How To Start An LLC In Arizona (Apr. 2026): A Complete Guide

Arizona offers several advantages if you’re looking to form and grow a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the U.S.

To start one, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and pay a fee of $50.

In this article, I will explain how to start an LLC in Arizona, including what to do when you’re officially approved.

How To Start An LLC In Arizona

Starting your Arizona LLC is a straightforward process when following my steps. I’ll guide you through the important state regulatory and legal processes, so your LLC has everything in place to operate efficiently.

1. Ensure Your LLC Name Is Unique

You must search for your desired business name using the ACC’s Business Entity Search tool to ensure it is unique. This is one of the main LLC filing requirements in Arizona when forming your LLC. If your name isn’t unique, your Articles of Organization won’t be accepted.

2. Appoint Your Registered Agent

A Registered Agent, or officially called Statutory Agent in Arizona, is an individual or entity responsible for receiving Service of Process and important state correspondence on behalf of your LLC.

Your LLC Registered Agent must have an official physical Arizona business address and be available during business hours.

You can appoint yourself as your LLC’s Registered Agent, but this exposes your personal information as the address of the Registered Agent will be on public record.

Because of this, most LLC owners opt to hire a professional Registered Agent service and use its address instead.

Check out my recommendation on Best Registered Services In Arizona.

3. Submit Your Articles Of Organization

You must file the Articles of Organization with the ACC to officially form your LLC. This can be done online using the ACC’s eCorp portal or by mail.

Both filing methods require a one-time $50 fee.

You can file yourself with my step-by-step guide on How To File Your Arizona Articles Of Organization.

I suggest you file online since it is much quicker.

4. Satisfy The LLC Publication Requirement

While this requirement might seem outdated, you must publish an ad in one newspaper for three consecutive runs (Publications), according to Arizona law (A.R.S. § 29-3201(G)).

You will have a 60-day deadline after your Articles of Organization have been filed with the ACC.

An Affidavit of Publication may be filed with the ACC once the publication runs are completed. This acts as official proof that the notice requirement has been completed.

Check out my guide on the Arizona Newspaper Publication for a detailed breakdown.

a. Newspaper Publication Costs

It costs approximately $60 to $120 to publish the three official notices in a newspaper.

b. Publishing The Notice

You must publish the newspaper ads in the same county where your LLC’s Statutory Agent address is located.

5. Create Your Arizona LLC Operating Agreement

While not legally required in Arizona, I highly recommend every LLC in Arizona have an Operating Agreement (OA).

It establishes clear internal roles and rules on how your LLC operates and makes decisions. This can protect your LLC’s limited liability status by confirming it as a separate legal entity.

It also ensures that all members understand their roles and responsibilities, helping prevent internal disputes and potential future damage.

You do NOT need to file it with the ACC or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Just store it with your official business records and ensure that every member has their own signed copy.

For more information, you can check out my article: How To Complete An Arizona LLC Operating Agreement

6. Obtain An EIN For Your LLC

An EIN is a unique nine-digit number that helps identify your business with the IRS. It will be used to:

1. Open a dedicated business bank account.
2. Identify your business when filing taxes.
3. Apply for local, state, and municipal licenses and tax permits.

You will need all of the documents above to complete your LLC formation process and ensure smooth business operations.

Applying for an EIN with the IRS is completely free.

You can do this using two main methods:

1. Online (My suggested method).
2. By mail or fax.

You should receive an EIN Confirmation Letter once your application is approved.

a. Applying For An EIN Online

You should apply for your EIN online directly through the IRS website if you’re a U.S. resident and have a Social Security Number (SSN) or a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The full process takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Use my How To Get An EIN Online guide for step-by-step instructions.

b. Applying For An EIN By Mail Or Fax

You need to print and complete Form SS-4 and send it to the IRS if you’re a non-U.S. resident. You can also do this if you prefer not to file your documents online. However, this is significantly slower than the online method (Typically around 4 weeks plus mailing time).

Follow my guide here: How To File Form SS-4

7. Acquire Arizona Business Licenses And Permits

Arizona does NOT require a general state-level business license, you may need specific licenses or permits depending on your business type and where you operate.

For detailed information and resources, see my Arizona Business Licenses article.

Next Steps Once Your LLC Is Approved

Complete these three additional steps to ensure your Arizona LLC remains compliant and operates lawfully in the state. I suggest that you do these ASAP once your LLC is approved.

1. Open Your Business Bank Account

Once you’ve received your EIN, open a separate LLC business bank account to:

1. Streamline your record-keeping and accounting processes when doing your business finances.
2. Protect your limited liability shield by keeping your personal and business finances separate.
3. Confirm that your Arizona LLC is operating in the state as a separate business entity.

2. File Your Annual Report

You’re NOT required to file an Annual Report when operating your LLC in Arizona.

However, you may have other annual filing requirements depending on your business activities. For example, you must renew your TPT License if you have one.

3. File And Pay Your Taxes

You don’t need to pay federal income taxes when operating as an LLC in Arizona. Instead, all members report and pay taxes on company profits. This becomes part of their personal income tax return, meaning they pay LLC taxes via pass-through taxation.

a. How Is My LLC Taxed?

Your LLC is taxed by the IRS based on the number of its members:

• A single-member LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship.
• A multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership.

You also have the option to have your LLC taxed as an S-Corporation or C-Corporation. This requires you to file the appropriate election form with the IRS.

Your LLC may also be responsible for state and local taxes on top of your federal taxes.

• You’re required to pay the TPT if you sell products or taxable services. This is for the privilege of conducting business in the state.
• You must first obtain a TPT License from the ADOR to legally collect and remit TPT.

Contact Details: Arizona Corporation Commission

You can contact the Arizona Corporation Commission if you have any questions regarding your LLC filings in Arizona. Their contact phone number is 602-542-3026 (Business hours are 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. MST (Monday – Friday).

Frequently Asked Questions