How much permits cost to open in Phoenix
In Phoenix, the filings with a fixed government fee add up to about $0. 7 more are set by the space or the business, and 6 are free. Build-out, insurance and adviser costs are on top.
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
Arizona LLC formation
Arizona Corporation CommissionAZ
File the Articles of Organization online, by mail or in person. Publication is required: if the statutory agent is in Maricopa or Pima County the Commission publishes it, otherwise publish a notice in a newspaper.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Regular processing is typically 14 to 16 days.
Transaction privilege tax (TPT) license
Arizona Department of RevenueAZ
A business selling taxable products or services gets a license for each location, online on AZTaxes.gov or with the paper JT-1. The same application registers employers with the Department of Economic Security for unemployment insurance.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Online, the license number is issued the same day and the certificate is mailed in 7 to 10 business days.
- Renews
- Every year, due January 1; no state renewal fee, city fees still apply.
Create/Update Importer Identity Form
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- Up to 5 business days.
Customs Bond
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- At least 5 business days for review.
- Renews
- Continuous bonds renew yearly.
ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Applied for online in ACE. Lets you see your entries, duties and bond.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA)
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal
Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the facility that makes or processes the cosmetics.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Every two years.
Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA)
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal
Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the brand (the responsible person on the label), one listing per product.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Update every year.
Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry
U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionUS federal
The importer issues the certificate itself (there is no government form) and, under the eFiling rule, files the certificate data with CBP at entry.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Hazardous materials registration
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT)US federal
Filed online when you ship or offer certain hazardous materials in bulk, such as large lithium battery shipments.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Every year by June 30.
Food establishment plan review
Maricopa County Environmental ServicesPhoenix
Apply in the county Permit Center with the supporting documents before construction starts; the county advises applying 6 to 8 weeks ahead.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Maricopa County recommends applying at least 6 to 8 weeks before construction starts; if you'll finish within 15 business days of submitting, you must pay for expedited review.
Building permit and Certificate of Occupancy
City of Phoenix Planning and DevelopmentPhoenix
Tenant improvements of a newly occupied space or a change of occupancy go through plan review; the Certificate of Occupancy is generated once all inspections pass and stays with the address. Phoenix doesn't issue a general business license.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- Phoenix issues the Certificate of Occupancy 24 hours after the final inspection and mails it to the owner.
Food establishment permit
Maricopa County Environmental ServicesPhoenix
Apply in the county Permit Center; after the final inspection, pay the annual permit fee to receive the permit and open.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- After you apply, expect an email with your permit number and payment instructions within 2 business days; the permit itself follows plan review, inspection and fee payment.
- Renews
- Every year from the issue date.
Guides for each business in Phoenix
Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.
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Get the plan for your business in Phoenix
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders