Forming an LLC in Arizona - How to File Your Articles of Organization

In Arizona, forming an LLC or Limited Liability Companybe a member of the LLC, a lawyer, or another
takes a few steps. Each step involves a bit ofindividual. The important thing is that your statutory
research and paperwork, but if done right, the entireagent is an Arizona resident. He or she must also sign
process may only take a couple of weeks and a fewan Acceptance of Appointment. This person will be in
hundred dollars worth of processing fees andcharge of receiving any legal paperwork on behalf of
miscellaneous expenses.the LLC, so make sure that you trust this person
The first thing you need to do is to select a name forcompletely.
your LLC - but not any name will do. Visit the ArizonaJust remember that before you submit your Articles of
Corporation Commission's web site and search theirOrganization, don't forget to add a cover sheet that
business names database if an existing businessincludes the contact information of all the LLC's
already has the name you want. Make sure that youmembers. Though it's more of a formality, it can make
have a list of three to five potential names so that youthe filing process much faster.
don't have to start from scratch in case anotherAfter you've submitted all the above documents, you
business is already using your first choice.need to have a notice published. Not all states require
The next step to forming an LLC in Arizona is you'llthis extra step, but Arizona does. A notice about your
have to file your Articles of Organization with thenew LLC should appear in a legal publication, and you
Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Theseneed to coordinate with the ACC to ensure that you
articles include the name of your LLC, your LLC'shave complied properly with this requirement.
office address, and its date of dissolution, if any. Also,At this point, you're done with the first phase of
you'll need to indicate who among the listed membersforming an LLC in Arizona. There is a second phase,
will manage the LLC. Note that you can identify morewhere you'll file your Operating Agreement. But you
than one manager.don't have to worry - the paperwork for that phase is
But the most important aspect of your Articles ofmuch simpler.
Organization is your statutory agent. This person can