LLC stands for “limited liability company,” which refers to a type of business structure that companies can use for tax and other business-related advantages. One thing you can do under an LLC is decide how to divide and distribute profits from the business for each member (owner) in the business.
With an LLC, you can also take advantage of pass-through taxes, which means the taxes only go through a business owner’s personal tax returns instead of being taxed twice both as personal income and as a separate business.
What are the Requirements to Form an LLC in Arkansas?
In order to form an LLC in Arkansas, a business must file Articles of Organization with the Arkansas Secretary of State (SOS). The company must also select a registered agent who resides in Arkansas and can be served on behalf of the business. Additionally, the company is required to fill out and submit an annual franchise tax reporting form every year.
There may be various other documents and items that must be completed and filed with the state in order to operate legitimately as an LLC in the state of Arkansas. It is recommended that you work with a business lawyer during the filing process to ensure that no documents are missing and that you are not missing any deadlines or requirements.
What Paperwork Do I Need to Form an Arkansas LLC?
You can file your LLC paperwork online or by printing out the forms and mailing them into the Arkansas SOS. The paperwork needs to include important information, including the company name and address, the name and address of the registered agent, and whether the company will be run by members or managers.
Foreign companies that wish to incorporate in Arkansas must fill out an application for certificate of registration. The form should also include the company name in Arkansas, any other name it has, where it was originally formed and when, the name and address of the registered agent, the office address, and a certificate of existence.
What Benefits does Arkansas Give to an LLC?
Companies that are formed as an LLC may have more flexibility compared to other business structures. This is because they can choose if they want to be managed by members or by managers. Even if the members act as managers, this does not put the members at risk of losing their LLC status. Another benefit of a LLC is that there are fewer rules about recordkeeping than other business structures in Arkansas.
In general LLCs have several benefits when compared with other types of business forms or structures. For instance, members of an LLC are typically shielded from personal liability with regards to the debts or actions of the company.
If the company goes into debt, creditors cannot require the members to pay for their debt out of their own financial resources. However, the LLC members are not immune from liability that is the result of their own personal negligence apart from company actions.
In addition, LLCs can sometimes take advantage of the various tax features and benefits that are often associated with business partnerships or other similar structures. This can generally make it easier to manage an LLCs taxes in the long run, and can save company resources on these types of issues.
What Disadvantages does Arkansas Give to an LLC?
If you have an LLC in Arkansas, you have to file a franchise tax report every year with the Arkansas SOS. You will also be required to file taxes with the IRS and the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration.
If you are merely a pass-through entity providing distributions to members who do not live in Arkansas, you will still be responsible for taxes on any of the distributions that would otherwise count as taxable income. This is true even though you did not possess the potential to have the income for your own benefit.
As mentioned, LLC members are still liable for their own personal negligence and violations that arise out of their own decisions, separate from company directives. In addition, LLCs can have some other drawbacks that stem from the nature of their structure and composition. For instance, members may have limited control of the organization compared to other business types such as a sole proprietorship.
They may also be limited in terms of their financial rights, and their contributions to the business may be processed differently. These types of issues may require legal assistance, both to avoid a violation as well as ensure proper procedures for company management.
Where can I Find the Right Lawyer to Form an LLC in Arkansas?
Following the rules required to set up and continue an LLC in Arkansas can make a huge difference in how your company operates and what kind of risks it takes. Thus, you should speak to an Arkansas corporate lawyer regarding the pros and cons of an LLC before filing to form one.
Your attorney can provide you with valuable assistance during the formation process. In the event of a dispute, your attorney can represent you in court as needed.
