Want to know something interesting? Arizona charges just a $50 filing fee to start an LLC, with no yearly reports or franchise tax needed. This makes Arizona a top choice for business owners who want to keep their startup costs low.
The state usually approves LLC applications within 14-16 business days, and you can pay extra to accelerate the process. Arizona has a special rule that sets it apart - it's one of just three states that needs LLCs to announce their formation in local newspapers for three straight weeks. The good news is this rule doesn't apply to Maricopa and Pima counties.
Starting an LLC in Arizona can cost anywhere from $110 to $310. The final price depends on extras like reserving your company's name and paying for newspaper announcements. Arizona's tax system works in your favor too - LLC profits go straight to your personal tax return instead of being taxed at the corporate level. This becomes a huge advantage for small business owners.
Our 2025 Arizona LLC guide will show you each step to launch your business. We'll cover everything from picking your company's name to getting your EIN. You'll learn how to use the Arizona Corporation Commission's (ACC) online system and discover the state's business tax breaks and incentives.
Step 1: Choose and Reserve Your LLC Name
Your Arizona LLC's business identity starts with picking the right name. A business name shapes your company's image and leaves a lasting first impression on potential customers. A name that meets state requirements will help avoid rejection during filing.
Check name availability in Arizona
Arizona requires your LLC name to stand out from other businesses registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and Arizona Secretary of State. Your LLC name must follow these specific requirements:
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Must contain the words "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or abbreviations like "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC," or "L.C." -
Cannot contain words like "association," "corporation," or "incorporated" -
Cannot include terms like "bank," "deposit," "credit union," or "trust" unless your company will actually participate in those businesses - Must be distinguishable from other registered business names
Make sure your chosen name is available by doing a complete search. Start with the Arizona Corporation Commission's Business Entity Search database to see if someone already has your desired name.
The ACC uses these guidelines to determine if a name is distinguishable:
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Spaces between words don't count toward making a name unique -
Symbols and punctuation marks don't affect distinguishability -
Possessive forms aren't different from plural forms -
Upper and lowercase letters don't make names different -
"&" and "And" mean the same thing -
Arabic numbers are the same as their written words -
Articles like "a," "an," and "the" don't make names different
ACC approval doesn't guarantee complete protection. Run additional searches beyond the state database to avoid stepping on existing trademarks or business names.
Reserve your LLC name if needed
You have two choices after finding an available name: file your Articles of Organization right away or save the name for later use.
Arizona doesn't require name reservation, but it helps if you need time to prepare your formation documents.
Submit an Application to Reserve LLC Name to the Arizona Corporation Commission to hold your name.
Arizona Corporation Commission
Corporations Division
1300 W. Washington St.
Most Arizona entrepreneurs don't need to reserve a name.
Step 2: Appoint a Statutory Agent in Arizona
Your Arizona LLC needs a statutory agent right after you secure your business name. This person or entity acts as your official contact for legal documents and state communications. Some states call them registered agents.
Who can be a statutory agent
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) sets specific rules about who can serve as your LLC's statutory agent. State law allows these categories:
- Any Arizona resident aged 18 or older
- A domestic corporation or LLC formed in Arizona
-
A foreign corporation or LLC authorized to do business in Arizona
Your statutory agent must have a physical street address in Arizona.
You have three main choices for picking a statutory agent:
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Yourself: You can act as your own statutory agent if you live in Arizona -
Friend or family member: Someone you trust who lives in Arizona can take this role -
Professional statutory agent service: Companies that handle this job for a fee
The person or company you pick must sign a consent form.
Why a statutory agent is significant
A reliable statutory agent plays a vital role in your business operations. Here's why it matters.
Your statutory agent will give a direct line to state agencies.
Not having a reliable statutory agent can hurt your business:
- You might miss key legal notices or state messages
- The state could dissolve your LLC
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Courts might rule against you in lawsuits you never knew about
Being your own statutory agent saves money but think over these points:
- You must stay at your registered address during work hours
- Everyone can see your personal address
- Frequent travel or working remotely might cause you to miss documents
The best statutory agent choice balances cost with reliable handling of your legal and state communications.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
Your Arizona LLC comes to life after you select a name and appoint a statutory agent. The Articles of Organization create your business entity with the state. This legal document needs specific information filled out correctly.
Information needed for filing
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) requires these details for your Articles of Organization:
- Your LLC's name (including "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company")
- The address of your LLC's principal place of business
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Your statutory agent's name and physical Arizona address (no P.O. boxes) -
Management structure selection - whether your LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed - Names and addresses of managers (if manager-managed) or members (if member-managed)
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Manager-managed LLCs must list members who own 20% or more of the LLC - Name and signature of the LLC organizer (the person completing and submitting the form)
How to file online or by mail
Online Filing
The ACC's eCorp system processes applications faster than mail submissions:
- Create an account on the ACC eCorp portal (eCorp.azcc.gov)
- Complete the Articles of Organization form with your LLC information
- Upload your signed Statutory Agent Acceptance form
- Pay the required filing fee
- Submit your application
Mail Filing
The mail filing process works this way:
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Download the Articles of Organization form (Form L010) from the ACC website -
Complete the form along with:
- Cover Sheet
- Statutory Agent Acceptance form
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Either the Member Structure Attachment or Manager Structure Attachment
- Make a check payable to the "Arizona Corporation Commission" for the filing fee
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Mail everything to: Arizona Corporation Commission, Corporations Division, 1300 W.
Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
Expedited Processing Options
The ACC provides several faster processing options beyond the standard $50 filing fee:
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Expedited (3-5 business days): Additional $35 ($85 total) -
Next day service: Additional $100 ($150 total) -
Same day service: Additional $200 ($250 total) - must be received by 10 a.m. -
Two-hour service: Additional $400 ($450 total) - must be received by 3 p.m.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Creating an operating agreement is a significant step in forming your LLC, even though Arizona law doesn't require one. Your business operations and legal protections depend on this internal document, which you shouldn't overlook while setting up an Arizona LLC.
Why an operating agreement matters
Your Arizona LLC needs a customized plan that outlines its management - that's what an operating agreement provides. This legally binding contract between members establishes your business's operational and organizational structure.
The operating agreement strengthens your LLC's limited liability protection. Your personal asset protection could be at risk without one if legal issues surface.
Single-member LLCs need operating agreements even more. This document proves your LLC stands as a legitimate separate entity, not just an extension of yourself, despite being the only owner.
A custom operating agreement helps alleviate potential conflicts by establishing clear protocols that resolve member disagreements.
The document also helps ensure business continuity by specifying what happens when members leave, die, or transfer ownership.
Key elements to include
Your Arizona LLC's operating agreement should contain these significant components:
- Basic company information - Your LLC's name, principal office address, business purpose, and duration
- Membership details - Names, addresses, ownership percentages, and capital contributions of each member
- Management structure - Whether your LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed
- Roles and responsibilities - Clearly defined duties and decision-making authority for each member
- Financial arrangements - How profits and losses will be distributed among members
- Voting rights - Procedures for voting and what percentage is needed for approval
- Dispute resolution procedures - Steps to follow when conflicts arise
- Transfer provisions - Rules for transferring membership interests and admitting new members
- Dissolution terms - Process for closing the business if necessary
- Amendment procedures - How to update the agreement as your business evolves
Your agreement should specify your LLC's tax classification. Arizona LLCs can choose from four tax designations: sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation.
The operating agreement differs from your Articles of Organization - you don't need to file it with the state.
A detailed operating agreement strengthens your LLC's foundation and positions your business for long-term success as you continue building your Arizona LLC.
Step 5: Complete Arizona's Publication Requirement
Arizona has a unique way of handling new LLCs. The state makes businesses announce their formation in a newspaper. This public notice lets everyone know about your new business.
Who must publish and where
Your statutory agent's location determines whether you need to publish. Here's how it works:
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Exempted Counties: Your LLC doesn't need to publish if your statutory agent is in Maricopa or Pima County . The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) handles the notices for these counties through their Public Notice database at no extra cost. -
All Other Counties: You'll need to publish in a newspaper if your statutory agent is anywhere else besides Maricopa or Pima county [221].
The smart move is to ask several newspapers about their rates.
What information must be published
Your newspaper notice needs these specific details about your LLC:
- The LLC name
- The statutory agent's name and address
- Your LLC's main business location (if it's different from the statutory agent's address)
- Management structure statement ("Management of the limited liability company is vested in a manager/managers" or "Management of the limited liability company is reserved to the members")
- For member-managed LLCs: Names and addresses of all members
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For manager-managed LLCs: Names and addresses of all managers and members who own 20% or greater interest [222]
Most papers send this affidavit automatically after 2-4 weeks.
Your LLC could face serious problems if you skip this requirement. The ACC sends a warning letter if you miss the first 60-day window.
Good record-keeping of your publication process shows you've met all Arizona's LLC requirements. This helps establish your business as a legitimate operation.
Step 6: Obtain an EIN and Register for Taxes
Getting the right tax identification numbers is a vital milestone at the time you form your Arizona LLC. You need to establish your tax presence with federal and state authorities after setting up your business structure.
How to get an EIN for free
Your business needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN) that works just like a Social Security number. The Internal Revenue Service assigns this unique nine-digit identifier that lets you:
- File and manage federal and state taxes
- Open a business bank account
- Hire employees
- Apply for business licenses
Most Arizona LLCs need an EIN, especially when you have multiple members or employees.
The IRS gives you several ways to get your EIN:
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Online Application - The quickest way to get instant approval through the IRS website -
Fax Application - Send Form SS-4 to the right fax number and wait about a week -
Mail Application - Mail Form SS-4 and expect 4-5 weeks for processing -
Phone Application - Call 1-800-829-4933 if you're in Arizona
Registering for Arizona taxes and licenses
Your next step after getting an EIN is to register with Arizona tax authorities:
You need to check if your business must register for Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT).
Arizona cities and towns issue their own business licenses instead of having a state business license.
Conclusion
Starting an LLC in Arizona gives entrepreneurs most important advantages with its low filing costs and no annual reporting requirements. This piece outlines six vital steps you need to establish your business entity correctly and legally.
Arizona ranks among the most business-friendly states thanks to its $50 filing fee and simple formation process. Your LLC can be up and running within 2-3 weeks under standard processing times. The process becomes easier if your statutory agent operates in Maricopa or Pima counties, where you don't need to meet the newspaper publication requirement.
Note that some steps like creating an operating agreement aren't legally required, but they provide significant protection for your business. Your careful selection of name, statutory agent appointment, and tax registration will give your LLC a strong foundation.
Once you complete these six steps, your Arizona LLC can start conducting business. On top of that, you'll get the benefits of pass-through taxation, which protects your personal assets and makes tax obligations simpler. Doing this helps you avoid common mistakes that could delay your launch or create compliance problems later.
Keep all your formation documents safe - your Articles of Organization, operating agreement, and publication affidavit (if applicable) for future reference. Then you can focus on what really matters - growing your business and reaching your entrepreneurial goals in the Grand Canyon State.
FAQ
The basic filing fee for Articles of Organization is $50, with an option for expedited processing at $85. Additional costs may include name reservation ($10-$45) and publication fees in some counties. There are no annual fees to maintain an LLC in Arizona, making it one of the more affordable states for LLC formation.
Standard processing time for an LLC in Arizona is approximately 14-16 business days. However, expedited options are available for an additional fee, ranging from 1-5 business days to same-day service, depending on the level of urgency.
Yes, Arizona has a unique publication requirement. Unless your statutory agent is located in Maricopa or Pima counties, you must publish a notice of your LLC's formation in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. This must be done within 60 days of the LLC's approval.
While not legally required, an operating agreement is highly recommended for Arizona LLCs. It helps reinforce limited liability protection, establishes clear operational guidelines, and can be crucial for resolving disputes and maintaining business continuity, especially for single-member LLCs.
After obtaining your federal EIN, you may need to register for Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) if your business sells products or provides certain services. If you have employees, you must register with both the Arizona Department of Revenue and the Department of Economic Security using the Joint Tax Application form.