How to start a business in Arizona (2026)
Everything a new business in Arizona needs in the first months: registration, licenses, taxes, insurance and the yearly deadlines, with official links.
1. Register your business
Most owners form an LLC with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Once it's registered, find it here to claim a free website and see your exact dates.
2. Taxes
Get a free EIN from the IRS first. How. Register with Arizona before your first taxable sale. Register in Arizona
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, you pay estimated tax four times a year.
Arizona's yearly report
Arizona doesn't require an annual report from LLCs. There's no state fee if you file on time.
Your startup checklist
0 of 19 steps done · Check steps off as you go. Saved on this device.
Make it official0/5
-
Register your business
Most owners form an LLC with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Arizona business filing
-
Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
-
Keep your home address off public records
The state publishes your registered agent's address. A registered agent service lists its office instead and forwards your legal mail.
-
Sign an operating agreement
Most states don't ask to see it, but banks often do. It sets out who owns what and what happens if someone leaves.
-
File your state report on time
Most states want a short report every year or two. Miss it and you can be charged late fees or lose good standing. Arizona due dates
-
Protect your business name Optional
Registering with your state doesn't stop a business in another state from using the name. A federal trademark does.
Banking and credit0/2
-
Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC.
-
Start building business credit
Lenders and suppliers check your business credit file, separate from your personal score. A free account shows yours.
-
Know your funding options Optional
For equipment or working capital, one application compares lenders instead of applying one by one.
Bookkeeping and taxes0/3
-
Register for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services
Register with Arizona before your first taxable sale. Register in Arizona
-
Set up bookkeeping
Track every sale and expense from day one so taxes take hours, not weeks.
-
Pay estimated taxes each quarter
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, the IRS wants payments in April, June, September and January. A tax pro can set them up.
Insurance0/2
-
Get general liability insurance
Most clients, landlords and venues ask for a certificate before you start.
-
Get workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require it as soon as you have employees, even part-time.
Getting paid0/2
-
Send professional estimates and invoices
Numbered invoices with clear terms get paid faster. Make one free here, or use an app that tracks who owes you. Free invoice maker
-
Take card payments
Customers expect to pay by card or phone. A free app and reader gets you set up the same day.
Hiring and payroll0/1
-
Payroll and workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, and payroll software handles the tax filings.
Getting customers0/4
-
Get a free website
Find your business here and we'll draft a website you can claim free. Prefer to build your own? A website builder works too. Find my business
-
Get on Google Maps
A free Google Business Profile is how most local customers will find you. Step-by-step guide
-
Get your own domain and email
An address like you@yourbusiness.com looks more established than a free email account.
-
Get a business phone number
Keep work calls and texts apart from your personal number, on the phone you already carry.
-
Get a logo and business cards Optional
A simple logo on your site, truck and invoices makes you easier to remember.
Some options are partner links: we may earn a fee if you sign up, at no cost to you. We only list services new owners commonly use. How we're paid
What insurance costs
| Coverage | Median per month |
|---|---|
| General liability | $45 |
| Business owner's policy (BOP) | $83 |
| Workers' compensation | $54 |
| Professional liability | $88 |
Source: Insureon (100,000+ customers), Feb 2026. Your price depends on your work, location and history.
Other trades in Arizona
Sources: state agency sites linked above; annual report rules compiled from state sites (checked Oct 2026). Rules change, so confirm with the agency before filing.