How to Form an LLC in Arizona (2026)
Everything you need to start a Arizona LLC — from choosing a name to staying compliant after formation.
Form in your home state if you operate locally
Unless you have investors or specific legal needs, forming your LLC in Arizona (where you do business) is simpler and cheaper than Delaware or Wyoming — you avoid registering as a foreign LLC in two states.LLC Operating Agreement Template
A professionally drafted LLC Operating Agreement template covering ownership percentages, management structure, profit distribution, and member exit procedures. Includes both single-member and multi-member versions — the one document every LLC needs.
- Single-member AND multi-member versions — switch between them with one click
- Covers ownership percentages, voting rights, and profit splits
- Member exit and buyout provisions — prevents future disputes
- Accepted by banks for business account opening
- Fillable HTML + editable Word (.docx) — fill in browser or Microsoft Word
Code SUMMER20 = 20% off at checkout
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Step-by-Step: Forming a Arizona LLC
Choose a name for your LLC
Your LLC name must be unique in Arizona and must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." Search the Arizona Secretary of State's business name database before filing to confirm availability. You can typically reserve a name for 30–120 days for a small fee.
Appoint a registered agent
Every Arizona LLC must have a registered agent — a person or company with a physical Arizona address available during business hours to receive legal notices and state correspondence. You can serve as your own registered agent, or hire a registered agent service ($50–$150/year) for privacy and reliability.
File your Articles of Organization
Submit your Articles of Organization to the Arizona Secretary of State along with the $50 filing fee. Standard processing takes approximately 14 business days. Expedited processing is available: 3.
Publication requirement: Arizona requires newspaper publication within 60 days of formation unless your known place of business is in Maricopa or Pima county (estimated $50–$300).
Create an Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement governs how your LLC is managed, how profits are split, and what happens if a member leaves. Arizona may not require one, but having one is strongly recommended — it protects your limited liability status and prevents disputes.
Get an EIN from the IRS
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) at irs.gov/ein. You'll need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. The application takes about 10 minutes and your EIN is issued immediately online.
Open a business bank account
Keep business finances strictly separate from personal accounts. Commingling funds is one of the most common reasons courts "pierce the corporate veil" and hold LLC members personally liable. Bring your EIN, Articles of Organization, and Operating Agreement to the bank.
Get business licenses and permits
Depending on your industry and location, you may need federal, state, or local business licenses. Check with your city and county clerk's office and the Arizona state licensing portal for requirements specific to your business type.
Stay compliant after formation
Arizona does not require annual reports for LLCs, but stay on top of any state and local tax filings.
Arizona requires publication in a newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks (~$30–$100 depending on county).
Form Your Arizona LLC Today
Skip the paperwork. LegalZoom files your Arizona LLC for $50 + their service fee — includes registered agent options, operating agreement, and fast filing in most states.
A local attorney bills $300+/hour for this. LegalZoom does it flat-fee, online.
EIN is free and takes 10 minutes
Apply at irs.gov/ein — no third-party service required. You'll receive your EIN instantly and need it to open a business bank account and file taxes.Arizona LLC — Cost Summary
| Filing fee | $50 |
| Document name | Articles of Organization |
| Annual report fee | None |
| Publication cost | $100 |
| Franchise tax | None |
| Standard processing | 14 business days |
| Expedited processing | 3 |
| Est. year-1 total | $150+ |
Source: Arizona Secretary of State ↗
LLC Operating Agreement Template
A professionally drafted LLC Operating Agreement template covering ownership percentages, management structure, profit distribution, and member exit procedures. Includes both single-member and multi-member versions — the one document every LLC needs.
Code SUMMER20 = 20% off at checkout
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Arizona?
How long does it take to form an LLC in Arizona?
Do I need a registered agent for my Arizona LLC?
What is the annual fee for an LLC in Arizona?
Can I be my own registered agent in Arizona?
What taxes does a Arizona LLC pay?
Registered agent — don't skip this
Your registered agent's address is publicly listed in the state business registry. Using a commercial service keeps your home address off public records and ensures no lawsuit notices are missed when you're away.Form Your Arizona LLC — Done Right
Firstbase files your Articles of Organization, sets up your registered agent, and keeps you on top of annual reports — all from one dashboard. Flat fee includes the $50 state filing cost.
Law-firm LLC setup runs $1,000+. Firstbase handles it for a fraction.