Taxidermist License Requirements in Arkansas
Good news — Arkansas does not require a professional license to work as a taxidermist. Arkansas is one of 23 states where you can offer professional services without state licensing.
Last verified: 2022-03-01 · Source: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3
Quick Facts
- License Required
- No
What This Means for Your Home Taxidermist Business
Starting a home-based taxidermist business in Arkansas is easier than most states. You don't need to spend months in training or hundreds on licensing fees. Unlike 28 other states that require a license, Arkansas lets you start without state oversight.
That said, you still need to set up your business properly. Forming an LLC costs $50, protecting your personal assets. You'll also need a home occupation permit, business insurance, and tax registration.
Note: Arkansas charges 6.5% sales tax on services, so you'll need to register for tax collection.
How to Start Your Home Taxidermist Business
Follow these steps to legally launch your business in Arkansas. Most people complete this within 2-4 weeks.
Verify No License Needed
Confirm your specific services don't fall under a different licensing category. Check with the Arkansas licensing authority to be certain.
Form Your Arkansas LLC ($50 state fee)
Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong — a client injury, a lawsuit, or unpaid bills. It also makes you look more professional to clients and helps with taxes.
Fast track: Services like ZenBusiness can form your Arkansas LLC online for $0 + the $50 state filing fee. They handle the paperwork and registered agent service.
Get a Home Occupation Permit
You need a permit to legally operate from home:
- Home occupation permit — from your county clerk or zoning office. This confirms your neighborhood allows a business from your home. Fees vary by county ($25-$100 typically).
Get Business Insurance
General liability insurance protects you if a client has an allergic reaction, slips in your home, or claims damage. Most policies for home-based taxidermists cost $15-$40/month. It's not legally required in Arkansas, but going without it is a real risk when you're working with clients in your home.
Register for State & Federal Taxes
Arkansas charges 6.5% sales tax on services, so you'll need to register. You also need to:
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
- Register with the Arkansas Department of Revenue for state income tax
Book Your First Clients
You're legal and ready. Start building your client base:
- Set up an online booking system (Square Appointments, Booksy, or Vagaro are popular with home-based taxidermists)
- Create a Google Business Profile so local clients can find you
- Post your work on Instagram — before-and-afters are the #1 way home taxidermists attract clients
- Ask early clients for Google reviews — reviews are critical for home-based businesses without storefront visibility
Total Estimated Startup Costs
| Arkansas LLC formation | $50 |
| Home occupation permit | $25 - $100 |
| Business insurance (first year) | $180 - $480 |
| Total (excluding training/school) | $255 - $630 |
Taxidermist Earning Potential in Arkansas
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024), here's what jewelers and precious stone and metal workers earn in Arkansas.
Median Hourly
$15.14
Median Annual
$31,500
Entry Level
$13.81/hr
Top Earners
$34.10/hr
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $13.81 | $28,725 |
| 25th | $14.63 | $30,430 |
| 50th (median) | $15.14 | $31,500 |
| 75th | $29.16 | $60,653 |
| 90th (top earners) | $34.10 | $70,928 |
Note for home-based operators: BLS wage data reflects employed (W-2) workers. Self-employed taxidermists working from home often charge 20-40% more since they set their own rates and don't pay salon/shop rent. At the median rate, working 30 hours/week would gross roughly $30,704/year as an independent operator.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
Arkansas Business Setup Costs & Details
Here's what you need to know about setting up any home business in Arkansas — beyond the taxidermist license itself.
Compare Taxidermist Requirements in Nearby States
See how Arkansas's requirements compare to neighboring states.
| State | License? | Fees | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas(you) | No | — | — |
| Louisiana | No | — | — |
| Mississippi | Yes | $12 | — |
| Missouri | Yes | $30 | — |
| Oklahoma | No | — | — |
| Tennessee | Yes | $122 | — |
Key takeaway: Like Arkansas, some neighboring states also don't require a license. Compare options if you're flexible on location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a taxidermist in Arkansas?
Can I run a taxidermist business from my home in Arkansas?
Do I need to collect sales tax as a taxidermist in Arkansas?
How much does an LLC cost in Arkansas?
More Taxidermist Resources for Arkansas
Taxidermist Salary in Arkansas
BLS wage data, percentiles, and state rankings
License Cost Breakdown
Complete cost analysis: fees, training, exams, LLC
Best States for Taxidermists
All 50 states ranked by wages, fees, and costs
No-License Jobs in Arkansas
Occupations you can start without a license
Pricing Calculator
Figure out how much to charge clients
Startup Cost Calculator
Personalized budget for your home business
Sources & Disclaimer
Data Sources
- License data: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3 (2022). Independently verified dataset covering licensing requirements across all 50 states + DC.
- LLC and tax data: Arkansas Secretary of State and Arkansas Department of Revenue.
Disclaimer: This guide was last verified 2022-03-01. Licensing laws and fees change — always confirm current requirements directly with the Arkansas licensing board before making business decisions. This site provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice.