Arkansas lesson 4 of 6
Get an EIN and register with Arkansas DFA
Your EIN identifies the LLC to the IRS and to banks. Separately, most active Arkansas LLCs also need to register with the Department of Finance and Administration for state tax purposes.
Applying for the EIN
Apply for free directly on the IRS website once your Certificate of Organization is approved. If the responsible party has a US social security number or ITIN, the EIN is issued immediately online; otherwise the application goes in on Form SS-4 by fax or post.
Registering with Arkansas DFA
Register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration if you sell taxable goods or services, since you will need a sales and use tax permit before making taxable sales, and again if you have employees, since you will need to register for withholding tax. DFA's business registration process is separate from both the EIN and the Secretary of State filing.
Opening the account
Take the filed Certificate of Organization, the EIN confirmation letter, an operating agreement if you have one, and identification for signers and significant owners. Route all business income and expenses through this account, since mixing personal and business funds is one of the most common reasons courts disregard an LLC's liability protection.
Key takeaways
- The EIN is free and issued by the IRS.
- DFA registration is separate from the EIN and is needed for sales tax or withholding.
- Keep business and personal funds in separate accounts.
Official sources
Or let us file your Arkansas LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Certificate of Organization (Form LL-01), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team