Form an LLC in Arizona

A limited liability company (LLC) is a legal entity that separates the assets of an individual from the debts and obligations of a company. Forming an LLC in Arizona is a multi-step process that starts with the completion of the Articles of Organization, which are then filed with the Arizona Corporate Commission.

Arizona Registered Agent LLC, in addition to providing registered agent (called a “statutory agent” in Arizona) service, can also form your LLC from start to finish. That’s what we like to call “blissful simplicity.”

Arizona LLC Formation Package Includes:

• Completed & Filed Articles of Organization
• One Year of Statutory Agent Service
• Digital & Original Copies of Documents
• Safe & Secure Client Account

Advantages of Forming an Arizona LLC

Flexible.
LLCs, unlike corporations, are not required to hold shareholder or board meetings.

Convenient.
Unlike most other states, Arizona does not require its LLCs to file annual reports

Inexpensive.
Forming an LLC costs significantly less than forming other business entities in Arizona.

Arizona Corporation vs. Arizona LLC

How to Form an LLC in Arizona

We believe in business and we want yours to be a success–even if you choose to form your Arizona LLC on your own. Here’s a brief guide to DIY.

1. 1. Choose a Name

      All LLCs in Arizona must have a unique and distinguishable name that includes the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “LLC.” Before your complete the Articles of Organization, it’s a good idea to check and see if the name you want is available by searching the Arizona Corporations Database.

   2. Choose a Statutory Agent

      All business entities formed in Arizona are required to list a statutory agent.

      What is a statutory agent?
      A statutory agent is a person or legal entity that is responsible for receiving legal documents and all official notices from the Arizona Corporate Commission on behalf of the LLC. In some states, the statutory agent is called a registered agent. Statutory agents must have a physical street address located in Arizona. PO box addresses do not count.

Why choose Arizona Registered Agent LLC?

Here are just a few reasons.

1. 1. Complete the Articles of Organization

      The Articles of Incorporation is a single document that is required to form an LLC in Arizona. The Articles or Organization must include the following information

      • The LLC name (see step 1)
      • The name and address of the statutory agent (see step 2)
      • The names and addresses of the LLC members or managers
      • If the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed

      Who is the organizer of the LLC?
      An organizer of an LLC in Arizona is the individual responsible for signing the Articles of Organization. It is possible for the organizer to be a member or a manager or an LLC, however, they do not have to be. By signing the Articles of Organization, the organizer does not assume any interest in the LLC.

   2. Submit the Articles of Organization

      The Articles of Organization can be submitted online, via fax, or mailed to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

      Electronic Submission	Fax Submission	Mail Submission
      ecorp.azcc.gov/Entity	602-542-4100	Arizona Corporation Commission Corporate Filings Section 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona 85007

      The ACC does not currently offer same day service for LLC formation. For processing updates, please visit the ACC Corporations Division Document Processing Times website.

      Fee Type	Price	Filing Date
      Filing Fee	$50.00	50 days
      Expedited Processing	Filing Fee + $35.00	1 day

      If the Articles of Organization meet all filing requirements and all fees are paid, the LLC is formed when the Articles or Organization are delivered to the Arizona Corporate Commission. If the filing requirements are not met or the required fees are not paid, the ACC will send notice that additional information is needed to comply with the requirements. You will have thirty days from that notice to meet the requirements.

      All faxed and mailed Articles of Organization should be submitted with a cover sheet. A PDF of the required cover sheet can be found on the ACC website in the “Miscellaneous Forms” section. This form should be submitted with the required payment for the LLC formation.

      	CASH	CREDIT CARD	CHECK/MONEY ORDER
      Mail Submission	NO	NO	YES
      In-person Submission	YES	YES	YES
      Online Submission	NO	YES	NO

      If you are paying by check, make checks out to “Arizona Corporation Commission.” To submit your Articles of Organization online, please visit the Arizona Corporate Commission website.

   3. Publish a Notice of Formation

      Except in Maricopa and Pima counties, Arizona requires LLCs to publish a Notice of Publication with a print newspaper in the county of formation. A Notice of Publication is required to include:

      • The file number provided by the Arizona Corporate Commission
      • The LLC name
      • The address of the statutory agent
      • LLC membership information

      If you are required to publish the Notice of Publication for your LLC, the Arizona Corporate Commission will inform you once the Articles of Organization are approved for filing. The Notice of Publication is required to be published for three consecutive weeks. To compare rates for publication cost, consult the acceptable publications listed by the ACC.

      Once the Notice of Publication is published, an Affidavit of Publication is sent from the newspaper to the principal business address of your LLC. This document certifies that the Notice of Publication has been published for three consecutive weeks. Keep a copy of this affidavit with your business records.

      Failure to comply with the Arizona publication requirements will result in the dissolution of your LLC.

      Do I need to record my Affidavit of Publication with the Arizona Corporate Commission?
      You are not legally required to record your Affidavit of Publication with the Arizona Corporate Commission. However, it is a good idea so that there is evidence of compliance on file. There is no charge to record your Affidavit of Publication.

   4. File the Beneficial Ownership Information Report

      Unless your LLC is one of a few exempt types, you must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within 30 days of forming your business with the state of Arizona, or within 90 days if formed in the year 2024. LLCs created before 2024 have until January 1, 2025 to file.

      You’ll need to include information about your LLC and about the people with the most influence over your LLC and its formation: beneficial owners and company applicants.

      LLC Information	Beneficial Owner and Company Applicant Information
      Legal company name DBAs or trade names Principal address Jurisdiction of formation Tax ID (EIN, SSN, or TIN)	Full name Residential address Date of birth Photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license)

      Note: If your LLC was formed before 2024, you can skip the information about company applicants.

      BOI reports are filed online through FinCEN’s secure database, which is not accessible to the general public. Filing is free. If you knowingly file a report with incorrect information or fail to file, you can face fines up $10,000 or even up to 2 years of jail time.

      Who are beneficial owners and company applicants?

      A beneficial owner is any person who holds 25% or more of LLC ownership interest or who exercises substantial control over business operations and decisions. A company applicant is the person in charge of filing your Articles of Organization or directing them to be filed (if different). You can list up to two company applicants and as many beneficial owners as necessary.

      Do I have to file a BOI report for my Arizona LLC?
      Probably. There are some exceptions, but these are typically for companies that already report ownership information. If you don’t want to file your BOI report, the good news is you can hire us to do it for you for only $9.

   5. Maintain Your LLC

      Depending on what your business is, maintenance of your LLC may require additional tasks after formation such as:

      • Preparing an operating agreement
      • Obtaining an Employer Identification Number from the IRS
      • Applying for additional business licenses and permits
      • Obtaining a Transaction Privilege Tax License
      • Reporting LLC changes

      ---

      Arizona LLC Maintenance
      Frequently Asked Questions

      What is an operating agreement and do I need one?
      An operating agreement outlines how the LLC will conduct business functions. Elements of the operating agreement include: the management structure of the LLC, powers and duties of managers, buyout rules, how to amend the operating agreement, what to do if a member dies, and how to resolve disagreements between members. An operating agreement is not required to form an LLC in Arizona. However, it is a good idea to have one.

      What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and do I need one?
      An EIN is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue System (IRS). You can apply for an EIN online by visiting the IRS website. EINs are used by the IRS for federal tax purposes. You will need to obtain an EIN if your LLC has employees or if you want to open a business banking account.

      What is a trade name (DBA) and do I need one?
      DBA stands for “doing business as.” Many Arizona companies choose to operate under a trade name because it allows for franchising and branding. If you’re interested in registering a trade name, select our Trade Name Service inside your account after you sign up for our business formation service. We will register your company’s trade name for $125 (plus state fees) and keep your name off the paperwork.

      Depending on what type of business your LLC is conducting, you may need to apply for additional licenses and permits. The best way to find out if your LLC needs additional licenses and permits is to visit the State of Arizona Department of Revenue website.There are three basic types of licensing in Arizona:

      • Local Business/Occupational License/Permits
        Each town or city you plan to do business in may require varying licenses and permits. Check in with the “City/Town Offices” section of the Arizona Commerce Authority’s Checklist Program website to find out if you will need licenses and how to obtain them.
      • Regulatory (Professional/Special) Licensing/Permits
        Licensing and permit needs for businesses varying at state, local, and federal government levels. The Arizona Commerce Authority’s Checklist Program website can help you identify which licenses and permits your LLC may be subject to.
      • Statewide Transaction Privilege Tax License
        If your LLC is selling a product or entering into transactions subject to the transaction privilege tax (TPT), you will need to obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax License from the Arizona Department of Revenue.

      What is the Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax?
      The TPT is a tax on vendors in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Revenue collects these taxes for most counties, however, some cities in Arizona collect them independently. Tax rates are varied based on the county and city that the LLC is operating in.

      TPT licenses are valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually. Fees for renewal vary by jurisdiction.

      For more information on TPT, or to file your TPT, you can visit the Arizona Department of Revenue website or call 1-844-698-9176.

      How do I report changes to my LLC?
      If the known place of business or statutory agent of your LLC changes, you are required to report this information to the Arizona Commerce Commission. To do so, you must submit an LLC Statemenet of Change of Known Business Address of Statutory Agent form, a Statutory Agent Acceptance form, and a cover sheet to the ACC via mail or fax. The filing fee is $5. To expedite this form, there is an optional $35 fee.