How to start a consulting business in Arizona (2026)
Everything a new consulting business in Arizona needs in the first months: registration, licenses, taxes, insurance and the yearly deadlines, with official links.
1. Register your business
Most owners form an LLC with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Once it's registered, find it here to claim a free website and see your exact dates.
2. Licenses
Most consulting doesn't need a license. Regulated fields do: accounting, engineering, law, investment advice and some health and building work. If yours is one, check the state board before taking clients.
Your city or county may also require a general business license or tax receipt.
3. Taxes
Get a free EIN from the IRS first. How. Register with Arizona before your first taxable sale. Register in Arizona
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, you pay estimated tax four times a year.
Arizona's yearly report
Arizona doesn't require an annual report from LLCs. There's no state fee if you file on time.
Your first-month checklist
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Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
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Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC. See options
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Get professional liability (E&O) insurance
Professional liability covers a client who says your advice cost them money; bigger clients often require it. See options
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Check whether your field needs a license
Most consulting doesn't need a license. Regulated fields do: accounting, engineering, law, investment advice and some health and building work. If yours is one, check the state board before taking clients.
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Set up booking and invoicing
Online booking and automatic invoices get you paid faster. See options
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Set up bookkeeping
Track every sale and expense from day one so taxes take hours, not weeks. See options
What insurance costs
| Coverage | Median per month |
|---|---|
| General liability | $32 |
| Professional liability | $62 |
| Business owner's policy (BOP) | $61 |
| Workers' compensation | $44 |
| Cyber insurance | $81 |
Source: Insureon, Jun 2026. Your price depends on your work, location and history.
Other trades in Arizona
Sources: state agency sites linked above; annual report rules compiled from state sites (checked Oct 2026). Rules change, so confirm with the agency before filing.