Arizona is a fast-growing, business-friendly state. This guide to LLC formation in Arizona explains the filing, the publication rules and why Arizona LLCs have lighter ongoing obligations than many states.
Arizona LLCs are formed with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Moreover, unlike Arizona corporations, Arizona LLCs do not file annual reports. However, publication may still be required, depending on your county. Therefore, check the rules before you file.
Our attorneys form Arizona LLCs and draft operating agreements at fixed prices.
Filing your Arizona LLC
Arizona LLCs are formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission, usually online. State fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount when you file.
The articles list the LLC's name, statutory agent, principal address and management structure. In addition, you may need to include information about members or managers. Our LLC Formation service, from $99, handles the filing.
Name and statutory agent
The name must be distinguishable from existing names and include "LLC" or similar. Furthermore, you need a statutory agent with an Arizona address.
Arizona publication rules
Arizona has a publication requirement for LLCs. However, it depends on where the LLC's statutory agent is located. If the agent is in Maricopa County or Pima County, the Corporation Commission publishes the notice on its website, so no newspaper publication is needed.
If the agent is in another county, the LLC generally must publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in that county within a set period. Consequently, many owners choose an agent in Maricopa or Pima County.
No annual report for Arizona LLCs
Unlike many states, Arizona does not require LLCs to file annual reports with the Corporation Commission. As a result, ongoing state paperwork is lighter.
However, you must still keep your information current. For instance, if your statutory agent or address changes, file an amendment. Similarly, tax filings and local licenses still apply. Our annual report filing service can track your other filings.
Arizona taxes
Arizona has a flat state income tax. LLCs taxed as partnerships or sole proprietorships pass income through to their owners. In addition, Arizona has a transaction privilege tax, which works like a sales tax but is imposed on the business.
Consequently, many businesses need a transaction privilege tax license. Moreover, Arizona offers an elective pass-through entity tax. Therefore, talk to an accountant about the best approach.
Your Arizona operating agreement
Filing with the state creates the LLC. However, the operating agreement decides how it actually works. Without one, Arizona's default LLC rules apply, and they may not match your deal.
What it should cover
A strong agreement sets ownership percentages and capital contributions. Moreover, it explains how profits and losses are allocated and when distributions are paid. In addition, it sets voting rules and decides whether the LLC is managed by its members or by managers.
Exits and disputes
Next, the agreement should plan for exits. For example, what happens if a member dies, divorces, becomes disabled or simply wants out? Similarly, how is a departing member's interest valued and paid? A buy-sell agreement can add detail here.
Arizona notes
Arizona does not require you to file the operating agreement with the state. However, Arizona's LLC statute gives members broad freedom to set their own rules. In addition, community property rules can affect married members. Therefore, a written agreement is the best protection.
Our LLC Operating Agreement service drafts a Arizona-ready agreement, starting at $79.
Flat fee LLC formation pricing in Arizona
Our LLC Formation service starts at $99, plus state fees. Our operating agreement starts at $79.
If you need a corporation instead, our corporation formation service sets it up, including the annual reports Arizona corporations must file. For more, read our national guide to LLC formation and corporate structuring.
Common Arizona LLC mistakes
The most common Arizona mistake is missing the publication requirement when the statutory agent is outside Maricopa and Pima counties. Consequently, the LLC may face problems later. Another is forgetting the transaction privilege tax license.
Similarly, some owners skip the operating agreement or mix personal and business funds. As a result, liability protection can weaken. Therefore, keep separate accounts and a signed agreement from the start.
Married members and community property
If a member is married, Arizona community property rules may give the spouse an interest in the LLC. Therefore, address this in the operating agreement, for example with spousal consents. A business formation consultation explains the options.
LLC or corporation in Arizona?
Most small businesses in Arizona choose an LLC for its flexibility and simple taxes. However, a corporation is sometimes the better fit. For example, startups seeking venture capital usually need a C corporation, often formed in Delaware and registered in Arizona. In addition, Arizona corporations must file annual reports with the Corporation Commission, while LLCs do not. Consequently, compare both before you file. Our business formation consultation walks through the trade-offs for your plans.
Your first month after forming a Arizona LLC
Forming the LLC is only the first step. Next, obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. It is free and usually issued online the same day. Then open a business bank account in the LLC's name. As a result, business and personal money stay separate, which protects your liability shield.
After that, apply for a transaction privilege tax license with the Arizona Department of Revenue where needed, and check city licensing. Moreover, if you will hire employees, register for unemployment insurance and set up payroll withholding.
Finally, put your operating agreement in place and store it with your formation documents. In addition, calendar your recurring deadlines, such as annual reports and tax filings. Consequently, your LLC starts life organized and compliant.
Protecting your liability shield in Arizona
An LLC protects your personal assets only if you treat it as a separate business. Courts in Arizona, like courts elsewhere, can disregard the LLC in serious cases of abuse. This is often called piercing the veil.
Therefore, sign contracts in the LLC's name, keep business money in a business account and keep the LLC adequately funded. In addition, carry appropriate insurance, because an LLC does not protect you from your own personal negligence. Consequently, good habits from day one keep your protection strong.
Our LLC Formation services in Arizona
Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in Arizona. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.
LLC Formation Documents in Arizona
Articles of organization, EIN guidance and initial resolutions (state fees extra).
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order LLC Formation Documents — from $99 See what's included →
LLC Operating Agreement in Arizona
Single- or multi-member operating agreement.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order LLC Operating Agreement — from $79 See what's included →
Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Arizona
Formation of your corporation: articles of incorporation, bylaws, initial resolutions, share issuance and S-election guidance.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) — $999 See what's included →
Business formation consultation in Arizona
A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about choosing and forming the right business entity. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Business formation consultation — $299 See what's included →
Annual Report Filing in Arizona
Preparation and filing of your company's annual report with the Secretary of State.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Foreign Qualification Filing (per state) in Arizona
Registering your company to do business in another state, including the certificate of good standing and registered agent.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Foreign Qualification Filing (per state) — $250 See what's included →
Buy-Sell Agreement in Arizona
A buy-sell agreement setting what happens to an owner's share on death, disability, divorce or exit — and how it is valued.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 7 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
LLC Formation across Arizona — cities we serve
We work with clients in every part of Arizona, entirely online. Therefore, it does not matter whether you live downtown or hours from the nearest courthouse. Your documents follow Arizona law and your county's local practice. Choose your city below to see local details and prices.
- Phoenix: LLC Formation Documents in Phoenix · LLC Operating Agreement in Phoenix · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Phoenix
- Tucson: LLC Formation Documents in Tucson · LLC Operating Agreement in Tucson · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Tucson
- Mesa: LLC Formation Documents in Mesa · LLC Operating Agreement in Mesa · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Mesa
- Chandler: LLC Formation Documents in Chandler · LLC Operating Agreement in Chandler · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Chandler
- Scottsdale: LLC Formation Documents in Scottsdale · LLC Operating Agreement in Scottsdale · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Scottsdale
- Glendale: LLC Formation Documents in Glendale · LLC Operating Agreement in Glendale · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Glendale
- Gilbert: LLC Formation Documents in Gilbert · LLC Operating Agreement in Gilbert · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Gilbert
- Tempe: LLC Formation Documents in Tempe · LLC Operating Agreement in Tempe · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Tempe
- Peoria: LLC Formation Documents in Peoria · LLC Operating Agreement in Peoria · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Peoria
- Flagstaff: LLC Formation Documents in Flagstaff · LLC Operating Agreement in Flagstaff · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Flagstaff
- Yuma: LLC Formation Documents in Yuma · LLC Operating Agreement in Yuma · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Yuma
More Arizona services
LLC Operating Agreement in Arizona · Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in Arizona · Business formation consultation in Arizona · Annual Report Filing in Arizona · Foreign Qualification Filing (per state) in Arizona · Buy-Sell Agreement in Arizona. See all legal services in Arizona.
Nearby states
Moving between states, or is the other party elsewhere? We also cover LLC Formation Documents in California, LLC Formation Documents in Nevada, LLC Formation Documents in New Mexico, LLC Formation Documents in Utah. See every location we cover.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Arizona?
Our attorney-prepared formation starts at $99 plus the Arizona Corporation Commission filing fee.
Do Arizona LLCs file annual reports?
No. Arizona LLCs do not file annual reports with the Corporation Commission, though corporations do.
Do Arizona LLCs need to publish a notice?
Only if the statutory agent is outside Maricopa and Pima counties. For agents in those counties, the Commission publishes the notice online.
What is the Arizona transaction privilege tax?
A tax on the privilege of doing business, similar to a sales tax but imposed on the business. Many businesses need a license.
Do you form LLCs anywhere in Arizona?
Yes. We form Arizona LLCs and draft operating agreements for businesses statewide.
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This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.