Alaska LLC

This comprehensive step-by-step guide explains how to form your Alaska LLC, register it with the state, meet legal requirements, and keep your business compliant over time.

1. Name Your Alaska LLC

Choosing a business name is one of the most important steps when forming an LLC. Your name should be distinctive, easy to remember, and reflective of your business activities.

Ways to Choose a Business Name

You can approach the naming process using several methods:

Clarify Your Business Purpose: Have a clear understanding of what your LLC will offer before selecting a name.
Get Input from Others: Ask trusted friends, family members, or colleagues for name ideas and feedback.
Search Online: Check whether domain names and social media handles are available and whether similar businesses already exist.
Use Business Name Generators: These tools can provide inspiration, but they shouldn't replace thoughtful consideration of branding and meaning.

Your LLC name represents your business identity and plays a major role in how customers perceive your company.

Check Name Availability in Alaska

Once you've shortlisted a few names, conduct a business name search through the Alaska Department of Commerce corporate database. Look not only for exact matches but also for names that are deceptively similar, as these can cause confusion and may be rejected.

Alaska LLC Naming Rules

Your Alaska LLC name must:

Include the words "Limited Liability Company" or an abbreviation such as LLC or L.L.C.
Not include words that imply association with a government agency
Avoid restricted terms such as bank, insurance, trust, or university unless state approval is obtained
Be clearly distinguishable from other registered businesses
Not suggest that the LLC is a municipality or engaged in activities not listed in the Articles of Organization

Check Federal Trademarks

Before finalizing your name, search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure it isn't protected at the federal level.

Reserve Your Alaska LLC Name

After confirming availability, you can reserve your business name using Alaska's Name Reservation Form.

Fee: $25
Reservation Period: 120 days

This prevents others from registering the name while you prepare your formation documents.

Doing Business As (DBA) / Trade Name

If you want to operate under a different name than your legal LLC name, you must register a DBA (trade name).

Common Reasons to Use a DBA:

Expanding into additional product or service lines
Branding specific services separately while keeping one LLC

Example: "JJ's Waffles LLC" can register "JJ's Muffins" as a DBA.

To register a DBA in Alaska:

Visit the Department of Commerce website
Download the New Business Registration Form
Enter your DBA name in Step 3
Submit the form with the filing fee

DBA Filing Fee: $25

2. Select a Registered Agent for Your Alaska LLC

Alaska requires every LLC to appoint a registered agent to receive legal notices, tax documents, and official government correspondence.

Registered Agent Requirements

The registered agent must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a physical street address in Alaska (P.O. Boxes not allowed)
Be available during normal business hours
Be authorized to do business in Alaska if the agent is an entity

You may act as your own registered agent, or you can hire a professional service. Many business owners choose professional services for convenience, privacy, and reliability.

3. Determine Your Management Structure

Alaska LLCs must choose between two management styles:

Member-Managed LLC

All members participate in daily business operations
Best for small LLCs where owners are actively involved

Manager-Managed LLC

Members appoint one or more managers to run the business
Suitable when some members are passive investors
Managers may be members or non-members

Unlike some states, Alaska requires you to specify the management structure in your formation documents.

4. File Articles of Organization with the State of Alaska

To officially form your LLC, file Articles of Organization with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.

Information Required

LLC name
Principal office address
Registered agent name and address
Registered office address
Business purpose
NAICS code
Organizer's name and address
Management structure (member- or manager-managed)

After entering the required information, review the application carefully before submitting payment.

Filing Fee

$250

Online filings are processed immediately, while mailed filings typically take several business days plus mailing time.

State Contact Information

Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
Phone: (907) 269-8160
Fax: (907) 269-8156

5. Draft an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement defines how your LLC will be owned and operated.

Although Alaska does not require one, having an operating agreement is strongly recommended, even for single-member LLCs.

What It Typically Includes

LLC name and principal address
Duration of the LLC
Registered agent details
Ownership percentages
Management authority and voting rights
Profit and loss allocation
Procedures for adding or removing members
Dispute resolution methods
Record-keeping rules

Operating agreement templates are available, but having one reviewed by an attorney helps ensure enforceability and clarity.

6. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is issued by the IRS and is used for tax reporting and identification purposes.

You need an EIN if:

Your LLC has more than one member
You plan to hire employees
You elect corporate tax treatment

The IRS requires EIN applications to identify a responsible party, who must be a real individual with control over the LLC.

7. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

Most Alaska LLCs must obtain a state business license from the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.

Additional Licenses May Be Required

Professional licenses (e.g., healthcare, architecture, aviation, barbering)
Federal licenses for regulated industries
Local city or borough permits

Alaska does not impose a statewide sales tax or personal income tax on wages, but local municipalities may charge sales tax, so check local requirements carefully.

8. Choose Your Tax Status

LLCs are treated as pass-through entities by default.

Default Tax Treatment

Single-Member LLC: Taxed like a sole proprietorship; income reported on Schedule C
Multi-Member LLC: Taxed like a partnership; income reported via Form 1065 and passed to members

Optional IRS Elections

C-Corporation: Profits taxed at the corporate level; dividends taxed to members
S-Corporation: Owners receive a salary plus distributions, potentially reducing self-employment taxes

Each option has advantages and drawbacks, so professional tax advice is recommended.

LLC Overview in Alaska - Other Ongoing Requirements

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping business and personal finances separate is essential to maintain liability protection and simplify accounting.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

A business credit card helps establish business credit and manage expenses.

Obtain Business Insurance

Common policies include:

General liability insurance
Professional liability (E&O)
Workers' compensation
Property and equipment coverage
Commercial auto insurance
Business Owner's Policy (BOP)

Maintain LLC Records

Keep copies of:

Articles of Organization
Operating Agreement
Licenses and permits
Contracts and tax filings

Biennial Reports

Alaska LLCs must file a biennial report to remain in good standing.

Fee: $100
Due Date: January 2 of the filing year

Alaska LLC FAQs

Starting an LLC in Alaska involves several mandatory and optional expenses. You must pay a $25 fee to reserve your business name and a $250 filing fee to submit your Articles of Organization. Most businesses also need a state business license, with costs varying based on business type and location. If you plan to use a DBA, there is an additional $25 filing fee. Every LLC must also file a biennial report, which costs $100.

You can search for an existing LLC by visiting Alaska's Corporate Database Search. Enter the core portion of the business name (excluding "LLC") and keep the filter set to "Contains." The search results will show whether the name is already in use or too similar to existing entities.

Online filings are approved immediately once submitted. Mail filings typically take several weeks due to processing and postal delivery times.

To add a DBA, your LLC must already hold an active Alaska business license. You then file a New Business Name Registration form online or by mail with the Department of Commerce. The DBA filing fee is $25, and the name remains valid for five years. You must already be using the DBA in business activities.

Alaska LLCs generally do not pay state income tax. Profits pass through to the owners, who report income on their personal federal tax returns. Depending on your situation, your LLC may still be subject to federal income tax, local sales tax, payroll taxes, and business license fees. Consulting a tax professional is highly recommended.

To keep your LLC active, you must file a biennial report, maintain a valid business license, keep a registered agent, and stay current on any required local permits and federal tax filings.

Yes, you may serve as your own registered agent if you have a physical Alaska address and are available during regular business hours. However, your name and address will be publicly listed, which is why some owners prefer professional services.

No, it is not legally required. However, an operating agreement is highly recommended because it defines ownership, management authority, and operating rules. It helps prevent disputes, protects liability status, and provides clarity for both single-member and multi-member LLCs.

How to Start Your Own LLC in Alaska