What is the statute of limitations for contract claims in Arizona?

1. Written Contracts

A.R.S. § 12-548 provides a 6-year SOL for actions on written contracts for the payment of money. Written contracts not for the payment of money use the 4-year SOL under § 12-550.

2. Oral Contracts

A.R.S. § 12-543 imposes a 3-year SOL on actions for debt where the indebtedness is not evidenced by a contract in writing.

3. Sealed Instruments / Promissory Notes

Arizona abolished the sealed-instrument distinction. Promissory notes use the 6-year SOL under § 12-548.

4. Sale of Goods (UCC Article 2)

A.R.S. § 47-2725 (UCC § 2-725) provides a 4-year SOL for breach-of-sales claims from tender of delivery. Parties may shorten to 1 year by original agreement.

5. Open Account / Account Stated

Open accounts use the 3-year SOL under § 12-543. Account stated may use 3 or 6 years depending on form.

6. Accrual Rule

The cause accrues at breach. Each missed installment under an installment contract starts its own SOL.

7. Discovery Rule for Fraudulent Concealment

Arizona applies the discovery rule for fraud-based contract claims. SOL is tolled where the defendant fraudulently concealed the breach.

8. Tolling

A.R.S. § 12-502 tolls for minority and unsound mind. SCRA tolls for active military service. Defendant absence from Arizona may toll under § 12-501.

9. Contractual Modification of SOL

Arizona permits reasonable contractual shortening of SOL. Extensions are generally unenforceable before accrual.

10. Borrowing Statute

A.R.S. § 12-506 borrows the shorter SOL when the cause of action arose in another state.

This is legal information, not legal advice.