How to Find the Best Registered Agent in Arizona

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by How to Start an LLC Team
Last updated: June 19th, 2024
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This guide will help you find the best registered agent in Arizona. We’ll explore key factors to consider, evaluate top providers, and equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your business’s registered agent needs.

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What is an Arizona statutory agent?

In Arizona, all formal businesses in Arizona must appoint and maintain a statutory agent. A statutory agent is commonly referred to as a registered agent. According to the Arizona Corporation Commission, a statutory agent is responsible for receiving all official correspondence and legal documents on behalf of a company.

The agent must be available to receive communications during regular business hours that include:

Statutory agents are a physical presence

A statutory agent must have a physical address in Arizona, which gives them a physical presence.

A statutory agent will receive documents during regular business hours, and the registered agent service’s address becomes public record rather than a private office or home address.

An agent acts as the point of contact

A statutory agent accepts important documents and service of process on behalf of a business.

A business in Arizona has 20 days to respond to a summons in Arizona. Failure to respond can result in default judgments and severe penalties.

A statutory agent saves you time

Appointing a statutory agent in Arizona can free up a business owner’s time to focus on the business.

The annual report in Arizona is due by April 30th every year. A statutory agent will help you complete the proper documents and submit the correct fee.

Cost of a statutory agent in Arizona

Hiring a statutory agent will cost a company anywhere from $50 to $500 a year. In Alaska, you can nominate yourself as the company’s agent for no additional cost.

Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) mandates that a statutory agent in Arizona must be at least 18 years old and have a physical address. If they meet Arizona registered agent requirements, you can appoint a trusted family member or friend to act as a registered agent.

When to appoint a statutory agent

The Arizona Corporation Commission mandates that all businesses appoint a statutory agent when submitting the Articles of Organization.

In Arizona, a corporation will provide the statutory agent’s contact information when completing and submitting the Articles of Incorporation.

All businesses in Arizona must appoint a statutory agent upon business formation.

Other business structures include:

  • Sole proprietorships
  • Nonprofits
  • Partnerships
  • LLPs

How does an Arizona LLC appoint a statutory agent?

In Arizona, you file an LLC’s Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).

1
File the Arizona Articles of Organization

If you file by mail, you will download and complete the Articles of Organization, Form M002 – Statutory Agent Acceptance,  Form L040 (Manager), and Cover Sheet (Form L010) and submit them to the ACC.

Mailing address:
Arizona Corporation Commission
Corporate Filings
1300 West Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

You can file the Articles of Organization online using the ACC eCorp website.

2
Appoint your statutory agent

Under Section 3 of the Articles of Organization form, you will provide specific information about your statutory agent.

  • Statutory agent name
  • Statutory agent address

3
Statutory agent must consent to the appointment

In Arizona, a statutory agent must agree to the appointment. The agent must complete and submit the statutory agent acceptance form and submit it to the Arizona Corporation Commission Corporations Division – Examination Section.

The statutory agent consent form must be submitted with the statement of change form. Arizona does not change the filing fee for the consent of appointment form.

The statutory agent acceptance form will ask you to provide information about the statutory agent.

  • Your LLC name
  • Name of the statutory agent
  • New statutory agent’s signature

Address:
Arizona Corporation Commission
1300 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Arizona does not charge a fee to file the statutory agent consent form.

4
Pay Arizona filing fees

The filing fee for filing Arizona Articles of Organization is $50.

For mail submissions, Arizona does offer expedited LLC services for an additional $35.

The cost to file the Articles of Organization in Arizona is $50.

How to change your statutory agent in Arizona

You may have to switch services when a statutory agent retires or goes out of business.

Submit the statement of change online

If you change statutory agents, you can use the Arizona eCorp website to file the statement of change form.

The cost to change an LLC’s registered agent in Arizona is $5.

Submit the statement of change by mail

  • LLCs in Arizona file a statement of change form; the filing fee is $5.
  • Corporations file the corporation statement of change report for no fee.
  • The Arizona Corporation Commission will take approximately 20 business days to process a statement of change form or address changes.
  • Arizona does offer expedited fees for an additional cost.

How do I withdraw my consent to be a statutory agent in Arizona?

To withdraw consent to act as a statutory agent, you must complete the statutory agent resignation form and submit it with a $10 Arizona filing fee.

Benefits of appointing a registered agent in Arizona

  • You stay in good standing

Your statutory agent will send notifications when they receive documents from the Arizona Corporation Commission, such as the annual report, and an agent will assist you with business filings

Noncompliance in Arizona can lead to losing your good standing, resulting in penalties and possible involuntary dissolution.

  • It keeps your address private

Business addresses in Arizona are public and searchable using the Arizona Entity Search.

The public can search for a business by name, file number, or owner/agent.

A statutory agent in Arizona has a physical registered office address listed in the entity search instead of the personal address of a small business owner.

  • Maintains your positive reputation

Suppose an Arizona process server serves a small business with a subpoena. In that case, a statutory agent receives legal notice from the law firm so that the papers aren’t served while clients, employees, and customers are there.

  • You work when you want to work

According to Arizona state law, a statutory agent must be available during regular business hours during every work day of the year – 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

A business owner is responsible for the availability during normal business hours unless they have an outside registered agent.

  • You can access your Arizona Articles of Organization

Your Arizona Articles of Organization and certificate of good standing are easily accessible online, so opening a business bank account is quick and easy.

  • You can expand easier into a different state

Business organizations must appoint a registered agent when expanding into other states and forming foreign LLCs.

FAQs

Can I use a PO box as an LLC address in Arizona?

You cannot list a post office box as an LLC’s business address in Arizona. Owners can use a PO box as a mailing address but not a business one.

How long does it take Arizona to process Articles of Incorporation?

The processing time for Articles of Incorporation in Arizona is 15 to 17 days. It can vary depending on the time of year and the number of incorporations submitting documents.

Can I be my own statutory agent in Arizona?

You must be at least 18 and have a street address in Arizona to qualify as a registered agent. As long as you meet those specifications, you can act as your own registered agent.

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