Arizona vs. New York LLC: Examining Legal and Business Factors

When comparing Arizona and New York as jurisdictions for forming Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), several legal and business factors come into play.

Both states offer unique advantages and considerations for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Understanding the differences in formation requirements, tax regulations, legal protections, and business climates can help individuals make informed decisions when choosing between an Arizona LLC and a New York LLC.

Content At a Glance show

Arizona vs. New York LLC

Arizona

No state income tax for individuals or businesses

Annual LLC filing fees: No

Easy to register an LLC at a fee of $50

No sales tax on most goods and services

Good for businesses with a physical presence in Arizona

New York

High state income tax for individuals and businesses

LLC filing fee is $200

Relatively difficult to register an LLC

Sales tax on most goods and services

Good for businesses that want to do business in New York

Arizona LLC	New York LLC
In Arizona, you file Articles of Organization with the $50 fee Arizona Corporation Commission to form an LLC.	In New York, you file Articles of Organization with a fee of $200. New York Department of State to establish an LLC.
Arizona does not have a publication requirement for newly formed LLCs.	New York requires newly formed LLCs to publish a notice of formation in designated newspapers within a specific timeframe.
Arizona follows a flat-rate income tax system for LLCs, with a corporate income tax rate of 4.9% and a progressive personal income tax system.	New York has a progressive corporate income tax system with rates ranging from 6.5% to 10.9%, and a progressive personal income tax system with rates ranging from 4% to 8.82%.
Arizona does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs.	New York imposes an annual franchise tax on LLCs, with the tax amount based on the LLC’s income.
Arizona LLCs are not required to publish any notices, thus incurring no specific publication costs.	New York LLCs must publish a notice of formation in designated newspapers, which can result in varying publication costs depending on the county and publication choices.
Arizona has relatively lower property tax rates compared to national averages, assessed by counties and municipalities.The average effective tax rate in the state is 0.51%, while the national average is 0.99%	New York has higher property tax rates, varying by locality and including levies by counties, cities, towns, and school districts. Property tax rate in New York City is 0.88%, while the statewide average is 1.69%

Cost Breakdown of The Two

You may use our free LLC cost calculator by state to find out filing fees, tax percentages, income taxes, and more.

Arizona LLC:

Formation Fees: The filing fee for Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission is approximately $50.

Registered Agent: Hiring a registered agent, which is required in Arizona, may range from $50 to $300 annually, depending on the service provider.

Annual Reports: The Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC) doesn’t require an Annual Report (or fee) for an Arizona LLC

New York LLC:

Formation Fees: Filing the Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State costs $200.

Publication Requirement: New York law requires newly formed LLCs to publish a notice of formation in designated newspapers.

Costs for this publication can vary widely, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the county and publication.

Biennial Statements: New York LLCs must file a biennial statement every two years, with a fee of $9.

Additional Costs (Applicable to Both States):

Legal Assistance: Seeking legal guidance for LLC formation or complex matters may incur additional fees, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the situation.

Operating Agreement: Drafting an operating agreement, though not mandatory, is advisable and may involve attorney fees or template costs.

State and Local Taxes: LLCs are subject to various state and local taxes, including income taxes, sales taxes, and employment taxes.

The specific tax liabilities will vary depending on the nature and location of the business.

Related Posts:

Similarities Between Arizona and New York LLC

Limited Liability Protection: Both Arizona and New York offer limited liability protection to LLC owners.

This means that the personal assets of LLC members are generally protected from the debts and liabilities of the business.

Separate Legal Entity: In both states, an LLC is considered a separate legal entity from its owners.

This separation provides advantages such as the ability to enter into contracts, own property, and conduct business in the LLC’s name.

Formation Process: Both states require filing formation documents with the respective state agencies.

In Arizona, the Articles of Organization are filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission, while in New York, the Articles of Organization are filed with the New York Department of State.

Multiple Membership Structure: Both states allow LLCs to have multiple members or be owned by a single member.

This flexibility accommodates businesses with different ownership structures and facilitates both collaborative and individual entrepreneurial ventures.

Operating Agreement: Although not legally required, having an operating agreement is highly recommended in both Arizona and New York.

This internal document outlines the rights, responsibilities, and operating procedures of the LLC and its members.

Additional Resources:

Steps to Form LLC in Arizona

Choose a Name: Select a unique name for your LLC that complies with Arizona’s naming requirements. The name should include the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC.”

Appoint a Statutory Agent: Designate a statutory agent, also known as a registered agent, who will receive legal and official documents on behalf of the LLC.

The agent must have a physical address in Arizona.

File Articles of Organization: Prepare and file the Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).

This document officially establishes your LLC and includes information such as the LLC’s name, statutory agent details, management structure, and purpose.

Create an Operating Agreement: Although not required by law in Arizona, it is recommended to create an operating agreement. This document outlines the ownership, management, and operational procedures of your LLC. It helps establish clear guidelines and prevent misunderstandings among members.

Obtain an EIN: If your LLC has multiple members or if you plan to hire employees, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website.

Comply with Tax and Regulatory Requirements: Register for state and local taxes, such as sales tax or employer withholding tax, if applicable.

Additionally, ensure compliance with any specific industry regulations or licenses that may apply to your business.

Annual Reports: Arizona LLCs are required to file an annual report with the ACC. The report includes basic information about your LLC and requires a filing fee.

Steps to Form LLC in New York

Choose a Name: Select a unique name for your LLC that complies with New York’s naming requirements.

The name must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or an appropriate abbreviation, such as “LLC.”

Check Name Availability: Conduct a search on the New York Department of State’s online database to ensure that your chosen LLC name is available and not already in use.

Appoint a Registered Agent: Designate a registered agent in New York who will receive legal and official documents on behalf of your LLC.

The registered agent must have a physical address in the state.

File Articles of Organization: Prepare and file the Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State.

This document includes information such as the LLC’s name, address, registered agent details, and the purpose of the LLC.

Publication Requirement: As part of the formation process, New York requires newly formed LLCs to publish a notice of formation in designated newspapers in the county where the LLC’s office is located.

The publication must be done within 120 days of the LLC’s formation.

Draft an Operating Agreement: Although not legally required, it is advisable to create an operating agreement.

This document outlines the internal workings, rights, and responsibilities of the LLC’s members and manager

Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain specific permits, licenses, or certifications to operate legally in New York.

Research the requirements for your industry and comply with any necessary regulations.

Register for Taxes: Register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to obtain the appropriate tax identification numbers and fulfill your tax obligations as an LLC.

File Biennial Statements: New York LLCs are required to file biennial statements every two years with the New York Department of State.

These statements ensure that the state has updated information about your LLC, including its address and members.

Feature Comparisons Between Arizona LLC vs. New York LLC

Formation Requirements: The formation requirements differ between the two states.

In Arizona, you file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission, while in New York, you file Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State.

Publication Requirement: New York has a unique publication requirement for newly formed LLCs.

LLCs in certain New York counties must publish a notice of formation in designated newspapers, whereas Arizona does not have a similar requirement.

Publication Costs: Due to the publication requirement, forming an LLC in New York can involve additional costs for publishing the notice in newspapers.

The costs can vary based on the county and publication choices.

Operating Agreement: Although not legally required in either state, having an operating agreement is strongly recommended.

An operating agreement outlines the internal organization, management structure, and member rights and responsibilities.

Having a comprehensive operating agreement helps establish clarity and minimize conflicts within the LLC.

Annual Reports or Biennial Statements: Both Arizona and New York require periodic filings to keep the state informed about the LLC’s current information.

Arizona requires annual reports, while New York requires biennial statements. These filings typically include updated details such as the LLC’s address, members, and management structure.

Business Environment

Economic Diversity: Both Arizona and New York have diverse economies with various industries and sectors.

New York has a robust and globally recognized financial and professional services sector, while Arizona has a growing technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism industry.

Access to Markets: New York, particularly New York City, provides access to a vast and diverse consumer market, attracting businesses seeking opportunities in finance, fashion, media, and more.

Arizona offers proximity to the Southwest U.S. market, with growing populations and opportunities in various sectors.

Infrastructure: New York benefits from extensive transportation networks, including major airports, ports, and an extensive public transportation system.

Arizona has developed infrastructure, including airports, highways, and rail systems, facilitating connectivity within the state and with neighboring regions.

Workforce: Both states have diverse and skilled workforces. New York has a highly educated workforce with access to top universities and talent from around the world. Arizona has been investing in education and workforce development, particularly in technology-related fields.

Cost of Living and Doing Business: New York, especially in major metropolitan areas like New York City, tends to have a higher cost of living and operating expenses.

Arizona generally offers a more affordable cost of living and lower business operating costs.

Read Also:

Arizona vs. New York Taxes

Corporate Income Tax:

Arizona: Arizona levies a flat corporate income tax rate of 4.9% on C corporations’ net income.

New York: New York has a progressive corporate income tax system with rates ranging from 6.5% to 10.9% based on taxable income.

Personal Income Tax:

New York: New York also has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 4% to 8.82%.

High-income earners in certain areas of New York City may be subject to an additional local income tax.

Arizona: Arizona has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.5%.

Sales Tax:

Arizona: Arizona has a state sales tax rate of 5.6%, and localities may impose additional sales taxes, resulting in varying total rates across the state.

New York: New York has a state sales tax rate of 4%, but localities in New York can add their own sales tax, resulting in combined rates that can range from 4% to 8.875%.

Property Tax:

Arizona: Arizona has relatively low property tax rates compared to national averages. Property taxes are assessed by counties and municipalities.

New York: New York has one of the highest property tax rates in the country. Property taxes are levied by local governments, including counties, cities, towns, and school districts.

Other Taxes:

Both states may have additional taxes, such as excise taxes, fuel taxes, and specific industry-related taxes.

New York imposes a Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax (MCTMT) on certain employers and self-employed individuals in specific areas.

Flexibility in Rules and Regulations

Zoning and Land Use: Flexibility in zoning regulations allows for adjustments in land use restrictions to accommodate unique circumstances or changes in community needs.

It may involve granting variances, special permits, or creating flexible zoning districts.

Business Regulations: Flexibility in business regulations can provide opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

This may include streamlined processes for obtaining permits, licenses, or certifications, as well as regulatory frameworks that adapt to evolving business models and technologies.

Labor Laws: Flexibility in labor laws can involve provisions such as alternative work arrangements

(e.g., flexible schedules, remote work), exemptions or modifications for certain industries, or adaptable rules for overtime, breaks, and wage regulations.

Environmental Regulations: Flexibility in environmental regulations can allow for tailored approaches to environmental compliance based on specific circumstances or industries.

It may involve alternative compliance options, exemptions for small businesses, or adaptive management strategies.

Healthcare Regulations: Flexibility in healthcare regulations can facilitate innovative delivery models, telehealth services, or exceptions to regulations under certain emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Government Procurement: Flexibility in government procurement rules can promote competition, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

It may include procedures that allow for negotiation, customization of contract terms, or exemptions for certain categories of contracts.