage several entities or prefer a safeguard during busy seasons, a filing partner can maintain your calendar, calculate franchise tax correctly, and submit on your behalf.
Palm’s Arkansas services
• Franchise tax calculation and preparation
• Complete report preparation and submission
• Registered agent services with an Arkansas address
• Compliance monitoring and deadline management
• Professional review for accuracy and completeness
Benefits
• Accurate franchise tax calculations
• Fewer missed deadlines
• Complete and consistent information in every filing
• Guidance specific to Arkansas requirements

What is the difference between the Franchise Tax Report and the annual report

The Franchise Tax Report combines required information updates with the tax payment for many for-profit entities. Some entities submit an information-only annual report that carries no franchise tax.

How is the franchise tax calculated

Corporations with stock pay 0.3 percent of outstanding capital stock value, subject to a $150 minimum. LLCs pay a flat $150. Online submissions include a $5 processing fee where noted

When are Arkansas reports due

Most Franchise Tax Reports are due May 1. Nonprofits file by August 1, and LLPs file by April 1.

Can I file early

Yes. Arkansas allows filing as early as January 1.

What happens if I file late

Unpaid franchise tax accrues a 5 percent per month penalty, plus interest. Prolonged delinquency can result in administrative dissolution or revocation.

Do foreign entities follow different rules

Foreign entities follow the same requirements as domestic entities of the same type.

Can I file online

Yes. Online filing is available and provides immediate confirmation, with credit card payment processing.

What if my corporation has no stock

Corporations without stock pay a flat $300, plus a $5 online processing fee.

Need help keeping Arkansas filings on schedule?

Palm can calculate franchise tax, prepare and submit your report, and monitor deadlines year-round so you can stay focused on operations.

Need help keeping Arkansas filings on schedule?

Palm can calculate franchise tax, prepare and submit your report, and monitor deadlines year-round so you can stay focused on operations.

Start Your Arkansas Filing Now
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