Quick Answer: In this blog, you will learn how to register for a sales tax permit in Arkansas. The registration process is best completed online at the Arkansas Department of Revenue website. More detailed information is included below.
Registration Fee: The sales tax permit registration is free for remote sellers.
Renewal Required?: Sales tax permit renewal is not required in Arkansas.
Turnaround Time: In Arkansas, you can verify within 24 hours; you will receive an email from the Department of Revenue with your permit information.
Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Arkansas?
The first step in registering for a sales tax permit is determining if you even need one. In general, you need a sales tax permit in Arkansas if you have a physical presence or meet economic nexus requirements. For more detailed information on the necessity of getting a permit, you can learn more at our blog post “Do I Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Arkansas?”.
If you are not sure where you should get sales tax permits, we can help determine that for you with our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service.
Once you’re sure you need a sales tax permit in Arkansas, you can proceed with registering.
Types of Sales Tax Permits Available
Arkansas offers the following two types of permits:
You will need to determine which permit is the best choice for your business.
How Much Does a Sales Tax Permit in Arkansas Cost? There is no fee when applying for the remote seller permit in Arkansas. There will be a $50 fee to apply for the in-state permit with the state of Arkansas.
Where to Register for an Arkansas Sales Tax Permit
There are two ways to register for a sales tax permit in Arkansas, either by paper application or via the online website. We recommend submitting the application via the online website as it will generally be processed faster and you will receive immediate confirmation upon submission. Having a submission confirmation will help in the event that your application is not processed on-time or in the event that it is not processed at all (which unfortunately can happen every now and again).
Online Application Location: The best place to register for a sales tax permit with the state of Arkansas is on its website at https://www.atap.arkansas.gov/_/.
Paper Application Location: Select AR-1R Combined Business Tax Registration form at https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/excise-tax/sales-and-use-tax/sales-and-use-tax-forms/
Where to Go If You Need Help Registering for a Sales Tax Permit
If you are stuck or have questions, you can either contact the state of Arkansas directly or reach out to us and we can register for a sales tax permit on your behalf.
How to contact the Arkansas Department of Revenue if you have questions: You can contact the Arkansas Department of Revenue by calling toll free (877) 280-2827 between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm CST Monday through Friday.
How to contact TaxValet if you want someone to handle your permit registration for you: You can learn more about our sales tax service by clicking here.
Information Needed to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Arkansas
Before you begin the process of registering with the state, make sure you have access to the following information:
- Federal tax ID, typically called the EIN, issued by the IRS
- Knowledge of your business entity structure
- Business owner information
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) number
- Start date with the state of Arkansas
- Your estimated yearly tax liability with Arkansas
Depending on which permit you apply for, the in-state or the remote seller, some of the information will not be needed. In the event that it is needed, we recommend you have it on hand while you complete the application.
When applying for the remote seller permit, please make sure to only apply on or after your start date with the state. Arkansas will use your permit application date to inform your start date. This is one state where planning ahead may not serve you!
To get started, choose the link titled “Register a New Business” on the website.
Next, you will be asked if you are a remote seller and/or a marketplace facilitator. Continue with the process of completing the online application from there.
What Happens After You Apply for a Sales Tax Permit in Arkansas?
Arkansas will send an email to the account used for your permit registration. That email will include an account number with the state of Arkansas. You will need this information to create your online account login. To set up your online account, go to https://www.atap.arkansas.gov/_/ and select “Sign-up”. Follow the directions to create your account.
A paper copy of your registration information will arrive at your mailing address within 7-10 business days.
Arkansas sales tax permits remain active until you close out the account. There is no need to renew your registration with the state as long as you continue to do business in Arkansas.
Keep in mind, once you have an active sales tax permit in Arkansas, you will need to begin filing sales tax returns. Our team can handle your sales tax returns for you with our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. You can also learn more about how to file and pay a sales tax return in Arkansas by clicking here.
If at any point you are stuck and want a team of experts to handle all of this for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.
