How to Start an LLC in Alaska

If you follow the steps below, you can form an Alaska LLC on your own. However, it’s much simpler to use an LLC formation service. This can save business owners time, while ensuring that everything is done accurately and efficiently.

There are many LLC services that can help you form businesses in Alaska. Some of the best are ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and Bizee. Each of these companies charge a small fee to help you with the registration process, from start to finish. They are basically middlemen between Alaska’s Corporations Division and you. 

An LLC service can expedite the entire process of getting your business properly formed. In addition, they can also help with related services and requirements. For instance, they can serve as your Registered Agent, which is a person or business appointed to receive legal documents for your LLC. Having a registered agent is required in Alaska (although you can be your own registered agent in many cases).

Recommended services

Visit ZenBusiness

The focus of ZenBusiness is on forming new companies. They help simplify the process of starting a business, using powerful online tools. ZenBusiness plans are ongoing and help customers grow their businesses. They provide many services and resources, and can also help connect entrepreneurs to other relevant services.

See the full ZenBusiness review here

Visit Northwest

Northwest Registered Agent will scan all documents you receive for your business so that you can easily see them in your online account. There, you’ll have unlimited cloud storage as well as strong business data protection, and help from their friendly customer service staff when you need it. A yearly subscription for their registered agent services costs $125.

See the full Northwest review here

Visit Bizee

Bizee specializes in new company formation. With Bizee, you can form a new LLC, corporation, or other business entity in your state. So far, they have helped form more than 500,000 new businesses. Bizee works directly with each US state to help start new businesses. Essentially, they are a middleman between you and your state’s business department.

See the full Bizee review here

Finding an available business name for your new LLC is the place that most entrepreneurs will need to start. The name you choose must not be taken (it must be significantly distinguishable from any other business in the state of Alaska). In addition to this requirement, Alaska LLC names are required to meet certain standards:

You can brainstorm some ideas for your business name, and then compare them with what’s available. Use the online business name search at the Alaska Department of Commerce’s website to verify availability. 

Each new business in the state of Alaska will need to appoint a qualified Registered Agent. This agent is responsible for being a point of contact for the business, primarily for legal forms, tax forms, lawsuits, etc. The Registered Agent must have a physical mailing address to accept important documents for your business (PO boxes are not acceptable). 

The rules for who (or what) can be a registered agent are fairly simple: It must either be a resident of Alaska, or a company licensed to do business in the state.

So, if you yourself live in Alaska, have a physical mailing address, and don’t mind making this address public record, you can be your own registered agent. You can also appoint an employee. 

If you live out of state, or you’d just prefer to keep your information more private, you can use a registered agent service. ZenBusiness (from $99/year) and Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) are both great options. These services make sure everything is handled in a professional manner, while also keeping your personal information private. Keep in mind that a registered agent is an ongoing requirement; it’s not just for the first year. 

Note: This is optional, but highly recommended for most businesses. You do not need to submit the document to any government agency, it’s simply an internal document for your own records. 

An operating agreement is a document that lays out key details of your new business. One of its key functions is to establish ownership rights, so it’s particularly important for businesses with multiple owners. Having a clear operating agreement can help prevent future legal disputes and issues, so it’s quite important (although it’s not required).

To complete an operating agreement, you can either seek legal help, or use a template online. Alternatively, services like ZenBusiness can also help, if you are using them to help form your new LLC. 

The Articles of Organization are the main set of forms that you will need to submit in order to apply for a limited liability company in Alaska. This can be handled online, in-person, or via mail. 

Most of the form is fairly self-explanatory, but one common issue people run into is the “NAICS” code requirement. This is the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, and it’s simply a 6-digit code indicating the type of business that your company is engaged in. To find the correct code for your business, you can search by keyword at Census.gov. 

Note that these instructions are to form a domestic LLC in Alaska. If you are an existing LLC in another state and are looking to expand into Alaska, you’ll need to set up a foreign LLC. The process is similar – fill out this form, and pay the $350 Alaska foreign LLC fee.

Once your application has been submitted, you’ll need to wait for the state to process it. Applications sent by mail or fax typically take 10-15 business days to process, while online applications are handled more rapidly. Expedited processing may also be available, for an additional fee.

An EIN, or employer identification number, is essentially a social security number for your business. It’s the numerical ID number that you will use on all federal tax forms, and an EIN is a requirement to hire employees. It may also be required to open a business bank account and engage in other important activities. 

You can file for an EIN online at the Internal Revenue Service’s website. It’s a simple application that takes just a few minutes. There is no cost. 

Because this is a federal number, it really has nothing to do with the state of Alaska. However, almost all businesses will want to obtain one, regardless of their state. Once you have your EIN, you’ll use this number for tax returns and other federal communications.

A common misconception is that once you have your LLC paperwork you’re ready to do business. This is false – you’ll also need to obtain a business license. 

To do this, simply go to this page on the Department of Commerce website, and follow the instructions. 

Depending on the type of business, you may also need a Professional License. For instance, medical professionals will need specific state licenses, as well as business licenses, to operate in Alaska.

Once you have your documents and an Alaska Entity Number, you should file an Initial Report. This can be done online here, and some basic instructions can be found here. You can also look up your business using its name, although you can’t file a report until the application has actually been processed. 

There are a variety of ongoing requirements that you’ll need to stay on top of in order to keep your business in good standing with state, federal, and even local governments. Some things to keep in mind include:

The ongoing requirements of running a business can certainly feel overwhelming, but it’s best to start off on the right foot. By staying on top of requirements from day one, you can ensure you do everything accurately. It’s wise to research requirements immediately, and then make calendar reminders for each so that you never miss anything.

A business checking account is vital to the day-to-day operations of your company. It’s also important to help keep your business and personal finances separate. It’s a good idea to open an account right away. 

To open an account, you’ll need your formation paperwork, business license, and EIN. Most banks and credit unions offer business accounts, so simply look around for a solution that meets your needs.