How to Start an LLC in Arizona
Learn how to start an LLC in Arizona step by step. Covers the Articles of Organization, the $50 state filing fee, the publication requirement, and what to expect from the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Bizee Editorial Staff
Editorial Team
Arizona LLC at a glance
Filing fee: $50 (online filing with the Arizona Corporation Commission)
Processing time: Typically 14–16 business days for standard filing; expedited options available
State agency: Arizona Corporation Commission (azcc.gov)
Annual report due: Arizona does not require a traditional annual report for LLCs
State tax rate: Arizona has no state-level LLC franchise tax; standard corporate income tax rate is 4.9% for businesses that elect corporate taxation
How to form an LLC in Arizona
Forming an LLC in Arizona means filing Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission, paying a $50 state filing fee, appointing a statutory agent, and publishing a notice of formation in a local newspaper. Arizona doesn't require an annual report for LLCs, which keeps ongoing compliance lighter than in many other states.
Arizona is a genuinely business-friendly state — no franchise tax, no annual report, and a $50 filing fee that's lower than most. The publication requirement is the one step that catches people off guard, so it's worth understanding before you start.
Step 1: Choose a name for your LLC
Your LLC name must include the words "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or an abbreviation like "LLC" or "L.L.C." It also needs to be distinguishable from every other active business name already on file with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
You can search existing names on the Arizona Corporation Commission website before you file. If you want to hold a name while you get ready, you can reserve it for 120 days by filing a name reservation application and paying a $10 fee.
While you're at it, check whether a matching domain name is available. Registering a domain typically costs $10–$20 per year through major registrars. If the name is central to your brand, consider filing a trademark with the USPTO to protect it.
Step 2: Appoint a statutory agent
Arizona calls this role a "statutory agent" rather than a registered agent, but the function is the same: a person or business with a physical Arizona address who accepts legal documents and official state mail on behalf of your LLC.
The statutory agent must have a physical street address in Arizona — a P.O. box won't work. You can serve as your own statutory agent if you have an Arizona address, or you can use a professional registered agent service. Using a professional service keeps your personal address off public records.
Step 3: File your Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization is the formation document you file with the Arizona Corporation Commission to officially create your LLC. You can file online through the ACC's eCorp portal or by mail. The state filing fee is $50.
Standard processing typically takes 14–16 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee if you need approval faster. Once the ACC approves your filing, your LLC is officially formed.
Step 4: Meet the publication requirement
Arizona requires most LLCs to publish a notice of formation in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the LLC's known place of business is located. You need to do this within 60 days of the ACC approving your Articles of Organization.
The notice must run for 3 consecutive publications. After that, the newspaper sends you an affidavit of publication, which you keep for your records — you don't file it with the ACC. The cost varies by county and newspaper, but budget $30–$100 for most Arizona counties. LLCs with a known place of business in Maricopa or Pima County are exempt from this requirement.
Step 5: Get an EIN and open a business bank account
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS. You'll need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. You can apply for an EIN for free at irs.gov/ein — the IRS issues it immediately when you apply online.
Once you have your EIN, open a dedicated business bank account. Keeping your business and personal finances separate is one of the most important things you can do after forming your LLC. Without that separation, a court could decide your LLC isn't truly a separate entity — and at that point your personal finances are fair game.
FAQ
The state filing fee is $50, paid to the Arizona Corporation Commission when you file your Articles of Organization. If your LLC is located outside Maricopa or Pima County, add $30–$100 for the newspaper publication requirement. Optional costs include a $10 name reservation fee and expedited processing fees if you need faster approval.
Standard processing through the Arizona Corporation Commission typically takes 14–16 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee and can reduce that timeline. Once approved, you'll still need to complete the 3-week newspaper publication if your LLC is outside Maricopa or Pima County.
No. Arizona does not require LLCs to file an annual report with the state. This is one of the reasons Arizona's ongoing compliance burden is lighter than most states. You'll still need to keep your statutory agent information current with the Arizona Corporation Commission and meet any applicable tax filing requirements.
Most Arizona LLCs must publish a notice of formation in a local newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks within 60 days of ACC approval. LLCs with a known place of business in Maricopa or Pima County are exempt. After the 3 publications, the newspaper provides an affidavit of publication — keep it for your records.
A statutory agent is Arizona's term for a registered agent — a person or business with a physical Arizona street address who receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. Every Arizona LLC must have one. You can serve as your own statutory agent or use a professional service.
Yes, for most entrepreneurs. Arizona has no state franchise tax for LLCs, no annual report requirement, and a $50 formation fee that's lower than many states. The publication requirement adds a small cost and a few weeks for LLCs outside Maricopa and Pima County, but overall the formation process and ongoing compliance are straightforward.
Your LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or an abbreviation like "LLC" or "L.L.C." It must be distinguishable from all active business names already registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Names that imply a different entity type — like a corporation or nonprofit — won't be approved.
Yes, in most cases. You'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Single-member LLCs with no employees can use a Social Security number in some situations, but an EIN keeps your personal number off business documents and is free to get at irs.gov/ein.
