Forming an Arizona LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Arizona 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

Discover how to start an LLC in Arizona, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Arizona, submit the Articles of Organization to the Arizona Corporation Commission. The cost is $50, and approval takes about 14-16 days.

Here are the six steps to forming an LLC in Arizona:

  1. Choose an LLC Name
  2. Select a Registered Agent
  3. File Articles of Organization
  4. Complete the Publication Requirement
  5. Create an Operating Agreement
  6. Get an EIN

If you prefer to handle the LLC formation yourself, our free LLC Formation guide is available below. If you’d like someone else to manage it, consider hiring Northwest Registered Agent.

(We recommend Northwest. After reviewing top companies in the industry, Northwest is our top choice for pricing, customer support, and address privacy.)

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Arizona?

Starting an Arizona LLC costs $50. This fee covers filing the Articles of Organization, the document that officially creates your LLC. For more on LLC formation expenses, see LLC Costs in Arizona.

How long does it take to get an LLC in Arizona?

Filing by mail results in approval within 14-16 business days, plus mailing time. Online filing also takes 14-16 business days. Check How long does it take to get an LLC in Arizona for any possible processing delays with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Here are the steps to forming an LLC in Arizona

1. Search Your LLC Name

Start by searching your LLC name to ensure it’s unique and available in Arizona.

The state prohibits two businesses from having the same name. Use the Arizona Corporation Commission: Business Entity Search to compare your desired name with existing businesses.

Make sure to understand the naming rules for LLCs in Arizona to get your LLC approved. You can find more details here: Arizona LLC Name.

2. Choose an Arizona Registered Agent

Next, select a Registered Agent for your LLC. This person or company receives legal mail and state notices for your LLC.

Note: In Arizona, a Registered Agent is also known as a Statutory Agent.

You have three options: yourself, a friend or family member, or a Registered Agent Service.

The agent must have a physical street address in Arizona. If privacy is a concern, consider hiring a service.

We recommend Northwest Registered Agent for their excellent service and the ability to use their address in your filings. 

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3.File Arizona LLC Articles of Organization

To form an LLC, file the Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission. The online filing fee is $50.

You can file it yourself (see our step-by-step guide: Arizona Articles of Organization) or hire a company

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Complete the LLC Publication Requirement

Arizona is one of three states  which requires LLCs to publish an ad in a newspaper post-formation.

This ad must run in a newspaper within the same county as your LLC’s Statutory Agent address for three consecutive runs, typically over 1-2 weeks. Costs range from $60 to $120.

If your agent is in Maricopa or Pima Counties, this requirement is waived.

For more details, see Arizona LLC Publication Requirement.

5. Create an Arizona LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement complements your Articles of Organization by detailing ownership and management.

It’s crucial for bank account openings and potential legal matters, though it’s not filed with the state or IRS. We recommend all LLCs have one.

Download a free template below. Learn how to complete Arizona Operating Agreement .

 

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

6. Get an EIN for Your LLC

The following step involves obtaining an Arizona EIN Number from the IRS for your LLC.

Note: An EIN is also referred to as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer ID Number.

An EIN Number serves to:

  • recognize your LLC for tax filings
  • establish a business bank account
  • obtain necessary business licenses and permit

What is the cost of obtaining an EIN?

Obtaining an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service comes at no cost.

What is the timeframe for obtaining an EIN?

Applying online requires only 15 minutes of your time. In contrast, submitting your application via mail or fax may take anywhere from 1 to 3 months.

How can I get an EIN?

US Citizens/US Residents:

If you possess an SSN or ITIN, you can request an EIN through the internet. Adhere to these steps: Request an EIN online.

Non-US Residents: 

You cannot obtain an EIN online.

however, you can request one via fax or mail. Here are the steps to follow: How to acquire an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

What should I do once my LLC is approved?

Once your LLC is approved, there are several important steps to follow.

Open a Business Bank Account for Your LLC

It’s essential to set up a business bank account for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business transactions.

By keeping your business finances separate, you also preserve your personal liability protection, as it distinguishes your business entity’s finances from your personal ones.

Obtain Arizona Business Licenses and Permits

In Arizona, there is no statewide general business license requirement. However, depending on your LLC’s location, local business licenses or permits might be necessary.

For instance, starting a daycare may require a license from your city or county. More details are available on our Arizona Business License page.

File and Pay Taxes

LLCs don’t pay federal taxes directly. Instead, LLC Members report and pay taxes through their personal tax returns.

Essentially, the owners are responsible for the LLC’s taxes.

How is your LLC taxed?

By default, the IRS taxes an LLC based on its number of owners:

A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership. Alternatively, you can request the IRS to tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.

Married Couples: In Arizona, which is a community property state, married couples can choose to have their LLC taxed as a Single-Member LLC (also known as a Qualified Joint Venture) instead of a Partnership.

Additionally, aside from federal taxes, there are state and local income taxes, as well as sales tax.

In Arizona, the sales tax is referred to as the Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax. This tax is levied for the privilege of conducting business in the state. To comply, obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax License from the Arizona Department of Revenue. For more information, see Arizona LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

Contact Information for the Arizona Corporation Commission

For inquiries regarding LLC formation filing in Arizona, reach out to the Arizona Corporation Commission. You can call them at 602-542-3026. Their office hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

How to Start an LLC in Alaska FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Arizona?

Absolutely, you can establish your LLC online in Arizona. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $50. Once you file online, your LLC will be approved within 14-16 business days.

A significant advantage of an LLC is the protection it offers to your personal assets. This means if your business faces a lawsuit, assets like your home, cars, and bank accounts are shielded. This protection covers all LLC owners, whether it’s a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. In contrast, operating as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership doesn’t offer this protection, making LLCs a preferred business structure.

Another benefit is the pass-through taxation feature of LLCs. The LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits are transferred to the LLC Members, who then pay taxes on their personal returns. Arizona mirrors this federal tax treatment for state income taxes.

For more details, see “How are LLCs taxed.

Whether Arizona is suitable for starting an LLC depends on your residence and business location. If you live or do business in Arizona, forming your LLC there makes sense.

Forming an LLC in another state, like Nevada, when you operate in Arizona, means you’ll need to register in Arizona too, incurring extra fees and taxes.

This often results in unnecessary costs and complications. In short, if you’re based in Arizona for living and business, it’s a good state for your LLC. If not, consider another state.

An exception is if you’re buying real estate outside Arizona; form your LLC where the property is located. For further guidance, see “Best State to Form an LLC.”

Good news: Arizona doesn’t mandate an Annual Report or fee for LLCs. Unlike many states with such requirements, Arizona exempts LLCs from filing or paying for an Annual Report.

For more, visit “No Arizona LLC Annual Reports.

Yes, Arizona LLCs must inform the public about their formation. This involves publishing a notice in a newspaper for three consecutive issues.

The ad must appear within 60 days of LLC approval and be in the same county as your Statutory Agent’s address. The exception is for addresses in Maricopa or Pima counties.

If your LLC is formed elsewhere but you want to operate in Arizona, you must register it as a Foreign LLC in Arizona. Check “Foreign LLC fees by state” for details.

The distinctions among Domestic LLCs, Foreign LLCs, and Professional LLCs lie in formation location and business purpose.

A Domestic LLC is formed in the state where the owner resides and operates.

For instance, a Georgia resident doing business there would form a Domestic LLC in Georgia. If they expand to Florida, they’d register the Georgia LLC as a Foreign LLC in Florida. Essentially, LLCs are state-level entities, requiring formation or registration in each state of operation.

A PLLC, or Professional LLC, is designed for providing professional services that require state permissions like licenses or certifications. Professions such as architects, attorneys, doctors, and veterinarians often use PLLCs.

For more about PLLCs and their specific requirements, refer to “What’s a Professional LLC?” Also, explore “Foreign LLCs by State” and “Difference between Domestic LLCs and Foreign LLCs” for further insights.

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