Arizona LLC formation starts with a $50 filing fee, ranking among the most cost-effective states nationally for business formation. The state's exceptional long-term value comes from having no annual report requirements and no franchise taxes, creating substantial ongoing savings that compound over time.
Understanding Arizona's complete cost picture, including optional publication requirements and registered agent services, helps you budget accurately while taking advantage of the state's business-friendly fee structure.
Arizona's $50 filing fee applies uniformly across all submission methods, making it one of the lowest state filing fees nationwide. The registered agent requirement can be fulfilled at no cost by serving as your own agent with an Arizona physical address.
Beyond Arizona's minimal mandatory requirements, several optional services can streamline formation or provide ongoing operational benefits.
Attorney assistance for comprehensive formation typically ranges from $1,500-$5,000, including custom operating agreements and compliance guidance—particularly valuable for multi-member LLCs or regulated industries. Accountant consultations for initial tax planning cost $300-$1,000 and often prevent costly operational mistakes.
Business formation services provide middle-ground solutions with packages that handle filing, registered agent services, and basic compliance tracking.
Several optional filings address specific timing or operational needs:
LLCs with their statutory agent addresses outside Maricopa County (Phoenix area) and Pima County (Tucson area) must publish formation notices in approved newspapers for three consecutive weeks, costing $60-$300 depending on newspaper rates. This requirement doesn't apply to most Arizona LLCs, as these two counties cover the majority of the state's business activity.
Arizona provides significant ongoing cost advantages with no state-mandated recurring fees.
Arizona's cost structure heavily favors long-term operations, with the absence of annual state fees and franchise taxes creating compounding savings as businesses grow.
Are there any hidden fees when forming an LLC?
Arizona keeps surprises minimal compared to other states. The main "hidden" cost is the publication requirement—LLCs outside Maricopa and Pima counties must publish formation notices in approved newspapers for three consecutive weeks, costing $60-$300 depending on the newspaper's rates. This requirement doesn't apply to LLCs in Phoenix or Tucson, covering most of Arizona's population.
Can I get a refund if my filing is rejected?
No, the $50 filing fee is non-refundable once submitted to the Arizona Corporation Commission, regardless of whether your filing is accepted or rejected. Double-check your Articles of Organization for accuracy before submitting to avoid re-filing costs.
Can I avoid registered agent fees legally?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent at no cost if you maintain a physical Arizona address (no P.O. boxes) and keep regular business hours to accept legal documents. Many entrepreneurs start this way to minimize costs, then switch to professional agents as their businesses grow and privacy becomes more valuable.
Discern automates Arizona LLC formation while providing professional registered agent services and compliance tracking across all US jurisdictions. When you're ready to expand into additional states, our platform seamlessly handles multi-state formations and ongoing compliance management.
Ready to take ongoing compliance stress off your hands? Book a demo with Discern today.
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