Free Arkansas LLC Operating Agreement Template

An Arkansas LLC operating agreement defines your company’s structure, ownership shares, and management responsibilities. It also outlines profit distribution, member roles, and procedures for decision-making or dissolution.

While Arkansas doesn’t legally require this document, having one gives your business clarity and legal protection. Without it, your company defaults to state laws, which may not reflect your preferred internal arrangements.

Even single-member LLCs benefit from an operating agreement—it reinforces that your business is separate from your personal finances, helping safeguard your liability protection.

LLC regulations in Arkansas are outlined under Title 4, Subtitle 3, Chapter 38 of the Arkansas Business and Commercial Law Code, including:

• AR Code § 4-38-105: Scope, function, and limitations of an operating agreement.
• AR Code § 4-38-106: Effect on LLCs and members, including preformation agreements.
• AR Code § 4-38-107: Effect on third parties and relation to company records.

LLC Formation Costs in Arkansas:

• Certificate of organization filing fee: $50 by mail or $45 online.
  • For foreign LLCs: $300 by mail or $270 online.
• Name reservation fee: $25 by mail or $22.50 online.
• Annual franchise tax: $150, due May 1 each year, filed through the Franchise Tax Fee and Report system.

Follow these steps to form your LLC and create your operating agreement in Arkansas:

1. Select and reserve your name (optional): Verify availability using the Secretary of State’s database. If you want to hold your name while preparing your paperwork, file an Application for Reservation of Entity Name with a $25 fee (valid for 120 days and may be renewed once for an additional 120 days).
2. Assign a registered agent: Your agent can be a professional service, a lawyer, a trusted individual, or yourself—provided they are over 18 and have a legal Arkansas address. The agent receives legal and tax documents for your company, such as court notices or government correspondence.
3. File your Articles of Organization: Once approved, your LLC becomes official.
   • By mail: Download and complete the Certificate of Organization (LL-01), include your $50 payment, and send it to the Secretary of State’s office.
   • Online: File electronically through the Secretary of State website for a faster and cheaper process.
4. Create your operating agreement: Use our Arkansas LLC operating agreement template to document ownership, management roles, and business procedures. This internal agreement doesn’t need to be filed with the state but should be signed and kept by all members.
5. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN): LLCs with multiple members—or those planning to hire employees—must obtain an EIN from the IRS. You can apply online through the IRS website (same as the LT content reference) to handle taxes and open a business bank account.