How to Form a Non-Profit Organization 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 Non-Profit organization in the state of Arizona, you must complete the following requirements:
- Select an organization name according to requirements
- Fulfill all director requirements
- Appoint a registered agent
- File articles of incorporation and submit fees
- Register your federal tax ID number with the IRS
- Complete annual reports
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Select an Organiation Name According to State Requirements
- The nonprofit corporate name must not conflict with the requirements for professional corporations or other corporations or other limited liability companies. If the corporation name contains any of the following words, prior written approval must be obtained from the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions before registration is allowed:
- Bank, banker, banking, bank, banco, banque, credit union, deposit, savings association, building association, savings and loan association, building and loan association, savings bank, thrift, trust, or trust company.
Fulfill All Director Requirements
- At least one director must be on the board.
- Arizona does not require nonprofits to have members, but the nonprofit Articles of Incorporation require you to decide that question in advance of forming your nonprofit.
- Corporations, not just natural individuals, can be members. You must list the name of every director of your nonprofit. You also must include their business address, which can be the nonprofit’s “known place of business”.
Complete Annual Reports
- Nonprofit annual report keeps your contact, membership, and statutory agent information current with the state (among other details).
- The filing fee is $10.
- The deadline is the yearly anniversary of your nonprofit’s incorporation.
- File by mail or online at the Arizona Corporation Commission’s website.
Appoint a Registered Agent for Your Organization
- The state requires every nonprofit to appoint an Arizona statutory agent. A statutory agent (called a registered agent in most states) is an individual or business entity authorized to accept services of process (lawsuits and legal notices) on behalf of your nonprofit.
- A statutory agent must be available at your nonprofit’s registered office during normal business hours.
File Articles of Incorporation and Submit Filing Fees
- To incorporate an Arizona nonprofit, you must complete and file nonprofit articles of incorporation and a certificate of disclosure with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
- A $40 state filing fee is required to register your nonprofit with the Arizona Secretary of State, with an additional $35 for expedited filing.
- The standard, non-expedited filing time in Arizona is 20 days. Pay the $35 expedite fee and your articles will be processed in less than two weeks.
Register Your Federal Tax ID Number with the IRS
- A federal employer identification number (a FEIN or EIN) is pretty much basic to doing business in the nonprofit sector, even if it is not strictly and always “required.”
- You will need an EIN to open a bank account in your nonprofit’s name, to collect donations, and to apply for federal and state tax exemptions.
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