Form an LLC in Arizona — or skip the queue with a ready-made company

Arizona is a strong, low-cost state — $50 to file, no annual report, no franchise tax, and one of the lowest income-tax rates in the country at 2.5%. If you want an Arizona company specifically, you can have one. The catch isn't the state fee; it's the EIN wait. After your Articles are approved you still have to apply to the IRS for an EIN, and until that lands no bank or payment processor will fully onboard you — typically two to four weeks combined, longer in peak season.

A ready-made Wyoming LLC removes that queue entirely. The company is already registered and in good standing, and — the part that actually unblocks you — its EIN already exists. The moment the transfer completes you can open a US business bank account, connect Stripe, and invoice. Both routes are legitimate; the right one depends on whether the Arizona name matters more than speed.

Arizona is an exceptional value for LLC formation. At just $50 and no annual report requirement, Arizona offers one of the lowest total costs of LLC ownership in the United States.

Arizona's economy is booming, with Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson attracting technology companies, real estate investors, and service businesses. The state has become a major tech hub with companies relocating from California.

The main consideration is Arizona's 2.5% flat income tax on Arizona-sourced income. For non-residents with no Arizona operations, this does not apply. Compared to New Mexico and Wyoming, Arizona strikes an excellent balance.

Arizona LLC costs and fees

All fees below are sourced from the Arizona Secretary of State fee schedule.

Step-by-step: how to form an Arizona LLC

Step 1: Choose your LLC name

Search for available names on the Arizona Business Entity Search. Your name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." Ensure the name is distinguishable from existing entities on file.

Step 2: Appoint a registered agent

Every Arizona LLC must have a registered (statutory) agent with a physical street address in Arizona. The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the LLC.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File online through the Arizona Secretary of State. The filing requires:

• LLC name with designator (LLC or L.L.C.)
• Statutory agent name and Arizona address
• Principal address
• Management structure
• Name and address of each member or manager
• $50 filing fee

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

While not always legally required in Arizona, an Operating Agreement is essential for banking, tax compliance, and internal governance. It establishes member rights, profit distribution, and management structure. We include a custom Operating Agreement in every formation package.

Step 5: Obtain an EIN

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is your LLC's tax ID number, required for banking, hiring, and tax filings. Online application is available for those with an SSN; fax or mail application for international applicants without an SSN. (A ready-made Wyoming LLC skips this step entirely — the EIN already exists.)

Step 6: Register for Arizona taxes (if applicable)

If you will sell taxable goods or services in Arizona, register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for applicable tax accounts including sales tax and income tax withholding if you have employees.

Annual compliance requirements

1. No annual report: Arizona does not require LLCs to file an annual report.
2. Federal tax filing: Form 5472 with pro forma 1120 for foreign-owned LLCs. Due April 15.
3. Arizona income tax: 2.5% flat rate on Arizona-sourced income.
4. TPT: Register with Arizona Department of Revenue if selling taxable goods/services.
5. Statutory agent: Maintain agent with physical Arizona address.
6. FinCEN BOI Report: Required under the Corporate Transparency Act.

Arizona taxes for LLCs

Arizona's 2.5% flat income tax is among the lowest nationally. With no annual report and no franchise tax, ongoing costs are effectively zero for non-residents with no Arizona income. For 0% state income tax with full owner privacy, compare Wyoming.

Processing times

Arizona offers expedited processing for $35. Standard online filings process within a few business days. Note: state approval is only step one — the IRS EIN is the part that actually unblocks banking, and that's where a ready-made company saves the most time.

Every formation package includes:

• Articles of Organization filing with Arizona Secretary of State
• One year of registered agent service in Arizona
• Custom Operating Agreement
• EIN application
• Banking introduction letter
• Digital document delivery within 24 hours of state approval
• Compliance calendar with all filing deadlines
• Dedicated support

Over five years: $50 in state fees ($50 filing + $0/year) — joint-cheapest with New Mexico, versus Wyoming at around $510 in cumulative state fees. Prefer a brand-new registration handled end to end? We can register a new LLC for you for $549 in the state of your choice — just ask.

Comparing states? Read our Wyoming vs Delaware comparison guide, or see the full United States overview.