Start Legally guides
Start Your Arizona Side Hustle Legally
Most side hustles in Arizona don't need much paperwork to start. You can usually begin as a sole proprietor under your own name. But depending on what you do, you may need a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license, a city permit, or eventually an LLC. And almost everyone needs a plan for taxes.
This section explains Arizona's rules in plain English: forming an LLC with the Arizona Corporation Commission, registering for TPT with the Arizona Department of Revenue, and how federal self-employment tax and Arizona's flat income tax work for side income. Every guide links to the official agency and shows the date we last verified it, because fees and rules change.
These guides are general information, not legal or tax advice. When your situation gets complicated, we'll tell you, and point you to the kind of professional who can help.
Not sure what you need? Start here.
How to Start an LLC in Arizona for Your Side Hustle (Step-by-Step)Do you need an LLC for your Arizona side hustle? A plain-English guide to filing with the Arizona Corporation Commission, statutory agents, the publication rule, EINs, and what it actually costs.Read the guide →Start Legally guides
- Start LegallyHow to Start an LLC in Arizona for Your Side HustleDo you need an LLC for your Arizona side hustle? A plain-English guide to filing with the Arizona Corporation Commission, statutory agents, the publication rule, EINs, and what it actually costs.
- Start LegallyArizona TPT License for Side HustlesArizona's Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) in plain English for side hustlers: who typically needs a TPT license, who often doesn't, how to register through ADOR and AZTaxes, the $12 state fee, and city license basics.
- Start LegallySide Hustle Taxes in ArizonaA plain-English guide to side hustle taxes in Arizona: federal self-employment tax, quarterly estimates, Arizona's flat income tax, TPT, and a simple set-aside checklist, with links to the IRS and ADOR.
Permits for specific side hustles
- Arizona Cottage Food Law: How to Legally Sell Baked Goods and Other Food From Home (Selling food from home)
- Short-Term Rental Side Hustle in Arizona: Permits for Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson (Renting out a home or room)
Official sources we use most
- Arizona Corporation Commission: https://azcc.gov/
- Arizona Department of Revenue: https://azdor.gov/ · AZTaxes: https://www.aztaxes.gov/
- IRS Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center
Information only, not legal or tax advice. Always confirm with the official agency.