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State packet

Arkansas Contractor Packet

What you need to start and run a trade business in Arkansas, in one printable PDF: a first 30 days checklist, everyday forms, the rules in plain English, and a calendar of what’s due.

$17

Instant PDF download · 43 pages · Digital product, all sales final (policy)

What’s inside

Getting set up

  • First-30-days checklist
  • Which trades need a state license, and who to call
  • The workers’ comp decision, and what you have to file

Pricing and taxes

  • Who pays sales tax on your materials, and on your labor
  • A yearly calendar of filings and due dates

Forms and checklists

  • Business setup sheet and a before-your-first-job checklist
  • New job sheet, estimate, invoice and change order forms
  • Sub information sheet and a home contract checklist

If a customer doesn’t pay

  • What to collect on day one of every job
  • Your lien rights and deadlines, for when you need them
  • Printable job tracker

Where to check

  • The agencies and statutes behind the rules, with links
  • Checked November 3, 2026

What you won’t get from a quick search

  • A first 30 days checklist for Arkansas, in the order to do it
  • Everyday forms you can copy and use: a new job sheet, estimate, invoice, change order and sub information sheet
  • What it takes to work legally: the $2,000 line on homes, the $50,000 line on commercial work, and when a sub can work without a full license
  • Workers’ comp at two people in building work, why you count as one of them, and how a Certificate of Non-Coverage works
  • Which jobs let you buy materials tax paid and charge no tax, and which jobs make you collect tax on labor and parts
  • The $45 LLC filing, the $150 May 1 franchise tax, and the state dates for your calendar
  • The Important Notice to Owner as the licensing board publishes it, plus the 75-day, 120-day and 15-month lien clocks worked out on real dates

What this packet doesn’t cover

We only state rules we could confirm. All sales are final, so here’s what’s not in it. The packet tells you who to ask.

  • How the current comp statute treats you as an owner. The Commission’s form counts owners toward the numbers and also limits how owners use the Certificate of Non-Coverage, and the fine for going without required comp isn’t stated here. Ask the Commission’s Legal Advisor Division at 800-250-2511.
  • Whether the Important Notice to Owner in this packet still matches the current code. The statute copy used here shows only a link to the form, so the wording comes from a Contractors Licensing Board PDF whose file name is dated 05/25/22. Have your attorney check it against the current code before you rely on it.
  • The required boldface statement that goes in a commercial 75-day lien notice. The section requires it, but its wording isn’t printed here. Get it from the official Arkansas Code or your attorney before you send one.
  • What happens when a lien deadline lands on a weekend or holiday. Finish by the last business day before, and ask your attorney if you’re past that.
  • Whether homestead protections or a no-lien clause in a contract can limit an Arkansas lien. Ask your attorney before you sign one or rely on a lien against a home.
  • Whether a roofer needs registration on jobs of $2,000 or less. The board’s application page uses that line, and the registration law’s exemptions don’t list it. Ask the Contractors Licensing Board at 501-372-4661.
  • Sales tax permit cost, how often to file, and how often to deposit withholding. Ask the Department of Finance and Administration.
  • City and county licenses, permits and business fees. Ask the local building department before you bid.
  • Any cancellation rights or required contract terms for door-to-door and home sales. Ask the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at 501-682-2007 or your attorney.

Informational only. This packet should not be considered legal, financial, tax or business advice. Check with a licensed professional in your state before you rely on it.