How to Form an LLC in Arizona
Form Your LLCArizona LLC facts
Is Arizona a good state to start an LLC?
Arizona is a solid choice for most small business owners. The state has no annual report requirement for LLCs, which removes one recurring compliance task that trips up entrepreneurs in other states. The $50 filing fee is on the lower end nationally, and the AzCC accepts filings online through its eCorp portal.
The one thing that surprises people is the publication requirement — Arizona is one of a small number of states that still requires LLCs to publish a formation notice in a local newspaper. It's not complicated, but it does add time and a modest cost to the process. Factor that in before you file.
Arizona also has no state-level franchise tax on LLCs, and most LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities, meaning the business itself doesn't pay state income tax — income flows to the members and is reported on their personal returns.
How to form an LLC in Arizona
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Arizona?
The $50 filing fee is fixed. The publication cost is the variable — it depends on the newspaper and the county. Some counties have designated newspapers for legal notices, which can keep costs predictable. Contact the newspaper directly to get a quote before you file.
Arizona's no-annual-report rule is worth noting. Many states charge $50–$300 per year just to keep an LLC in good standing. Arizona skips that entirely, which lowers the long-term cost of running a business here.
What are the ongoing requirements for an Arizona LLC?
If your statutory agent changes, you need to update that information with the AzCC promptly. Your LLC must always have a valid statutory agent with an Arizona street address on file — if that lapses, the AzCC can administratively dissolve your LLC.
Arizona LLCs are also expected to maintain an operating agreement, even though the state doesn't require you to file it. The operating agreement governs how the LLC is run, how profits are split, and how decisions are made. It's an internal document, but it matters if there's ever a dispute between members.
On the tax side, most Arizona LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities. Members report their share of income on their personal state and federal returns. If your LLC has employees, you'll also need to register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for withholding and unemployment tax purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arizona a good state to start an LLC?
Yes, for most small business owners. Arizona has a low $50 filing fee, no annual report requirement, and no state franchise tax on LLCs. The main thing to plan for is the publication requirement — you'll need to publish a formation notice in a local newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks within 60 days of filing. That adds a small cost and some lead time, but it's a straightforward process.
How do I file Articles of Organization in Arizona?
File your Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission online at ecorp.azcc.gov or by mail. You'll need to include a Cover Sheet with every filing. The Articles must list your LLC's name, principal Arizona address, statutory agent name and address, and whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed. The state filing fee is $50.
Download the Articles of Organization form and Cover Sheet from the AzCC Corporations Division website at azcc.gov/divisions/corporations/filings-and-forms-llc.
Does Arizona require a registered agent for an LLC?
Yes. Arizona calls this person a statutory agent rather than a registered agent, but the role is the same. Every Arizona LLC must name a statutory agent in its Articles of Organization. The agent must have a physical street address in Arizona — a P.O. box doesn't qualify. You can serve as your own statutory agent if you have an Arizona address, or use a professional service.
If your statutory agent's information changes, update it with the AzCC right away. An LLC without a valid statutory agent on file can be administratively dissolved by the state.
What is the Arizona LLC publication requirement?
Arizona requires new LLCs to publish a notice of formation in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the LLC's principal place of business is located. The notice must run once per week for 3 consecutive weeks and must be completed within 60 days of the AzCC approving your Articles of Organization.
The notice must include the LLC's name, its principal address, and the name and address of its manager or managing member. After publication, file an affidavit of publication with the AzCC as proof that the requirement is fulfilled. Most newspapers that handle legal notices will walk you through the process.
Does an Arizona LLC need to file an annual report?
No. Arizona does not require LLCs to file an annual report or pay an annual report fee. This is one of the more entrepreneur-friendly aspects of forming an LLC in Arizona — it removes a recurring compliance task and cost that applies in most other states. Your main ongoing obligation is keeping your statutory agent information current with the AzCC.
How do I check if my Arizona LLC name is available?
Use the AzCC's free eCorp entity search tool at ecorp.azcc.gov to check whether your desired LLC name is available. Your name must be distinguishable from all active entities on file with the AzCC. It must also include 'Limited Liability Company,' 'LLC,' or a similar required abbreviation. Certain words like 'bank,' 'trust,' and 'insurance' require additional approval before you can use them.
Form your Arizona LLC
We handle your Arizona LLC paperwork — Articles of Organization, Cover Sheet, and filing with the AzCC — for $0. You pay the $50 Arizona state fee. We take care of the rest.