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.
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.
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Arizona Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Arizona Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Arizona Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Arizona
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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".
