AZ · LLC formation
Form LLC in Arizona
Arizona LLC formation is popular for low fees and no LLC annual report — but many counties require a post-formation newspaper publication. ClearFormation files with the Arizona Corporation Commission and includes Arizona registered agent service in every plan.
Arizona requires newspaper publication after filing. You handle it. Within 60 days of approval. $30–$300 outside Maricopa/Pima; $0 in those counties. Read the full Arizona breakdown
Arizona formation at a glance
Key fees, timing, and compliance rules for forming a limited liability company in Arizona with the Arizona ACC.
State filing fee
$50
Processing time
14-16 business days (standard)
Filing agency
Arizona ACC
Registered agent
Required — physical AZ street address
Annual report
Not required for LLCs
Franchise / business tax
None for LLCs
How to form an LLC in Arizona
- 1
Choose a compliant name
- Your name must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company".
- It must be unique on Arizona ACC records.
- Search before you file.
- Words like "bank" may need approval.
- ClearFormation runs a name check before we submit your Articles.
- 2
Appoint a registered agent
- Arizona requires a registered agent (Arizona calls this a statutory agent) with a physical AZ street address.
- They must accept lawsuits and state mail during business hours.
- A commercial agent is for when you don't have a local street address or can't be there during business hours.
- ClearFormation includes agent service in all 50 states.
- 3
File Articles of Organization
- File with the Arizona ACC and pay $50.
- Processing is usually 14-16 business days (standard).
- You will list your name, agent, principal address, and management type.
- ClearFormation prepares and files online for you.
- 4
Create an operating agreement
- Not legally required in Arizona, but every company should have one.
- It sets ownership, voting, and profit splits.
- Banks often ask for it.
- Included with ClearFormation.
- 5
Apply for an EIN
- You need an EIN to open a US bank account, hire staff, and file federal taxes.
- The IRS issues EINs for free.
- ClearFormation can file Form SS-4 for you — including for non-US founders without an SSN.
- 6
Get the licenses and permits your business needs
- State approval does not replace city, county, or professional licenses.
- Check local Arizona rules for your industry.
- Contractors, restaurants, and healthcare often need extra permits.
- 7
File annual reports and stay compliant
- Arizona does not require an LLC annual report.
- Keep your agent active.
- File federal taxes.
- Renew local licenses on time.
Form your AZ LLC now
We prepare the filing, include a AZ registered agent, and walk you through the rest.
Typical timeline after you file
Day 0 — Submit filing
Pay $50 to the Arizona ACC. Online filings in Arizona usually process in 14-16 business days (standard).
Week 1 — Get stamped articles
Save the approved formation document. You need it for banking.
Week 1–2 — EIN and bank account
Apply for a federal tax ID, then open a business checking account. See our EIN guide.
Week 1–8 — Newspaper publication
Within 60 days of approval. Publish a Notice for 3 weeks within 60 days. Waived if your agent is in Maricopa or Pima County. ClearFormation does not run publication for you.
Week 2–4 — Operating agreement and licenses
Sign your internal rules. Check city and county license rules for your industry.
Ongoing — Compliance calendar
Keep your registered agent active and file federal taxes on time.
LLC vs corporation in Arizona: which should you form?
Most Arizona founders ask this exact question. Both entities give you the same personal-liability shield. The real differences are taxes, ownership, and the kind of capital you can raise. A corporation can be taxed as a C-Corp or an S-Corp — that is a tax election, not a different state filing.
Form an LLC in Arizona if
- • You're owner-operated or have a small group of founders and want pass-through tax (no corporate-level tax).
- • You don't plan to raise from US institutional venture capital.
- • You want minimal ongoing paperwork — no required board meetings, no shareholder formalities.
- • You're a consulting business, ecommerce store, agency, real-estate holding company, or freelancer.
Form a corporation in Arizona if
- • You plan to raise from venture capital, angels via SAFEs, or eventually go public.
- • You want to issue stock options to employees (an ISO plan requires a C-Corp).
- • You need multiple share classes (preferred for investors, common for founders).
- • You're targeting a strategic acquisition where the acquirer expects a clean cap table.
Raising venture capital? Most US VC-backed startups incorporate as a Delaware C-Corp — see our LLC vs C-Corp guide. An LLC in Arizona is usually the right fit for operating businesses that won't take priced VC rounds.
Out-of-state companies doing business in Arizona
If your company was formed elsewhere but you operate in Arizona, you typically need to foreign-qualify with the Arizona ACC. That means filing a Certificate of Authority (or equivalent), appointing an in-state registered agent (Arizona calls this a statutory agent), and paying a state fee. Domestic formation in AZ is different — you file Articles of Organization as a new entity.
Who usually forms in Arizona?
Most AZ filings come from founders who live or work in the state. Common examples:
- Freelancers and consultants who want a liability shield
- Local shops, agencies, and professional services firms
- Real-estate investors holding property in Arizona
- E-commerce brands with customers or inventory in the US
- Non-US founders who need a US entity and bank account
Pick Arizona when you have real ties here. If you only operate elsewhere, your home state (or the state where you work) is usually cheaper than forming in AZ and then foreign-qualifying.
Newspaper publication in Arizona
After the Arizona ACC approves your LLC, you may need to publish in a local newspaper. ClearFormation does not handle this step.
- Deadline: Within 60 days of approval
- Where: ACC-approved newspaper in your agent's county — 3 weeks; waived in Maricopa and Pima
- Typical cost: $30–$300 outside Maricopa/Pima; $0 in those counties
- Your task: contact the approved newspaper, run the notice, and keep proof of publication.
See our Arizona publication guide for county rules and step-by-step instructions.
Arizona formation FAQs
Also for Arizona founders: Form a corporation in Arizona · Arizona registered agent
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