Arizona LLC Formation
Bizee vs LegalZoom vs Filing It Yourself
The real numbers behind starting your Arizona LLC, including the one Maricopa County detail most guides leave out.
$50
Total cost to form your LLC in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, or anywhere in Maricopa County, through Bizee.
The Arizona-Specific Detail That Changes Everything
Every state charges an LLC filing fee, in Arizona it's just $50, one of the lowest in the country. Arizona also requires new LLCs to publish a Notice of Formation in a local newspaper, typically costing $60 to $120.
If your statutory agent address is in Maricopa or Pima County, which includes Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, and Tucson, you're exempt. The Arizona Corporation Commission publishes your formation notice on its own public database automatically, at no charge. For most of our readers, that $60–$120 line item other guides quote simply doesn't apply.
Side by Side
Cost Comparison
| Option | Formation Fee | AZ State Fee | Registered Agent | Total (Phoenix) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bizee | $0 | $50 | Free first year | $50 |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $0 | $50 | $249/year (not included) | $50 + $249 if you need an agent |
| LegalZoom (Pro) | $249 | $50 | $249/year (not included) | $299+ |
| Filing yourself (DIY) | $0 | $50 | Must act as your own agent (public address) | $50, but your home address becomes public record |
Outside Maricopa/Pima County? Add $60–$120 for newspaper publication, required within 60 days of formation for all providers above.
Step 1
Ready to Form Your Arizona LLC?
Bizee handles your Articles of Organization filing and gives you a free registered agent for the first year, for the price of the state fee alone.
Step 2
Protect Your LLC With an Operating Agreement
Arizona doesn't legally require an Operating Agreement, but banks, courts, and business partners rely on it to settle ownership and management questions. Single-member LLCs especially benefit, it's what separates your business from your personal assets in the eyes of a judge.
Common Questions
What Phoenix Business Owners Ask Us
Does Arizona require an annual report or fee?
No. Arizona is one of the few states with no annual report or franchise tax for LLCs.
Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC in Arizona?
No, Arizona LLC formation is a state filing process, not a legal proceeding. Services like Bizee handle the paperwork directly. A lawyer becomes useful for complex multi-member agreements or disputes, not the initial filing.
What if my statutory agent isn't in Maricopa or Pima County?
You'll need to publish your Notice of Formation in an approved local newspaper for three consecutive runs within 60 days of approval, typically costing $60 to $120.
After You Form Your LLC
Next Steps After Forming Your LLC
Registered Agent Service
Compare Statutory Agent options and keep your home address off the public record.
EIN Application
Free from the IRS or handled for you in a day. See which route fits your situation.
S-Corp Election
See whether electing S-Corp tax status makes sense once your LLC is profitable.
Not a U.S. Resident? Read This First
Non-U.S. founders face a few extra steps for EIN and banking. Here's the full guide.