Form a Nonprofit in Arizona
Everything you need to know about forming a Nonprofit in Arizona. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
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How to File
Choose a Name for Your Nonprofit
Select a unique name that complies with Arizona naming rules — it must include 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' 'Limited,' or an abbreviation thereof, and must be distinguishable from existing entities. Conduct a name availability search on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) eCorp portal before filing.
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 business hours to accept legal documents. The agent must sign an Acceptance of Appointment (Form M002) or the acceptance can be included within the Articles.
1-2 hours
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file Arizona Articles of Incorporation for a Nonprofit Corporation (Form CF:0031 or equivalent) with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Include the corporation's name, statutory agent, known place of business, directors, purpose, and whether it is a public benefit, mutual benefit, or religious corporation.
1-2 hours
Draft and Adopt Bylaws
Create bylaws that govern the nonprofit's internal operations, including board structure, officer roles, meeting procedures, voting rules, and conflict-of-interest policies. Bylaws are not filed with the state but are required for organizational governance and IRS tax-exemption applications.
3-5 hours
What's Next After Filing
Once your Nonprofit is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Hold Organizational Meeting — Convene the initial board of directors meeting to formally adopt the bylaws, appoint officers, authorize a bank account, and address any initial organizational matters. Record minutes from this meeting as part of the nonprofit's permanent corporate records.
- •Obtain an EIN from the IRS — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS online at no cost — this is required before opening a bank account or applying for tax-exempt status. The EIN is issued immediately when applying online through the IRS website.
- •Apply for Federal and State Tax Exemption — File IRS Form 1023 (or 1023-EZ for smaller organizations) to apply for 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status; the user fee ranges from $275 (Form 1023-EZ) to $600 (Form 1023). Once federal exemption is granted, apply to the Arizona Department of Revenue for state income and transaction privilege tax exemptions using Arizona Form 99 or the appropriate exemption application.
Advantages
- ✓Eligible for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, meaning the organization pays no federal income tax on qualifying activities
- ✓Donations to qualifying Arizona nonprofits are tax-deductible for donors, making fundraising significantly easier
- ✓Arizona has low formation fees ($10) and simple annual report requirements compared to many other states
- ✓Eligible for reduced postage rates (nonprofit bulk mail), grant funding restricted to nonprofits, and state/local tax exemptions on purchases
Considerations
- •Nonprofit assets and income must be used exclusively for the organization's exempt purpose — no profits can be distributed to founders, directors, or members
- •Significant administrative burden including bylaws, board governance, IRS Form 990 filing, and ongoing compliance with both state and federal requirements
- •The IRS Form 1023 application for tax-exempt status can be complex, time-consuming, and costly (up to $600 in user fees), with processing times potentially exceeding 6 months
Annual Obligations
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