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 corporate designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' 'Limited,' or an abbreviation thereof. Use the Arizona Corporation Commission's eCorp name availability search tool to confirm the name is not already in use.
30 minutes
Appoint a Statutory Agent
Designate a statutory agent (Arizona's term for registered agent) who has a physical street address in Arizona and is available during normal business hours to accept legal documents. The agent must sign and file a Statutory Agent Acceptance form (M002) with the ACC.
1-2 hours
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation with the Arizona Corporation Commission, either online through the eCorp portal or by mail. The articles must include the corporate name, number of authorized shares, statutory agent information, incorporator details, and the known place of business address.
1-2 hours
Publish Notice of Incorporation
Arizona does NOT require newspaper publication for corporations (unlike LLCs formed in Maricopa or Pima counties), so this step is not applicable. However, verify with the ACC at time of filing as rules can change.
N/A
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Create Corporate Bylaws and Organizational Records — Draft corporate bylaws that govern internal operations, including rules for director and shareholder meetings, officer roles, voting procedures, and stock issuance. Hold an organizational meeting of the initial board of directors to adopt bylaws, elect officers, and issue stock.
- •Obtain an EIN and Open a Business Bank Account — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free at IRS.gov, which is required for tax filings, hiring employees, and opening a corporate bank account. Use the EIN to open a dedicated business banking account to maintain the corporate separation of finances.
- •Register for Arizona State Taxes and Licenses — Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for applicable state taxes, including transaction privilege tax (TPT) if selling goods or services, and unemployment insurance through the Department of Economic Security if hiring employees. Obtain any required local business licenses from the city or county where the corporation operates.
Advantages
- ✓Limited liability protection shields shareholders' personal assets from corporate debts and legal judgments
- ✓Ability to raise capital through the issuance of stock, making it easier to attract investors and venture capital
- ✓Eligible for S-Corporation tax election, allowing pass-through taxation and avoidance of double taxation for qualifying corporations
- ✓Perpetual existence — the corporation continues to exist regardless of changes in ownership or shareholder death
- ✓Enhanced credibility and professional image with customers, vendors, and financial institutions
Considerations
- •C-Corporations face potential double taxation — profits taxed at the corporate level and again as shareholder dividends
- •More complex and costly to maintain than an LLC, requiring formal record-keeping, board meetings, and strict corporate formalities
- •Greater regulatory compliance burden including annual reports, bylaws, meeting minutes, and stock issuance records
Annual Obligations
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