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By The Wyoming LLC Attorney Team

May 04, 2023
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Arizona Articles of Organization

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Summary

The Articles of Organization is a legal document required to form an LLC in Arizona. It includes important information such as the LLC's name, registered agent, members or managers, purpose, and management structure. It provides legal recognition and protection to the business entity and creates a legal entity separate from its owners, known as members. The filing fee for Articles of Organization in Arizona is $50.

What are Articles of Organization?

The Articles of Organization is a legal document required to form a limited liability company (LLC) in Arizona. This document is filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission and includes important information about the LLC, such as its name, purpose, and management structure.

In Arizona, the Articles of Organization must include the name of the LLC, the name and address of the registered agent, and the names and addresses of the members or managers of the LLC. The document must also state the LLC's purpose, which can be broad or specific, and the duration of the LLC, which can be perpetual or for a specified period of time

Filing the Articles of Organization is an important step in forming an LLC in Arizona, as it creates a legal entity separate from its owners and provides liability protection for the members or managers. It's important to ensure that the Articles of Organization are completed accurately and in compliance with Arizona state laws to avoid any legal issues or delays in the formation process.

In addition to the Articles of Organization, your LLC should have an operating agreement that includes provisions related to the management and operation of the LLC, such as how profits and losses will be allocated, how voting rights will be determined, and how decisions will be made.

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What is the Purpose of the Articles of Organization

The purpose of the Articles of Organization in Arizona is to legally establish an LLC with the state. The Articles of Organization are filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission to create a legal entity separate from its owners, known as members. This means that the LLC can conduct business, enter into contracts, and incur debts and liabilities on its own, without exposing the personal assets of its members or managers.

The Articles of Organization also define the management structure of the LLC, including whether it will be managed by members or managers.

Filing the Articles of Organization is what provides legal recognition and protection to the business entity. It's essential to ensure that the Articles of Organization are completed accurately and in compliance with Arizona state laws to avoid any legal issues or delays in the formation process.

Information that needs to be included in Articles of Organization for Arizona

Here are some key pieces of information that must be included in Articles of Organization for Arizona:

  1. Name of the LLC: The name of the LLC must be unique and not already registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission. The name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
  2. Business Purpose: The Articles of Organization should outline the business purpose of the LLC.
  3. Registered Agent: The LLC must have a registered agent in Arizona who can receive legal documents on behalf of the company. This could be an individual or a business entity.
  4. Members: The Articles of Organization should include the names and addresses of all members of the LLC.
  5. Management: The Articles of Organization should indicate whether the LLC will be managed by its members or by managers. If manager-managed, you must include the names of the managers.
  6. Duration: The duration of the LLC should be specified.
  7. Signature: The Articles of Organization must be signed by at least one member or an authorized representative of the LLC.

By including all of this necessary information in your Articles of Organization, you can ensure that your LLC is formed correctly and is in compliance with Arizona state law.

What is the difference between articles of organization and articles of incorporation?

Articles of Organization are used to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which is a hybrid business entity that provides the benefits of a corporation and a partnership with a lot of the flexibility of a sole-proprietorship. LLCs are considered separate legal entities from their owners, providing protection for personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or debt. The Articles of Organization for an LLC typically include the company's name, the name and address of its registered agent, its management structure, the duration of the company, and the names and addresses of its members.

Articles of Incorporation, on the other hand, are used to establish a corporation, which is a separate legal entity from its shareholders. Corporations are considered separate legal entities from their shareholders, providing protection for personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or debt. The Articles of Incorporation typically include the company's name, the name and address of its registered agent, the number and types of shares of stock authorized, the purpose of the corporation, and the names and addresses of its initial directors.

Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in Arizona

The cost of filing Articles of Organization in Arizona varies depending on the type of business entity you are forming. For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), the filing fee is currently $50. This fee must be paid at the time of filing and can be paid online or by mail.

In addition to the filing fee, there may be additional costs associated with forming an LLC in Arizona. For example, you may need to pay for a name reservation prior to filing your Articles of Organization. A name reservation will allow you to reserve your desired business name for up to 120 days before filing your Articles of Organization. The fee for a name reservation is currently $10.

If you choose to hire an attorney or a professional service to assist with the formation of your LLC, there may be additional fees for their services.

It's important to note that while the filing fee for Articles of Organization in Arizona is relatively low compared to other states, there may be additional costs associated with maintaining your LLC. For example, Arizona requires LLCs to file an annual report and pay a $45 fee. Failure to file the annual report can result in additional fees or penalties.

How to File Articles of Organization in Arizona

If you are starting a business in Arizona and want to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Here are the steps to file Articles of Organization in Arizona:

  1. Choose a name for your LLC that complies with Arizona naming requirements and is not already in use.
  2. Determine the purpose of your LLC and its management structure.
  3. Choose a registered agent for your LLC, who will receive legal documents on behalf of the company.
  4. Complete the Articles of Organization form, which is available on the Arizona Corporation Commission website.
  5. Pay the filing fee of $50, either online or by mail.
  6. Submit the completed Articles of Organization form and payment to the Arizona Corporation Commission.
  7. Wait for confirmation from the Arizona Corporation Commission that your LLC has been successfully formed.

It is important to note that while filing Articles of Organization is a relatively straightforward process, it is always recommended to consult with an attorney or professional service to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that your business is set up correctly.

Reasons Articles of Organization may be rejected

When submitting Articles of Organization for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Arizona, it's important to ensure that all the required information is included and that the documents are filled out correctly. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of your Articles of Organization. Here are some common reasons why Articles of Organization may be rejected in Arizona:

  1. Name issues: The name of your LLC must comply with Arizona naming requirements and cannot already be in use. If the name you've chosen is not available, your Articles of Organization may be rejected.
  2. Incomplete or incorrect information: If any of the required information is missing or incorrect, such as the business address or the name and address of the registered agent, your Articles of Organization may be rejected.
  3. Filing fee issues: The filing fee for Articles of Organization in Arizona is $50. If the fee is not paid or if the payment is not processed correctly, your Articles of Organization may be rejected.
  4. Signature issues: The Articles of Organization must be signed by all members of the LLC or by an authorized representative. If the signature is missing or not valid, your Articles of Organization may be rejected.

It's important to thoroughly review your Articles of Organization before submitting them to the Arizona Corporation Commission to ensure that all required information is included and accurate. By doing so, you can avoid potential delays or rejections and get your LLC up and running as quickly as possible.

How a Lawyer Can Help Submit Articles of Organization

Starting a business can be a complex and challenging process, especially when it comes to filing Articles of Organization for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Arizona. While it's possible to complete this process on your own, it's often beneficial to seek the guidance of a lawyer who can help ensure that your Articles of Organization are submitted correctly. Here are some ways in which a lawyer can help with submitting Articles of Organization in Arizona:

  1. Legal expertise: A lawyer can provide legal expertise to ensure that your Articles of Organization comply with all state and federal laws, as well as any industry-specific regulations. This can help protect you from potential legal issues in the future.
  2. Name search and reservation: Before submitting your Articles of Organization, a lawyer can conduct a thorough name search to ensure that your chosen name is available and complies with Arizona naming requirements. Additionally, they can help you reserve your desired name for a period of time to ensure that it's not taken by another business.
  3. Drafting and filing: A lawyer can help you draft and file your Articles of Organization, ensuring that all required information is included and that the documents are filled out correctly. This can help prevent delays or rejections from the Arizona Corporation Commission.
  4. Registered agent services: A lawyer can serve as your registered agent, receiving legal documents on behalf of your LLC and ensuring that you are promptly notified of any legal issues.
  5. Ongoing legal support: Once your LLC is established, a lawyer can provide ongoing legal support, such as drafting contracts, handling disputes, and advising on regulatory compliance.

In conclusion, hiring a lawyer to help submit your Articles of Organization in Arizona can provide many benefits, including legal expertise, name search and reservation, drafting and filing assistance, registered agent services, and ongoing legal support. By working with a lawyer, you can ensure that your LLC is established correctly and that you are legally protected as you build and grow your business.