Ready to turn your business idea into reality and start your LLC in Arizona? While traditional advice might suggest you need thousands of dollars and complex legal help, starting an LLC in Arizona is straightforward and affordable. With just a $50 filing fee and about two weeks of processing time, you can establish your business presence in the Grand Canyon State.

Whether you're launching a local service company, starting a consulting firm, or opening a retail shop, we'll walk you through the exact steps to form your LLC without unnecessary complications or excessive costs. 

Don't let outdated advice hold you back – Arizona makes it simple to take control of your future.

Launching Your Arizona LLC

Starting an LLC in Arizona comes with plenty of benefits for entrepreneurs looking to build something of their own. Here's what you need to know about forming your Arizona LLC:

• Cost-Effective Setup: Basic filing fee is just $50, with no separate state business license requirement. Save money by filing online and serving as your own statutory agent to avoid service fees of $50-300 annually.
• Quick Processing: Standard processing takes 13-15 business days, or 4-6 business days with expedited service ($35 extra). Online filing is recommended for fastest results.
• Essential Requirements: You'll need a unique business name, statutory agent with an Arizona address, and Articles of Organization. Plus, most counties require newspaper publication of your LLC formation.
• Annual Obligations: Unlike many states, Arizona doesn't require annual reports or have franchise taxes. Just maintain your statutory agent and handle any required business tax filings.
• Simple Maintenance: Arizona's requirements are straightforward – maintain a statutory agent, meet publication requirements, and keep up with any necessary tax payments. No complex ongoing paperwork or hidden fees.

A Complete Guide to Starting Your Arizona LLC

Starting an LLC in Arizona is a straightforward process that can set you on the path to business independence. The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) handles all LLC formations, and you can complete most steps online to save time and money. 

Step 1: Name Your LLC

When selecting a name for your LLC, Arizona law requires adherence to specific guidelines, Your business name must:

• Include an indicator such as “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
• Avoid misleading terms like “corporation” or “incorporated” that imply it is a different type of business entity.
• Be unique among businesses already registered in Arizona.

To check if your desired name is available, use the Arizona Business Entity Search. 

Here's a money-saving tip: If you’re not quite ready to file, you can reserve your chosen name for 120 days by submitting an Application to Reserve Limited Liability Company Name and paying a $10 fee.

Want to operate under a different name? You can register a DBA (Doing Business As), referred to in Arizona as a “Trade Name,” through the Arizona Secretary of State's office. Trade Name registration costs $10.

Step 2: Select a Statutory Agent

Every LLC in Arizona is required to appoint a statutory agent (also known as a registered agent). This individual or entity is responsible for receiving legal and state correspondence on behalf of your business. Choosing to act as your own statutory agent can simplify your business operations while saving money.

Requirements for a Statutory Agent in Arizona:

• Physical Address: The statutory agent has to have a physical street address in Arizona (P.O. boxes aren’t allowed).
• Availability: They must be available during regular business hours to accept legal documents and correspondence.
• Eligibility: The statutory agent can be:
• You or another member of your LLC.
• An individual who resides in Arizona.
• A professional statutory agent service.

Benefits of Acting as Your Own Statutory Agent:

• Save Money: Avoid paying fees to professional agent services, which can add up over time.
• Maintain Control: Receive important legal and state documents directly without relying on a third party.
• Simplicity: Streamline your LLC operations by managing correspondence personally.

While serving as your own statutory agent requires your address to be part of the public record and availability during business hours, this is manageable for many business owners.

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

To establish your LLC in Arizona, file the Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission. The filing fee is $50, and you can file online, by mail, or in person.

Information Required in the Articles of Organization:

• LLC Name: Include “LLC” or a similar indicator.
• Statutory Agent Details: Provide the name and address of your statutory agent.
• Management Structure: Indicate whether the LLC is managed by its members or by managers.
• Known Place of Business: This is your LLC’s Arizona business address, which may differ from the statutory agent’s address.
• Organizer’s Information: The name of the person or entity completing and signing the form.

Where to File:

• Online: Through the Arizona Corporation Commission’s eCorp portal
• By Mail:
  Arizona Corporation Commission
  Corporations Division
  1300 W. Washington St.
  Phoenix, AZ 85007
• In Person: Visit the above address.

Step 4: Publish a Notice of Formation

Arizona law requires LLCs formed in most counties (excluding Maricopa and Pima) to publish a Notice of LLC Formation in a newspaper approved by the ACC. This must occur within 60 days of formation and run for three consecutive publications. Contact an approved publication in your county for pricing and details. Publication costs typically range from $60 to $300 depending on the newspaper.

Step 5: Obtain an Arizona Business License

Arizona doesn’t have a statewide general business license, but many cities and towns require local business licenses or permits. Check with your city or town government to determine specific requirements for your LLC.

Some industries (e.g., contractors, health professionals) may also require specialized licenses from state agencies.

Get Your Business Operational

Once your LLC is approved and publication requirements are met, complete these essential tasks to keep your business compliant and protected:

Get Your Tax Documents in Order

• Apply for an EIN (free through the IRS website)
• Register for Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) if required
• Set up tax payments through AZTaxes.gov

Protect Your Business

• Open a separate business bank account
• Create an operating agreement (not required by law but crucial for protection)
• Consider business insurance options
• Check local licensing requirements

Keep Your LLC Compliant

• Maintain current statutory agent information
• Keep TPT tax payments up to date
• Track any local permit renewal deadlines

Start Your Arizona Business Dream

Arizona's straightforward process, including the affordable filing fee and quick approval time, makes it easier than ever to take the leap into entrepreneurship. By following the simple steps outlined, you can have your business up and running quickly. The total cost to form your LLC will be just $45-50 for filing fees, plus any required publication costs if you're outside Maricopa or Pima counties.

Time to take the next step and bring your business to life! Head to the ACC's eCorp website and start your online filing – you could have your LLC up and running in just two weeks.