Form a Corporation in Arizona
Everything you need to know about forming a Corporation in Arizona. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
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How to File
Choose a Corporate Name
Select a unique name that includes a required corporate designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' 'Limited,' or their abbreviations (Corp., Inc., Co., Ltd.). Search the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) eCorp database to confirm name availability.
30 minutes
Appoint a Statutory Agent (Registered Agent)
Designate a statutory agent with a physical street address in Arizona — P.O. boxes are not permitted. The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the corporation.
1-2 hours
File Articles of Incorporation with the ACC
Prepare and submit Articles of Incorporation to the Arizona Corporation Commission, either online via the ACC eCorp portal or by mail. Required information includes the corporate name, number of authorized shares, statutory agent details, and incorporator information.
1-2 hours
Fulfill the Publication Requirement
Arizona law requires new corporations to publish a Notice of Incorporation in a newspaper of general circulation in the county of the statutory agent's address for three consecutive publications. The ACC will provide the newspaper options; publication typically costs $30–$90 depending on the county.
3 weeks (publication period)
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Create Corporate Bylaws and Organizational Documents — Draft corporate bylaws that govern internal operations, including shareholder meetings, board structure, officer roles, and voting procedures. While not filed with the state, bylaws are legally essential and should be adopted at the first organizational meeting.
- •Hold Organizational Meeting and Issue Stock — Conduct the initial organizational meeting of the board of directors to adopt bylaws, elect officers, authorize issuance of stock, and address other foundational matters. Issue stock certificates to initial shareholders and maintain a stock ledger.
- •Obtain EIN, Licenses, and Open a Bank Account — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost. Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for state taxes, obtain any required local or state business licenses, and open a dedicated corporate bank account to maintain liability protection.
Advantages
- ✓Strong liability protection separates personal assets from corporate debts and legal obligations
- ✓Ability to raise capital by issuing multiple classes of stock, making it easier to attract investors and venture capital
- ✓Perpetual existence means the corporation continues regardless of ownership changes or shareholder death
- ✓Established legal framework with well-defined corporate law provides predictability for governance and dispute resolution
- ✓Potential tax advantages including deductibility of employee benefits, retirement plans, and certain business expenses at the corporate level
Considerations
- •Arizona's mandatory newspaper publication requirement adds time (3 weeks) and cost ($30–$90) to the formation process compared to many other states
- •Double taxation risk for C-Corporations — profits are taxed at the corporate level (4.9% AZ + federal) and again when distributed as dividends to shareholders
- •More complex ongoing compliance requirements including annual reports, board meetings, minute-keeping, and strict separation of corporate and personal finances compared to LLCs
Annual Obligations
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