The First Arizona LLC and Over 9,200 Formed Since

When the Arizona Limited Liability Company Act became effective in October 1992, KEYTLaw founder Richard Keyt was ready. His legal assistant stood outside the Arizona Corporation Commission at 8 a.m. sharp, filing the very first LLC in the state.

Since then, KEYTLaw has helped over 9,200 entrepreneurs and business owners set up their LLCs efficiently, affordably, and with confidence. Unlike DIY services or impersonal online platforms, KEYTLaw provides hands-on legal guidance, ensuring every LLC is properly structured for long-term success and asset protection.

How Fast Can You Form an Arizona LLC?

One of the biggest concerns for new business owners is how long it takes to form an LLC. With KEYTLaw, the answer is simple—we file online, which means same-day approval as long as we receive your information and payment that day.

This streamlined process ensures that entrepreneurs can launch their businesses quickly, avoiding the delays that come with filing on their own or using slower services.

Once your LLC is formed, we also help with the next crucial steps:

  • Obtaining your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
  • Providing a custom Operating Agreement for business structure clarity
  • Guiding you on opening a business bank account
  • Offering step-by-step instructions through our detailed Operations Manual

Without these steps, many businesses risk compliance issues that can lead to legal trouble down the road.

What Happens After Your LLC Is Formed?

Many business owners assume the work is done after their LLC is approved—but that’s just the beginning. To help our clients succeed, KEYTLaw provides a 170-page Operations Manual, answering the most common post-formation questions that arise after starting a business.

We also send out 50 follow-up emails over three months, reminding clients to:

✔️ Sign and store their Operating Agreement
✔️ Open a business bank account
✔️ Set up financial records and accounting systems
✔️ Consult a CPA for tax elections

Why This Follow-Up Support Matters

Without proper guidance, many small businesses unknowingly operate in a way that exposes them to liability. Signing an Operating Agreement is more than a formality—it clarifies ownership structure, management roles, and decision-making authority.

Additionally, failing to properly separate business and personal finances by opening a dedicated business account can cause serious legal and tax complications.

KEYTLaw ensures that no crucial step is missed, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

Why Should I Use an LLC Instead of Other Business Structures?

Many business owners wonder why an LLC is better than a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Here are the key benefits:

  • Personal Liability Protection: Your personal assets (home, car, savings) are protected from business debts and lawsuits.
  • Flexible Taxation: LLCs can be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corporation, or C-corporation.
  • Less Paperwork: Compared to corporations, LLCs require fewer formalities and reporting requirements.
  • Easy Management: No board of directors or annual shareholder meetings are required.

For most small business owners, an LLC offers the perfect balance of legal protection and flexibility.

What Happens If I Don’t Have an Operating Agreement?

An Operating Agreement is one of the most important documents for your LLC, yet many businesses skip it—a huge mistake.

Without an Operating Agreement, Arizona’s default LLC laws will govern your business, which may not align with your intentions. A well-drafted Operating Agreement ensures:

  • Clear ownership structure and decision-making rules
  • Legal protection if there’s an internal dispute
  • Defined roles and responsibilities for members and managers

How an Operating Agreement Protects Your LLC

Even single-member LLCs benefit from an Operating Agreement, as it establishes a separate legal identity for the business. If you ever face a lawsuit, having a clear Operating Agreement can help prove your business is distinct from personal assets, reinforcing liability protection.

At KEYTLaw, every LLC formation includes a custom Operating Agreement, digitally signed through DocuSign for convenience and security.

Why You Need a Trust to Avoid Probate

If you’re forming an LLC for estate planning or real estate purposes, you should also consider setting up a revocable living trust. Without a trust, your assets may have to go through probate, an expensive and time-consuming court process.

A properly structured trust allows your assets to pass directly to your named beneficiaries without court interference. If asset protection is one of your goals, a trust and LLC combination can be a powerful legal strategy.

How a Trust and LLC Work Together

Many business owners use a revocable living trust to hold ownership of their LLC. This ensures that if they pass away, the business transitions smoothly to heirs or designated successors without probate delays.

Trusts also provide greater control over how business assets are distributed, allowing business owners to set conditions for inheritance, minimize estate taxes, and ensure their business remains in trusted hands.

By working with KEYTLaw, you can ensure your LLC and trust work together, protecting both your business and your family’s financial future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Forming an LLC

Forming an LLC is a crucial step in protecting your business, but simple mistakes can lead to legal and financial issues. Some common errors include:

❌ Not properly structuring the Operating Agreement – Without a well-drafted Operating Agreement, you may run into disputes over ownership and decision-making.
❌ Failing to maintain financial separation – Mixing personal and business finances can weaken liability protection.
❌ Not obtaining an EIN for tax and banking purposes – Your EIN is essential for opening a business bank account and filing taxes correctly.
❌ Skipping necessary legal filings – Some businesses require additional permits or registrations to stay compliant.

How KEYTLaw Helps You Avoid These Pitfalls

Many business owners don’t realize that a poorly structured LLC can leave them personally exposed to liability. KEYTLaw’s process ensures that every legal detail is handled properly, preventing common pitfalls that can jeopardize your business.

We take the time to educate clients on their responsibilities, ensuring that their LLC remains compliant and legally sound. From drafting essential legal documents to providing ongoing guidance, we set up your business for long-term success.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to start your Arizona LLC the right way, KEYTLaw makes the process simple and stress-free.