Phoenix AZ, December 19, 2025
The Arizona Corporation Commission is unveiling the Arizona Business Connect, a new online portal designed to modernize business filing processes across the state. Set to launch in January 2026, this platform aims to enhance efficiency, security, and accessibility for entrepreneurs and businesses in Arizona. Key features include a 24/7 chat bot, real-time filing status tracking, and additional online functionalities, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering a thriving economic environment.
Phoenix, AZ: Streamlining Success: Arizona Corporation Commission Unveils New Business Filing Portal
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is set to launch a significant upgrade to its business services with the introduction of the new online platform, Arizona Business Connect. This innovative portal, scheduled to go live in January 2026, promises to modernize the filing process, enhancing efficiency and security for entrepreneurs and existing businesses across Arizona, including the thriving Phoenix AZ business community. This development aligns with the state’s ongoing commitment to fostering an environment ripe for entrepreneurial innovation and small-business resilience, by reducing administrative hurdles and supporting economic growth through more accessible government services.
The launch represents a strategic move to streamline interactions between the state and its business community. By replacing the existing eCorp portal with a technologically advanced system, the ACC aims to empower Arizona AZ entrepreneurs, making the journey from concept to established enterprise smoother and more intuitive. This initiative underscores a proactive approach to government services, recognizing that less red tape often translates to more robust economic activity and greater opportunities for personal achievement in the competitive Arizona marketplace.
A New Era for Business Filings in Arizona
The Arizona Corporation Commission will introduce its new online business filing portal, Arizona Business Connect, on January 12, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. MST. This state-level initiative is poised to replace the current eCorp system, marking a substantial digital upgrade for business services across Arizona. The primary goal of Arizona Business Connect is to deliver an improved customer experience, featuring updated functionalities and enhanced security measures. This modernization effort is an integral part of Arizona’s broader strategy to enhance its services and provide more efficient support to the business community.
Leading up to the official launch, the existing eCorp online services will undergo a temporary shutdown to facilitate the meticulous transfer of data to the new system. These services will become inaccessible starting January 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MST. During this transition period, businesses can still submit paper documents in person at ACC offices, or via mail or fax. All paper filings received after January 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MST will be assigned an effective date corresponding to their date of receipt. For any questions or assistance during this period, individuals can contact the Arizona Corporation Commission at (602) 542-3026 or by emailing [email protected].
Key Features Designed for Entrepreneurial Efficiency
The Arizona Business Connect portal is set to introduce a suite of advanced features aimed at significantly improving the filing experience for Phoenix small business owners and Arizona AZ entrepreneurs. Among these enhancements is a 24/7 chat bot, providing immediate guidance and assistance to users around the clock. This accessibility ensures that support is always available, helping businesses navigate complex processes at their convenience.
Another significant improvement is the ability to track the status of filings in real time. This transparency will allow business owners to monitor their submissions from inception to completion, reducing uncertainty and enabling better planning. The new portal also incorporates address verification, a crucial security feature designed to combat fraud and ensure the accuracy of business records.
Furthermore, Arizona Business Connect will expand its online capabilities by adding new transactional flows, including those for Mergers, Conversions, Domestications, and Copies Requests. Common filing processes such as Amendments and Annual Reports will also be streamlined, making these routine tasks more efficient. A notable benefit is that the new portal will continue to provide these valuable services online at no cost. This focus on accessible and efficient online tools underscores the state’s dedication to supporting business growth and reducing operational friction for its citizens.
Bolstering Trust: New Policies for Enhanced Business Security
In an effort to further safeguard the integrity of the state’s business registry and protect Phoenix AZ business owners from fraudulent activity, the Arizona Corporation Commission unanimously adopted several new policies on May 8, 2025. These state-level reforms are being implemented in phases, with some taking effect for in-person filings starting June 16, 2025, and online implementations coinciding with the launch of Arizona Business Connect.
Policy 1: Identification Requirements for Filings
To reduce the risk of unauthorized submissions, individuals filing documents on behalf of a business are now required to present two forms of identification. This typically includes one primary ID (such as a state-issued driver’s license or passport) and one secondary ID (like a voter registration card or paystub), or two primary IDs. This measure adds an essential layer of verification, enhancing security for all business transactions.
Policy 2: LLC Signing Authority Form
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) can now submit a Signing Authority Form. This optional form allows existing registered members or managers to formally designate specific individuals who are authorized to sign future business filings on behalf of the company. While initially requiring in-person submission with valid identification, online submission will become available with the new filing system, offering greater convenience while maintaining stringent control.
Policy 3: LLC Attestation of Existence
Starting in January 2026, the ACC will implement a policy requiring LLCs to periodically confirm their continued existence. Electronic notices will be sent to LLCs that have not engaged in any filings for the preceding two years, asking them to attest to their ongoing activity through the online portal. A lack of response within 60 days will result in the LLC’s status changing to “pending inactive,” with administrative dissolution proceedings commencing after 120 days. This policy aims to maintain an accurate and active state business registry.
Policy 4: Flexible Use of Annual Reports and Certificates of Disclosure
Businesses now have the option to submit their own versions of Annual Reports and Certificates of Disclosure, provided these documents meet all statutory requirements and are accompanied by an ACC Guidance Worksheet. This flexibility empowers businesses while ensuring compliance with state regulations.
These policies collectively represent a thoughtful approach to balancing ease of doing business with robust protections against fraud, benefiting the entire Arizona business community.
Arizona’s Pro-Business Landscape and Economic Growth
The launch of Arizona Business Connect further solidifies Arizona’s reputation as a state committed to fostering a dynamic and supportive environment for business. State leaders actively work to maintain streamlined regulations, reduce unnecessary red tape, and offer competitive tax structures, all of which contribute to an attractive climate for investment and job creation.
Arizona consistently ranks highly for its economic performance and as a desirable state for business operations. The state boasts one of the lowest flat income tax rates in the U.S. and notably imposes no franchise tax, business inventory tax, estate tax, worldwide unitary tax, or gross receipts tax. These fiscal advantages, coupled with a focus on efficient government services, are designed to encourage private investment and entrepreneurial spirit. The Arizona Corporation Commission’s mission itself includes growing the state’s economy by assisting local entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses, underscoring this commitment.
Additionally, the state already offers the Arizona Business One Stop portal, a state-level government resource that provides tools to plan, start, manage, or close a business. This portal, a collaborative effort involving the ACC, Secretary of State, and Department of Revenue, facilitates actions like instant LLC approval, TPT license applications, trade name registration, and online tax filings. Such existing infrastructure, combined with the upcoming Arizona Business Connect, demonstrates a comprehensive strategy to support the life cycle of businesses in the Grand Canyon State.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger Future for Phoenix Businesses
The introduction of Arizona Business Connect by the Arizona Corporation Commission is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a clear signal of the state’s dedication to supporting its entrepreneurs and existing businesses. By simplifying the administrative landscape and enhancing security, this new portal aims to reduce friction for Phoenix AZ business owners and Arizona AZ entrepreneurs, allowing them to focus more on innovation, growth, and job creation. This commitment to efficiency and protection helps cultivate an environment where personal achievement through enterprise can truly flourish.
The continued investment in streamlined processes and robust digital infrastructure reinforces Arizona’s position as a forward-thinking state. It is an invitation to local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to engage with these improved resources, contributing to the vibrant economic tapestry of Phoenix and the entire state. We encourage all business owners and future innovators to familiarize themselves with Arizona Business Connect and leverage its capabilities to further their success in Arizona’s dynamic economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arizona Business Connect?
Arizona Business Connect is a new online business filing portal being launched by the Arizona Corporation Commission. It is designed to replace the current eCorp portal and will offer updated features and enhanced security for business filings across Arizona.
When will Arizona Business Connect launch?
Arizona Business Connect is scheduled to launch on January 12, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. MST.
Will the current eCorp portal be accessible during the transition?
No, the current eCorp online services will be inaccessible starting January 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MST, to allow for data transfer to the new system.
Can I still file documents during the eCorp downtime?
Yes, during the eCorp downtime, paper documents can be submitted in person at ACC offices, or by mailing or faxing them. These paper documents will receive an effective date of their receipt.
What are some key features of Arizona Business Connect?
Key features include a 24/7 chat bot for guidance, the ability to track filing status, address verification to combat fraud, new online flows for Mergers, Conversions, Domestications, and Copies Requests, and streamlined filing flows for Amendments and Annual Reports. The online services will also be free.
What new anti-fraud policies has the Arizona Corporation Commission adopted?
The Arizona Corporation Commission adopted four new state-level policies: requiring two forms of identification for individuals filing on behalf of a business, allowing LLCs to submit a Signing Authority Form to designate authorized signers, implementing an LLC Attestation of Existence requirement, and permitting businesses to use their own Annual Reports and Certificates of Disclosure forms with an ACC Guidance Worksheet.
When do the new anti-fraud policies go into effect?
Some of the new anti-fraud policies went into effect for in-person filings starting June 16, 2025, with online implementations tied to the launch of the new Arizona Business Connect portal.
Key Features of Arizona Business Connect and Related Policies
| Feature/Policy | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | January 12, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. MST | State-level |
| Replaces | eCorp portal | State-level |
| Downtime | January 2, 2026, 5:00 p.m. MST (eCorp inaccessible for data transfer) | State-level |
| 24/7 Chat Bot | Provides continuous guidance and assistance | State-level |
| Filing Status Tracking | Allows real-time monitoring of document submission progress | State-level |
| Address Verification | Enhanced security feature to combat fraud and ensure record accuracy | State-level |
| New Online Flows | Includes Mergers, Conversions, Domestications, and Copies Requests | State-level |
| Streamlined Filings | Improved processes for Amendments and Annual Reports | State-level |
| Free Online Services | All new portal services will be provided online at no cost | State-level |
| ID Requirements for Filings | Two forms of identification required for individuals filing on behalf of a business | State-level |
| LLC Signing Authority Form | Allows LLCs to formally designate authorized signers for filings | State-level |
| LLC Attestation of Existence | LLCs inactive for two years must confirm continued activity to avoid dissolution | State-level |
| Self-Drafted Annual Reports/Disclosure Forms | Businesses can use their own forms if compliant and accompanied by an ACC Guidance Worksheet | State-level |
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