# Arkansas statute of limitations on debt

> In Arkansas, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 5 years under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-56-105, 16-56-111. Periods for oral contracts, open accounts and promissory notes.

- Source: https://ottoforfirms.com/statute-of-limitations/arkansas/
- Publisher: Otto — https://ottoforfirms.com
- Updated: 2026-07-26

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In Arkansas, the statute of limitations on a written contract is 5 years under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-56-105, 16-56-111.

**Rule.** A written contract claim in Arkansas must be brought within 5 years.

**Authority.** [Ark. Code Ann. §§ 16-56-105, 16-56-111](https://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/arcode/)

| Contract type | Limitations period |
| --- | --- |
| Written contract | 5 yr |
| Oral contract | 3 yr |
| Open account | — |
| Promissory note | — |

## When does the clock start?

Five years after the cause of action accrues on a written obligation; on a mutual open account current, from the time of the last item proved in the account (§ 16-56-127).

## What pauses it?

§ 16-56-116 suspends the period for a claimant under 21 or insane at accrual, allowing three years after the disability is removed; §§ 16-56-118 to 16-56-121 cover armed-forces service, injunctions, and absconding debtors.

Last reviewed 2026-07-26

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This is an informational reference, not legal advice, and using it creates no attorney-client relationship. Limitations periods turn on facts this page cannot know — which state's law governs, the contract type, when the claim accrued, and whether anything tolled or revived it. Confirm against the primary source and your own counsel before acting.