Arizona LLC Creation: The Complete Guide

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Are you looking for a guide on Arizona LLC creation? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll go over the basics of what an LLC is, why Arizona is a great state to form an LLC, and the steps you need to take to form your own LLC.

What is an LLC?

LLC stands for Limited Liability Company. It’s a type of business structure that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits of a partnership. In an LLC, the business is considered a separate legal entity, which means that the owners (called “members”) are not personally liable for the company’s debts or lawsuits. Keep reading to learn about Arizona LLC creation.

What is a Single-Member LLC?

A single-member LLC is a type of LLC that has only one owner (or member). It’s a popular option for small business owners who want the liability protection of an LLC but don’t want the hassle of forming a corporation or partnership.

Why is Arizona a Good State to Form an LLC?

Arizona is a great state to form an LLC for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few:

Business-Friendly Environment

Arizona is known for having a business-friendly environment with low taxes, minimal regulations, and a pro-growth attitude.

Liability Protection

As we mentioned earlier, an LLC provides personal liability protection to its owners, protecting their personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.

Tax Benefits

Arizona has a flat corporate income tax rate of 4.9%, which is lower than the national average. Plus, LLCs are not taxed at the entity level, meaning that profits and losses are passed through to the owners’ personal tax returns.

Low Startup Costs

Compared to other states, Arizona has relatively low startup costs for forming an LLC.

Arizona LLC Setup Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of forming an LLC in Arizona:

Limited Liability Protection

An LLC provides personal liability protection to its owners, protecting their personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. This means that if someone sues your business or if your business goes bankrupt, your personal assets (like your home or car) are safe.

Pass-Through Taxation

LLCs are not taxed at the entity level, meaning that profits and losses are passed through to the owners’ personal tax returns. This means that LLC owners only pay taxes once, at the personal income tax level.

Flexible Management

An LLC can be managed by its owners (member-managed) or by a manager appointed by the owners (manager-managed). This gives business owners the flexibility to choose how they want their business to be run.

Low Startup Costs

Compared to other states, Arizona has relatively low startup costs for forming an LLC. The filing fee is $50, and the annual report fee is $0.

Arizona LLC Cost

Forming an LLC in Arizona involves some costs, but they are relatively low. Here are the costs associated with forming an LLC in Arizona:

1. Filing fee: Arizona charges a filing fee of $50 for filing Articles of Organization for an LLC.
2. Publication fee: In Arizona, you are required to publish your Articles of Organization in an approved newspaper for three consecutive publications. The cost of publication varies depending on the newspaper and the location. It can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
3. Operating Agreement: Although not required by law, it is recommended that an LLC have an Operating Agreement. The cost of creating an Operating Agreement can vary depending on the complexity of the document and the attorney or online service used.
4. Business License: Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to obtain a business license from the city or county where you will be operating. The cost of a business license varies depending on the location and type of business.

One-Time Costs

Cost	Description	Fee
Articles of Organization	Filing fee to create LLC with Arizona Corporation Commission	$50
Name Reservation	Optional reservation of LLC name prior to filing Articles of Organization	$10
Statutory Agent	Individual or company designated to receive legal documents on behalf of LLC	$0-$200/year
Operating Agreement	Document outlining ownership and operating procedures of LLC (optional but recommended)	$0-$500
Business License and/or Permits	Varies by city/county and industry	Varies
Total		$60-$710+

Ongoing Costs

Cost	Description	Fee
Annual Report	Report to update Arizona Corporation Commission with LLC’s current contact and ownership information	$0-$45
State Taxes and Fees	Annual fee for doing business in Arizona	$0-$125
Statutory Agent	Fee for designated individual or company to receive legal documents on behalf of LLC	$0-$200/year
Total		$0-$370+

How are Single-Member LLCs Taxed in Arizona?

Single-member LLCs in Arizona are generally treated as disregarded entities for federal tax purposes. This means that the LLC itself does not pay federal income taxes. Instead, the profits and losses of the LLC are reported on the owner’s personal tax return using Schedule C. 

In Arizona, single-member LLCs are not required to file a separate tax return for the LLC. Instead, the LLC’s income, deductions, and credits are reported on the owner’s Arizona individual income tax return. 

It’s important to note that single-member LLCs can elect to be taxed as a corporation by filing Form 8832 with the IRS. However, this election may not be advantageous for all LLCs, as it can result in double taxation of the LLC’s profits. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional to determine the best tax structure for your LLC based on its specific circumstances. 

How are Multi-Member LLCs Taxed in Arizona?

Multi-member LLCs in Arizona are taxed as partnerships. The LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits and losses are passed through to individual members. Arizona requires multi-member LLCs to file an annual partnership tax return with Form 165. While multi-member LLCs can elect to be taxed as a corporation, this may result in double taxation of profits. To determine the best tax structure for your LLC, consult with a tax professional.

• Multi-member LLCs in Arizona are generally taxed as partnerships.
• The LLC itself does not pay federal income taxes; instead, profits and losses are passed through to individual members.
• Arizona requires multi-member LLCs to file an annual partnership tax return with Form 165.
• Multi-member LLCs can elect to be taxed as a corporation by filing Form 8832 with the IRS.
• However, this election may result in double taxation of the LLC’s profits.

Arizona LLC Creation Steps

An Arizona LLC setup is a straightforward process that can be completed online or by mail. Here are the steps to forming an LLC in Arizona:

Step 1: Choose an Arizona LLC Name

Choosing the right Arizona LLC name is an important step in forming your business. Your name should be unique and not already in use by another business in Arizona. It is recommended that you search the Arizona Corporation Commission’s database to ensure that your desired name is available before filing your Articles of Organization. Additionally, your name must contain the words “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or “LLC” to comply with Arizona law. Make sure you check your Arizona LLC name availability.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

In Arizona, LLCs are required to have a registered agent, which is a person or entity authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC. Your registered agent must have a physical address in Arizona, and their address will be publicly listed on your Articles of Organization. It is important to choose a registered agent who is reliable and can promptly forward any legal documents to you.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

To form an LLC in Arizona, you must file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission. The Articles of Organization serve as the legal document that officially creates your LLC. The Articles of Organization must include your LLC’s name, the name and address of your registered agent, and the names and addresses of your LLC’s members. You can file your Articles of Organization online or by mail, and the filing fee is $50.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

While Arizona does not require LLCs to have an Operating Agreement, it is recommended that you create one for your business. An Operating Agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership and management structure of your LLC, as well as the rights and responsibilities of your members. It can also help prevent disputes among members by providing a clear framework for decision-making and dispute resolution. You can create an Operating Agreement on your own, or you can hire an attorney to draft one for you.

Step 5: Obtain an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to businesses for tax purposes. Most LLCs are required to obtain an EIN, which can be obtained online for free from the IRS. Your EIN will be used to identify your business for tax purposes, and you will need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file tax returns.

Step 6: Register for State Taxes

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for state taxes in Arizona. This can include sales tax, use tax, and transaction privilege tax. You can register for state taxes online through the Arizona Department of Revenue. It is important to understand your tax obligations and comply with all state and federal tax laws to avoid penalties and fines.

How to Choose a Registered Agent for an Arizona LLC

Choosing a registered agent is an important step in forming an LLC in Arizona. Here’s what you should know:

• The registered agent must have a physical address in Arizona.
• They must be available during business hours to receive legal documents.
• They must be reliable and trustworthy to handle sensitive legal documents.
• The registered agent can be an individual who is a resident of Arizona, a domestic or foreign corporation authorized to do business in Arizona, or an LLC authorized to do business in Arizona.

What’s included in an Arizona LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the structure and operation of your LLC. Here’s what you need to include in an Arizona state LLC operating agreement:

• The percentage of ownership of each member.
• The distribution of profits and losses among members.
• The management structure of the LLC.
• The process for admitting new members or removing existing members.
• The procedure for dissolving the LLC.
• Whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed.

What’s included in an Arizona LLC Articles of Organization

Filing Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission is essential to register your LLC. Here’s what you need to include in Arizona LLC Articles of Organization:

• The name of your LLC.
• The name and physical address of your registered agent.
• The purpose of your LLC.
• How the LLC is managed, is it member-managed or manager-managed?
• The names and addresses of the LLC’s members or managers.
• The duration of the LLC, if it is not perpetual.
• The name and address of the LLC’s organizer.

Articles of Organization vs Operating Agreement for an Arizona LLC

Articles of Organization and operating agreements are both important documents for your Arizona LLC, but they serve different purposes. The Articles of Organization are filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission to register your LLC. The operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the structure and operation of your LLC. Keep in mind that:

• The Articles of Organization are required by law, while the operating agreement is not.
• The Articles of Organization must be filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission, while the operating agreement does not.

Do I need a new EIN to convert to an LLC from a sole proprietorship in Arizona?

If you are converting your sole proprietorship to an LLC in Arizona, you do not need a new EIN if you are the sole owner of the LLC and you did not have any employees before the conversion. However, you will need to notify the IRS that you have changed your business structure. Keep in mind that:

• If you have employees, you will need to apply for a new EIN.
• If you have a partnership and are converting to a multi-member LLC, you will need a new EIN.

Do I need to open a new business bank account if I convert to an LLC from a sole proprietorship in Arizona?

If you are converting your sole proprietorship to an LLC in Arizona, you should open a new business bank account for your LLC. This will help keep your personal and business finances separate. Keep in mind that:

• You will need to bring your Articles of Organization and EIN to open a new account.
• You should close your old account once you have transferred all funds and payments to your new account.

Conclusion

Forming an LLC in Arizona is a straightforward process that can provide many benefits to small business owners. With limited liability protection, pass-through taxation, and a flexible management structure, an LLC can help protect your personal assets while giving you the freedom to run your business as you see fit. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing business, an LLC in Arizona may be the right choice for you.