How to Start a Business in Arizona: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business in Arizona is one of the most rewarding moves you can make — but the paperwork trips up many first-time founders. This guide walks through every step in plain English.

1. Choose your business structure

Most Arizona small businesses form as an LLC for the liability protection and tax flexibility. If you plan to raise outside investment or issue stock, an Arizona Corporation is usually the better fit.

2. Pick and reserve your business name

Search the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) name database to make sure your name is available. You can reserve a name for up to 120 days while you finish paperwork.

3. File with the Arizona Corporation Commission

LLCs file Articles of Organization; Corporations file Articles of Incorporation. Both require a Statutory Agent with an Arizona physical address.

4. Get your EIN from the IRS

Your EIN is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. The IRS issues EINs free — but the SS-4 form has to be filled out exactly right.

5. Handle Arizona publication (if required)

If your statutory agent's address is outside Maricopa or Pima County, you must publish a notice of formation in an ACC-approved newspaper for three consecutive runs within 60 days.

6. Open a business bank account & track compliance

Keep personal and business finances separate from day one — it's the single biggest factor in preserving your liability shield.