How to File Arizona Articles of Incorporation


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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File Arizona Articles of Incorporation

Incorporating a business is essential for entrepreneurs looking to establish their venture as a separate legal entity. By filing Articles of Incorporation, business owners in Arizona can enjoy myriad benefits, such as limited liability, tax advantages, and increased credibility. However, the incorporation process may seem daunting for many, especially those not well-versed in the legal intricacies of their state. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to file Arizona Articles of Incorporation, taking you through the necessary steps and requirements to establish your corporation successfully.

Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding the process of filing Articles of Incorporation in Arizona, popularly known as The Grand Canyon State, is crucial for the seamless formation of your corporation. The following sections will outline the paperwork, fees, and registration procedures specific to Arizona, along with tips on navigating potential roadblocks and ensuring your application is approved. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of incorporating your business in Arizona.

What is Articles of Incorporation in Arizona?

The Articles of Incorporation is a legal document required to file with the state government to legalize the creation of your corporation. In other words, filing these documents with the Arizona Secretary of State ensures the formation of the corporation in Arizona officially. The Articles of Incorporation is similar to filing the Arizona LLC Articles of Organization while filing an LLC in Arizona.

Arizona, also known as The Grand Canyon State, has some rules when it comes to file the Articles of Incorporation. We shared the step-by-step process here to file the incorporation document with the Arizona SOS. Checking with the SOS is recommended for more information.

It is always wise to consult a legal professional before you file your company under the Arizona SOS. FIling process can be easy, but it is sensitive. If you miss anything, it can totally stope the filing process.

– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to File Arizona Articles of Incorporation

You can file the Articles of Incorporation in several ways based on the state you are willing to start your corporation. In Arizona, you can file it in two ways, in-person and by mail. The details are similar to the details you need when forming an LLC. Here are the details you must submit while filing the documents-

Step 1: Get the Form and Enter the Details

The first step is to get the Articles of Incorporation form from the Arizona Secretary of State. You will get both offline and online forms on the site, as available. You must pay the $60 for filing in-person and by mail when submitting the form. Following are the details you must add to your incorporation form-

Name of the Entity

The first thing you need to do is submit your company’s name. Make sure to mention the exact name of the company that you decided on. Like the LLC naming guidelines, you must also follow the Arizona corporation naming requirements too. There are a few points to note when you name your company. They are,

  • You cannot have a name used by other companies or businesses.
  • You cannot have any name that is misleading or the same as government organizations.
  • Banks, Insurance, Insurer, or any such names cannot be used as they reflect the financial organization.
  • You must add terms like corporation, limited, company, incorporated, or incorporation. You can also add abbreviations like co., ltd., inc., and corp instead of the above terms.

Address of the Corporation

The next section of the form is to provide your main address. It is necessary to have a physical street address in Arizona. For those running an online business, you must provide any address in the state (including your home address) where you will receive all the business and legal documents and mail. While sharing your address, make sure not to use abbreviations, such as N.Y. for New York or L.A. for Los Angeles.

Arizona Statutory Agent

The next point is to provide information about the Statutory Agent. The Arizona Statutory Agent is an individual or business entity that is responsible for receiving all the legal and official documents on behalf of the company. They must be aged above 18 years and have eligibility to conduct business in the state. The Statutory Agent should be legit and experienced because, in case of any lawsuit, you need an expert to handle your issues. In most cases, the Statutory Agent’s official address is the company’s official mailing address. If you form an LLC, hiring a registered agent is the most crucial step in the process.

Shares and Stocks

The next important information you must provide is about the stocks and shares. While filing the Articles of Incorporation, you must mention a minimum of one share. In Arizona, to start a corporation, you need at least One director(s) initially. When filing the incorporation documents, you must provide the share of directors in the corporation. It decides the ownership of the company.

If you amend Arizona Articles of Incorporation in the future, you will not be able to change the initial directors. You might need an additional form to change the initial directors’ details. You must check with the Arizona SOS while filing the Articles of Incorporation amendment.

Additional Documents

You might need additional documents to submit along with the incorporation documents. In Arizona, you can attach a cover letter with the documents as an additional document. if you are willing to start a foreign corporation in Arizona, then you must add one document along with the Articles of Incorporation. Foreign corporations in Arizona must submit the Arizona Certificate of Good Standing along with the incorporation documents.

Signature

Finally, the signature of the directors and shareholders are required on the form. You can have more than one share and director. All your initial directors must submit their official signature while filing the corporation in Arizona. Get their signatures to file the Articles of Incorporation.

Step 2: Submit the Articles of Incorporation in Arizona

Once you are done filling up the form, now it is time for you to submit it. The form can be submitted in two ways, in-person and by mail. Checking with a legal professional or a formation service while filing your corporation is recommended. It is sensitive, and one mistake can stop the entire filing process immediately.

  • Online filing: There’s no online filing available.
  • Offline filing: Send the form by mail or drop it in person to Arizona Corporation Commission, Corporate Filings Section, 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

Cost of Filing the Articles of Incorporation in Arizona

The cost of filing the Articles of Incorporation in Arizona is an important aspect to consider when starting a new business. This one-time fee is necessary for officially registering your corporation with the Secretary of State and can vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of Arizona. In some cases, additional fees may be required for expedited processing or other optional services. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to budget for this expense and research the specific costs associated with their Arizona in order to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process. To file the Articles of Incorporation in Arizona, you must pay a filing fee. The filing fee is $60 for filing in-person and by mail.

FAQs

What is the process for filing Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The process for filing Articles of Incorporation in Arizona requires filing the Articles with the Arizona Corporation Commission and paying the applicable filing fees.
What is the cost to file Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The cost to file Articles of Incorporation in Arizona is $50.
What information is needed to file Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The information needed to file Articles of Incorporation in Arizona includes the company name, registered agent name and address, the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue, and the incorporator’s name and address.
How long does it take to file Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The filing of Articles of Incorporation in Arizona typically takes 1-3 business days.
What is an Arizona registered agent?
An Arizona registered agent is a person or business entity designated to receive legal notices on behalf of a corporation.
Who can serve as an Arizona registered agent?
A natural person or a business entity may serve as an Arizona registered agent.
How do I change my Arizona registered agent?
To change your Arizona registered agent, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
What is the purpose of an Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The purpose of an Arizona Articles of Incorporation is to create a corporation in the state and provide the basic information about the company such as the company’s name, purpose, and number of authorized shares.
What are the benefits of filing Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The benefits of filing Arizona Articles of Incorporation include creating a legal entity, personal asset protection, tax advantages, and credibility.
What is required in an Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The information required in an Arizona Articles of Incorporation includes the company name, registered agent name and address, the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue, and the incorporator’s name and address.
How do I file a name reservation in Arizona?
To file a name reservation in Arizona, you must submit an application to the Arizona Corporation Commission along with the applicable filing fee.
How long does an Arizona name reservation last?
An Arizona name reservation is valid for 120 days.
What is the process for amending Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The process for amending Articles of Incorporation in Arizona requires filing the Amendment with the Arizona Corporation Commission and paying the applicable filing fees.
What is the cost to amend Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The cost to amend Articles of Incorporation in Arizona is $50.
What information is needed to amend Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The information needed to amend Articles of Incorporation in Arizona depends on the type of amendment, but typically includes the company name, the amendment language, and the incorporator’s name and address.
How long does it take to amend Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The filing of Amendments to Articles of Incorporation in Arizona typically takes 1-3 business days.
What is the process for dissolving Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The process for dissolving Articles of Incorporation in Arizona requires filing the Articles of Dissolution with the Arizona Corporation Commission and paying the applicable filing fees.
What is the cost to dissolve Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The cost to dissolve Articles of Incorporation in Arizona is $25.
What information is needed to dissolve Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The information needed to dissolve Articles of Incorporation in Arizona includes the company name, the date of dissolution, and the incorporator’s name and address.
How long does it take to dissolve Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The filing of Articles of Dissolution in Arizona typically takes 1-3 business days.
What is the process for reinstating Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The process for reinstating Articles of Incorporation in Arizona requires filing the Articles of Reinstatement with the Arizona Corporation Commission and paying the applicable filing fees.
What is the cost to reinstate Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The cost to reinstate Articles of Incorporation in Arizona is $50.
What information is needed to reinstate Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The information needed to reinstate Articles of Incorporation in Arizona includes the company name, the date of reinstatement, and the incorporator’s name and address.
How long does it take to reinstate Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The filing of Articles of Reinstatement in Arizona typically takes 1-3 business days.
What is the process for converting Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The process for converting Articles of Incorporation in Arizona requires filing the Articles of Conversion with the Arizona Corporation Commission and paying the applicable filing fees.
What is the cost to convert Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The cost to convert Articles of Incorporation in Arizona is $50.
What information is needed to convert Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The information needed to convert Articles of Incorporation in Arizona includes the company name, the name of the new entity, the type of new entity, and the incorporator’s name and address.
How long does it take to convert Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The filing of Articles of Conversion in Arizona typically takes 1-3 business days.
What is the process for merging Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The process for merging Articles of Incorporation in Arizona requires filing the Articles of Merger with the Arizona Corporation Commission and paying the applicable filing fees.
What is the cost to merge Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The cost to merge Articles of Incorporation in Arizona is $50.
What information is needed to merge Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The information needed to merge Articles of Incorporation in Arizona includes the company name, the name of the surviving entity, the type of surviving entity, and the incorporator’s name and address.
How long does it take to merge Arizona Articles of Incorporation?
The filing of Articles of Merger in Arizona typically takes 1-3 business days.

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Why Arizona Articles of Incorporation is So Important

One of the primary reasons why the Arizona Articles of Incorporation is so important is that it legally separates the business entity from its owners. By incorporating a business, owners create a distinct legal entity that is separate from themselves. This separation provides protections for the owners’ personal assets and limits their liability to the extent of their investment in the corporation. This limitation of liability is crucial for entrepreneurs and investors as it shields them from personal liability in case of lawsuits, debts, or other legal obligations of the corporation.

Moreover, the Articles of Incorporation also define the corporate structure, roles, and responsibilities of key stakeholders within the business. It outlines important details such as the company’s name, business purpose, registered agent, number of shares authorized and issued, as well as details about the board of directors and officers. These details provide clarity and transparency about the company’s internal operations, decision-making processes, and governance, which is crucial for stakeholders, investors, and regulatory authorities.

In addition, the Articles of Incorporation establish the corporate existence of the company and confer legal recognition and standing to the business entity. This formal registration with the state government grants the corporation the ability to enter into contracts, sue and be sued, own assets, and conduct business operations under its name. It also provides a legal framework for the company to do business, expand operations, attract investors, and enter into partnerships with other entities.

Furthermore, the Articles of Incorporation serve as a public record of the business entity’s existence and confirm its compliance with state laws and regulations. This public disclosure requirement increases transparency, accountability, and trust among stakeholders, customers, investors, and the general public. It also provides a formal platform for prospective investors, creditors, and partners to assess and verify the legitimacy, credibility, and financial stability of the corporation before engaging in any business dealings.

Overall, the Arizona Articles of Incorporation play a vital role in establishing, formalizing, and legitimizing the corporate entity within the state, while providing key legal protections, defining governance structure, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. By filing the Articles of Incorporation, business owners take a significant step towards building a successful and sustainable business that can navigate legal complexities, attract investors, and grow in a competitive market environment. Therefore, it is essential for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors to understand the significance and importance of the Articles of Incorporation in structuring and operating their business entity in the state of Arizona.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of filing Arizona Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step for businesses looking to establish their presence in the state. This legal document serves as the foundation of the company’s structure and outlines essential information, such as the company’s name, purpose, and management team. To ensure a smooth and successful filing process, it is vital for business owners to familiarize themselves with the State of Arizona’s requirements, adhere to the applicable laws and regulations, and provide accurate and complete information in the Articles of Incorporation.

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