Arkansas officials: Your Statement of Financial Interests is due. File now.

Transparency matters. If you serve in public office, are running for elected office, or hold certain public positions in Arkansas, filing your Statement of Financial Interest (SFI) isn’t just a bureaucratic box to check—it’s a cornerstone of public trust.

Too many officials seem unaware of the need to file and many more conveniently forget to. 

Arkansas state law mandates the filing of SFIs, and the Ethics Commission enforces these requirements to ensure accountability, prevent conflicts of interest, and uphold ethical governance. Here’s what you need to know about filing your SFI and why it’s crucial to get it right.

What is a Statement of Financial Interest?

An SFI is a disclosure document that provides insight into an official’s financial activities, such as income, investments, and gifts, and also includes the financial ties of their spouse.

Who needs to file:

• All elected officials, from county judge to county coroner, prosecuting attorneys and city attorneys, and even school board members
• Candidates for elective office
• Certain public officials, including those in designated positions of authority or influence, such as:
  • Members of other boards and commissions like the Water and Sewer Commission, Airport Commission, and Advertising and Promotion Commission (A&P), Planning boards or commissions, utility boards or commissions, civil service commissions, and members of a research park authority board
  • School superintendents (whether public or charter)
  • Agency heads, department directors, or division directors of state government
  • Chiefs of staff or chief deputies of constitutional officers, the Senate, or the House of Representatives
  • Executive directors of education service cooperatives

Why it matters

Filing your SFI does more than meet a legal requirement—it demonstrates your commitment to transparency and integrity. By providing a clear picture of your financial dealings, you help the public identify and prevent potential conflicts of interest. This fosters trust in your leadership and accountability in governance.

Conversely, neglecting this responsibility can undermine public confidence and lead to consequences, which we’ll cover below.

How to File Your Statement of Financial Interests

Follow these steps to ensure you file accurately and on time:

1. Obtain the SFI Form
   • Download the form from the Arkansas Ethics Commission’s website (PDF or Word) or request a copy from your county or city clerk.
2. Understand the Sections
   • The form will ask for details on:
     • Sources of income over $1,000
     • Investments, businesses and property holdings
     • Other offices or directorships
     • Gifts or awards over $100 in value
     • Debts exceeding $5,000, this does not include your personal home mortgage or ordinary revolving credit like automobile loans and credit cards, so long as the credit provided does not exceed the value of the items purchased. It does include legal judgements, judgements liens, tax liens, etc.
3. Provide Accurate and Honest Information
   • Gather necessary financial records in advance to ensure all information is complete and correct. Be thorough to avoid omissions.
4. File the Form
   • Sign the form in the presence of a Notary Public, as required. Notary services are often available at banks, post offices, or your county clerk’s office.
   • Submit your completed form, preferably in person, to the appropriate agency (for most local offices, either the county clerk or city clerk depending on your position).
5. Keep a Copy for Your Records
   • Retain a personal copy for future reference or audits.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving sections incomplete or blank.
• Omitting income or financial obligations from you or your spouse.
• Missing the filing deadline.
• Not filing at all (looking at you, members of the former Baxter County Airport Commission and most members of the Mountain Home A&P Commission).

Consequences of not filing or filing inaccurately

The repercussions for neglecting your SFI responsibilities can be steep. They include:

• Potential fines and penalties imposed by the Arkansas Ethics Commission.
• Public loss of trust in your integrity and accountability.
• Getting called out in the press

Transparency isn’t optional—it’s essential for good governance.

If you’re unsure about how to complete your SFI, the Arkansas Ethics Commission is available to help. Visit arkansasethics.com for guidance, detailed instructions, and access to the latest SFI form. Detailed instructions on how to fill out this form are also available here.

Filing your Statement of Financial Interests accurately and on time sends a clear message: you value transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Don’t wait until the Jan. 31 deadline—file now and lead by example.