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Form a C Corporation in Arizona for Free

With Swyft Filings, you can start your free Arizona C Corp with our Basic formation package for a $0 service fee + $60 state filing fee. The package includes a name availability check, preparation and filing of your Articles of Incorporation, plus support to help you through the formation process.

Want more help setting up your C Corp in Arizona? Choose one of our premium Arizona C Corp formation packages for additional services, including bylaws preparation, multiple stock class support, initial corporate resolutions, EIN assistance, and more.

Arizona C Corp Formation Packages

Start your C Corp at $0 + state filing fee

How to Start a C Corp in Arizona in 8 Steps

Starting a C Corp in Arizona involves more than filing your formation documents. You will need to choose a name for your corporation, appoint a statutory agent, set your share structure, file with the Arizona Corporation Commission, handle publication if applicable, adopt bylaws, hold an organizational meeting, and obtain your EIN.

Here's what each step involves:

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Arizona C Corporation

Your Arizona C Corporation name must include an approved corporate designator and be distinguishable from other business names on file with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).

Arizona applies a minimal standard for name distinguishability, meaning your corporation’s name generally must differ from existing business names on record. However, minor changes, such as punctuation or the corporate designator, may not be enough to make the name distinguishable.

What are the rules for naming a C corporation in Arizona?

Use an approved designator: Include terms such as “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” “Limited,” or “Association,” or their accepted abbreviations.
Make the name distinguishable: Check the ACC records to ensure your name is sufficiently distinct from existing corporations, LLCs, trade names, and limited partnerships.
Avoid LLC terms: Your corporation’s name cannot include terms or abbreviations that indicate it is an LLC, such as “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”
Check restricted words: Terms related to financial institutions, such as “bank,” “deposit,” “credit union,” “trust,” or “trust company,” may require written approval from the appropriate state regulatory agency.
Avoid unlawful purposes: The name cannot suggest that your corporation is organized for an illegal purpose or for a purpose that falls outside the purposes stated in its Articles of Incorporation.

You can check your preferred business name online using the Arizona Business Center (ABC) business search to see whether the name is already registered. In case your first choice does not meet the state's naming requirements, use Swyft Filings' free business name generator.

You can search the Arizona Corporation Commission's business entity records to see whether a similar corporation, LLC, trade name, or other registered entity already exists. A name that appears available in a search still needs to meet the ACC's distinguishability requirements when you file.

YYes. Words such as “Bank,” “Banker,” “Banking,” “Banc,” “Banco,” “Banque,” “Credit Union,” “Deposit,” “Savings Association,” “Savings Bank,” “Trust,” and “Trust Company” may require prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. These restrictions generally apply when the name indicates that the corporation is engaged in banking or trust activities.

Arizona corporation names cannot contain terms that indicate the business is an LLC, including “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.” Certain banking and financial terms are also restricted and may require written approval before registration.

Yes. You can reserve a corporation name before filing your formation documents. Name reservation can give you additional time to prepare for formation while keeping the name reserved for your use, subject to Arizona's reservation rules.

You can submit an Arizona corporation name reservation application with the ACC. The application should include the exact name you want to reserve, including its spelling, punctuation, and corporate identifier, such as “Inc.” or “Corporation.” You will also need to provide information about the applicant. The filing fee is a $10. The reservation is good for 120 days and can't be renewed. If you are ready to file your Articles directly, the reservation isn't required.

Step 2: Appoint Your Arizona Statutory Agent

Arizona uses the term "statutory agent" rather than "registered agent," but the role is the same: a person or entity available at a physical Arizona address to accept legal and state documents on your corporation's behalf.

Here are the basic Arizona statutory agent requirements for corporations:

Individual: Must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Arizona.
Business entity: Can be a domestic or foreign corporation or LLC authorized to conduct business in Arizona.
Physical address: Must maintain a physical street address in Arizona. A P.O. Box cannot be used as the statutory agent's address.
Availability: Must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents.
Written consent: The agent must accept the appointment by signing the required Arizona statutory agent acceptance form, which is submitted with (or shortly after) your Articles. For online filings, the agent accepts by email through the Arizona Business Center, and the ACC rejects the filing if the agent doesn't accept within 72 hours.
State records: The statutory agent's name and address must be kept on file with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

NOTE: A corporation cannot serve as its own statutory agent, but an owner, officer, or other eligible individual can serve as the agent personally if they meet Arizona's requirements.

To change your corporation's statutory agent, file a Corporation Statement of Change with the Arizona Corporation Commission. The new agent must provide the required information and accept the appointment. The ACC allows corporations to make this change through its online system or by submitting the appropriate paper form. You can also take professional help to file a change of registered agent on your behalf.

The corporation falls out of compliance and risks administrative dissolution. It also creates real exposure if the Arizona C corporation is sued and there's no one available to accept service of process.

The cost of a statutory agent service in Arizona varies by provider and service package. For example, Swyft Filings offers statutory agent services for $149 per quarter, which means you get a registered agent for less than $50 per month.

Arizona uses the term “statutory agent” rather than “registered agent.” An individual who lives in Arizona and is at least 18 years old can serve as the agent. An eligible Arizona corporation or LLC, or a foreign corporation or LLC authorized to do business in Arizona, can also serve as the statutory agent.

Yes, you can serve as your corporation's statutory agent if you are an individual who resides in Arizona, are at least 18 years old, and meet the state's address requirements. However, the corporation itself cannot serve as its own statutory agent.

Arizona requires corporations to maintain a statutory agent. If a corporation fails to maintain one, it can be administratively dissolved. If the corporation has no statutory agent, the ACC can also receive service of process on the corporation under certain circumstances.

Both options can work if they meet Arizona's requirements. An individual can serve as the statutory agent if they meet the residency and age requirements. A professional registered agent service may be useful if you want a dedicated business to handle legal documents and maintain the required Arizona address. The right choice depends on your business's needs and preferences.

When forming your C corporation, list the statutory agent's name and Arizona street address in your Articles of Incorporation. The agent must then accept the appointment. On a paper filing, attach a signed Statutory Agent Acceptance (Form M002). On an online filing, the agent must accept by email through the Arizona Business Center within 72 hours.

A C Corp needs a statutory agent, a designated person or business authorized to receive lawsuits, legal notices, and other documents on the corporation's behalf. The corporation must maintain the agent and a valid address on ACC records.

Before filing your Arizona C Corp formation documents, decide how ownership of the corporation will be divided into shares. Your Articles of Incorporation should state the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue and, if applicable, identify different classes or series of shares and their rights. Most small C corporations start with a single class of common stock, while businesses planning to raise outside funding may choose a more flexible structure.

Consider these points when setting it up:

Choose the number of authorized shares: Decide how many shares the corporation can issue.
Choose the share class: Common stock is often used for basic ownership, while preferred stock may be appropriate when raising investment.
Define voting rights: Determine which shares have voting rights and how those rights work.
Allocate founder ownership: Decide how many shares each founder will receive.
Leave room for future ownership: Consider reserving authorized shares for future investors, employees, or other shareholders.
Document the structure: Include the required share information in your formation documents and corporate records.

An Arizona C Corporation can generally have an unlimited number of shareholders. Arizona law does not impose a maximum number of shareholders for a for-profit corporation. This allows a C Corp to have one shareholder or many shareholders, including individuals and other entities.

A C Corp typically has shareholders, a board of directors, and officers. Shareholders own the corporation through shares of stock, the board oversees major business decisions, and officers handle the company's day-to-day operations. A corporation can have one or more shareholders, directors, and officers, depending on the state's requirements and the company's structure.

Arizona does not require every C Corp to authorize a specific number of shares. The number you choose should fit your ownership structure and future plans. Your Articles of Incorporation should state the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue. So, there is no universal “best” number of shares for an Arizona C Corp. The important thing is to choose a structure that matches your current ownership and anticipated growth.

Step 4: File Your Arizona Articles of Incorporation and Certificate of Disclosure

When forming an Arizona corporation, you generally need to submit two documents to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC):

Articles of Incorporation: This document officially establishes the corporation and includes key information such as the corporation's name, authorized shares, and statutory agent.
Certificate of Disclosure: This form provides information about certain individuals connected to the corporation. It asks whether specified officers, directors, and shareholders who own 10% or more of the corporation have certain criminal, securities-law, or bankruptcy history covered by Arizona's disclosure requirements.

The Certificate of Disclosure is separate from the Articles of Incorporation. Its purpose is to provide the ACC with required background information about certain people involved with the corporation. Both documents should be completed accurately and submitted as required for the corporation's formation.

Here are the two ways through which you file:

Option 1: File Online

Create an account on the Arizona Business Center (ABC), the ACC's online filing portal (formerly eCorp)..
Select "Start a New Business" and choose Domestic Profit Corporation.
Enter your corporation's name, statutory agent, share structure, and incorporator/director information.
Complete the Certificate of Disclosure questions.
Pay the $60 base filing fee.

Option 2: File by Mail/In-person

Mail or submit your completed Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Disclosure, Statutory Agent Acceptance, and a cover sheet, with a check or money order for $60, to the address:

Arizona Corporation Commission's Corporations Division

Examination Section,

1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Standard processing currently runs about 9–11 business days. Expedited processing adds $35; same-day service is available for a higher fee.

The exact corporate name, including its required designator
The number of authorized shares
The name and Arizona street address of the statutory agent
Names and addresses of incorporators and initial directors
The known place of business address

A required companion filing under A.R.S. § 10-202(D). The corporation's officers, directors, trustees, incorporators, and anyone holding 10% or more of its shares must disclose certain criminal, securities, and bankruptcy history. You file it with your Articles of Incorporation and again with every annual report. If a new officer, director, or major shareholder joins later, file a supplemental certificate within 60 days.

You can find a corporation's filed Articles of Incorporation by searching for the business in the Arizona Business Center (ABC) business search and opening its record, where its filed documents are listed. Most documents filed with the ACC are publicly available online.

Yes. Articles of Incorporation filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission are public records and can generally be viewed by the public. The ACC states that filings it receives and processes are public records, and its Corporations Division maintains copies of corporate filings in a publicly accessible database.

Step 5: Publish Your Notice of Incorporation (If Required)

Under A.R.S. § 10-203(D), a newly approved corporation must publish a copy of its Articles of Incorporation in a newspaper.

Who's exempt: Corporations whose known place of business is in Maricopa County (Phoenix metro) or Pima County (Tucson metro). Arizona law exempts corporations based in counties with more than 800,000 people, and the ACC posts the filing in its online database instead.

Who has to publish: Every other corporation that is not exempt must publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where its known place of business is located.

Deadline: Within 60 days of ACC approval.

How long it runs: Three consecutive publications, usually completed within one to two weeks.

Cost: Roughly \$30–\$150, paid directly to the newspaper, not bundled into your Articles filing fee.

Choose a newspaper of general circulation in the county where your corporation's known place of business is located. If you're unsure whether a newspaper qualifies, ask the newspaper or contact the ACC before you publish.

If publication is required and you miss the 60-day deadline, the Arizona Corporation Commission may notify you that it intends to begin administrative dissolution proceedings. You can avoid that outcome by completing the required publication and providing the ACC with an affidavit or other acceptable proof of publication within the time stated in the notice. Not all Arizona corporations need newspaper publication, so check the ACC approval letter to confirm whether publication is required.

No, you generally do not have to file the affidavit of publication with the Arizona Corporation Commission. If your Arizona C Corp is required to publish its Articles of Incorporation, the newspaper will provide an affidavit or other proof of publication. You can file it with the ACC, but the ACC says it is not required. If you do not file it, keep the affidavit with your corporate records.

Step 6: Adopt Bylaws for Your Arizona C Corp

After forming your Arizona C Corp, the incorporators or initial board should adopt the corporation’s initial bylaws. Bylaws are the internal rules that explain how the corporation will operate and how decisions will be made. Arizona law allows bylaws to include provisions for managing the corporation, provided they do not conflict with state law or the Articles of Incorporation. Swyft Filings can simplify the process by preparing and drafting customized Corporate Bylaws for your Arizona C Corp.

Your bylaws can cover important areas such as:

Board of directors: Explain how directors are elected, removed, and replaced.
Officers: Identify officer positions and outline their responsibilities.
Meetings: Set rules for board and shareholder meetings, including notice requirements.
Voting: Explain voting procedures and the number of votes needed for different decisions.
Quorum: Establish the minimum number of directors or shareholders needed to conduct business.
Shareholder matters: Set procedures for shareholder meetings and voting.
Corporate records: Establish how meeting minutes and other corporate records will be maintained.

Yes. You can generally amend your Arizona C Corp bylaws when needed, as long as the changes follow the amendment procedures in the existing bylaws and comply with applicable Arizona law. Keep an up-to-date copy of your corporate records after making any changes.

The board of directors adopts the initial bylaws for an Arizona C corporation. During the corporation’s organizational process, the directors approve the bylaws that establish the corporation’s internal operating rules, including provisions covering meetings, voting, officers, and other corporate matters.

You do not file your bylaws with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Instead, the corporation should keep a copy with its corporate records. The ACC specifically states that bylaws are not accepted for filing.

Step 7: Hold Your Organizational Meeting

Once your Articles and Certificate of Disclosure are approved (and publication is satisfied, if it applies to you), hold an organizational meeting. The incorporator or initial directors typically:

Adopt the bylaws
Appoint officers
Approve the initial issuance of stock
Set the fiscal year
Authorize opening a business bank account
Pass any other foundational resolutions

Arizona law provides for the board of directors to hold an organizational meeting after incorporation to complete the corporation's organization, including appointing officers and adopting bylaws.

The directors adopt bylaws, appoint officers, approve the initial issuance of shares, authorize banking arrangements, and take other actions needed to organize the corporation.

Yes. A corporation can have a single shareholder, and the same person may serve in multiple corporate roles when permitted. However, the corporation must still comply with applicable requirements for its board, officers, and corporate records.

Yes. Keeping written minutes provides a record of the actions taken by the board. Arizona law also requires responsibility for preparing and authenticating corporate meeting records to be assigned to an officer.

Step 8: Apply for Your EIN

You should form your corporation with the Arizona Corporation Commission before applying for an EIN. The ACC does not issue EINs. The IRS handles the application and issuance process.

You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS at no cost. If your application is approved online, the IRS provides the EIN immediately. You will need information about your corporation and its responsible party, generally the principal officer who controls or manages the corporation.

You can apply for an EIN directly through the IRS, or choose a Swyft Filings Arizona C Corp formation package that includes EIN assistance as part of the package. This can help simplify the formation process by handling additional setup tasks alongside your Arizona C Corp filing.

You should apply for an EIN after your Arizona C Corp is legally formed with the Arizona Corporation Commission. If you choose a Swyft Filings C Corp formation package that includes EIN assistance, you can get support with this step as part of your formation process.

What are the Post-Formation Requirements for an Arizona C Corp?

Unlike an Arizona LLC, forming a C corporation comes with a real, recurring compliance calendar; this is one of the few areas where Arizona doesn't stay hands-off.

1. File Your Annual Report Every Year

Arizona C corporations must file an Annual Report and Certificate of Disclosure with the Arizona Corporation Commission every year, under A.R.S. § 10-1622. If a new officer, director, or 10% shareholder joins between reports, file a supplemental Certificate of Disclosure within 60 days.

Due date: Your corporation's anniversary date, as assigned by the ACC.
Notification: The ACC sends a notice roughly 90 days ahead of your due date, which falls in your corporation's assigned anniversary month rather than a fixed calendar date.
Filing window: You can file up to 90 days before your due date, which falls in your corporation's anniversary month. The ACC sends email reminders only if you sign up for them in the Arizona Business Center, so add the date to your own calendar.
Fee: \$45 for regular processing or \$80 for expedited processing.
Late penalty: \$9 per month delinquent; the ACC can move toward administrative dissolution after about 60 days of non-filing.

You can consider a professional service to file the annual report on your behalf. A service will prepare and file your report on your behalf, and you will receive confirmation once the filing is complete.

2. Pay Arizona Corporate Income Tax

Arizona taxes C Corp income at a flat rate, applied to the corporation's Arizona taxable income, with a modest flat-dollar minimum tax that applies even to corporations with little or no taxable income.

Because these figures can change with each legislative session, confirm the current rate and minimum on the Arizona Department of Revenue's corporate tax page before filing your return.

3. Register for Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), If Applicable

If your Arizona C Corp sells taxable goods or provides services subject to Arizona's Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), you may need to obtain a TPT license through the Arizona Department of Revenue. Some cities and towns also impose local TPT requirements or business licensing rules. Check the requirements for each location where your corporation conducts business.

4. Handle Local and Professional Licensing

Arizona does not have one general statewide business license that applies to every corporation. Instead, licensing requirements can depend on your location, industry, and business activities.

Check with your city or county for local licenses and permits, and determine whether your industry requires additional state licensing. Businesses in fields such as healthcare, contracting, and real estate may have specific professional or occupational requirements. Swyft Filings’ Business License Research service can help identify the licenses and permits that may apply to your business. You’ll receive a customized report with relevant application links and renewal requirements.

5. Open a Business Bank Account

Set up a separate bank account for your Arizona C Corp to keep corporate and personal finances separate. This makes it easier to manage business transactions and maintain accurate financial records. Depending on the bank, you may need to provide your Articles of Incorporation, EIN confirmation, corporate bylaws, corporate resolution, and identification for authorized signers.

How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate a C Corp in Arizona?

The cost to incorporate a C Corp in Arizona includes the state filing fee and any additional services you choose during the C Corp formation process in Arizona. Here is the rough breakdown of the cost to incorporate a C Corp in Arizona:

Cost	Fee
Arizona Articles of Incorporation + Certificate of Disclosure	$60
Newspaper Publication (if outside Maricopa/Pima County)	\~$30–$150
Arizona Statutory Agent Service	Varies
Name Reservation (optional, 120 days)	$10
Annual Report Filing Fee	$45/year
EIN	$0

Ready to Start Your Free Arizona C Corp?

Between the Certificate of Disclosure, share structure decisions, and the county-dependent publication requirement, forming an Arizona C Corp involves a few more steps than simply filing your Articles of Incorporation. If you want help managing these requirements, choose the desired Swyft Filings' Arizona C Corp formation package and get the support you need.

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$0 + State Filing Fees

*Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about forming a C Corp in Arizona and is not a substitute for legal, tax, or financial advice.*

Check C Corp Formation Guides for Other States

C Corp rules, filing costs, and corporate tax structures vary by jurisdiction. Select any state below to view its specific C Corp laws.

Need Help With Your C Corp Paperwork?

Between the Certificate of Disclosure, share structure decisions, and the county-dependent publication requirement, forming an Arizona C Corp involves a few more steps than simply filing your Articles of Incorporation. If you want help managing these requirements, [Swyft Filings](https://www.swyftfilings.com/) offers Arizona C Corp formation and compliance services. Reach out to us today and get the support you need.

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FAQ's

Starting a business can feel complex. We're here to provide clear answers to some of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask.

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Arizona Corporation Commission posts its current processing times every week. Standard processing time is generally 9 to 11 business days. Arizona offers expedited processing for an extra $35, which forms your Corporation in 3 to 5 days. Faster expedited filing includes a $100 fee for next-day service, a $200 fee for same-day service, and a $400 fee for 2-hour service. For same-day processing, the state must receive your filing before 10 a.m., and 2-hour processing is available only between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

You can use a C Corp formation service with a $0 service fee, but Arizona's state filing fee still applies. Swyft Filings offers a basic Arizona C Corp formation package starting at **$0 + state fees**, helping you prepare and submit the required formation documents.

The basic process includes choosing a corporate name, appointing a statutory agent, preparing and filing the Articles of Incorporation, submitting the Certificate of Disclosure, establishing your share structure, adopting bylaws, organizing the corporation, and obtaining an EIN. The exact requirements can vary based on your corporation's circumstances.

Yes. You can form an Arizona C Corp without hiring a lawyer. You can prepare and file the required documents yourself or use a professional C corp formation service. If your corporation has complex ownership, tax, or legal issues, you may want to consult an attorney.