Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Alaska is a great business structure for anyone who wants to protect their personal assets. If your business gets sued or if you ever run into business problems, having an LLC ensures you won’t have to pay any losses out of your own pocket.
Registering your business as an LLC will still give you the flexibility of a partnership or sole-proprietorship but with the security and protection of a corporation. The costs to maintain your LLC active are reasonable, and you won’t waste too much time filling out paperwork. All you have to do is follow the exact steps outlined below to make sure your LLC is registered correctly.
How to Form an LLC in Alaska – A Step by Step Guide
You can apply for your LLC on your own or through a professional service. While filing on your own is a straightforward process, you’ll want to make sure you follow each step correctly, so your application isn’t denied. If you’d rather not handle your business’s legal side, we suggest hiring experts to file all your business paperwork for you (a more worry-free approach).
Otherwise, if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, follow these 5 initial steps:
1. Name your Alaska LLC
To form an LLC in Alaska, you need to follow specific name requirements set by state law. Your business name needs to be unique, meaning no other company has a similar name.
Name Requirements
Before checking to see if the business name you’d like is available, to abide by Alaska LLC law, make sure the name of your company contains one of the following:
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company
- L.L.C
- L.C
You can also abbreviate ‘Limited’ to Ltd. and ‘Company’ to ‘Co.’
Your LLC name can be your business name, like Plumbing King L.L.C, or the name of one of your LLC’s members, such as Joe Smith L.C.
Check Name Availability
Once you’ve decided on your name, you need to check to see if it’s available and there’s no other company in Alaska using it. The quick and easy way to do this is through a quick google search using your desired name.
If you don’t find any competing companies, you can move onto the next step – checking your business’s potential name through the Alaska Corporations database.
Suppose you find a name you like that’s available, but you’re not quite ready to file your LLC yet. In that case, you can reserve it for 120 days by filling out the Business License: NEW Business Name Reservation and mailing it to the State of Alaska Division of Corporations. You can also apply online and, if all the information is correct, you’ll get instant approval. It costs $25 to file.
Using a Fictitious Name
If you don’t want to use LLC in your business name, then you can add a fictitious name once your business is registered. Also known as DBA (“doing business as,”) or a trade name, a fictitious name allows you to run your business under a name that’s not the legal LLC registered name.
You can also use a fictitious name if you plan on running several different businesses under your LLC formation.
If you decide to do business under a fictitious name, you need to register that name through the Alaska Department of Commerce. You can apply online or by mail. It costs $25 and lasts for 5 years.
Once you’ve figured out what your business name is and you’ve made sure it’s still available, the next step is to choose a registered agent who will help you with the legal side of your business.
2. Choose an Alaska Registered Agent
A registered agent is anyone who receives and sends legal documents on behalf of your company. They are the main point of contact between your company and the Secretary of State.
In Alaska, an LLC must have a registered agent who lives in Alaska and has a valid street address (not a P.O. box).
An LLC registered agent can be:
- Yourself
- A family member or friend
- A Commercial Registered Agent
Why you should use a registered agent
While the easier route seems to have yourself, or one of your LLC’s members, act as the registered agent, there are some benefits in hiring a professional. A registered agent will ensure your business is always in good standing with the state, helping you stay organized and up-to-date. It also adds a layer of protection since they’ll help you in the case of a lawsuit or any penalties/fines.
Once you’ve decided who’s the best person to be your registered agent the next step is to submit your LLC application.
3. File an Alaska LLC Articles of Organization
To register your LLC in Alaska, you need to fill out the ‘Articles of Organization’ application form and submit it to the Alaska Division of Corporations.
If you fill out the form with inaccurate information, your writing is illegible or you skip a section, your application will be refused. Be prepared to include the following information (and always read it over once before submitting):
- the LLC’s name
- the effective date of formation (either the day you’re applying or a future date).
- the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent
- if the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed
- the LLC’s initial principal office address, and
- signatures of one of the LLC members
What’s the difference between member-managed or manager-managed?
Member-managed is if you (and the other owners of your LLC) are responsible for everyday business activities. In contrast, manager-managed is if you decide to hire someone who is not a member to manage your business’s day-to-day activities.
Member-managed is more common for smaller businesses, while larger companies typically use manager-managed. You’d usually only choose manager-managed if you are a passive investor and aren’t involved much in the business.
File wait times and cost
You can send your application in by mail (which takes 10-15 business days to process) or apply online (where you’ll get instant approval if everything is filled out correctly). It costs $250 to register an LLC in Alaska.
Keep in mind to file online, you need to have JavaScript installed, and your cookies enabled.
Once you get approval, you can move onto step 4 – creating an LLC Operating Agreement. If you’re operating your LLC by yourself skip to step 5.
4. Create an Alaska LLC Operating Agreement
If your LLC has two or more members, it should have an operating agreement. Although it’s not required in Alaska, we suggest creating one to outline how the business is structured and how it will operate among its members (and/or managers).
Some of the sections you’ll typically find covered in an operating agreement include:
- Organization
- Management
- Voting
- Capital distributions
- Distributions
- Dissolution
Again, while this is not a necessary step, as you don’t have to mail it to the secretary of state, it is recommended if your LLC has more than 2 members. It helps clarify the rules of your LLC and makes sure they are legally documented.
After you’ve agreed and created an LLC Operating Agreement, the next step is to create your unique employer identification number.
5. Apply for your Alaska LLC Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Once your LLC is approved, you’ll need to get an employer identification number (EIN).
An EIN is a federal tax ID number that registers you with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number identifies your company when filing taxes.
How to register for an EIN:
– Apply online or,
– fill out the Employer Identification Number form and fax it to 855-641-6935, or mail it to:
Internal Revenue Service,
Attn: EIN Operation,
Cincinnati,
OH, 45999
If you apply online, you’ll get instant approval. If you apply by fax, it takes up to 4 business days, whereas mailing can take up to 4 weeks. Applying for your EIN is completely free!
Alaska LLC Registration – Final Checklist & Summary
Ready to get started? Use this simple checklist to make sure you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s!
- Name your LLC – Your business name must include Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, L.L.C, or L.C. It can’t be used by any other business in Alaska. Make sure you confirm the availability of your desired name through the state’s name search.
- Choose a Registered Office – A registered agent is a person who receives and sends legal documents on behalf of your company. It can be you, a friend or family member, or a commercial registered agent.
- File an Alaska LLC Articles of Organization – To register your LLC in Alaska, you’re required to fill out the ‘Articles of Organization’ application form and submit it to the Alaska Division of Corporations. You can apply online or by mailing the form in (if you apply online, you’ll get instant approval). The filing fee for registering your LLC is $250.
- Apply for your Alaska LLC Employer Identification Number (EIN) & File your Tax Registration Form – Once you get approval for your LLC you need to apply for an employer identification number (EIN) through the IRS. This number identities your company when filing taxes. You can apply online for free, and approval is instant.
- Create Alaska LLC Operating Agreement – If your LLC has two or more members, you should create an LLC operating agreement that outlines how the business is structured, who is responsible for what, and how much of the LLC each person owns. You don’t have to send your operating agreement to the Alaska state, but you should have one, so everything is documented and signed by all members.
Making sure your LLC is registered correctly is crucial to ensure it’s formed correctly with no errors. If you can, we recommend using an all-around service to make sure your LLC gets set up properly from the get-go. Just make sure you do your homework and choose one of the best LLC services for your business.
Our first recommendation is to go with ZenBusiness, an LLC creation service that holds your hand from start to finish. Packages start as low as $49.
How To Apply for an Alaska LLC Online
Now that you know the exact steps on what’s needed to form your LLC, it’s time to start the application process. There are two ways of going about this:
1. Do it Yourself
Taking the DIY route is a good option if your budget is tight or you’ve previously opened an LLC and understand how it works.
2. Use an Online Formation Company
Using an online formation company is a better option if it’s your first time opening up an LLC and if it’s within your budget (formation services cost anywhere between $49 – $199). This is typically a better choice if you want to avoid headaches and have peace of mind knowing professionals handle everything for you.
If using a professional service is more up your alley, here are our top 3 recommendations:
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness built its platform to meet the needs of your business throughout its lifetime. When you pay for their services, you’ll receive a personalized dashboard for your business to store documents, receive alerts, and manage your website.
ZenBusiness charges work on a tier system. There are three different tiers with pricing as follows:
- The Starter = $49 annually
- The Pro = $199 annually
- The Premium = $299 annually
ZenBusiness Review
IncFile
IncFile provides you with a full suite offering startup services to best support your business formation.
Their pricing model also depends on the state you are filling. You can generate a personalized quote on their website by entering the necessary information about your business.
IncFile Review
Legal Zoom
LegalZoom is an online legal service provider that helps you to be able to create legal documents without having to pay the expensive lawyer fees. Some of the services they provide assistance to includes business formation, copyrights, and trademarks.
LegalZoom has many different pricing options available. For their LLC service, pricing begins at $79 + the allotted state fee.
LegalZoom Review
After Starting Your Alaska LLC
You’re approved – now what? The journey doesn’t stop here – there’s still a handful of things you need to do to get your business off the ground. We recommend ticking off the following items to make sure your LLC gets off on the right foot.
Purchase A Domain For Your Business
Having an online presence, even if your business is local, is essential in creating trust, professionalism, and a way for people to find you. If you haven’t already thought about getting a website, now’s the time. In a tech-saturated world, you need a domain to not only attract new customers but help create a good first visual impression of what your business does and how it can help.
Get A Business Phone Number
Since your business is now an approved Alaska LLC, you should think about getting a business phone number. Having a business number is a great way to show professionalism to your clients and customers. It makes you more serious and, more importantly – more trustworthy.
There’s a variety of different online phone services you can go with, or you could go the traditional route and open an account through a local branch. You can get a local number or a 1-800; the options are endless!
Open Your Alaska LLC Business Bank Account
You’ll want to open a business account that’s separate from your personal banking. This will not only make accounting easier, but you won’t have to worry about your finances mixing in with your business finances.
USA Business Bank Accounts
If you already have online banking, it might be easier to open a business account through your current bank, so all your banking (although in separate accounts) will be accessible in the same place. If you prefer to open something new, keep these checking accounts in mind:
Chase – Free checking account with no extra fees – as long as you keep a $1,500 minimum balance.
BlueVine – Free checking account with mobile banking and a debit MasterCard.
Bank Novo – Open a free checking account with Free transfers and free ATM fees.
First Nation Bank – Open a business checking account with the help of a local business relationship manager. There’s no minimum deposit to open any business account, and 4 different checking accounts you can open depending on your business needs.
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union – Open a checking account no matter your business’s size, and start earning dividends on monthly balances!
Along with your business checking account, you should apply for a business credit card too. Having a business credit card is an excellent way to establish your business credit score (which may help if you ever need a loan). It also makes it easier for online purchases, and again, it will keep your personal and business finances separate.
Find Accountant/Buy Accounting Software
Taxes get complicated fast and can be a burden to handle. We recommend getting an accountant or using accounting software to ensure all your spending actions are tracked (payroll, bills, invoices, receipts, etc.). Here are some popular options to look into:
Wave – Free invoicing & accounting software with credit card processing & payroll services.
Intuit Quickbooks – Online accounting software to track expenses, customize invoices, and run reports.
Freshbooks – Accounting software to send invoices, track time, manage receipts, expenses, and accept credit cards.
Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credential – If you want to use a local tax specialist, you can search for a certified public accountant (CPA) through the IRS online directory.
Having all of your business reports in one spot is highly beneficial, so you can keep an eye on your cash flow. To run a successful business, you will need to analyze how your business performs and narrow down what’s working or what isn’t working. Finding areas for growth will ensure success.
File Initial & Annual Registrations On Time
Every LLC in Alaska must submit an initial business report within the first 6 months. This report lets the Alaskan State know your business is still active and in good standing. If any information has changed, this is the time to update it so the state’s record of your LLC is accurate.
After your initial 6 month report, you have to file a biennial report every 2 years. You need to submit it before January 2nd. While the initial report is free to file, the biennial report costs $100. You can file both reports online or by mail.
Notify Alaska Of Any Changes You Make To Your LLC
If at any time you make changes to your LLC you need to inform the state. If you’re using a registered agent they can do this for you. If you’re going about this alone, you can update changes through Alaska’s business portal or through your registered agent.
8 Benefits of Forming an LLC in Alaska
When you file your company as an LLC in Alaska, it helps solidify your standing in the business world. This motion shows other businesses and potential customers that you are willing to do what it takes to be a legally operating business.
Filing an LLC in Alaska gives you the freedom of a sole proprietorship with a corporation’s security. Some other benefits include:
1. Protect Your Personal Assets
The LLC will have its liability that does not automatically extend to the owners, unlike a sole proprietor, where you are legally responsible for everything. That means Alaska LLC protects the liabilities and debts incurred by the business. In most situations, your assets, such as your car, home, or savings, will never be at risk if your Alaska LLC is faced with lawsuits or bankruptcy.
2. Benefit From Business Profit Taxation
In an LLC in Alaska, your profits and losses can pass through to your income without having to have corporate taxation.
3. Simple to Create and Maintain
The formation of an Alaska LLC requires minimal paperwork and requirements. They are known for being easy to start and simple to maintain.
4. Minimal Restrictions
Your business matters can be managed by more than one owner or member while still being one main business to the public. This means all decisions and transactions behind the scenes can be equitably distributed while presenting one entity as you move forward.
5. Heighten Your Credibility
As you move forward, your Alaska LLC will continuously be recognized as an entity. People and other businesses prefer doing business with a legitimate entity because it shows your level of professionalism.
6. Gain Access to Business Loans
When you form your Alaska LLC, you will obtain a DUNS number and build your business credit, helping you to further build upon your business.
7. Benefit From Flexible Profit Distribution
In an LLC, you are not required to spread the distribution of profits equally across the owners. You have complete control over profit distribution in your Alaska LLC.
8. Good For Any Kind Of Business
An LLC business structure in Alaska is an excellent choice for both medium and higher-risk level businesses. You might always want to consider opting to go with an LLC if you have a significant amount of personal assets to protect from your company. And lastly, LLCs are great for owners who are interested in paying lower tax rates than corporations.
Conclusion
Setting up an LLC in Alaska ensures your business finances always stay separate from your personal finances. It’s a great business entity for any business owner, whether you’re a small, medium, or large company.
Since registering your LLC doesn’t take long, and the startup costs are reasonable (especially compared to a corporation), it’s an excellent option for new business owners who have many personal assets (like property or investments) that they’d like to protect.
When registering for your LLC, our number one tip is to make sure everything is filed correctly so there are no surprises down the line if you do end up in business problems. Being adequately protected and staying up to date with Alaska’s LLC law is essential in protecting your assets. If you can, we always suggest setting up your LLC with a formation service, like ZenBusiness, which can handle your business’s entire administrative side. Doing this will free up your time to focus on different business aspects, like creating a website, planning a launch, or finding customers.
File Your Dream Business with ZenBusinessF.A.Q. About Forming Alaska LLC
There are several different steps you’ll need to take to form your LLC legally. It’s a lot of information to take in and can get confusing. To help out, we’ve compiled some answers to the most frequently asked questions:
What are LLCs, and why are they important?
An LLC is a Limited Liability Company. It’s a business structure used to protect your assets, like your house, your car, or even your savings. No matter what happens to your business (lawsuits, bankruptcy, etc.) your assets are kept safe.
How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Alaska?
It costs $250 to file an ‘articles of organization’ application form. Then, after your first 6 months in business, you’re required to file an initial report that outlines/updates some basic business information (like who your registered agent is, who the members are, etc.). Filing an initial report is free. After your first 2 years, you need to file a Biennial Report ($100) that updates your business records with the state.
How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in Alaska?
If you apply online, you get approval instantly (as long as you filled out everything correctly), whereas mailing in your application takes 10-15 business days.
Can You Start an LLC on Your Own?
Yes, you can start forming an LLC on your own by following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article. For additional help, look to hire an all-around service provider.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Start an LLC in Alaska?
No, you can start an LLC without a lawyer just be prepared to file and report everything on your own. If you’re not interested in getting a lawyer but want to make sure everything is filed correctly, use an online business formation service, like the ones listed in this article, with ZenBusiness as our #1 recommendation.
Does an LLC Need to Make Money?
No, an LLC doesn’t need to make profits, but if you’re claiming tax deductions with no income, the IRS will likely audit your business.
What Are The Downsides to Having an LLC?
There are pros and cons to forming an LLC. The pros are tax reductions, protecting your personal assets, and creating credibility for your business (and possible future business loans).
The main con of an LLC is you’re considered self-employed. This is a disadvantage as you’d be taxed under self-employment and responsible to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. The amount you’d be required to pay depends on your business’s total net earnings.