What Is An Arizona Amendment?
Any changes that you wish to make to the original Articles of Organization/Incorporation require an Arizona amendment. In Arizona, this process requires the submission of formal paperwork. Doing this will inform the state and formalize the changes.
Reasons Why You Need To File An Amendment
The reasons why companies choose to file an amendment may vary. Generally, you will have to do so if the changes you wish to make will affect the formal entity structure of your business.
A. Changing The Company Name –
- LLCs
If you think your LLC should change its name, you will have to go through the legal process. Follow the naming requirements and make sure the name is available for use. Aside from the amendment, your company also has to update all its state and government records.
- Corporations
Some corporations decide to change their names to rebrand or expand their operations. If you decide on doing this, you have to follow a process. Make sure the name you choose follows state regulations and is available. Additionally, your corporation may also have to make changes to all official records with the government.
B. Changing Members Of The Business –
- LLCs
Your LLC’s Articles of Organization include all basic information related to the members and managers. If you wish to add or remove any of them, you have to file an amendment. You also have to report any changes to their addresses and contact information.
- Corporations
The state does not allow changes to officers and directors through an amendment. You can make these changes when you submit your company’s annual report. Another way to do this is to submit an Officer/Director/Shareholder Change Form.
C. Changing Address Related To The Business –
- LLCs
If you moved your LLC’s office, you have to inform the state through an amendment. Your operating address and registered office are a way for the state to contact your company. Keeping these pieces of information up-to-date ensures the receipt of all important documents.
- Corporations
Informing the state is necessary if your corporation decides to move its office. This way, you can be sure that you receive all legal documents for your corporation, such as filing and tax obligations. You can do this through an amendment or by updating the information on the annual report of your company.
D. Changing Contact Information –
- LLCs
Aside from your LLC’s address, the state has to know how to contact you. Thus, you have to inform the state if you change the contact information of your Arizona LLC. One of the ways the state can contact your LLC is through your registered agent. If there are any changes related to the information about your registered agent, file an amendment or submit a Limited Liability Company Statement of Address Change and Statement of Statutory Agent Change. The latter comes with a $5 filing fee.
- Corporations
File an amendment with the state if you change the contact information of your Arizona corporation. This way, the state can easily access your company for any legal queries. Changes related to the registered agent must be reported using an amendment or the Statement of Change of Known Place of Business or Statutory Agent. Another option is for you to include the changes on the annual report.
E. Changing The Number Of Shares That A Corporation Is Authorized To Issue –
Arizona LLCs do not have to worry about this as this change does not apply to them. For corporations that are authorized to issue stocks, you need to report to the state any changes to the number of stocks you can sell.
What Is Needed To File An Amendment?
LLC
You have to report any amendment to the Articles of Organization of an Arizona LLC through the use of the Articles of Amendment Form. You can submit this form by mail, fax, or in person to the Arizona Corporations Commission. Do not forget the $25 filing fee. If you want a faster service, be sure to include an extra $35. You will also have to include a filing cover sheet.
Arizona also requires the publication of the amendment for changes other than the members’ names/addresses, business address, and statutory agent’s name/address. The approval letter will include information about the publication requirements.
Corporation
An Arizona Corporation has to file 2 copies of the completed Articles of Amendment Form with the Arizona Corporations Commission along with the filing cover sheet. You can do this by mail, fax, or in person. You also need to include $25 for the filing fee. For faster transactions, you will have to pay an additional $35.
Additionally, the state requires the publication of the amendment. The letter of approval will contain details about the publication.
How Can DoMyLLC Assist With Streamlining The Process?
Making changes to a company’s formation documents require proper completion and filing of paperwork. Depending on the changes, you may also have to take care of other documents. To help ease the process, you can turn to a reliable document filing company like DoMyLLC. Our team can provide support and assistance to Arizona business owners who need help in handling formalities to ensure compliance with the state.
Arizona Amendment FAQs
Is There A Filing Fee For The Amendment?
Filing for an amendment in Arizona comes with a $25 filing fee. If you want to opt for expedited processing, you have to pay an additional $35.
What Information Is Required For The Articles Of Amendment?
LLCs need to provide the following information to complete the Domestic LLC Amendment to Formation/Organization form:
- Name of the company
- The formation date
- The information and exact text of all articles that your company is changing
- Name and address of your registered agent
- Original signature of the authorized representative
Corporations, on the other hand, need to include the following basic information:
- Name of the company
- Exact text of all amendments that your company wants to adopt
- Date of adoption of every amendment
- Authorized signature
How Long Does It Take The State To Process The Amendment?
The Arizona Corporations Commission posts the processing times on its website every Monday. But, it usually takes 20 business days. For expedited processing, LLCs have to wait for 3 business days. Meanwhile, corporations can expect approval after 4-5 business days.
Do You Receive A Copy Of The Certified Amendment From The State?
You will receive a copy of the approved amendment by mail or fax. You can also choose to pick it up.
Arizona Business Resources
Arizona Office of Secretary of State
Phone:
(602) 542-3026
Address:
Arizona Corporation Commission
1300 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2929
If you’re interested in more info on filing an amendment, call 888-366-9552.