Forming a Corporation in Arizona

Each state has its own set of rules for businesses seeking to form a corporation there. If you've decided to incorporate in Arizona, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the Arizona Corporation Commission. We can also assist with many of your follow-up needs such as amendment filings, written consents, and annual report preparation and filing.

Here are some helpful facts about Arizona's incorporation requirements:

Corporate Name Requirements

Arizona requires corporations to have names that can't be confused with any domestic, foreign, profit and not-for-profit corporate names, forced fictitious names, as well as limited liability, registered trade and limited liability partnership names. When you incorporate with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Arizona's standards.

Permitted Designations: Arizona's corporate names may be followed by several approved designations, including:

• Association
• Bank
• Co.
• Company
• Corp.
• Corporation
• Inc.
• Incorporated
• Limited
• Ltd.

Restricted Designations: The use of certain words and phrases in corporate names is considered "restricted" in Arizona, meaning they require special approval by the state. These include:

• Bank
• Credit Union
• Deposit
• Trust
• Trust Company

Prohibited Designations: Arizona prohibits the use of the designation "Limited Liability Company" or any abbreviations of the phrase.

Filing Requirements

Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of your incorporation filing for you. This information is presented only for your reference.

Required documents: The state of Arizona requires businesses to file Articles of Incorporation as well as a Certificate of Disclosure.

Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for incorporating a business in Arizona is 5-7 business days.

Follow-up filings: Not required.

Officers/Directors Information

Minimum number: Corporations are required to have one or more directors.

Director qualifications: The articles of incorporation or bylaws may prescribe director qualifications. Arizona does not require directors to be residents of Arizona unless spelled out in the articles of incorporation or bylaws.

Appearance in articles: Required. At least one director's name and address must appear in the Articles of Incorporation.

Written consent: Permitted. Directors may act in writing in lieu of holding a meeting.

Principal Office Location

Arizona requires a "place of business address" in the state, but permits use of a registered agent.

Annual Reports

Time to file: Corporations must file a Corporation Annual Report and Certificate of Disclosure with the Arizona Corporation Commission on or before the anniversary of the date of incorporation.

Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is 19 to 20 business days. Expedited turnaround time is between 7 and 10 days and is available for an additional fee.

Signatures: Only company officers are authorized to sign annual reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are accepted.

Filing extensions: Permitted. Extensions may not exceed six months.