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

ItemInformation
Formation fee$50
Annual fee$0 — no annual report required for LLCs
DeadlineNo annual report requirement for LLCs
Accepts ITIN✅ Yes
Requires Registered Agent✅ Yes
Approval time1-3 weeks

Formation process

  1. Choose name unique ending in “LLC”
  2. Designate Registered Agent with physical address in Arizona
  3. File Articles of Organization ($50)
  4. Create Operating Agreement (internal)
  5. Get EIN from IRS (free)
  6. Open business bank account

Official platform: Arizona Corporation Commission


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

  1. EIN from IRS (free, online, ~15 minutes)
  2. Business bank account — most require LLC docs + EIN
  3. State/local licenses depending on business type
  4. Annual Report yearly (keeps LLC active)
  5. 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.