LLC Formation Guide · Arizona · Updated June 2026

How to Start an LLC in Arizona

To start an LLC in Arizona, file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission. This costs $50 and takes 14–16 business days (standard); 3–5 days (expedited, +$35) for online approval.

Filing Fee
$50
Articles of Organization
Online Processing
14–16 business days (standard); 3–5 days (expedited, +$35)
Mail: 4–6 weeks
Annual Fee
None required
No annual report required
Total Steps
5
To form your LLC

There are 5 steps to start an LLC in Arizona:

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

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

It costs $50 to start an LLC in Arizona. Arizona does not require an annual report, so there are no mandatory recurring state fees.

What are these fees for?

  • The $50 is to file the Articles of Organization — the document that officially creates your LLC.

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

  • Online filing: 14–16 business days (standard); 3–5 days (expedited, +$35)
  • Mail filing: 4–6 weeks

You can file online or by mail with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Steps to Form an LLC in Arizona

Step 1: Search Your LLC Name

Search your LLC name to make sure it's available in Arizona. Two businesses in the state cannot share the same name.

Arizona business name search →

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is a person or company that accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your LLC. Arizona requires your Registered Agent to have a physical street address in the state — PO Boxes are not allowed. Your options:

  • Yourself (if you have a physical address in Arizona)
  • A friend or family member who lives in Arizona
  • A professional Registered Agent service

Step 3: File Articles of Organization with Corporation Commission

To officially create your LLC, file the Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission. The filing fee is $50.

You can file online or by mail with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is an internal document that shows who owns the LLC and how it will be run. You do not need to file it with the state or the IRS — just keep it with your business records. All LLCs should have one, even single-member LLCs.

Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC's federal tax ID. It is free from the IRS and is needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.

  • US residents with an SSN: Apply online at IRS.gov (takes ~15 minutes, free)
  • Non-US residents without an SSN: Apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4 (takes 1–3 months)

After Your LLC Is Approved

Open a business bank account

Keep business and personal finances separate to maintain liability protection. You will need your EIN and your stamped/approved Articles of Organization to open an account.

Get business licenses and permits

Arizona does not have a state general business license. However, if your LLC sells taxable goods or services, you may need a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Community property state note: Arizona is a community property state. If you are married, consult a tax advisor about how this affects your LLC's tax treatment, particularly for single-member LLCs.

Understand your tax obligations

LLCs don't pay federal income tax directly. Profits and losses pass through to the members, who report them on their personal federal tax returns.

Arizona has a state income tax. LLC members report their share of profits on their Arizona state tax return.

Need to notify the IRS of a business change?

Once your LLC is formed, TheLLCWiki has free tools for IRS name changes, address changes, EIN applications, and tax elections.

Browse free tools →

Arizona LLC FAQs

Yes, you can file online. The Articles of Organization filing fee is $50.
It costs $50 to file the Articles of Organization and form your LLC in Arizona. Arizona has no mandatory annual report fee.
Online filing takes 14–16 business days (standard); 3–5 days (expedited, +$35). Mail filing takes 4–6 weeks.
If you live in and do business in Arizona, then yes — form your LLC here. Forming in another state (like Wyoming or Delaware) when you operate in Arizona means paying fees in both states with no real benefit. The only reason to form out-of-state is if you have a specific legal or tax reason to do so.
The main benefits are personal asset protection (your home, car, and savings are shielded from business debts and lawsuits) and pass-through taxation (the LLC itself pays no federal income tax — profits flow to members' personal returns).
General information only — not legal or tax advice. This guide reflects publicly available information as of June 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements change. Confirm current requirements with the Arizona Corporation Commission and a qualified attorney or CPA before filing. Full disclaimer