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Forming an LLC in Arizona is a strategic move for many entrepreneurs. Understanding the time frame for this process is vital for seamless planning.

This guide sheds light on the steps and duration to register a Limited Liability Company in the Grand Canyon State.

How Long Does it Take to Get an LLC in Arizona

Two business people viewing a tablet. How long does it take to get an LLC in Arizona

Online Filing: You can get an LLC in Arizona in 3-5 business days

Mail Filing: Filing by mail can take about 3-4 weeks


Online Filing

Online filing Arizona

You can file your LLC formation documents online through the Arizona Secretary of State website.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Arizona Corporation Commission’s website at https://ecorp.azcc.gov/.
2. Click on the “Start Now” button located on the left side of the page under “Online Filing Center”.
3. Choose “Domestic LLC” and then click on “File Initial Articles of Organization for a Domestic LLC”.
4. Enter the name of your LLC. The name should be unique and should not be too similar to the name of an existing LLC in Arizona.
5. Provide the name and address of the LLC’s statutory agent. A statutory agent is a person or entity who is authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC.
6. Provide the name and address of each member or manager of the LLC.
7. Enter any optional provisions that you want to include in your LLC’s Articles of Organization.
8. Review your information to make sure it is correct and then pay the filing fee of $50. You can pay using a credit card or e-check.
9. Once your payment is accepted, you will receive a confirmation that your LLC has been formed.

After you have filed for your Arizona LLC online, you will need to obtain an EIN from the IRS and any necessary state and local licenses and permits to operate your business. You may also want to create an operating agreement to establish the rules and regulations of your LLC.

Filing by Mail

Mail filing Arizona

To file for an LLC in Arizona by mail, you can follow these steps:

1. Choose a name for your LLC: Choose a unique name that complies with Arizona’s naming requirements, which state that the name must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC.” You can check the name availability on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website.

2. Appoint a Registered Agent: You must appoint a registered agent, who is responsible for receiving legal and tax documents on behalf of your LLC. The agent must have a physical address in Arizona.

3. Download the Articles of Organization: Download the Articles of Organization form from the ACC website.

4. Fill out the Articles of Organization: Fill out the form completely and accurately, providing information such as the name of your LLC, the name and address of your registered agent, the purpose of your LLC, and the names and addresses of the LLC’s members.

5. Pay the filing fee: The current filing fee for Articles of Organization is $50. You can pay by check or money order made payable to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Do not send cash.

6. Mail the Articles of Organization: Mail the completed Articles of Organization, along with the filing fee, to the Arizona Corporation Commission at the following address:

Arizona Corporation Commission
Corporate Filings Section
1300 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2996

7. Wait for confirmation: After your Articles of Organization have been processed and approved, the Arizona Corporation Commission will send you a confirmation notice by mail. This process typically takes 5-10 business days.

Once you receive confirmation from the Arizona Corporation Commission, you can proceed to obtain an EIN from the IRS, register for state taxes, and obtain any necessary licenses and permits for your LLC.


Steps to Form an LLC in Arizona

Steps to Form an LLC in Arizona

Here is a breakdown of the steps involved in getting an LLC in Arizona and an estimate of how long each step takes.

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your LLC

The first step in forming an LLC in Arizona is choosing a name for your business. You will need to make sure the name you choose is available and not already in use by another business in the state. You can search the Arizona Secretary of State’s online database to see if the name you want is available.

Timeframe: This step can be done relatively quickly, usually within a day or two.

Step 2: File Articles of Organization

Once you have chosen a name for your LLC, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Secretary of State. This document establishes your LLC and includes basic information such as the name of the LLC, the registered agent, and the members of the LLC.

Timeframe: Filing the Articles of Organization typically takes around one to two weeks. However, if you choose to file online, you may receive confirmation of your LLC’s approval within a few days.

Step 3: Obtain an EIN

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number that identifies your LLC for tax purposes. You will need to obtain an EIN from the IRS, even if you do not plan to hire employees.

Timeframe: Obtaining an EIN can usually be done quickly online, and you will receive your number immediately.

Step 4: Apply for Business Licenses and Permits

Depending on the type of business you plan to operate, you may need to apply for additional licenses and permits from the state or local government. This can include things like a business license, sales tax permit, or professional license.

Timeframe: The time it takes to obtain business licenses and permits can vary widely depending on the type of license or permit you need. Some licenses and permits can be obtained quickly, while others may take several weeks or even months to process.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Although it is not required by Arizona law, it is recommended that you create an Operating Agreement for your LLC. This document outlines the management structure of your LLC and the rights and responsibilities of the members.

Timeframe: Creating an Operating Agreement can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of your LLC’s management structure and the number of members.

Overall, the timeline for getting an LLC in Arizona can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your business and the number of licenses and permits you need to obtain.

If you are in a hurry to get your LLC up and running, you may want to consider using an online formation service, which can expedite the process significantly.

However, if you have a more complex business structure or need to apply for multiple licenses and permits, it may take longer to complete the process.


 

Should I Hire an LLC Filing Service in Arizona?

Whether or not to hire an LLC filing service in Arizona depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

An LLC filing service can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the formation process, need assistance with paperwork and filing, or simply want to save time and hassle.

LLC filing services can take care of the paperwork and filing process for you, so you can focus on running your business. Additionally, some LLC filing services may offer additional services, such as registered agent services or tax advice.

However, if you’re comfortable with the formation process and have the time and resources to handle the paperwork and filing yourself, hiring an LLC filing service may not be necessary.

You can file the Articles of Organization yourself by mail or online, and the process is generally straightforward. Additionally, hiring an attorney or accountant to review your documents and provide guidance can be a more cost-effective option than hiring an LLC filing service.

Ultimately, the decision to hire an LLC filing service in Arizona is a personal one and depends on your specific needs and circumstances. It’s always recommended to do your research, compare costs and services, and consult with professionals before making a decision.

Arizona Business Tips

Forming an LLC in Arizona involves several key steps and considerations. To begin, you must complete the necessary paperwork and filings to form an LLC in Arizona.

Conducting a thorough Arizona LLC name search is crucial when starting an AZ business to ensure that your desired business name is available and meets the state’s requirements and get your Arizona entity name registered or if you just file a DBA in Arizona if necessary.

Additionally, drafting a Arizona LLC operating agreement is essential as it outlines the internal management structure and operational guidelines for your LLC.

While you have the option to be your own registered agent in Arizona, many entrepreneurs opt to enlist the services of professional registered agents for their expertise and convenience. The length of time it takes to get an LLC in Arizona can vary depending on various factors such as processing times and the complexity of your application.

Alongside the formation process, you’ll need to obtain a Arizona Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is necessary for tax purposes. To streamline the process and ensure compliance, it is advisable to seek the assistance of the top-rated LLC services in Arizona and the best registered agents in Arizona, who can guide you through the process and handle the necessary documentation.

Understanding the associated costs to form an LLC in Arizona is crucial, as it includes filing fees and potentially additional expenses based on the services you require.

Lastly, if you ever need to change your Arizona registered agent or dissolve an LLC in Arizona, it’s important to follow the state’s dissolution procedures to conclude your business operations effectively.

Conclusion

In summary, while the process of obtaining an LLC in Arizona can take a bit of time, it is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with a little bit of effort and attention to detail.

By following the steps outlined above, you can get your LLC up and running and start pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams in no time.

author avatar
Brian Wilson Writer and Editor
Brian Wilson is the content manager and founder of LLC Radar. Brian grew up in North Texas, just outside of Dallas, and has a bachelor's degree in business from Southern Methodist University. Since graduating from SMU, Brian has gained over 10 years of experience in business writing for several online publications. Brian resides in Plano, Texas and he can be reached by email:   info@llcradar.com Phone: 972-776-4050
  Information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to offer legal advice specific to your business needs. If you need legal advice, you should consult with an attorney. Rankings and reviews are the personal opinions of the authors and/or editors. For questions, while starting a business, we recommend consulting with an attorney or accountant.