How to Get a Seller’s Permit in Arkansas

  • Compliance
Learn how to register your business in the state and obtain a sales tax permit in Arkansas with our step-by-step guide.
Starting a business in Arkansas is an exciting venture, but it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements that come with it. A common area of confusion for many new business owners is understanding the need for a Sales Tax Permit in Arkansas, also known as a seller’s permit. This permit allows you to collect sales tax on taxable products and services from customers in Arkansas.
This blog will guide you through each step of applying for a sales tax permit, with clear instructions to help you and your business begin collecting sales tax effortlessly.
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Who Needs a Seller’s Permit in Arkansas?

A business must register for a sales tax permit in Arkansas if:

How to Register for a Seller’s Permit in Arkansas?

When applying for a sales tax permit in Arkansas, you can use the online application process on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) website to complete your sales tax registration.
 

1. Where to Apply for a Seller’s Permit in Arkansas?

The first step to register for a sales tax permit online is to go to Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) and click on “Register a Business” found in the “Businesses” section if you have a physical presence in the state and “Register a Remote Seller” if you are an out-of-state seller with no physical presence.
For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on applying for a seller’s permit in Arkansas as an out-of-state/remote seller with no physical presence.
At the beginning of the registration process, you will come across a question that says, “Are you a remote seller and/or marketplace facilitator?” Click the drop-down and answer “Yes” since you are registering as an out-of-state/remote seller with no physical presence.
You will then follow through the prompts that walk you through your registration process and provide the necessary information.
 

2. What Information Do You Need to Get a Seller’s Permit in Arkansas?

To successfully acquire a seller’s permit in Arkansas, it’s important to prepare and provide specific information and documents. The following is a list of the necessary information and documents required to register a sales tax permit in Arkansas:
  • Business Identification Information: Legal Business Name, Physical Address, Mailing Address 
  • Business Entity Structure (i.e., Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Subchapter S Corp., Corporation, LLC, etc.)
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN or FEIN)
  • Name, Address, and SSN of Owners, Partners, or Officers 
  • Business Activity Details: Date & State of Incorporation
  • NAICS Code
 

3. How Much are the Fees for Applying for and Renewing a Seller’s Permit in Arkansas?

Registering for a sales tax permit in Arkansas costs $50 for businesses with a physical presence in the state and free for out-of-state/remote sellers with no physical presence
Arkansas sales tax permits do not need to be renewed and remain valid for as long as the business exists without any changes in ownership or structure.
 

4. What are Other Ways to Register for a Seller’s Permit in Arkansas?

  • Use TaxHero. Registering for a seller’s permit, mainly when it involves multiple permits, can be a tedious and time-consuming task requiring much effort. Let the experts at TaxHero save you from this hassle, and let us handle the registration process in all states where you have nexus as part of our all-inclusive sales tax service.
  • Paper Application: You must fill out the AR-1R Combined Business Tax Registration form, attach the necessary documents, and mail it to the address provided in the form.
 

What’s Next?

Once you complete the online submission process, you’ll be presented with a confirmation page verifying that your request for a sales tax permit has been successfully submitted. It’s highly recommended to make note of the confirmation code provided, as you’ll need this code to check the status of your application moving forward. Be sure to keep the confirmation code handy for your records and future reference.
If your online submission for a seller’s permit in Arkansas is approved, you will receive an email from the state approving your application with your state account within 7 to 14 business days. You will also receive this same letter at your mailing address.
You will then log in to the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP)  and click “Sign up” under the “New to ATAP?” section. Select the “Administrator Login” option during the sign-up process. While additional third-party logins can be added later, for now, utilize the Account Number provided in the email to create your primary online user account. With this initial account setup, you’ll be ready to manage your sales tax account through the ATAP platform.
Obtaining a Sales Tax Certificate requires you to collect sales tax for eligible sales in Arkansas. The document will also specify your filing frequency for sales tax returns and due dates.
If you ever encounter any difficulties, have any questions, or prefer TaxHero to manage these tasks on your behalf, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact us today.