How to Form an LLC in Arizona (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps

Arizona makes LLC formation straightforward with a $50 filing fee and no publication requirement statewide—though Maricopa and Pima counties require newspaper publication within 60 days of formation, adding $40-80 to your startup costs. You'll file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission, appoint a registered agent with a physical Arizona address, and obtain your federal EIN. Arizona has no franchise tax and no annual report—just a simple annual statutory agent verification that costs nothing. Most Arizona LLCs are operational within 5-10 business days, making it one of the faster, more affordable states for small business formation.

Year-1 Cost Table

Arizona LLC year-1 cost breakdown (2026)
Item Cost Source
Articles of Organization (Arizona Corporation Commission) $50 cite
Maricopa/Pima County Publication (if applicable) $40-80 cite
Registered Agent (Northwest, annual) $125 cite
Expedited Processing (optional, 3-day) $35 cite
Year-1 Total (with publication, standard processing) $215-255 cite

The 6 Steps

  1. Step 1: File Articles of Organization

    Submit the formation document to the Arizona Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.

  2. Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

    Every Arizona LLC needs a registered agent with a Arizona street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.

  3. Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

    Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.

  4. Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement

    Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.

  5. Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

    Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.

  6. Step 6: File State Tax Registrations

    Register for Arizona state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.

Recommended Tools

Northwest vs ZenBusiness for Arizona LLCs

Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for Arizona LLCs. They publish a Arizona-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.

Criterion Northwest ZenBusiness
Registered-agent only price (Arizona)$125/yr$199/yr
Bundled formationOptional add-onIncluded in formation plans
Privacy (address shielding)StrongStrong
Upsells at checkoutNoneSeveral
Annual-report filing service$100/yr add-on$199/yr add-on

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to publish my Arizona LLC formation in a newspaper?

Only if your LLC's known place of business is in Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County. You must publish a Notice of Filing in a newspaper of general circulation for three consecutive publications within 60 days of filing, then file an Affidavit of Publication with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Most newspapers charge $40-80 for this service. If your principal office is outside these counties, no publication is required.

Does Arizona charge franchise tax or have an annual LLC fee?

No. Arizona has no franchise tax and no annual report fee for LLCs. You only file a free annual statutory agent verification online to confirm your registered agent's address remains current. This makes Arizona one of the lowest ongoing-cost states for LLC maintenance.

How long does Arizona LLC formation take?

Standard processing is 5-10 business days. You can expedite to 3 business days for an additional $35 fee, or same-day processing for $1,000 (rarely needed). Most founders use standard processing and are approved within a week.

Can I be my own registered agent in Arizona?

Yes, if you have a physical street address in Arizona and are present during business hours to accept service of process. Most single-member LLCs use Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) to maintain privacy and ensure reliable compliance, since your registered agent's address is public record on the Arizona Corporation Commission website.

Do I need a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license for my Arizona LLC?

If your LLC sells tangible goods, provides taxable services, or engages in retail activity in Arizona, you must register for a TPT license with the Arizona Department of Revenue. The application is free, but you'll need your federal EIN and Arizona entity number from the Corporation Commission. Not all business types require TPT registration—consult the Arizona Department of Revenue or a local CPA if unsure.

Annual Filing Deadline

Arizona does not require an annual report—only an annual statutory agent verification filed online at no cost, due each year by the anniversary of your formation date.

Authoritative Sources

Other States

Skip the research — let AthenAI form your Arizona LLC