How To Form An LLC in Arizona
Are you looking to start your own business in Arizona? If so, you may be wondering how to go about setting up your Limited Liability Company (LLC). The LLC is a popular business structure in Arizona. The LLC provides asset protection, protection from business debts, and can save money on taxes. With a little research, you can learn how to form an LLC in Arizona without an attorney.
Unlike a sole proprietorship or partnership, where the small business owner can be held personally liable for lawsuits against the business, the LLC is a separate legal structure that protects the business owner’s personal assets.
Besides the liability protection, the Limited Liability Company provides several other benefits over the sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation because of the multiple tax options, ease of administration, and management flexibility.
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Steps to Form an Arizona LLC
This guide will walk you through the process of starting an LLC in Arizona, including everything you need to know about fees, paperwork, and more. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Choose an LLC Name
The first step in forming an Arizona Limited Liability Company is to make sure the name you want is available. There can’t be another LLC in Arizona with the same name as the one you want. If you pick a name that already exists, a message will pop up, saying, “The entity name is not available.” If there is a conflicting Trade Name, you must choose another entity name; otherwise, the system won’t let you move forward.
Related: How to search available LLC names in Arizona
There are a few requirements to note when naming an LLC in Arizona.
For starters, the legal name of the LLC must include the following words or abbreviations at the end of the name:
– Limited Liability Company
– Limited Company
– LLC
– L.L.C.
– LC
– L.C.
Additionally, the name may not contain the words or abbreviations; “association,” “corporation,” or “incorporated” or use words such as “bank,” “deposit,” “credit union,” “trust,” or “trust company” unless the LLC is registered to operate as such.
If you have a name you like but aren’t ready to file for the LLC, a name reservation can be made for up to 120 days before filing the LLC. To do so, fill out the Application to Reserve Limited Liability Company Name with the Arizona Corporation Commission. The cost to reserve the name is $10.
Another consideration when selecting a business name is also searching to be sure a domain name is also available.
Step 2: Arizona Statutory Agent Information
A statutory agent (referred to as a registered agent or resident agent in some states) is an individual or company with a physical presence in the state of Arizona. The statutory agent acts as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc., on behalf of the LLC.
An individual can be the Arizona LLC statutory agent. This can be the owner, family member, accountant, employee, etc., provided they are at least 18 years old, have a physical street address in Arizona, and are generally available to receive service of process during normal business hours. The agent ensures that the company receives all important documents, such as tax forms, summons, summons, and other legal documents, in a reasonable time frame.
Any individual meeting the above requirements can be the agent, however, the agent’s name and address becomes public record, and with that comes a loss of privacy. This is more important for some entrepreneurs, especially when they are doing business from home or are still employed. Hiring a commercial statutory agent service like Northwest Registered Agent will help keep the owner’s names from being publicly listed.
The Arizona statutory agent must accept the confirmation email or accept the appointment in writing. This will be completed by submitting the Statutory Agent Acceptance form from the Arizona Corporate Commission within seven days of receipt. Not confirming will delay the filing of the LLC until accepted.
Learn more about the requirements for a statutory agent in Arizona
Step 3: File the Arizona Articles of Organization
The paperwork to create an LLC in Arizona is called Articles of Organization.
To file, either download the Arizona LLC Articles of Organization (Form L010) or create an eCorp account on Arizona Corporation Commission’s website.
All faxed and mailed Articles of Organization will need to be sent with a cover sheet. A PDF of the required cover sheet can be found on the Arizona Corporation Commission website in the “Miscellaneous Forms” section.
Turnaround time for approving the Articles of Organization is typically around three weeks.
If you have questions, contact the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Phone Number: 602-542-3026
Email: filings.corp@azcc.gov
Related: How to fill out the Arizona LLC Articles of Organization
When filling out the Articles of Organization, there are a few sections that may be unfamiliar. Let’s go over a few of those sections.
Effective Date – By default, the LLC is effective on the date submitted. If you prefer to have the LLC officially start at a later date (up to 90 days), enter that date in the field
Character of Business – Here, you can select the activities the business will be engaged in. If you can’t find one that is relevant or want to keep options open, choose “Any legal purpose.”
Duration – Most businesses intend to exist forever and would suggest “perpetual.” If you have a specific end date in mind (typically used for investment-related businesses), choose the close date.
Known Place of Business – Include the physical address for the LLC. This has to be a physical street address in Arizona and not a PO Box or personal mailbox service. The known place of business can also be the same as the Statutory Agent’s street address.
Member Structure – The Manager/Member Information section asks if the LLC is Member-Managed or Manager-Managed.
Member-Managed LLCs have an active involvement in the day-to-day operations of the business.
Manager-Managed LLCs are managers of the LLC hired by the members to run the business, similar to a CEO of a corporation.
Most LLCs elect an LLC member-managed management structure.
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What To Do After Setting Up Your Arizona LLC
Once the LLC has been formed, there are a few additional steps to take care of. Below is a list of the most common tasks.
Arizona LLC Publication Requirements
After the LLC is approved, it is typically necessary to publish an ad in a newspaper (Notice of Publication) to complete the registration process. There is no publishing requirement for businesses whose principal address is in either Maricopa County or Pima County. LLCs in other counties are required to publish an ad in the legal section of a newspaper with general circulation in their county within 60 days of filing the Articles of Organization. This ad has to run for 3 consecutive weeks.
After the ad has run, an Affidavit of Publication will be sent, which should be kept with your business records. Although it’s optional, it’s generally recommended to record the Affidavit of Publication with the Arizona Corporations Commission.
The Arizona Secretary of State has a list of approved newspapers.
Prepare an Arizona LLC Operating Agreement
The operating agreement is an internal document that governs the framework of an LLC. This document covers ownership percentage, ownership rights, LLC member responsibilities, how profits and losses are distributed, and more.
There is no state law requiring an Arizona LLC to have an operating agreement, but it is still worth considering. Without an operating agreement:
- The LLC could be subject to generic state rules that may be detrimental in the event of a lawsuit.
- Member’s personal liability protection may be diminished.
- Members may not fully understand their roles and responsibilities, which could lead to costly disputes in the future.
Learn more about the Arizona LLC operating agreement
Obtain an EIN
If the LLC will hire employees or is owned by more than one member, an EIN is required.
The EIN or Employer Identification Number (also referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number, FEIN, or Federal Tax ID Number) is a unique 9-digit tax identification number assigned to a business by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Similar to a social security number for an individual, the EIN identifies business entities for tax purposes. The EIN will be needed to hire employees, open a bank account, build business credit, register for business licenses and permits, file federal and state taxes, and more.
There is no cost for the EIN when registering through the IRS. The number is available immediately when applying through the IRS website; however, you can also register by phone, fax, or mailing IRS Form SS-4.
If an Employer Identification Number isn’t required, the LLC can either use the owner’s social security number or register for an EIN.
Related: How to Register for an Arizona EIN
Open an LLC Bank Account
Opening a bank account for your LLC is important for liability protection as the account separates the business’s funds from the member’s personal funds.
Several documents will be needed to open a business bank account, such as:
- A banking resolution is a document that authorizes the members to open a business bank account on behalf of the LLC.
- Copies of the original formation paperwork from the state showing the creation of the LLC.
- Driver’s licenses of the members.
- Depending on the LLC age, an Arizona Certificate of Good Standing may be needed to prove the LLC is active and in good standing with the state.
Related: How to Open a Business Bank Account for your LLC
Apply for Business Licenses and Permits
Depending on what your business does and where it is located, there will likely be various business licenses and permits to register for before starting. Some common registrations include:
- Business License – Some cities require businesses to obtain licensing before they can start.
- Professional License – Certain services such as barbershops, accountants, salons, and others must be licensed.
- Transaction Privilege Tax License (TPT) – Sometimes referred to as a sales tax, the Transaction Privilege Tax is a tax on businesses from the Arizona Department of Revenue for the privilege of doing business in Arizona.
Related: What Business Licenses are Needed in Arizona?
File Annual Reports
An annual filing requirement for Arizona LLCs to file an annual report with the Arizona Corporation Commission. The annual report updates ownership information and other details.
Related: How to File an LLC Annual Report
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Arizona LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Arizona?
The initial cost to form an LLC in Arizona includes both the state filing fee plus the advertising publishing cost:
State Filing Fee:
– $50 standard filing fee (~3 weeks to process)
Publishing Costs – Varies by newspaper, but averages between $60 – $130
How long does it take for an LLC to be approved in Arizona?
It normally takes 3 weeks for the LLC paperwork to be approved in Arizona.
Expedited processing is also available for an additional fee and reduces the filing time to 7 – 10 business days.
How much are the recurring Arizona LLC fees?
There are no recurring fees to keep the LLC active.
Do I have to pay to hire a Statutory Agent in Arizona?
Anyone can act as a Statutory Agent, provided they are at least 18 years old, reside in the state, and are generally available at a listed address during normal business hours.
Some LLC owners will hire one as they may not fill the requirement of being at a particular location or don’t what their name listed.
What do I put for the character of business when filing an Arizona LLC?
In Arizona, one of the sections of the Articles of Organization requests information about the character of business. This is asking about what activities the business will be engaged in. If you can’t find one that is relevant or want to keep options open, choose “Any legal purpose.”
Do you need a business license if you have an LLC in Arizona?
It’s sometimes thought that the LLC and business license are the same, but they aren’t.
An LLC is how the company is organized to operate to conduct business, while business licensing is approval from a government entity to operate legally. Regardless of the business entity, most businesses will need to obtain licensing, and these will vary by what the business does and where in Arizona they are located.
What happens if I don’t publish my LLC advertisement?
If the LLC does not comply with the Arizona publication requirement within 60 days of formation, the Arizona Corporations Commission will terminate the LLC.
What is a Foreign Limited Liability Company?
An LLC that is physically operating in states outside of where it was formed. Physically operating means having a presence, such as having an office or employee. The LLC will need to register as a foreign LLC in each state where it plans to operate.
Related: What is a Foreign LLC?
What is a Professional Limited Liability Company?
Businesses that require state licensing, such as accountants, attorneys, podiatrists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, etc., often must file as a Professional Limited Liability Company (sometimes referred to as a Professional LLC or PLLC) instead of an LLC. Filing for a PLLC is very similar to that of the LLC.
Related: What is a Professional LLC?
