To operate a business in Arkansas, you’ll need to obtain a tax identification number for partnerships, businesses, and LLCs. This can be done by applying for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a state tax ID.
Applying for an EIN
An EIN is provided by the IRS to identify businesses for tax purposes and filing. This federal tax ID is free of charge as long as you have a Social Security Number. The process is simple and takes about 5 minutes online.
- Application Requirements: Your address and business structure.
- Social Security Number: Will serve as your tax ID.
- Processing Time: Immediate issuance after online application approval. Faxed applications take 4 business days; mailed applications 4-5 weeks.
- Renewal: EINs don’t expire or need renewal.
State Tax Considerations
Once you have your federal tax ID, you should also get an Arkansas state tax ID. You may need it for various taxes, including income, sales, and business taxes. Arkansas has a 6.5% sales tax rate on vehicle purchases. Additional tax information can be found on the state website.
- State ID: After acquiring the federal EIN, apply for the state tax ID.
- Business Naming: Legally register your business name with a DBA certificate if necessary.
- Limited Liability: An LLC or corporation can limit your liability.
- Sales Tax Rate in Arkansas: 6.5%
Additional Considerations
Business licensing costs vary depending on the industry, so it is important to make a comprehensive business plan.
- Licensing Costs: Vary by industry.
- Business Plan: Essential to understand business licensing variables.
Application Fees and Processing
- Application Fee: $50 non-refundable fee.
- Processing Time: 8-10 days for the Arkansas state tax ID.
For businesses in Kansas, the process is fairly similar but there is no application fee and processing is immediate upon approval.
Kansas State Tax ID
- Application Fee: No fee required.
- Processing Time: Immediate upon approval.
- State ID: Required in addition to federal EIN.
- Sales Tax: Kansas has a sales tax, for which details can be found on the state website.
The IRS does not charge a fee for issuing an EIN. The process of applying for a tax ID through the IRS involves a simple online application, which can be completed in around 5 minutes with immediate issuance upon approval.