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How to Form an LLC in Arizona in 2026

How to Form an LLC in Arizona in 2026

Arizona is one of the easiest and most affordable states to form an LLC. The filing fee is just $50, there's no franchise tax, and no newspaper publication requirement (that requirement was eliminated in 2020).

Here's a complete walkthrough.

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Why Form an LLC in Arizona?

  • $50 filing fee, among the lowest in the country
  • No franchise tax, Arizona doesn't charge LLCs an annual privilege/franchise tax
  • No publication requirement, unlike states like New York and California, Arizona doesn't require you to publish your LLC formation in a newspaper
  • Fast processing, 3–5 business days standard; 24 hours expedited (+$35)
  • Strong privacy, Arizona allows member/manager information to stay off the public record if you use a registered agent

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Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Arizona LLC

Your LLC name must:

  • Be unique, no other Arizona LLC or corporation can have the same name
  • Include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company"
  • Not include words that imply it's a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.)
  • Not use restricted words without approval (Bank, Attorney, University, etc.)

Check name availability: Search the Arizona Corporation Commission database at ecorp.azcc.govecorp.azcc.govhttps://ecorp.azcc.gov/EntitySearch/Index

Also check:

  • Federal trademark database: tmsearch.uspto.govtmsearch.uspto.govhttps://tmsearch.uspto.gov
  • Your domain name availability

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Step 2: Choose a Statutory Agent (Registered Agent)

Arizona requires every LLC to designate a Statutory Agent (the Arizona term for a registered agent). This person or company:

  • Has a physical Arizona street address (no P.O. boxes)
  • Is available during normal business hours to receive legal documents
  • Must be an Arizona resident or a company registered to do business in AZ

Your options:

1. Be your own agent, if you have an Arizona physical address and will be available during business hours

2. Use a registered agent service, recommended if you want privacy or work from home. Services like Northwest Registered Agent, Incfile, or ZenBusiness charge $49–$125/year

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Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File online at [ecorp.azcc.gov](https://ecorp.azcc.gov)

Required information:

  • LLC name
  • Business address (can be your home address or a commercial address)
  • Statutory agent name and address
  • Management structure: member-managed or manager-managed
  • Member/manager names and addresses

Filing fee: $50

Expedited processing: $35 additional (24-hour turnaround)

Once approved, you'll receive your stamped Articles of Organization, save this document, you'll need it to open a bank account.

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Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Arizona doesn't legally require an Operating Agreement, but you should have one. It:

  • Defines ownership percentages
  • Outlines how decisions are made
  • Specifies what happens if a member leaves
  • Protects your LLC's limited liability status

Without one, Arizona's default LLC rules apply, which may not match what you want.

You can find free templates at Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom, or SCORE. For multi-member LLCs, consider having an attorney review it.

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Step 5: Get Your EIN

Apply free at IRS.gov/EINIRS.gov/EINhttps://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online, takes 10 minutes online, instant results.

You'll need your EIN to:

  • Open a business bank account
  • Hire employees
  • File federal taxes

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Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account

Take these documents to your bank:

  • Arizona LLC Articles of Organization (stamped)
  • EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
  • Operating Agreement (some banks require this)
  • Government-issued ID

Recommended banks: Chase, Wells Fargo, or Relay (online, no fees).

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Step 7: Register for Arizona Taxes

Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License:

Required if you sell taxable products or services. Apply at AZTaxes.govAZTaxes.govhttps://aztaxes.gov, $12 one-time fee.

Arizona LLC Annual Report:

Due annually on the anniversary of your LLC formation. Filing fee: $0 (free) for standard, $9 for expedited. File at ecorp.azcc.govecorp.azcc.govhttps://ecorp.azcc.gov.

No franchise tax: Arizona LLCs are not subject to an annual franchise or privilege tax.

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Total Cost to Form an Arizona LLC

| Expense | Cost |

|---|---|

| Articles of Organization filing | $50 |

| Expedited filing (optional) | +$35 |

| Statutory agent service (optional) | $49–$125/year |

| Operating Agreement (DIY) | Free |

| EIN | Free |

| Annual Report (ongoing) | Free |

| Total to start | $50–$210 |

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Common Arizona LLC Mistakes

Forgetting the annual report. It's free to file, but if you miss it, the ACC will administratively dissolve your LLC.

Using a P.O. box for your statutory agent. Not allowed, must be a physical Arizona address.

Not having an operating agreement. Even for single-member LLCs, this document protects your liability shield.

Mixing personal and business finances. Open a separate business bank account from day one.

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