How to File LLC Articles of Organization in Arizona?
To form a domestic Arizona LLC, file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Prepare the name, statutory-agent acceptance, principal address and management attachment before submitting.
Approval also starts the clock for Arizona’s publication requirement, which depends on the agent’s county. This guide covers the filing steps and the records to keep afterward.
Quick Summary
- Choose an available LLC name and identify whether members or managers will run the company.
- Submit the Articles, the correct management attachment and statutory-agent acceptance [1].
- Budget $50 for regular processing or $85 for expedited processing under the current ACC fee schedule [2].
- Follow the approval letter’s publication instructions; Maricopa and Pima County filings use the ACC’s public notice database.
Steps to Filing Articles of Organization for an Arizona LLC
Gather the filing information before entering it online or completing the paper forms. Keep names and addresses consistent across the Articles and attachments.
1. Select a Name for Your LLC
Check name availability in the Arizona Business Center before filing. A standard LLC name must be distinguishable in ACC records and include an allowed designation, such as “limited liability company,” “limited company,” “LLC” or “LC” [3].
A name reservation is optional; you can file the Articles without reserving first. If you need time before filing, our guide to reserving an Arizona LLC name explains that separate process.
2. Determine the Management Structure
Choose member management if the owners will manage the LLC, or manager management if designated managers will run it. A manager can also be a member, so manager management does not require hiring an outside professional.
3. Appoint a Statutory Agent
Your LLC statutory agent receives legal papers for the company. Choose a qualified Arizona resident or eligible entity with an Arizona street address; a P.O. box can serve as the separate mailing address.
The agent must accept the appointment before the ACC can approve the Articles. For a paper filing, include the signed Statutory Agent Acceptance (Form M002); our Arizona registered agent service comparisons cover options if you need a service.
4. Complete the Articles and Attachments
Use the Articles of Organization (Form L010) and read the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Articles of Organization Instructions alongside it. The standard form asks for these details:
- Entity type and name: Select LLC or professional LLC and enter the exact legal name. A professional LLC has separate naming and licensing considerations.
- Professional services: Describe the services only if you selected professional LLC. The standard LLC form does not require a general business-purpose statement.
- Statutory agent: Enter the agent’s exact name, Arizona street address and Arizona mailing address, and supply acceptance.
- Principal address: Supply the requested principal address or indicate that it matches the agent’s street address. It need not be in Arizona; distinguish this filing address from other uses of principal place of business.
- Member management: Attach the Member Structure Attachment (Form L041) listing every member’s name and address.
- Manager management: Attach the Manager Structure Attachment (Form L040) listing every manager and each member owning at least 20% of the LLC’s capital or profits.
- Signature: The organizer signs and dates the Articles. An organizer may be an individual or entity and need not be an LLC member or manager.
“When you affix your signature to the Articles of Organization, you are affirming, under the threat of legal consequences, that every detail in your submission is accurate and truthful.”
- Jon Morgan, Co-Founder & Chief Editor of Venture Smarter
5. File the Articles of Organization
File online through the Arizona Business Center or submit the paper package to the ACC. Paper submissions need the Cover Sheet, Articles, appropriate management attachment, agent acceptance and payment.
The Arizona Corporation Commission’s LLC Fee Schedule lists $50 for regular processing and $85 for expedited processing. For mailed payment, make a check or money order payable to “Arizona Corporation Commission,” following its Fee and Payment Information; filing fees are nonrefundable.
Mail paper filings to the ACC’s Examination Section at 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Compare Arizona LLC costs and Arizona LLC processing times when planning your start date.
Use the portal’s current Processing Times and Track Your Filing tools, and read the ACC’s approval or rejection letter. If you prefer help preparing the submission, our Arizona LLC filing service comparisons explain available providers.
Post-Filing Requirements
Once the ACC approves your LLC Articles of Organization, keep the accepted filing and approval letter. Follow the publication instructions while setting up the company’s banking, tax and licensing records.
1. Complete the Publication Requirement
If the statutory agent’s street address is in Maricopa or Pima County, the ACC publishes the notice in its database. In other counties, publish in a qualifying newspaper in the agent’s county for three consecutive publications within 60 days after the ACC files the Articles [4].
Wait for approval and follow the instructions in the ACC letter before arranging newspaper publication. Keep the affidavit of publication with your LLC records; filing it with the ACC is optional.
2. Create an Operating Agreement
Arizona does not require an operating agreement by statute, but a written agreement can set voting, management, distribution and dispute rules. Keep it with the LLC’s records; do not file it with the ACC.
3. Get an EIN When Needed
An employer identification number identifies the business for federal tax purposes. After formation, use the IRS’s Get an employer identification number page to apply free and check online eligibility or alternative application methods.
LLCs taxed as partnerships or corporations generally need an EIN, as do LLCs with employees or certain excise-tax obligations [5]. The IRS’s single-member LLC guidance explains when a disregarded LLC can use its owner’s tax ID, although a bank may still request an LLC EIN.
4. Open a Business Bank Account
Open an LLC bank account to track business receipts and expenses separately from personal spending. Ask the bank which formation records, tax ID, identification and signer authorization it requires.
5. Check Licenses and Permits
ACC approval creates the LLC but does not supply every license or tax registration needed to operate. Use the ACC’s 10 Steps to Starting a Business in Arizona to identify state tax and licensing resources, then check city, county and professional requirements.
FAQs
Do Articles of Organization Need to Be Published in Arizona?
Newspaper publication is required when the statutory agent’s street address is outside Maricopa and Pima counties. In those two counties, the ACC publishes the notice in its database; elsewhere, follow the approval letter and complete three consecutive newspaper publications within 60 days after filing.
How Do I Know If My LLC Has Been Approved in Arizona?
Check the Arizona Business Center’s Track Your Filing tool and read the ACC’s approval letter. You can also use Business Search to view the LLC’s public record and accepted Articles.
References:
- https://www.azcc.gov/corporations/forms
- https://www.azcc.gov/docs/default-source/corps-files/fee-schedules/fee-schedule-llcs646a1cd0d6b24246ab2253aecbc3ab40.pdf?sfvrsn=debb38e6_5
- https://www.azcc.gov/docs/default-source/corps-files/instructions/l010i-instructions-articles-of-organization88bf60ed7df74158a58145c66f72aa90.pdf?sfvrsn=fb0a9180_8
- https://www.azleg.gov/ars/29/03201.htm
- https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number
