How Much Does an LLC Cost in Arizona?

Here’s exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in Arizona. The state filing fee is just $50, making Arizona one of the most affordable states for LLC formation. There’s no annual report requirement, which saves you money long-term.

Most Arizona LLCs cost between $50 (DIY approach) and $225 (using a professional formation service) to start. The exact amount depends on whether you handle filing yourself or use a service, plus optional add-ons like expedited processing.

Arizona LLC Filing Fees Breakdown

Here are all the official fees you might encounter when forming your Arizona LLC:

Required Filing Fees

Service	Cost	Required?
Articles of Organization	$50	Yes
Registered Agent (DIY)	$0	Yes
Operating Agreement	$0	Recommended
EIN from IRS	$0	Optional

Optional Services and Expedited Processing

Service	Cost	Processing Time
Standard Processing	$0	14-16 business days
Expedited Processing	+$35	3-5 business days
Next Day Service	+$100	Next day by 5pm
Same Day Service	+$200	Same day by 5pm
2-Hour Service	+$400	2 hours (8am-3pm only)
Name Reservation	$10	120 days

Source: Arizona Corporation Commission, verified March 2026

Other Arizona LLC Fees

You might also encounter these fees during your LLC’s lifetime:

• Foreign LLC Registration: $150 (if moving from another state)
• Articles Amendment: $25
• Dissolution: $35
• Certificate of Good Standing: $10
• Registered Agent Address Change: $5

Total First-Year LLC Cost in Arizona

Here’s what you’ll actually spend to get your Arizona LLC up and running:

DIY Approach

• State filing fee: $50
• Registered agent (yourself): $0
• Operating agreement template: $0
• EIN from IRS: $0
• Total: $50

Professional Formation Service

• State filing fee: $50
• Service fee: $0-$39 (varies by provider)
• Registered agent service: $125/year (most common)
• Operating agreement: Included
• EIN filing: Included
• Total: $175-$225 first year

Arizona’s Unique Cost Advantages

Arizona offers several cost advantages over other states:

No Annual Report Required

Unlike many states, Arizona doesn’t require annual reports or franchise taxes. Once you file your Articles of Organization and pay the $50 fee, you won’t owe the state any ongoing filing fees. This saves you $50-$800 annually compared to states like California or Delaware.

Reasonable Filing Fee

At $50, Arizona’s filing fee sits in the middle range nationally. It’s more affordable than high-cost states like Massachusetts ($500) but slightly higher than budget-friendly states like Kentucky ($40).

Fast Expedited Options

If you need your LLC formed quickly, Arizona offers reasonable expedited processing. The +$35 expedited option (3-5 days) is much cheaper than similar services in other states.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Be aware of these potential additional expenses:

Publication Requirement

Arizona requires most new LLCs to publish a notice of formation in a newspaper for three consecutive publications within 60 days of formation. However, this requirement is waived for LLCs formed in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), where most Arizona businesses are located.

If publication is required in your county, costs typically range from $40-$150 depending on the newspaper and county.

Professional Registered Agent

While you can serve as your own registered agent for free, most business owners hire a professional service. Expect to pay $125-$200 per year for this service. Learn more about Arizona registered agent requirements.

Transaction Privilege Tax

Depending on your business activities, you might need to register for Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax (similar to sales tax). Registration is free, but you’ll need to file returns and pay tax on applicable transactions.

Formation Service vs DIY: What Makes Sense?

While filing yourself saves money upfront, most business owners find professional formation services worth the investment:

DIY Filing: When It Works

• You have experience with business formation
• You’re comfortable handling legal documents
• You have time to research requirements thoroughly
• You’ll serve as your own registered agent

Professional Service: When It’s Smart

• You want expert guidance on name selection and filing
• You need a professional registered agent address
• You want someone to handle EIN application and operating agreement
• You value time savings and accuracy

Best Arizona LLC Formation Services

If you decide to use a professional service, here are the top options for Arizona:

Premium Option: Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest offers same-day filing for $39 plus the state fee. They include one year of registered agent service and have excellent customer reviews. Their Arizona expertise and personal service make them worth the slight premium.

Budget Options

Several providers offer free formation (you pay only the state fee):

• ZenBusiness: $0 + state fee, includes registered agent service
• Bizee: $0 + state fee, next business day processing
• LegalZoom: $0 + state fee, 7-10 business days

These free options make sense if you want professional filing without paying service fees, though they may have longer processing times than premium providers.

Essential Banking and Business Services

After forming your LLC, you’ll need these additional services:

Business Bank Account

Opening a separate business bank account is crucial for maintaining your LLC’s liability protection. Mixing personal and business finances can jeopardize your limited liability status.

Look for accounts with no monthly maintenance fees, unlimited transactions, and good online banking features. Many business accounts also offer cash back or interest on deposits.

Business Insurance

Even with LLC liability protection, you need business insurance to cover property damage, professional liability, and other risks. General liability insurance typically costs $200-$500 annually for most small businesses.

Arizona LLC Formation Timeline

Here’s what to expect for processing times:

• Standard processing: 14-16 business days
• Expedited (+$35): 3-5 business days
• Next day (+$100): Next business day by 5pm
• Same day (+$200): Same day by 5pm (if filed before 10am)
• 2-hour (+$400): 2 hours (8am-3pm only)

Most business owners choose standard processing unless they have urgent deadlines. The 14-16 day timeframe is reasonable and saves money on expediting fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arizona LLCs pay annual fees?

No. Arizona doesn’t require annual reports or charge ongoing fees to maintain your LLC in good standing. This is a major cost advantage over states that charge $50-$800 annually.

Can I change my mind about expedited processing?

No. Once you submit your Articles of Organization, you can’t add expedited processing later. If you need faster processing, you’ll need to file a new application with expedited service selected.

Is publication required for all Arizona LLCs?

Publication is required in most Arizona counties, but it’s waived for LLCs formed in Maricopa County (Phoenix area) and Pima County (Tucson area). Since most Arizona businesses form in these counties, many LLCs avoid this requirement entirely.

What if I want to reserve my LLC name?

You can reserve a name for 120 days for $10. This is helpful if you’re not ready to file immediately but want to secure your preferred name. Learn more about Arizona LLC name requirements.

Do I need an attorney to form an LLC in Arizona?

No. Arizona allows business owners to file their own Articles of Organization or use formation services. You only need an attorney for complex ownership structures or specific legal advice.

How do I get an EIN for my Arizona LLC?

Apply directly with the IRS online for free. Avoid services that charge for EIN applications. The IRS website (irs.gov) is the only official source, and it’s completely free.

Next Steps for Your Arizona LLC

Ready to form your LLC? Here’s what to do next:

1. Choose your LLC name and verify availability
2. Decide on formation method: DIY or professional service
3. Gather required information: registered agent address, member details
4. File Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission
5. Get your EIN from the IRS (if needed)
6. Open a business bank account
7. Create an operating agreement (recommended)

For detailed step-by-step guidance, check out our complete guide on how to start an LLC in Arizona.

Source: Arizona Corporation Commission Fee Schedule, verified March 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.