How to Start an LLC in Alaska

To officially form your Alaska LLC, you’ll need to submit Articles of Organization paperwork to the state. But a few essentials must be determined before you can finalize this document, like your business name, registered agent, and NAICS code. Then, once your Articles are filed, you’ll need to get an Alaska business licence and file an initial report. Follow the steps below to learn everything you need to know about starting your LLC in Alaska.

Create an Alaska LLC in 7 Steps:

  1. Name Your Alaska LLC
  2. Choose a Registered Agent
  3. File Alaska Articles of Organization
  4. Get an Alaska Business License
  5. Submit Initial Report
  6. Set Up Business Operations
  7. File BOI Report
Start Your Alaska LLC

Step 1: Name Your Alaska LLC

Naming your Alaska LLC is one of the first steps to take when making your business official. You’ll need to choose a name before submitting the Articles of Organization that register your LLC in Alaska. To select a name, first check the name’s availability and ensure it meets Alaska’s LLC naming requirements.

Your company’s name must:

  • Include “limited liability company,” “LLC,” or another approved abbreviation.
  • Be unique in the state.

Your company’s name cannot:

  • Indicate that your business is a city or municipality.

Not quite ready to form your LLC but want to secure your business name? You can reserve it for $25, for up to 120 days.

Once you’ve decided on an available business name, see if your desired domain name and social media handles are available. Creating a cohesive business presence and online branding makes it easier for clients to find you online, solidifying your company’s professional image. When you hire us to form your LLC, we include a free domain name, website, business email, and phone number. Within minutes, we’ll help you establish your communication channels and get online so you’re prepared to reach your customers on day one.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

A registered agent in Alaska is a person or business you designate to accept legal mail on behalf of your LLC. You’re required to list your registered agent’s information on your Alaska LLC Articles of Organization, so you’ll need to appoint one prior to filing your formation paperwork. The registered agent you choose needs to be available to accept your service-of-process during regular business hours. Your registered agent can be:

  • An individual. They must be an Alaska resident with a physical Alaska address.
  • An entity. It must be authorized to conduct business in the state and have a physical Alaska address.

Step 3: File Alaska Articles of Organization

Filing your Articles of Organization is what officially forms your LLC in Alaska. You’ll submit the filing to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Corporations Section. It can be filed by mail or online. To ensure no information is lost or time is wasted, Alaska makes it clear that all necessary information should be gathered before you begin filling out your Articles.

The information included in your Articles will become part of the public record. To keep more of your information private, hire a registered agent service like us. If you file online, you’ll need to provide a little extra information, indicated below.

  1. Entity Name
    Make sure your business name includes “limited liability company,” “LLC,” or another approved abbreviation.
  2. Business Purpose
    Describe the general purpose of the LLC.
  3. NAICS Code
    An Alaska NAICS Code is a 6-digit number that indicates primary business activity. List the code that best matches your LLC.
  4. Registered Agent
    Your registered agent can be an individual who resides in Alaska or an entity authorized to conduct business in the state. Either way, you’ll need to provide their physical Alaska address and mailing address as applicable. If your registered agent is an entity and you’re filing online, you’ll also need to provide their Alaska Entity Number.
  5. Entity Addresses
    Online only. Include the mailing and physical address of your LLC.
  6. Management Structure
    Select whether your LLC is managed by members or managers. If manager-managed, this means you’ve hired an outside party to handle the LLC’s daily operations.
  7. Organizers
    An organizer can be a member of your LLC, but does not have to be. If an individual, provide the organizer’s first and last name. If an entity, provide its name or Alaska Entity Number. For those filing by mail, the organizer(s) will need to sign here as well.
  8. Optional Provisions
    Alaska statutes allow for the inclusion of additional provisions. If you have any, include them here. Note that this will subject your Articles to additional processing time.
  9. Name of Person Filing Articles
    Online only. Include the name of the person submitting the document to the state. This does not have to be a member of the LLC.

Ready to create your LLC in Alaska?

We’ll set up your entire business in minutes.

Hire Registered Agents Inc

Step 4: Get an Alaska Business License

All Alaska LLCs need to get an Alaska Business License. Your Business License cannot be applied for until your LLC is formed and you’ve received any professional licenses you need. To get your Alaska Business License, you’ll need to pay the $50 fee and provide the following information:

  • Business name
  • Entity number
  • Type of business
  • NAICS Code
  • Mailing and physical address
  • Business Email
  • Phone number
  • Name and title of filer

Your license can be applied for online or by mail, though hard copy filing can take up to three weeks to process. Alaska Business Licenses expire on December 31 and need to be renewed annually. (Alternatively, you can elect for a $100 2-year license.) The renewal fee is $50 for a 1-year license.

Step 5: Submit Alaska Initial Report

Alaska LLCs need to submit an Initial Report within 6 months of formation. In the report, you’ll include information about your LLC’s members, such as name, address, and ownership percentage. The report is free to file and can be submitted online or by mail. When you hire us, we file your report for you at no extra cost.

Step 6: Set Up Business Operations

Once your Alaska LLC is formed, you’ll need to take some steps to get your business up and running and to reach your customers.

  • Create an operating agreement
    Though Alaska statutes do not require your LLC to have an operating agreement, you should absolutely put one in place. Your operating explains how your LLC will be run both day-to-day and long term. It’s in your operating agreement that you’ll set forth information such as how disputes between members will be handled, how ownership percentage is divided, and how members will join or depart the LLC.
  • Get an EIN
    An EIN is a federal identification number for your business. Applied for through the IRS, EINs are free to acquire. You’ll likely need one to open a business bank account and if you hire employees.
  • Manage your company’s money
    Your Alaska LLC needs money to operate. When members join, they’ll typically fund the LLC with an amount equivalent to their ownership percentage. For example, if the LLC needs initial funds of $10,000, and you have 50% ownership, you’ll supply $5,000 upfront. Your operating agreement should go over funding and ownership so that there’s no question about what’s what.

Step 7: File BOI Report

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report is a federal filing that most LLCs must comply with. Its purpose is to make it easier to find out who owns/controls a business, with the intent of limiting bad actors. If your Alaska LLC is formed in 2024, you’ll have 90 days from registration to file your BOI Report. If you form in 2025 and beyond, you’ll have 30 days post-registration to file.

When you hire us to form your LLC in Alaska, add BOI Filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to form an LLC in Alaska?

It can take the state of Alaska more than three weeks to process your LLC Articles of Organization if you file by mail. Online filings are processed immediately.

How much does an LLC cost in Alaska?

It costs $250 to file your Alaska Articles of Organization.

How do I get an Alaska entity number?

You’ll receive your Alaska entity number once your LLC is registered with the state.

What are the benefits of an LLC in Alaska?

A main benefit of starting an LLC in Alaska is that the state has no personal income tax. Since LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default (meaning members claim LLC profits on their personal tax returns), LLCs in Alaska may face a lower tax burden than LLCs registered elsewhere.

How much is the annual report fee in Alaska?

In Alaska, LLCs need to file biennial reports by January 2 every other year. Report submission can begin on October 2, and late fees kick in for reports that arrive after February 1. The Alaska Biennial Report costs $100 to file, with a late fee of $37.50 as applicable.

Do LLCs pay taxes in Alaska?

By default, LLCs in Alaska are taxed as pass-through entities. This means profits are claimed by members on their personal tax returns. This is good news for those starting Alaska LLCs, as the state doesn’t have a personal income tax. Of course, LLCs in Alaska are still subject to federal tax and for collecting any local sales tax as needed.

Got 10 Minutes?