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Is my business taxable?	Operating a Business in the City of Phoenix
General Start-Up Issues	Other Helpful Resources
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General Start-Up Issues

Getting your Name Registered

Arizona Secretary of State
1700 W. Washington St., 7th Floor
Phoenix , AZ 85007
(602) 542-4285 or (800) 458-5842
Web Page: Trade Names and Service Marks

The Office of the Secretary of State issues a Certificate of Trade Name for small business start-ups for a small fee. The registration protects the copyright of one's business name in the state of Arizona . Once registered, other businesses are prohibited from using the same name in Arizona .

Maricopa County Recorder
111 S. Third Ave.
Phoenix , AZ 85003
(602) 506-3535

You may record your Certificate of Fictitious Name with the County Recorder , primarily for "DBA - Doing Business As" titles. The registration does not protect the business name under the copyright laws. Most DBA businesses obtain the certificate for financial institution requirement only (bank accounts).

Arizona Corporation Commission
1300 W. Washington St.
Phoenix , AZ 85007
Name Availability Line: (602) 542-3230

To incorporate a business, contact the Corporation Commission. The name may be reserved for 120 days.

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Worker's Compensation

Arizona Worker's Compensation Insurance
State Compensation Fund
3030 N. Third St., Suite 110
Phoenix, AZ 85012-2855
Phone: (602) 631-2900

State laws require public and private employers with regularly employed workers to carry insurance. Employers are required to bear the entire cost of this insurance. Companies may choose to insure their employees in one of three ways: 1) by insuring with the State Compensation Fund, 2) by insuring with another authorized insurance carrier, or 3) by qualifying as a self-insurer under the rules and regulations of the Industrial Commission.

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Federal Tax ID

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
210 E. Earll Drive
Phoenix , AZ 85012 https://www.aztaxes.gov/
Tax Form Orders: (800) 829-3676
Web Page: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/

• Do I need an Employment Identification Number (EIN)?
• Do I need a Tax ID Number?

The IRS issues an Employment Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID number for a business. For a sole proprietorship, a separate EIN is not required since the owner can use his/her social security number. An application form (SS-4) can be obtained on-line through the Internet or by calling the IRS directly.

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City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department 200 West Washington Street, 20th Floor Phoenix, Arizona 85003	Call: 602.262.5040 Fax: 602.495.5097 TTY: 602.534.3476
Email: Click here to send

The city of Phoenix provides accessibility to information, participation, services and employment for persons with disabilities. This guide may be made available in the following alternative formats: large print, braille or audio-tape by calling (602) 534-CITY (2489).