How to Start an LLC in Phoenix, Arizona

As Arizona's largest city, capital, and economic center, Phoenix presents a compelling case for entrepreneurs looking to establish a new business.

For starters, Phoenix's Southwestern location puts it in relatively close proximity to major cities Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Tucson, and Albuquerque. So, if your business involves moving goods between cities, Phoenix's strategic location can give you access to faster shipping times and lower transportation fees.

Despite its convenient location, Phoenix also boasts a lower cost of living (and, therefore, of doing business) than many other cities of a similar size. For instance, the cost of living in Phoenix is a whopping 25% lower than the cost of living in Los Angeles.

But don't think that Phoenix's affordability indicates a stagnant economy or population. Its GDP growth has far outpaced that of other cities in recent years, and its population of about 5 million people is expected to continue growing steadily. That means your Phoenix-based business will enjoy an ever-growing pool of customers.

Step 1: Choose a Unique Business Name and Complete a State Business Search

Give your business an identity of its own by choosing a one-of-a-kind name for it (hint: a tool like our Business Name Generator can make the brainstorming process faster). When selecting your preferred ideas, try to pick a business name that's creative, easy to spell, easy to pronounce, and highly memorable.

After settling on a favorite, make sure it's not already taken by checking the business name database provided by the Arizona Secretary of State. Also ensure it adheres to Arizona's naming policies.

Step 2: Provide an Official Business Address (or Get a Virtual Address)

It's crucial to designate an official physical address for your LLC's location. This can be used to form your business and receive important correspondence from clients, contacts, and vendors.

If your business doesn't have its own physical address, don't sweat it — with the help of a Virtual Address, you won't have to resort to using your personal address. Instead, a Virtual Mailbox service will give you a real Arizona street address you can legally use to form your business, all while keeping your home address private and enabling you to access your mail from anywhere.

Step 3: Assign a Registered Agent

Like all other states, Arizona requires registered businesses to name a Registered Agent. That person will receive legal and official mail on the business's behalf. In Arizona, this role is officially referred to as a Statutory Agent.

While it's technically possible to serve as your own Registered/Statutory Agent, we don’t recommend doing so. Use a professional Registered Agent service instead, and you can rest easy knowing nothing will fall through the cracks and no due dates will pass you by.

Step 4: File Your Articles of Organization With the Arizona Corporation Commission

Once all the fundamentals of your business are nailed down, you can make it official by filing your Articles of Organization with Arizona's Corporation Commission (ACC).

You'll need to complete your Articles of Organization by providing key info about your business.

You must also include the Statutory Agent Acceptance form, along with the Articles of Organization and the required filing fees.

Once your form is completed, you can file it by mailing or hand-delivering it to:

Note that Arizona is one of the few states to require publication when forming an LLC. If your business is in Maricopa County (where Phoenix is located) or Pima County, the ACC will do so for you. See the ACC's instructions for more details on publication requirements.

What Are the Fees and Requirements to Form a Business in Phoenix?

*includes online processing fees

Annual Report

Step 5: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) From the Internal Revenue Service

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Tax ID Number, is a unique number issued to businesses by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you plan to hire employees and pay employment taxes, you'll need an EIN to do so. An EIN is also required for multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships.

You can obtain an EIN by applying for one directly through the IRS. Or, you can use our EIN filing service and we'll do the work for you.

Step 6: Create an Operating Agreement

Like most states, Arizona doesn't strictly require LLCs to have an operating agreement. Nonetheless, we recommend that all Arizona businesses create one.

But what is an operating agreement? Simply put, it's a legal document that outlines how your business will be operated, as well as the roles and responsibilities of its owners. It can also provide a roadmap for what will happen if certain events occur. For instance, it can detail what will happen if one of the owners leaves.

If you're an Bizee customer, you already have access to our operating agreement template. After filling it out, you'd be wise to have a lawyer review it for accuracy before adding your signature.

Other Phoenix LLC Types

Professional LLC

This type of LLC offers professional services such as legal, medical, and accounting services. To create a professional LLC (PLLC), follow the instructions laid out by the Arizona Department of Real Estate.

Find out more about PLLC vs. LLC and which option is right for you.

Foreign LLC

If you formed your LLC in another state but want to do business in Phoenix (or anywhere else in Arizona), you'll need to register it as a foreign entity. See the ACC's foreign entity guidelines for more details.

Learn more about Arizona’s foreign LLC registration.

Helpful Resources for Phoenix, Arizona

Looking for more information about starting and maintaining a Phoenix LLC?For general information, check out the services and resources offered by various government organizations:

For resources geared toward businesses located in the Phoenix area in particular, see: