How to Form a C-Corporation in Arizona
As the 14th most populous state, Arizona is home to over 7.2 million people. Known for its weather, several national parks, and the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona is also a leading cotton-producing state, ranking 10th in the nation.
When forming a C-Corporation in the state of Arizona, you must complete the following requirements:
- Select a business name according to requirements
- File all necessary articles of incorporation and submit filing fees
- Fulfill registered agent service requirements
- Register your federal tax ID number with the IRS
- Complete annual reports
- Establish at least one director
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Select Business Name According to State Requirements
- The corporation’s name must contain the word “Association,” “Corporation,” “Company,” “Incorporated,” “Limited” or an abbreviation thereof.
- It must not contain language stating or implying that the corporation is organized for an unlawful purpose.
- The name shall be distinguishable from the name of domestic, nonprofit or foreign corporations authorized to transact business; the reserved or registered name of a corporation; the fictitious name of a foreign corporation; the name of a limited liability company or foreign limited liability company; the partnership name of a limited liability partnership, registered limited liability partnership or registered foreign limited liability partnership.
- With the words “Bank,” “Banc,” and “Bancorp,” the company must be a bank and approval of the name is needed from the Department of Banking.
- Arizona’s corporate names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- Association
- Bank
- Co.
- Company
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Inc.
- Incorporated
- Limited
- Ltd.
- 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
- Arizona prohibits the use of the designation “Limited Liability Company” or any abbreviations of the phrase.
File All Necessary Articles of Incorporation and Submit Filing Fees
- The state of Arizona requires businesses to file Articles of Incorporation as well as a Certificate of Disclosure.
- In general, turnaround time for incorporating a business in Arizona is 5-7 business days.
- Follow up filings are not required.
Fulfill Registered Agent Service Requirements
- Arizona requires a “place of business address” in the state but permits use of a registered agent.
- Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no PO boxes) in Arizona. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Register Your Federal Tax ID Number with the IRS
- Federal tax id number requirements- An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees.
- Most banks require an EIN before opening a business bank account.
Complete Annual Reports
- Arizona requires corporations to file an annual report and Certificate of Disclosure on or before the anniversary month of the company’s incorporation date.
- The cost is $45
- 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.
- Report can be sent to Arizona Corporation Commission
- Only company officers are authorized to sign annual reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are accepted.
- Filing extensions are permitted. Extensions may not exceed six months
Establish at Least One Director
- Corporations must have one or more directors.
- Arizona does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
- Arizona does not have age requirements.
- Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
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