Arizona Requirements for a New Business

Feb 09, 2015 By Levi Hatch In Business No Comment Tags : , , , , , ,

If you are planning to start a new business in the state of Arizona, it is important to confirm that you are in compliance with all the requirements to lawfully operate. Below are a few things you should consider and determine whether they apply to your business:

Tax Registration

A business must register for certain service-related taxes. Most businesses must register for withholding income taxes, but there are other taxes that are applicable only to certain services. For example, industries such as wholesale businesses in tobacco sales are obligated to pay the tobacco luxury tax. Similarly, liquor distributors in Arizona must pay a liquor luxury tax. You can find a list of possible taxes at the State of Arizona Department of Revenue’s website.

Licenses

Many businesses must obtain certain licenses and permits that relate to their specific services. In fact, some business may be required to obtain a few different licenses. According to sba.com, Arizona licenses generally fall within one of the following categories:

  • State and City Transaction Privilege Tax Licenses
  • Regulatory or Professional and Special Licensing and Permits
  • Local Business/Occupational Licenses and Permits

Local Permits

You must remember to investigate the requirements of the local government, such as whether the city or county requires your business to obtain certain permits or licenses. Every municipality has its own unique regulations, which may include permits for:

  • Alarms
  • Building
  • Business License and/or Tax
  • Health
  • Signage
  • Zoning

Incorporation Filing

If your business has been incorporated as a limited liability company, corporation or some other form of legal entity, you must register it with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Partnerships are registered with the Arizona Secretary of State. If you are operating as a sole proprietor, you do not have to register. However, if you have a dba (doing-business-as) name, you can avoid certain risks associated with being a sole proprietor by registering for a trade name with the Secretary of State.

If you are starting a new business, let us help you comply with all the various applicable laws, regulations and rules. The attorneys at Nielsen Law Group can help with all business formation matters. You can schedule your initial consultation by calling (480) 888-7111 or submitting a web request here.