Forming an LLC in Arizona
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the most common business structure for immigrants in Arizona.
Why Arizona
No annual fee — one of few states not charging LLC annual report $50 formation fee — among cheapest Mexico border — natural for cross-border businesses Large Hispanic community (~32% of state) Accepts ITIN
Key facts
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Formation fee | $50 |
| Annual fee | $0 — no annual report required for LLCs |
| Deadline | No annual report requirement for LLCs |
| Accepts ITIN | ✅ Yes |
| Requires Registered Agent | ✅ Yes |
| Approval time | 1-3 weeks |
Formation process
- Choose name unique ending in “LLC”
- Designate Registered Agent with physical address in Arizona
- File Articles of Organization ($50)
- Create Operating Agreement (internal)
- Get EIN from IRS (free)
- Open business bank account
Official platform: Arizona Corporation Commission
Related information
Last verified: 2026-07-11.
State services and resources in Arizona
Where to register your LLC in Arizona
The Secretary of State office (or equivalent) of Arizona handles LLC registrations. Generally accepts filings:
- Online (fastest, 1-3 days)
- By mail (4-8 weeks)
- In person (varies by state capital)
Post-formation requirements
- EIN from IRS (free, online, ~15 minutes)
- Business bank account — most require LLC docs + EIN
- State/local licenses depending on business type
- Annual Report yearly (keeps LLC active)
- Quarterly tax estimates if income > $1,000/quarter
LLC for immigrants with ITIN
- Permitted: ITIN holders can be LLC members
- Banking: business accounts with ITIN available (BlueVine, Mercury, Lili — verify policies)
- Tax filing: Schedule C on your 1040 with ITIN; Form 1065 for multi-member LLC
Common errors
- Forgetting annual report (can dissolve LLC)
- Mixing personal and LLC finances (loses limited liability protection)
- No Operating Agreement (even single-member)
- Operating in another state without registering as foreign LLC
Arizona-specific resources
- Arizona Secretary of State — LLC search + filings
- Arizona Department of Revenue — state business taxes
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) — free small business mentoring
- SBA (Small Business Administration) — free counseling via SCORE and SBDC, open to everyone. ⚠️ SBA loans (7(a), 504, microloans) are closed to non-citizen owners since March/April 2026 — including green-card holders. See who can still use each SBA program and the CDFI lenders that do accept an ITIN.
Last verified: 2026-07-11.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- ITIN — file business taxes without SSN — ITIN holders can form and operate LLCs
- ITIN-friendly business banking — checking accounts that open without an SSN
- USCIS forms — H-1B, L-1, E-2 investor visas — when LLC ownership supports a visa case
- State income tax obligations — business taxes vary by state
- Find an immigration attorney — for complex investor or work-visa cases tied to your LLC
