You are a Sole Operator if…
- Operating between 1 and 10 ATMs across Arizona
- Loading cash yourself or via one-or-two trusted contractors
- Filing your own taxes or working with a single CPA
- Targeting bars, c-stores, restaurants, and smoke shops
Your Priorities
- Stay under the FinCEN MSB radar with a clean BSA/AML program
- Maintain at least two MSB-friendly bank accounts at all times
- Use a processor with simple flat per-transaction pricing
- Keep liability protection through a properly maintained Arizona LLC
Your Arizona Roadmap
The steps below map to the full Arizona operator guide. Click any step to jump to the details.
- 1$50 filing fee, no annual report required.
- 2Free, instant via IRS.gov.
- 3Free, within 180 days of operating.
- 4Five required pillars, annual review.
- 5Desert Financial and OneAZ are MSB-aware.
Common Pitfalls
- Using a personal bank account — guaranteed account closure and pierces LLC veil
- Ignoring the 180-day FinCEN registration deadline (criminal exposure under 18 U.S.C. § 1960)
- Skipping written BSA/AML program because you're 'too small' — it's required regardless of size
- Forgetting Arizona Statement of Change ($5) when you change your registered agent
Budget Snapshot
| Arizona LLC formation | $50 one-time |
|---|---|
| Insurance (BOP + cash + transit) | ~$2,000/year |
| BSA/AML annual independent review | $500–$1,000/year |
| Processor fees (per ATM) | $25–$50/month minimums |
| FinCEN MSB registration | $0 |