Start a Business in Arizona

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This guide on starting your business in Arizona provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

how to start a business

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

  • If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
  • If wish to form your business in a different state than Arizona, click here.
Structure Paperwork Cost Time

Arizona Limited Liability Company

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  • Form CFCVLR: Cover sheet
  • Form L010: Articles of Organization
  • Form L040: Manager Structure Attachment or Form L041: Member Structure Attachment
  • Form L042: Organizer attachment, if applicable
  • Form M002: Statutory Agent Acceptance
  • Publishing affidavits
  • Operating Agreement
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form JT-1: Arizona Joint Tax Application, if required
  • Formation: $50 + optional $35 expedite fee
  • Publisher fees: ~$200

Arizona Corporation

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  • Form CFCVLR: Cover sheet
  • Form C010: Articles of Incorporation - For-Profit
  • Form C087: Shares Authorized Attachment, if applicable
  • Form C082: Director Attachment, if applicable
  • Form M002: Statutory Agent Acceptance
  • Form C084: Incorporator Attachment, if applicable
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired
  • Incorporation: $60 + optional $35 expedite fee
  • Publishing of incorporation: ~$200
  • Arizona state taxes: $12 per license/location

Arizona Nonprofit

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  • Form CFCVLR: Cover sheet
  • Form CF0041: Articles of Incorporation
  • Form C082: Director attachment, if applicable
  • Form C084: Incorporator attachment, if applicable
  • Form M002: Statutory Agent Acceptance
  • Form CF0001: Certificate of disclosure
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form JT-1: State Tax Registration, if applicable
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Incorporation: $40 + optional $35 expedite fee
  • Publishing of incorporation: ~$200
  • Arizona state taxes: $12 per license/location
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Arizona

  1. The first rule of filing with the Arizona Corporations Commission is to double-check... then triple-check... that you've included all the required attachments. By the time you have all of them, you'll have a stack of at least 5 different forms.
  2. Processing times in Arizona are posted on the ACC website. More likely than not, you'll want to pay the extra $35 fee to get documents returned in ~7-10 business days as opposed to ~2 months.
  3. Publishing is required for both corporations and LLCs within 60 days of formation. Publishing notice in a legal journal or newspaper costs ~$200, but will vary based on the publication and the length of copy.
  4. Appointing a registered agent is required. This individual or company receives lawsuits and government notices for your business. They must sign Form M002, which is filed with your formation documents.
  5. The Arizona Department of Revenue offers consolidated registration for transaction privilege, use, and employer withholding taxes... but none of the rest of the taxes. Oh, and "transaction privilege tax" is essentially a fancy way of saying "sales tax".
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