How to Start an LLC in Arizona
Forming an LLC in Arizona costs $50 in state filing fees, paid to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Here is the full process, the real costs and the Arizona-specific rules most guides skip.
What it costs
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (Arizona Corporation Commission) | $50 | Yes, one time |
| No annual report | $0 | Not required |
| Registered agent service | $100–$200 / year | Optional (you can be your own) |
| EIN from the IRS | Free | Yes, for banking and taxes |
| Operating agreement | Free–$200 | Strongly recommended |
Step by step
Choose and check your LLC name
Your name must be distinguishable from existing Arizona entities and include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company". Search availability for free on the Arizona Corporation Commission website before you fall in love with a name.
Appoint a registered agent
Required by law: a person or company with a physical street address in Arizona, available during business hours to receive legal mail. You can be your own agent if you live in the state; most founders who value privacy or don't live there use a service ($100 to $200 per year).
File your formation documents ($50)
File Articles of Organization (in some states called a Certificate of Formation) with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Standard processing: 14-16 business days (standard). This is the step that legally creates the LLC.
Get your EIN from the IRS (free)
The Employer Identification Number is your LLC's federal tax ID, needed for bank accounts, hiring and tax filings. The IRS issues it free. If the LLC's principal place of business is in the US and the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN, the IRS online application issues the number immediately (one EIN per responsible party per day). Owners without an SSN or ITIN, including most non-US founders, cannot use the online tool: they file Form SS-4 by fax (about 4 business days), by mail (about 4 weeks) or, for international applicants, by phone at 267-941-1099. Details and the exact numbers are in our non-resident guide. Never pay a service just for an EIN.
Create an operating agreement
Arizona does not legally require an operating agreement, but banks, investors and courts expect one, and it is the document that protects your limited liability if ownership is ever disputed.
Handle ongoing compliance
Good news: Arizona has no annual report for standard LLCs. Your ongoing duties are keeping a registered agent, renewing any local licenses and handling taxes.
What forming an Arizona LLC involves
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $50 | $85 with standard expedite |
| Faster expedite (optional) | +$100 next day, +$200 same day, +$400 two-hour | Not available by mail |
| Statutory Agent Acceptance (Form M002) | Free | Must be filed with the Articles |
| Member or manager structure attachment | Free | Lists who owns or runs the LLC |
| Newspaper publication | Varies by newspaper | Only if your agent is outside Maricopa and Pima counties |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 | 120 days, not renewable |
| Annual report | None | Arizona LLCs file no annual report |
Fees from the Arizona Corporation Commission LLC fee schedule (PDF). Filing moved to the Commission's new Arizona Business Center in January 2026.
The publication requirement
Under A.R.S. 29-3201, a new LLC must publish a notice of its formation in a newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive issues within 60 days of approval. The exception is an LLC whose statutory agent is in a county with more than 800,000 people, which in practice means Maricopa and Pima; there the Commission posts the notice on its own website at no cost. If your agent is anywhere else, budget for the newspaper and keep the affidavit of publication.
Arizona is not a privacy state
The Articles must list the name and address of every member of a member-managed LLC. For a manager-managed LLC they list every manager plus every member owning 20% or more. With no annual report, that information is never refreshed automatically, so changes to members, managers or addresses must be filed separately.
Taxes
- No annual report and no franchise tax for LLCs. Ongoing state cost is zero if you act as your own agent.
- Transaction privilege tax (TPT): Arizona's version of sales tax. If you sell taxable goods or services, get a TPT license from the Department of Revenue, $12 per location plus any city fees.
- Income tax passes through to the owners' Arizona returns.
Mistakes we see with Arizona LLCs
- Using an agent outside Maricopa or Pima and never publishing the notice.
- Forgetting the Statutory Agent Acceptance, which gets the Articles rejected.
- Assuming the LLC is anonymous when member names are on the Articles.
- Letting the record go stale because there is no annual report to prompt updates.
- Getting the state TPT license and missing city-level licensing.
Official Arizona links
Arizona LLC: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Arizona?
The state filing fee is $50, paid to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Ongoing state cost: none, Arizona has no annual state fee. Optional costs include a registered agent service (typically $100 to $200 per year) if you don't act as your own.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Arizona?
Typical processing time: 14-16 business days (standard). Many states offer paid expedited options if you need the LLC approved faster. The clock starts when the Arizona Corporation Commission receives your filing.
Do I need a registered agent in Arizona?
Yes. Every Arizona LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and official mail. You can serve as your own agent if you have an Arizona address and are available during business hours, or hire a commercial registered agent service.
Does Arizona require an annual report?
No. Arizona is one of the few states with no annual report requirement for standard LLCs, after formation, there is no recurring report to file with the state. You still need to keep your registered agent current and handle any tax obligations.
Do I have to publish my Arizona LLC in a newspaper?
Only if your statutory agent's address is in a county with 800,000 people or fewer, which means everywhere except Maricopa and Pima in practice. Then you must publish a notice for three consecutive issues within 60 days of approval. In Maricopa and Pima the Commission publishes it online for free.
Are Arizona LLC owners public?
Yes. The Articles list every member of a member-managed LLC, and for a manager-managed LLC every manager plus members owning 20% or more, with addresses.
Not sure whether Arizona fits your situation?
Before you choose a filing package, talk through your business, location and goals with a real setup specialist. Get a clear formation roadmap at no cost and with no purchase obligation.
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Compare with other states
Fees and rules last reviewed September 2026. State fees change; always confirm with the Arizona Corporation Commission before filing. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.