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Northwest
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Form with NorthwestAlaska LLC guide
How to Start an LLC in Alaska
To form an Alaska LLC, you'll need to appoint a registered agent with a registered office in Alaska, file the Articles of Organization (Form 08-0484) with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, and pay the $250 filing fee. You'll also need to file a free Initial Report within six months, then a Biennial Report by January 2 every other year, depending on whether you formed in an odd or even year.
- State filing fee
- $250 The current Form 08-0484 lists a $250 filing fee.
- Formation filing
- Form 08-0484 Alaska Corporations Division
- Registered Agent
- Required Alaska physical address
- Ongoing report
- Initial, then biennial reports Initial report within six months; then January 2 every other year based on formation-year parity.
- Publication requirement
- Not required No statewide newspaper publication requirement.
Verified from 4 official sources.
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The filing path
Form your Alaska LLC in six steps
Use the Alaska LLC Launchpad to check your proposed name, review the state's registered agent rules, and get a formation plan matched to your priorities before you begin Step 1.
Alaska LLC Launchpad
Step 1 of 5
Name Your Alaska LLC
The first step is picking a business name for your Alaska LLC
State
Step 1: Name Your Alaska LLC
To get started, you will need to choose a name for your LLC.
Your business name should be memorable and easily searchable while also following the state’s business naming requirements.
1. Important Naming Guidelines for Alaska LLCs:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” or “LLC”.
- Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (e.g., FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Your name cannot contain words with professional licensing restrictions (e.g., “Engineer,” “Architect,” or “Doctor”) without the corresponding license.
- Your name cannot be misleading regarding its corporate purpose (e.g., a tailoring company could not use a name containing the word “construction”).
We recommend checking out the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing website for a more complete list of naming rules in this state.
2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Alaska
To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business in Alaska, you can perform a business entity search on the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development’s corporations database.
If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name. You can protect a name for 120 days by filing a Business Name Reservation or obtain exclusive rights to a name for up to five years by filing a Business Name Registration. Both incur a filing fee of $25.
For more information, you can have a look at our Alaska LLC Name Search guide.
3. Conduct a Domain Name Search
We recommend that you complete a search to ensure your name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.
Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.
FAQ: Naming an Alaska LLC
LLC is short for “limited liability company”. It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while still providing legal protection for your personal assets. Read What is a Limited Liability Company for more information.
Read What is a Limited Liability Company for more information. Or, watch our two-minute video: What is an LLC?
Most LLCs do not need a doing business as (DBA) name. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.
To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA in Alaska guide.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Alaska
After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate an Alaska registered agent.
What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Your registered agent serves as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.
Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Alaska or a corporation that is authorized to operate in the state. Popular choices for LLC owners include LLC members, business attorneys, and registered agent services.
Get Free Registered Agent Services
Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge.
FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent
Yes. When it comes to choosing a registered agent, you have a number of options: you can be your own registered agent, select a member from your LLC for this role, collaborate with a business attorney, or engage a professional registered agent service (recommended).
For more information on this, we recommend checking out our being your own registered agent.
Employing a professional registered agent service can be a budget-friendly approach to handle your LLC’s government documentation. Many businesses, particularly those just starting out, find that the benefits of using such a service greatly outweigh the costs they incur each year.
Step 3: File the Alaska LLC Articles of Organization
To register your Alaska LLC, you will need to file Form 08-484 – Articles of Organization with the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. You can do this online, by mail, or by fax.
Before filing, make sure you have completed your Articles of Organization correctly. You will need to have filled in the following sections:
- Your LLC’s name
- Your LLC’s NAICS Code
- The purpose for which your LLC is organized
- The name and address of your LLC
- Your LLC’s management structure (i.e., member-managed or manager-managed)
- The signatures and printed name of the organizers
File the Articles of Organization
OPTION 1: File Online with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
File Online– OR –
OPTION 2: File Form 08-484 by Mail, by Fax, or in Person
Download PDFState Filing Cost: $250, payable to the State of Alaska (Nonrefundable)
Mailing Address:
State of Alaska Corporations Section
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811
Office Address:
333 Willoughby Ave., 9th Floor
State Office Building
Juneau, AK 99801-1770
Fax: (907) 465-2974
For help with completing the form, visit our Alaska Articles of Organization
If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Alaska, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).
Alaska NAICS Requirement
When filing the Alaska LLC formation documents, you will see that you are required to include your NAICS code. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) consists of six-digit codes given to a business depending on the type of trade it engages in. You can look up the NAICS code for your type of business by using our NAICS Code Lookup Tool.
FAQ: Filing Alaska LLC Documents
The Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing typically processes documents submitted via hard copy in 10 to 15 business days while those submitted online are generally processed immediately.
An LLC is referred to as a “domestic LLC” when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. Normally when we refer to an LLC, we are actually referring to a domestic LLC. A foreign limited liability company must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.
The cost to start an LLC in Alaska is $250.
To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form an Alaska LLC.
Step 4: Create an Alaska LLC Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is not required in Alaska, but it’s a good practice to have one.
An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC members are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:
FAQ: Creating an Alaska LLC Operating Agreement
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many other states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.
Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Alaska LLC
You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:
- To open a business bank account for the company
- For federal and state tax purposes
- To hire employees for the company
Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.
Get an EIN
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
– OR –
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
FAQ: Getting an EIN
A Social Security number is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.
All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.
Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.
When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.
However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.
Step 6: Submit an Alaska Initial Report
After filing their Articles of Organization, all Alaska LLCs are required to file an initial report with the state within six months. This can be done online or by printing a pre-populated form to submit by mail or by fax. There is no filing fee.
In order to complete the initial report, you will need to know the following information:
- LLC name and Alaska Entity Number
- Registered agent address
- LLC member names and ownership percentage
- NAICS code
File Your Alaska LLC Initial Report
File Online, by Mail, or by Fax With the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
File ReportFee: None
Mailing Address:
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Fax:
907-465-2974
Due Date: Due within six months of LLC formation.
Best LLC Services in Alaska Compared
| Service | Total Cost* | Filing | Registered Agent | EIN | Operating Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Northwest
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$329 | $29 | Free 1st Year $125/yr after | $50 | Free |
|
Tailor Brands
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$577 | $0 | $199/yr | $99 | $29 |
|
ZenBusiness
|
$547 | $0 | $99 1st Year $199/yr after | $99 | $99 |
|
LegalZoom
|
$677 | $0 | $249/yr | $79 | $99 |
For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.
Important Next Steps to Protect Your Alaska LLC
After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:
- Separate your personal and business assets
- Stay compliant with state and federal laws
Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
You can protect your business with these two steps:
1. Opening a business bank account:
Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
2. Getting a business credit card:
Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.
Get Insurance
Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:
- General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
- Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Alaska, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers compensation insurance.
What This Means:
Without insurance: If someone sues your bakery for $40,000, they could take your commercial mixer and empty your business account ($25,000 total), but won’t be able to touch your house or personal savings.
With insurance: Your business liability policy could cover the $40,000 claim, meaning that both your personal and business assets would remain untouched.
That’s why many small business owners turn to providers like Ergo Next Insurance for affordable, tailored coverage. Get a free quote today.
Want to learn exactly what coverage your Alaska business may need? Read our full Alaska Business Insurance Guide.
If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service.
Apply for a Business License
Alaska businesses must obtain an Alaska Business License in order to conduct activity within the state.
Apply for an Alaska Business License
OPTION 1: Apply Online With the Alaska Department of Commerce
File Online– OR –
OPTION 2: File by Mail, by Fax, or In Person
Download FormFee: $50
Mailing Address:
State of Alaska Corporations Section
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811
Office Address:
333 Willoughby Ave., 9th Floor
State Office Building
Juneau, AK 99801-1770
Fax: 907-465-2974
You can choose whether to renew this license annually (every year) or biennially (every two years). This can also be done online or by submitting a hard copy renewal form by mail, by fax, or in person. The filing fee is $50 annually and $100 biennially.
If your business license has expired for more than two years, you must reapply for a new license.
Pay Alaska LLC Taxes
Your Alaska LLC will have several key tax obligations:
Federal LLC Tax Requirements
As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.
Income Taxes
LLCs with a default tax structure won’t need to submit state personal tax returns as Alaska is one of the few states that doesn’t charge an individual income tax. However, LLC’s organized as corporations will be subject to a state corporate income tax, which ranges between 2% and 9.4% depending on your business’s total revenue.
LLCs characterized as corporations for federal income tax purposes must file Form 6900 Alaska Partnership Information Return along with a signed federal Form 1065, pages 1–5 within 30 days of filing their federal income tax return.
You can do this by mail, although it is generally recommended to file and pay your income taxes online using the Alaska Department of Revenue’s Revenue Online (ROL) system.
Sales and Use Taxes
Alaska is one of five states that doesn’t impose a statewide sales tax. That being said, many cities and municipalities impose their own local sales tax rates (up to a maximum of 7.50%) that your LLC may be liable to pay.
Businesses operating within these municipalities are responsible for collecting the local sales tax at the point of sale and remitting it to the relevant municipal government. Since these details vary greatly by municipality, you’ll need to get in contact with the appropriate local government in your area for specific information.
Note: To find the local sales and use tax rate in effect in your municipality, you can use the Alaska Taxable Report.
Employer Taxes
If you have employees in Alaska, you will need to register for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax through the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. You can register your business for UI tax online via the Department of Labor and Workforce Development website or by mail.
Most Alaska LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15. For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full Alaska LLC Tax Guide.
Need personalized help? Schedule a free consultation with 1-800Accountant to get expert guidance from CPAs who specialize in small business taxes.
Submit an Alaska LLC Biennial Report
After filing an initial report, you will need to file an Alaska LLC biennial report second year after formation by January 2 in order to maintain its good standing with the state. This typically means that LLCs formed in odd-numbered years will need to file a biennial report in odd-numbered years and vice versa.
You can file this report online or by printing and submitting a pre-populated form by mail or fax and paying the required $100 filing fee.
To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.