Registration and Business Compliance in Arizona
If you’re an Arizona startup incorporated in another state, you may have to register to do business in Arizona. Operating in Arizona but incorporated elsewhere is common. For example, a middleware outfit had originally formed as a corporation back East. However, their U.S., Canada, and Mexico operations had just recently relocated to metro Phoenix.
Is your company hiring an employee in Arizona, but based in another state? Bringing on a new employee can be exciting, but there’s often a lot to do as well. Corporations must register with the Arizona Corporation Commission before doing business in Arizona. Out-of-state companies generally require an Arizona Certificate of Compliance to register as a foreign organization.
Business Name Registration and Licensing
If you want to register a business name in Arizona, go to the Secretary of State’s website. You may also register business names such as dba or trade names with the County Recorder’s office.
In Arizona, sole proprietorships may not require formal registration unless they operate under a fictitious business name. In that case, you must register the name with the appropriate county or state agency. Local and state permits or licenses may still be required.
For businesses planning to sell goods in Arizona, registration with the Arizona Department of Revenue is mandatory to collect sales tax. If your business will employ staff, registration with the DOR for employer withholding taxes is also necessary.
Miscellaneous Business Requirements
Your company must register with the Arizona Department of Revenue before engaging in any commercial activity for transaction privilege tax and withholding. When you purchase an established firm, you must register the business with the appropriate authorities.