How to Start an LLC in Arizona (2026)
Filing your Arizona LLC costs $50 by mail through the Arizona Corporation Commission, with approval typically taking 9 to 11 business days. Here's exactly how to get it done.
In This Article
What You'll Learn in This Guide
This guide walks you through every step to legally form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Arizona — from picking a name to staying compliant year after year. We've kept it practical, current, and free of unnecessary fluff.
Note
Arizona LLC formation costs $50 in state fees. Most founders complete the process in 9-11 business days, either DIY or through a formation service starting at $0.
Arizona LLC: Quick Facts
Last Verified: Feb 2026- Filing Fee (Online)
- $50
- Processing Time
- 9-11 business days
- Expedited Available
- No
- None required
- N/A
- State Income Tax
- Yes
- Sales Tax Rate
- 5.6%
- Filed With
- Arizona Corporation Commission
- Last Verified
- February 21, 2026
What You Need to Know About Forming an LLC in Arizona
An Arizona LLC puts a legal wall between your personal assets and your business liabilities. If your LLC gets sued or takes on debt, your house, car, and savings stay protected. That separation is the whole point of forming one.
Arizona stands out for a few reasons. There's no annual report requirement, which means less ongoing paperwork and no recurring state compliance fee. However, most new LLCs must publish a notice of formation in a local newspaper within 60 days of filing. If your registered agent (called a "statutory agent" in Arizona) is located in Maricopa or Pima County, you're exempt from this publication requirement.
The formation process is straightforward. You'll pick a name, designate a statutory agent, file your articles of organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission, and handle a few post-formation tasks like getting an EIN and publishing your notice. Most founders can complete everything within a few weeks.
Choose a Name for Your Arizona LLC
Your LLC name must meet Arizona's naming rules and be distinguishable from every other business registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Arizona law requires your LLC name to be distinguishable from any entity already on file with the Arizona Corporation Commission. You can search existing names for free using the Commission's online business search tool. If your ideal name is available but you're not ready to file yet, you can reserve it for 120 days for a $10 fee.
Search available names →Arizona LLC Naming Requirements
Name Reservation (Optional)
- Fee: $10
- Reserves your name for 120 days
- File through the Arizona Corporation Commission
State Specific
Arizona uses the term "statutory agent" instead of "registered agent," but the naming rules for your LLC itself follow standard state conventions.
Pro Tip
Search the Arizona Corporation Commission's business name database before you get attached to a name. It's free and takes two minutes.
Choose a Statutory Agent in Arizona
Arizona calls its registered agent a "statutory agent." This person or company accepts legal documents on behalf of your LLC and must have a physical address in Arizona.
Your statutory agent is the person or company authorized to receive legal notices, tax documents, and service of process for your LLC. Arizona requires the agent to have a physical street address in Arizona. P.O. boxes are not allowed. The agent can be an individual who is an Arizona resident, a domestic corporation or LLC, or a foreign entity authorized to do business in Arizona.
Your Three Options
- Be your own statutory agent (free, but your address goes on public record and you must be available during business hours)
- Ask a trusted person in Arizona (they must have a physical Arizona address and be reliably available)
- Hire a professional statutory agent service (typically $50 to $300 per year, keeps your address private and ensures nothing gets missed)
State Specific
Arizona uses the term "statutory agent" rather than "registered agent." They serve the same function.
Pro Tip
If you work from home and use your home address as the statutory agent address, that address becomes part of the public record. A professional service keeps your personal address private.
File Your Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission
This is the official filing that creates your LLC. You'll submit Form L010 to the Arizona Corporation Commission either online or by mail.
Your articles of organization (Form L010) include your LLC's name, your statutory agent's name and address, your management structure (member-managed or manager-managed), and the LLC's principal address. You can file online through the Arizona Corporation Commission's eCorp portal or by mailing the completed form to their Phoenix office.
File Online
File by Mail
$50
Mail Filing Fee
one-time
9-11 days
Mail Processing
business days
2-4 days
Expedited Option
additional fee applies
After your articles are approved, remember the publication requirement. If your statutory agent's address is outside Maricopa or Pima County, you'll need to publish a Notice of Formation in a newspaper in the statutory agent's county for three consecutive runs within 60 days. Contact a local newspaper in that county to arrange it. Expect to pay between $60 and $120.
State Specific
Arizona requires most new LLCs to publish a Notice of Formation in a local newspaper within 60 days of approval. If your statutory agent is in Maricopa or Pima County, you're exempt from this requirement.
Important
If your statutory agent is outside Maricopa or Pima County, you must publish a Notice of Formation in a newspaper in the county of your statutory agent for three consecutive runs within 60 days. Missing this deadline can put your LLC's good standing at risk. Publication typically costs between $60 and $120.
Recommended: ZenBusiness
Beginner-friendly LLC formation with transparent pricing and a free starter option. From $0 + state fees.
Get an EIN for Your Arizona LLC
An EIN is a federal tax ID number for your business. You need one to open a bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.
Apply for your EIN directly through the IRS website at no cost. The online application takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your EIN immediately upon completion. You'll need your LLC's legal name and articles of organization approval date.
Apply for your EIN on IRS.gov →Create an Operating Agreement for Your Arizona LLC
An operating agreement defines how your LLC is owned, managed, and run. Arizona doesn't legally require one, but operating without it leaves your business vulnerable.
Arizona does not require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but skipping one is a mistake. Without it, default Arizona LLC statutes govern your business. That may not match what you actually want, especially when it comes to profit distribution, decision-making authority, or what happens if a member leaves. Banks may also ask to see your operating agreement when you open a business account.
Key Sections to Include
Pro Tip
Even single-member LLCs benefit from an operating agreement. It reinforces the legal separation between you and your business, which is exactly what protects your personal assets.
Open a Business Bank Account for Your Arizona LLC
A dedicated business bank account keeps your personal and business finances separate, which is essential for maintaining your LLC's liability protection.
Mixing personal and business money is one of the fastest ways to lose your LLC's liability protection. If a court finds that you treated your LLC's funds as your own, they can "pierce the corporate veil" and hold you personally liable. A separate business bank account is your first line of defense against that. Use it for all business income and expenses from day one.
What to Bring to the Bank
- Approved articles of organization from the Arizona Corporation Commission
- Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
- A copy of your operating agreement
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Your LLC's principal business address
Pro Tip
Many Arizona banks and credit unions offer free business checking accounts for small LLCs. Shop around before committing.
Publication Requirement
Arizona requires LLCs to publish a notice of formation in a local newspaper.
Notice of formation must be published in a newspaper in the county of the LLC's statutory agent for three consecutive runs within 60 days of LLC formation. This requirement does not apply if the statutory agent is located in Maricopa or Pima counties. The estimated cost is typically between $60 and $120.
Important
Failure to meet the publication deadline can result in the suspension of your LLC.
Top 3 LLC Formation Services
We've independently reviewed the top LLC formation services in Arizona. Here's how they compare.
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Northwest Registered Agent Best Privacy | Tailor Brands Best for Branding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $39 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
| Formation Speed | 1-10 business days | Same-day filing | 2-14 business days |
| Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Lifetime Corporate Guides | Phone, Chat, Email |
| States Covered | 50 states | 50 states | 50 states |
| In Business Since | 2015 | 1998 | 2014 |
| Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → |
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do Next
Once your Arizona LLC is approved, take these steps to set your business up for success.
Get an EIN
Apply for free in about 10 minutes at IRS.gov — required before opening a bank account or hiring anyone.
Open a Business Bank Account
Keep personal and business finances separate from day one. Bring your EIN, Articles of Organization, and a government ID.
Create an Operating Agreement
Even if Arizona does not require one, an operating agreement protects your liability shield and defines how the LLC is managed.
File Your None required
Set a calendar reminder now. Missing your None required deadline can result in late fees or administrative dissolution.
Ready To File?
Start your Arizona LLC with ZenBusiness — guided filing and compliance support included.
About the Author
Legal & Compliance Analyst
Daniel grew up in the shadow of Silicon Valley but chose the legal route over engineering, working as a paralegal for a corporate law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. He realized that early-stage founders were constantly making catastrophic legal mistakes because they couldn't afford a $500/hour attorney, prompting his move to B2B media.
Was this article helpful?