Arizona Articles of Organization

How to File Your Arizona Articles of Organization

Before even getting to the filing stage, there are a few important things to know. Follow these steps to better ensure you properly file your Articles of Organization in Arizona. To file your LLC Articles of Organization in AZ, there are a few key pieces of information that you’ll need. Gathering this in advance can help you save valuable time later on. 

Step 1: Submit your LLC’s official name

First and foremost, you’ll need to select a name for your business. The name you submit in your LLC’s Articles of Organization filing will be the official registered name on file with the state. 

However, before deciding on a name, you must also verify that it complies with the state naming requirements for business entities. For example, Arizona LLCs must contain certain words or abbreviations (e.g., “L.L.C.,” “limited liability company,” etc.). This helps to signify to the public what type of entity it is. 

Be sure that your business name complies with this and any other naming requirements. Failure to do so could result in a rejection of your filing entirely.  

Step 2: Add a copy of the name reservation application

So what do you do if you have a great business name in mind but aren’t quite ready to file your State of Arizona Articles of Organization just yet? Fortunately, you can submit an application to reserve an LLC company name while you get your matters sorted. 

By filing an Application to Reserve Limited Liability Company Name, you can reserve your desired name for up to 120 days. Note, however, that such reservations aren’t renewable. So don’t reserve a name unless you’re pretty sure you’ll be ready to complete your business registration process within that timeframe. 

Step 3: Provide the name and address of your statutory agent

You’ll also need to designate a statutory agent, sometimes referred to as a registered agent. This is the person or entity who will be tasked with accepting service of process of important legal documents on behalf of your business. 

When it comes to selecting a statutory agent for your business, it’s important to select an individual or entity that you trust. If you don’t have anyone in mind quite yet, you can use our Registered Agent Service. We can help make it easier to find the right registered agent for your business. 

Step 4: Certify your LLC has at least one member

You can set your Arizona LLC’s management structure as either member-managed or manager-managed. Regardless, however, all LLCs must have at least one member. 

When you sign your Articles of Organization, you’re certifying under penalty of law that all information in your application is true and correct. Thus, by signing, you’re certifying that your LLC meets the minimum requirement of having at least one member. 

Step 5: Select the type of LLC you’re forming

In your filing, you must also select the type of LLC you’re forming. Specifically, you will designate whether you wish to form a standard limited liability company, or rather, a professional limited liability company.

A professional limited liability company (PLLC) is one that is formed for the purpose of providing professional services, such as law, accounting, or medical services. If you do intend to form a PLLC, be sure to check the box for “professional limited liability company” in the form and include a brief description of the professional services that your PLLC will provide. 

Step 6: Choose a filing date

Next, you’ll need to decide when to file your form. You will need to sign and date your form and submit it to the Arizona Corporations Commission.

Step 7: Attach any needed statements

There may also be other statements or documents you’ll need to include with your Articles of Organization filing. For example, the State of Arizona requires the submission of a Statutory Agent Acceptance form. 

This document must be signed by your designated statutory agent to verify that their information is correct and that they acknowledge their appointment. While not necessary in all states, it’s required in Arizona. Thus, don’t forget to attach this when you file your formation documents. 

Where to File Your Arizona Articles of Organization

Once you have all the information you’ll need, you can move forward with filing your AZ LLC Articles of Organization with the appropriate government agency. This is what will make your business registration in Arizona official.

In many states, this agency is the office of the Secretary of State for Articles of Organization filing. However, in Arizona, you’ll need to file your formation documents with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). 

Arizona authorizes a variety of methods for you to file your formation documents. 

For example, you can submit your completed documents to the Arizona Corporation Commission – Examination Section by both mail and fax. However, if you have an ACC eCorp account, you can also file your Articles of Organization online.

Regardless of which method you select, don’t forget to also submit the appropriate filing fee. These vary depending on what documents you file and are always subject to change. Thus, make sure to check with the ACC for the most up-to-date fee information before submitting your documents.   

What are the next steps? 

As you’re probably aware, the work doesn’t end after submitting your Articles of Organization. Even after filing your State of Arizona Articles of Organization, there are a few other best practices you may want to consider. 

Create an Operating Agreement

Arizona law doesn’t require LLCs to create an Operating Agreement for the business. If a business doesn’t have one in place, the Arizona Limited Liability Company Act will impose certain default rules instead. Nevertheless, having your own Operating Agreement tailored to your business needs and goals is a great idea. 

Generally speaking, an Operating Agreement addresses the rights and duties of an LLC and its owners. And while the state default rules may be sufficient, the fact remains that each business is different and can benefit from having its own specific rules. If you’re not sure whether you need an Operating Agreement for your business and what to include, use our Operating Agreement Template to help you get started. 

Apply for an EIN

Additionally, you might consider obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This isn’t essential for all businesses. However, you’ll typically need an EIN to: 

• Hire employees
• Open a business bank account
• Apply for business loans
• Obtain business insurance
• Comply with certain state business license and permit requirements

Even if you may not need an EIN quite yet, there’s a good chance you will in the future as you grow and expand your business. Use our Employer ID Number Service to save valuable time and let us help obtain an EIN. That way, you have one available when you need it.  

We can help!

When you’re ready to start your Arizona LLC, we’re here to help. We can even help with tedious, but necessary, tasks like keeping track of your business income and expenses with our ZenBusiness Money Service and helping your business stay up to date on its annual report requirements with our Worry-Free Compliance Service. 

Whether you’re just now starting the business formation process or whether you need assistance managing and growing your operations, we have the tools and resources to help your business succeed.