Arizona Statutory Agent for an LLC

If you’re thinking of forming a limited liability company (LLC), you should know that in Arizona, you will need a statutory agent to handle all of your official paperwork. The statutory agent, which is also required for corporations, LLPs, and nonprofits, is a specific role that involves several key considerations and restrictions, as detailed below. 

What Is a Statutory Agent?

A statutory (registered) agent, also known as an agent for service of process, is a person or business authorized to accept legal, tax, and financial documents on behalf of your business. Some states do not require a statutory agent, but in Arizona, your LLC needs a statutory agent.

Arizona’s Statutory Agent Requirements

In Arizona, you can be your own statutory agent for your LLC, or it can be another member of the LLC, an outside individual or a qualified business service.

In Arizona, the requirements to be a statutory agent are:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in the state and be a resident of Arizona (if an individual)
• Be personally available during normal business hours 
• If the agent is a business entity, it must be registered to operate in the state
• An LLC cannot be its own statutory agent

Responsibilities of a Statutory Agent

Essentially, the purpose of a statutory agent is to ensure compliance with state laws and to make sure all official matters are handled in a timely manner. Having one person or entity handle state documents helps ensure nothing is missed, helping avoid potential potholes.

Documents that the agent may receive include:

• Tax forms and documents
• Government correspondence
• Legal documents
• Summons documents in case of a lawsuit

Advantages of a Statutory (Registered) Agent Service   

A statutory agent service is a professional service that will handle official correspondence and documents for your business. Statutory agents ensure that all official correspondence is handled on time and keep copies of documents for you. They also keep track of deadlines and send reminders of things you need to file, such as tax forms and annual reports.

A statutory agent service will help keep you in compliance with the law and save you time by keeping track of key documents and filing deadlines. This also frees you up to focus on growing your business. The agency will also offer support if problems or questions come up.

Using an agency enables you to have flexible hours. If you are your own statutory agent, you must be personally available from 8 AM to 5 PM at your statutory agent address. If you use an agency, they are available during those hours and you are free to focus on growing your business. 

Choose Your Registered Agent Service in Arizona

If you use a national agency, they will help you form an LLC or corporation in another state or multiple states where you do not have residency. A good agency also offers a level of privacy, as you would never be served with a summons at your business in front of customers or employees.

You need a service that has an office in Arizona, but you may want to choose a national service so you have the flexibility to form LLCs in other states. Other than that, you should choose a service that offers:

• Compliance management, to send reminders of key deadlines
• Document copying and digital storage so you can access documents online
• Availability during the required hours, with prompt customer service
• Service in all 50 states and US territories

How to Appoint Your Statutory Agent in Arizona

In Arizona, you’re required to enter your statutory agent’s name and address on the articles of organization that you file to form your LLC. 

You can file your articles of organization online or download the form and file by mail. To file online you’ll need to register for an account on the site. 

In Arizona, your statutory agent must sign an acceptance form to acknowledge their role as your statutory agent. 

If you choose to file your forms by mail, you will send both forms and the $50 filing fee to:

Arizona Corporation Commission

Examination Section

1300 W. Washington St.

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Customer Service: (602) 542-3026

Toll Free In-State Only: 1-(800) 345-5819

Email: [email protected] 

Director’s Office: (602) 542-3521

Fax Numbers: (602) 542-4100 

Once you have chosen your statutory agent, whether it’s you, another member, or a professional service, you do not need to register the agent with the state. Instead, in Arizona, your statutory agent just needs to be named on your articles of organization, along with address and other relevant information, and the state will record this as your LLC’s official statutory agent. 

Conclusion

In Arizona, having a statutory agent is legally mandated. If you would prefer not to deal with the added hassle yourself, you might consider hiring a professional service, which will ensure your LLC’s compliance with all state regulations and renewal requirements and simplify expansion beyond your state.

Keep in mind that statutory agents provide valuable, and necessary, services for your business.