Form a Partnership in Arizona
Everything you need to know about forming a Partnership in Arizona. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
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How to File
Choose Your Partnership Type
Decide whether you are forming a General Partnership (GP), Limited Partnership (LP), or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), as each has different filing requirements, liability protections, and management structures in Arizona.
1-2 hours
Select and Verify Your Partnership Name
Choose a business name and verify its availability using the Arizona Secretary of State's business name search tool. LPs and LLPs must include required designators (e.g., 'Limited Partnership' or 'LLP') in the name.
30 minutes
Draft a Partnership Agreement
Create a written partnership agreement outlining each partner's contributions, profit/loss sharing, roles, decision-making authority, and dissolution procedures. Though not legally required in Arizona, this document is strongly recommended.
2-5 hours
Designate a Statutory Agent
Appoint a statutory agent (Arizona's term for registered agent) with a physical street address in Arizona who will receive legal and official documents on behalf of the partnership. Required for LPs and LLPs.
30 minutes
What's Next After Filing
Once your Partnership is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •File Formation Documents with the State — General Partnerships require no state filing. Limited Partnerships must file a Certificate of Limited Partnership, and LLPs must file a Registration of Limited Liability Partnership with the Arizona Secretary of State online or by mail.
- •Obtain an EIN and Open a Bank Account — Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, which is required for tax filing, hiring employees, and opening a dedicated business bank account for the partnership.
- •Obtain Licenses, Permits, and Register for Taxes — Secure any required local business licenses, industry-specific permits, and register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for applicable state taxes such as transaction privilege tax (TPT) if the partnership sells goods or certain services.
Advantages
- ✓Simple and inexpensive to form, especially General Partnerships which require no state filing in Arizona
- ✓Pass-through taxation avoids double taxation — profits and losses flow directly to partners' personal tax returns
- ✓Flexible management structure with minimal regulatory requirements and no mandatory annual reports for GPs
- ✓LLPs provide limited liability protection for partners from the negligence or misconduct of other partners, making them popular for professional practices
Considerations
- •General partners in a GP or LP bear unlimited personal liability for business debts and legal judgments, putting personal assets at risk
- •Partnerships dissolve upon the death, withdrawal, or bankruptcy of a general partner unless the partnership agreement specifies otherwise
- •Limited ability to raise capital compared to corporations, as partnerships cannot issue stock or bring on equity investors as easily
Annual Obligations
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