How to Start an Alaska LLC

Why Create an Alaska LLC?

Within the state of Alaska, business owners can take advantage of several loans, tax credits, and programs provided your LLC meets the specific criteria. For example, to promote economic development, Alaska offers a microloan to small businesses requiring access to capital. For businesses requesting a loan, you can apply for up to $35,000 for an individual or up to $70,000 for two or more people.

For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Alaska, creating an Alaska limited liability company (LLC) is generally the fastest and easiest way. An LLC is an ideal business entity for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, granting you the advantages and protections that larger Alaska corporations benefit from, with more simplified rules and regulations.

Benefits of Starting an Alaska LLC:

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure. In this guide, you’ll find information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, Alaska business taxes, and much more. We also cover your registration needs, filing your Alaska LLC, and how you'll correspond with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED).

Step 1: Complete an Alaska LLC Search and Choose a Unique Business Name

To start the process, you’ll need a name for your LLC that’s original and stands out, but one that’s not used by any other business or incorporation in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using Bizee’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You'll also need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Alaska Business Names.

Once you’ve chosen a name, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in Alaska. To find out whether another company in the state is already using your preferred business name, use our tool to do a business name search. You can also carry out a name search on the Alaska DCCED online entity search.

Step 2: Provide an Official Business Address for Your LLC

Regardless of whether your business is in an office building, a home (if the company is run from a residence), or any other physical location, every Alaska LLC must have a designated street address. It can be located outside the state of Alaska, but it cannot be a P.O. Box.

Step 3: Assign a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and is responsible for filing reports with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. Every LLC in Alaska is required to have a Registered Agent. This position can be filled by you, another manager in your business, or a dedicated Registered Agent service. If your Alaska Registered Agent is a person, they must have a physical street address in Alaska and must be present during business hours to receive important documents on behalf of your company. In Alaska, you appoint your Registered Agent when you file your Articles of Organization and formally create your business. All of Bizee’s packages include Registered Agent service. It’s free for the first year and just $119 per year after that. You can also log in to our dashboard and easily view any document we've received on your behalf.

Step 4: File Your Certificate of Organization With the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED)

Once you've gathered all the information for your Alaska LLC, you’ll need to file your Articles of Organization with the Alaska DCCED, Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.

Your Articles of Organization can be filed online by using a system provided by the Alaska DCCED, or by mailing a printed form to the DCCED. The Alaska LLC filing fee is $250.

You only need to file your Certificate of Formation once, but every year after, you'll also need to report and pay Alaska franchise tax (if applicable to your business) and file a public information report. Bizee can remind you about this every year, or we can do it for you if you have us handle the paperwork.

What Are the Fees and Requirements to Form a Business in Alaska?

Initial Report

Domestic (Alaskan) Entities are required to file within six months of creation. Failure to file will cause non-compliance and may lead to administrative dissolution.

Annual Report

Step 5: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) From the Internal Revenue Service

You’ll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. An EIN is also required to open a business bank account. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or you can have Bizee obtain one for you as part of the Alaska LLC formation process.

Step 6: Create an Operating Agreement

A kind of "instruction manual" that explains how you'll run your business, an LLC Operating Agreement details key components of your business — how decisions will be made, how the business is divided among members, and what will happen if a member leaves the company. Although some states require that a company have this document in place, you're not legally required to have an Alaska LLC Operating Agreement. We think it’s still a good idea to have one nonetheless.

Other Alaska LLC Types

Professional LLC

Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) are different from professional corporations in that they typically have licensing requirements applicable to certain fields, such as law and medicine. In order to form a PLLC, you may need a state license to practice.Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Foreign LLC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to Alaska — or vice versa — you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC. Learn more about Alaska Foreign LLC registration.

Helpful Resources from the State of Alaska

More Information in This Guide

You’ll find plenty more insight and guidance on the other pages of this guide, including: