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An Arizona LLC is formed with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), not the Secretary of State. You file Articles of Organization on the Commission's online portal. The Commission replaced its old eCorp system with a new one, now at arizonabusinesscenter.azcc.gov, and warns that a site called Arizona Business Filings is not affiliated with it. The fee is $50, or $85 expedited. The full price list sits in our Arizona LLC cost guide, so this page sticks to the steps.
What does a name have to look like?
Start with the ending. The ACC says the name must contain "limited liability company" or "limited company", or the abbreviation L.L.C., LLC, L.C. or LC, in upper or lower case.
Two other rules from A.R.S. 29-3112 catch people:
- The name may not contain "association", "corporation" or "incorporated", or an abbreviation of them.
- When names are compared, words that show the type of entity are set aside. A name that differs from another only by an ending such as "Corp." or "Inc." does not count as different.
The name must also be distinguishable on the records of the Commission or the Secretary of State. To hold a name while you get ready, apply to reserve it. The reservation costs $10, or $45 expedited, and holds an available name for 120 days with no renewal. Use our name availability guide for the search.
Who will be your statutory agent?
Arizona calls the registered agent a statutory agent, and every LLC needs one at all times. A domestic LLC, or a foreign LLC authorized in Arizona, can serve as the agent. The details are on our Arizona registered agent page. The agent must accept the appointment, either in the online portal or on a paper form.
How do you file, and how long will it take?
- Pick the name and the statutory agent, and tell the agent so they can accept.
- Log in to the Commission's portal and start the Articles of Organization.
- Pay the filing fee and choose a review speed.
- Wait for approval.
The ACC lists these review speeds, each added to the filing fee:
| Speed | Typical time | Extra cost |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 14 to 16 days | None |
| Expedite | 3 to 5 days | $35 |
| Next day | Next business day | $100 |
| Same day | Same business day | $200 |
| 2 hour | Within 2 hours | $400 |
Current waits are posted on the Commission's processing times page and change each week.
Will you have to publish?
Perhaps. This is the quirk most people have never heard of. Arizona law requires certain documents to be published in a newspaper of general circulation or posted to the Commission's database. The county where the business or its statutory agent sits is usually the deciding factor. After approval, the Commission mails a letter if your filing must be published. The letter is how you find out. Filing the affidavit of publication with the ACC is optional, but keep a copy.
What do you do once the LLC exists?
Write an operating agreement (free template) and apply for an EIN at the IRS (how to get an EIN). Arizona's own tax number is called a TIN. It comes from the Arizona Department of Revenue, and the Commission has no part in issuing it.
What does an Arizona LLC file each year?
At the Commission, nothing. LLCs do not file annual reports. You still owe taxes elsewhere, and you should keep your statutory agent and address current with a Statement of Change. An LLC's principal address can be anywhere under the statutes, though it shows in a public record.
If you live outside Arizona, you can still form here. Read forming an LLC as a non-resident. Comparing neighbours? See California, Nevada and Utah.
When you are ready, use the start an LLC form.
After approval, check the rules in our Arizona business license guide.