How Long is a Trade Name Good for in Arizona and Other Important Business Registration Information

How long is a trade name good for in Arizona?
5 years Filing Length: Trade Names last for 5 years from the date of receipt. Trademarks last for 10 years from the date of receipt. Prior to expiration, you have up to six months to renew your trade name or trademark. If your filing is not renewed on time, your trade name or trademark can be registered by someone else.
Read more on azsos.gov

It’s critical to comprehend the various business formats and registration requirements before beginning a firm in Arizona. How long a trade name is valid in Arizona is a question that many business owners have. A trade name, commonly referred to as a “doing business as” (DBA) name, is legitimate for five years following the date of registration, is the response. To continue using the trade name after the five-year period, the registration must be renewed.

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website allows for the quick and easy registration of trade names in Arizona. The registration procedure often takes 1-2 business days, and there is a $10 registration fee. It’s significant to remember that registering a trade name does not provide the name any legal protection. You want to think about filing a trademark if you wish to safeguard your company name.

A limited liability company (LLC) is another common business structure in Arizona. An LLC is a distinct legal entity that offers its members limited liability protection. The personal assets of the members are so shielded from corporate liabilities. In order to form an LLC in Arizona, Articles of Organization must be submitted to the ACC along with a $50 registration fee.

Depending on the services you select, incorporating an LLC in Arizona might cost a variety of amounts. To assist you with the process, you can employ an attorney or a business formation agency, but this can cost up to several hundred dollars. You could also file the documents on your own to avoid paying legal fees.

It’s vital to remember that an LLC offers the advantages of limited liability protection without the formalities needed for a corporation, which makes it a popular company structure. An LLC, however, is not a tax category. An LLC has the option of being taxed as a S corporation, C corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Your financial circumstances and business objectives will determine the tax categorization you choose.

In Arizona, setting up a DBA is a different procedure than setting up an LLC. Depending on the county in which you register, a DBA’s cost varies. For instance, the registration cost in Maricopa County is $50. Other counties may impose higher or lower fees. It’s crucial to confirm the particular registration requirements and costs with your county clerk’s office.

In summary, it’s critical to comprehend the various business formats and registration processes in Arizona before starting a business. Trade names can be registered online on the ACC website and are valid for five years after the date of registration. LLCs must submit their Articles of Organization to the ACC along with a $50 fee in order to shield their members from unlimited liability. The fee and process for registering a DBA vary by jurisdiction. To make sure your firm is set up properly, it’s vital to conduct research and speak with an attorney or business formation agency.