How To Start an LLC in Alaska

Are you starting a business in Alaska? Forming an LLC in Alaska allows businesses to utilize all the advantages this state offers. To begin an LLC in Alaska, select an LLC name, appoint a registered agent, and submit the Articles of Organization for a $250 fee. State approval typically takes a few days or, at times, a few weeks, based on your filing method and timing. After filing, complete an initial report and follow additional steps to prepare your LLC for business operations. This guide outlines the steps on how to start an LLC in Alaska.

#1: Name Your ALaska LLC

#2: Choose a Resident Agent

#3. Determine Your NAICS Code

#4: File Articles of Organization

#5: File an Initial Report

#6: Receive a Certificate From Alaska State

#7: Obtain Business Licenses

#8: Draft an Operating Agreement

#9: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

#10: File Beneficial Ownership Information Report

#11: Open a Bank Account

#12: Fund the LLC

1. Name Your ALaska LLC

When registering your LLC in Alaska, ensure your chosen name adheres to specific guidelines:

• Include specific terms like Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., Ltd. Liability Co., Ltd. Liability Company, or Limited Liability Co.

• Verify name availability through the Secretary of State’s website to avoid duplicating existing business names.

• Avoid using government agency terms (State Department, CIA, FBI, Treasury).

• Exclude city, borough, or village names from the LLC name.

• Some terms (bank, lawyer, attorney, credit union, etc.) may need extra documentation and licensure.

For a comprehensive list, refer to Alaska’s naming rules.

Additional consideration

Check for URL availability. Even if you’re not planning an immediate website, securing your domain name is wise. Check for its availability before finalizing your LLC name.

Reserving Your Alaska LLC Name

Before establishing your LLC, you have the option to secure your business name for a period of 120 business days. This involves submitting a Business Name Reservation form and a $25 fee to the Division of Corporations.

LLC Names vs. Assumed Business Names

Your LLC’s legal name, as documented in your Articles of Organization, represents its official identity. Conversely, an assumed business name—a fictitious business name (FBN) or doing business as (DBA)—is any name under which you operate your business, distinct from your LLC’s legal name and your personal name. Registering with the Division of Corporations is necessary to use an assumed business name, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. 

2. Choose a Resident Agent

Your next crucial choice is selecting your Alaska registered agent. This individual, entity, or yourself serves as the designated recipient for official state and legal documents on behalf of your business. It’s a mandatory requirement for LLCs in Alaska to have a registered agent. Prepare to provide the name and address of your chosen registered agent in your Articles of Organization. 

Alternatively, you can opt for a professional registered agent service, which typically ranges from $50 to $300 annually.

3. Determine Your NAICS Code

The NAICS, a six-digit code, categorizes the business activities of your Alaska LLC. It’s used for reporting statistical data within U.S. industries and may be required for annual tax filings. To find your NAICS Code in Alaska, refer to this concise guide for quick identification.

4. File Articles of Organization

The articles of organization establishes your LLC by outlining essential details. To register your Alaska LLC correctly, complete these articles and submit them to the State of Alaska Corporations Section. While it might seem daunting, it involves filling out an online form or sending it via mail, with online filing being the preferred method.

To prepare these articles, gather key information:

• Your LLC’s name.
• The Registered agent’s name and address.
• A brief purpose statement for forming the LLC.
• Duration of the LLC—usually perpetual unless specified otherwise for a specific period.
• Management structure—decide if it’ll be managed by members or designated managers.
• Signature of the LLC’s organizer.

After submission, the secretary of state reviews the filing. Upon approval, your LLC achieves legal status as a business entity.

5. File an Initial Report

Alaska mandates new LLCs to submit an initial report within six months of formation. Handling this promptly upon LLC creation, often done simultaneously with filing Articles of Organization, is advisable as it’s a free process. Additionally, LLCs in Alaska must file a biennial report every two years, costing $100. Late filings incur a $37.50 penalty. Both reports aim to update the state on crucial LLC details, including member names and the registered agent’s address.

6. Receive a Certificate From Alaska State

Upon filing and approval of the LLC’s creation documents in Alaska, the state issues a certificate confirming the formal existence of the LLC.

For mail filings, approval typically takes 10-15 business days. The Secretary of State returns stamped and approved articles of organization with a certificate via regular mail.

Online filings receive immediate approval but no physical mail. Instead, access the stamped and approved articles of organization and the certificate of organization by searching for your LLC’s record in the state’s online database under “Filed Documents” in the Alaska Division of Corporations: Search Corporations Database.

This certificate is essential for acquiring an Employer Identification Number (EIN), business licenses, and establishing a business bank account for the LLC.

7. Obtain Business Licenses

Alaska mandates LLCs to secure a business license to operate within the state. Obtain this license from the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing, specifically the Occupational Licensing Section. This annual license expires on December 31.

8. Draft an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement outlines how an LLC conducts business, although Alaska doesn’t mandate its creation.

Despite this, having a written operating agreement is crucial. It serves as a valuable resource for resolving financial disputes and potential litigation, ensuring decisions align with the LLC’s best interests rather than default state laws.

This agreement covers the following:

• LLC’s name and address
• Duration and purpose of the LLC
• Registered agent’s details
• Articles of organization information
• Member contributions and profit/loss sharing
• Procedures for new and outgoing members
• LLC management specifics
• Indemnification and liability clauses

9. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

The Internal Revenue Service issues a nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN) to identify your LLC for tax purposes. You can acquire this EIN either through mail or online via the IRS.

An EIN serves the following purposes:

• Facilitating state and federal tax filing and management.
• Enabling the opening of a business bank account.
• Allowing for the hiring of employees.

10. File Beneficial Ownership Information Report

Starting in 2024, Alaska LLCs face new requirements, filing a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Deadlines vary: LLCs formed in 2024 must file within 90 days of registration, while those formed before 2024 have until January 1, 2025. LLCs established in 2025 or later must file within 30 days of formation. This report necessitates details about your company applicant, all beneficial owners, and essential company information.

A Beneficial Owner holds at least 25% membership interest or significant control over the LLC’s operations and finances. Your Company Applicant, also known as the LLC organizer, is the individual who filed your Articles of Organization.

11. Open a Bank Account

Create a distinct bank account for your LLC to establish its independence, ensuring clear separation between personal and business finances. This separation is crucial for maintaining liability protection. Combining personal and business finances risks jeopardizing this protection in legal situations.

When opening an Alaska bank account for your LLC, prepare the following documents:

• A copy of the Alaska LLC Articles of Organization.
• The LLC’s operating agreement.
• The LLC’s EIN.
• An LLC Resolution (required if your LLC has multiple members).

12. Fund the LLC

Now that your LLC has a business account, it’s crucial to determine funding sources. Each member should contribute initial funds to cover their membership interest. Typically, these contributions come in the form of a check made out to the LLC through property or services. Note that asset contributions might trigger tax implications for the members.

Follow this guide on how to start an LLC in Alaska to launch your business quickly. Understanding these steps can streamline the process of creating your LLC in Alaska and setting it on the path 

LLC State Guides

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How To Start an LLC in Alaska FAQs