How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Arizona? (Guide)
If you plan on forming a limited liability company in Arizona, being aware of how long the Arizona Secretary of State will take to process your application will give you an idea of when you can start your business.
As a seasoned mergers and acquisitions specialist and a degree holder in tax law, I assisted countless entrepreneurs with business formation in several states. In collaboration with our team of business advisors, we navigated the Arizona department platform to provide you with accurate processing times and options.
Quick Summary
- It takes 13–15 business days to form an LLC in Arizona, both online and by mail.
- Arizona offers expedited processing options to have your LLC approved in less than 5 business days for an additional fee of \$35.
- From March 2021 to March 2022, Arizona witnessed the creation of 25,424 new businesses, where the duration of processing depended on the method used for filing documents.
- My clients and colleagues have availed of the expedited option and found it to be a worthy and efficient method.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Arizona?
The fastest way to start an LLC in Arizona is by using the expedited processing service.
You can pay an additional filing fee of \$35 for your Articles of Organization to be processed within a turnaround time of 3-5 business days.
Same-day processing and next-day delivery are also available for all filing methods for an additional fee.
LLC Processing Time in Arizona
The Arizona LLC processing time is when the ACC receives your registration documents and reviews and approves them.
In Arizona, all LLC filings are done by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and not the Secretary of State.
According to 2023 statistics from the U.S. State Business Administration, Arizona supports 650,151 small businesses, accounting for 99.5% of the state's total businesses. This highlights the state's thriving entrepreneurial scene and the importance of comprehending the process of forming an LLC.
Here are four filing methods the ACC offers:
1. Expedited Arizona LLC Processing Time (same-day processing + \$200)
If you can't wait for 5 business days, it's a good thing that the ACC offers other expedited filing service options, including:
- \$100 for next-day delivery
- \$200 for same-day processing
- \$400 for two-hour processing (this can be a good option for In-person filings) [1].
I avail of expedited service for clients who are eager to start their limited liability companies as soon as possible.
If you're forming a foreign LLC in Arizona, you must pay for expedited processing of the Foreign Registration Statement, which costs \$35 and is processed within 5 business days.
The ACC also offers expedited shipping for LLC name reservations in Arizona, which costs \$45 (\$10 standard filing fee plus \$35 expedited filing processing fee).
2. Non-Expedited Arizona LLC Processing Time By Mail (13-15 business days)
Arizona mail filing takes 13–15 business days for your LLC to be approved [2].
When I had to file my Articles of Organization by mail, I included a check in the folder with the correct payment amount. Per state law, all checks must be payable to the ACC, with all words spelled correctly and no abbreviations.
Remember that checks without the account holder's name and address and an imprinted check number will not be accepted.
3. Arizona LLC Processing Time Online (13-15 business days)
Online filings are processed within 13–15 business days through the ACC’s website, eCorp.
To file online, I had to set up an account on the eCorp portal to upload the paperwork online.
The payment option for online submissions is using credit cards, and the ACC only accepts Mastercards and Visa. You can check out our article for more information on how much it costs to form an LLC in Arizona.
4. Arizona LLC Processing Time In Person (13-15 business days)
The standard in-person filing of the LLC Articles of Organization in Arizona takes 13–15 business days.
The ACC offers two payment options for in-person filings, which include using a credit card or check to pay for processing your Articles of Organization.
However, when I filed at the Phoenix head office, I discovered that I could pay in cash.
"In Arizona, the LLC formation process is streamlined for efficiency, but the exact timeline can vary based on filing method and document accuracy. Prospective LLC members should focus on clear and correct submissions to avoid unnecessary delays."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Factors Influencing The Formation Timeline Of Arizona LLCs
Several factors can prolong the processing period. They include the following:
- Method of application: The approval time for Arizona LLCs may take longer because of the filing method you opted for. Expedited service has a faster turnaround than standard applications.
- Volume of filings: Since the state reviews documents in the order they were received, a high workload volume can prolong the processing period.
- Requirement issues: Failure to comply with state filing guidelines and requirements will further delay your application. You’ll have to follow the steps and submit the proper documents.
- Weekends and holidays: Since public offices do not conduct business during weekends and holidays, I always file applications at the beginning of the business week.
FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Arizona LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Arizona LLC formation during the processing period through the eCorp portal. Simply log in to your account and check for updates.
Is There a Difference in Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Arizona?
There is no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Arizona. It takes 13-15 days for either entity to be registered.
References:
- https://www.azcc.gov/corporations/same-day-next-day-services
- https://azcc.gov/docs/default-source/corps-files/document-processing-times.pdf
