How to Form an LLC in Arizona (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to form a Arizona LLC: state filing fee ($50), processing time (14-16 business days), annual compliance, taxes, and the exact 7-step process. Reviewed by IRS Enrolled Agents.
To form an LLC in Arizona, file the Articles of Organization with the Arizona Secretary of State (fee: $50), appoint a registered agent with a Arizona street address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and adopt an operating agreement. Standard processing takes 14-16 business days. Arizona has no annual report requirement. With Gullia Filing, total first-year cost is $199 (all-inclusive: state fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement).
Arizona LLC Cost Breakdown
Total transparent pricing for forming and maintaining a Arizona LLC. No surprise upsells, no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona SoS filing fee | $50 | One-time, paid to the state |
| Expedited processing (optional) | +$35 | Reduces wait to 5-7 business days |
| Registered agent (year 1) | Included | Included free in every Gullia package |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | Included | Filed with the IRS, no extra charge |
| Operating agreement | Included | Attorney-reviewed, state-compliant |
| Gullia Filing Starter service fee | $149 | Flat fee, no upsells |
| Newspaper publication (required) | $30-$300 (varies by county; Maricopa and Pima counties exempt) | Paid to newspapers, we coordinate |
| Total first-year cost | $199 | All-inclusive, no surprises |
The 7-Step Arizona LLC Formation Process
Every Arizona LLC follows the same core process. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what Gullia Filing handles on your behalf.
Choose a Arizona LLC name
Pick a name that includes "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and is distinguishable from existing Arizona entities. Our free name check tool verifies availability against the Arizona Secretary of State database in seconds.
Appoint a Arizona registered agent
Arizona requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and tax notices. Gullia Filing provides this service in every package, protecting your privacy and ensuring you never miss a critical filing.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit formation paperwork to the Arizona Secretary of State with a $50 filing fee. Expedited processing is available for $35 additional. We handle the filing electronically and forward your certified copy within 14-16 business days.
Obtain your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Included free in every Gullia Filing package.
Draft an operating agreement
An operating agreement establishes member rights, profit distributions, management structure, and dispute resolution. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one on file for bank account opening and to reinforce the corporate veil. We provide a state-compliant, attorney-reviewed template in every package.
Complete the Arizona publication requirement
Arizona requires publication of the LLC formation notice in a local newspaper. Cost varies by county ($30-$300 (varies by county; Maricopa and Pima counties exempt)). We coordinate this and file the Certificate of Publication for you.
Register for Arizona taxes and licenses
Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for state tax IDs, sales tax permits if applicable, and any industry-specific licenses. Our compliance calendar tracks every deadline automatically.
Open a US business bank account
With your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement, you can open a US business bank account. We provide bank-ready document packages and can introduce you to fintech partners that accept remote onboarding.
Arizona LLC Tax Obligations
State tax summary
No annual state fees. 2.5% flat personal income tax (2024) on pass-through LLC members who are Arizona residents.
Franchise tax: No franchise tax. 4.9% corporate income tax on C-Corp elections.
Federal tax defaults
A single-member Arizona LLC is treated as a disregarded entity federally (income flows to Schedule C or E of the owner's Form 1040). A multi-member LLC defaults to partnership taxation (Form 1065). You may elect S-Corp status (Form 2553) or C-Corp status (Form 8832) if it reduces overall tax.
See tax and accounting servicesWhy form your LLC in Arizona
- No annual report and no franchise tax — zero recurring state cost.
- One of the lowest flat state income tax rates (2.5%) for Arizona-resident members.
- Publication requirement is waived in Maricopa (Phoenix) and Pima (Tucson) counties, where 80% of businesses operate.
Things to watch for in Arizona
- Publication in a newspaper is required for LLCs formed outside Maricopa/Pima counties within 60 days — miss it and dissolution follows.
- Standard filings can take 3+ weeks; budget for expedited processing if you need to open a bank account quickly.
Top industries for Arizona LLCs
Gullia Filing vs Alternatives (Arizona)
The state filing fee is the same everywhere. What differs is the service fee, what is included, and how transparent the pricing is.
| Provider | Base service fee | Registered agent Y1 | EIN included | Operating agreement | Total first year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullia Filing (Starter) | $149 | Included | Yes (free) | Yes (attorney-reviewed) | $199 |
| DIY (file yourself) | $0 | $50-150 or self | Self (free) | No (buy separately) | $50+ |
| Bizee (Silver) | $0 + upsells | Free Y1, $119/yr after | Upsell ($70) | Upsell ($99) | $219+ |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $249 | Upsell ($299/yr) | Upsell ($79) | Upsell ($99) | $776+ |
| Northwest RA | $39 | $125/yr | Upsell ($200) | Yes (template) | $414+ |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $0 + $199/yr | Free Y1, $199/yr after | Upsell ($99) | Upsell ($99) | $249+ |
Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of 2026. State filing fee ($50) is paid to Arizona and identical across providers. Verify current pricing directly with each provider before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about forming an LLC in Arizona, answered by our Enrolled Agents.
Compare Arizona to nearby states
Ready to form your Arizona LLC?
Flat $149 service fee. State fee $50 paid directly to Arizona. EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement included. No upsells, no surprises.