Overview
Getting an LLC in Alaska involves a straightforward process. Below, we’ll guide you through the essential steps and provide factual answers to common questions.
How To Get An LLC In Alaska: Step-By-Step
- Choose a Name for Your LLC:
- Choose a unique and available name for your LLC.
- Perform an Alaska LLC name search through the Alaska Secretary of State website.
- Registered Agent:
- Appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Alaska.
- File Articles of Organization:
- Determine your NAICS Code.
- Complete the Alaska LLC Articles of Organization form.
- File online through the Alaska Secretary of State website or submit a paper application.
- Operating Agreement:
- Draft an operating agreement outlining the structure and operation of your LLC. Although not required by the state, it is highly recommended.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN):
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes.
- File an Initial Report:
- If you’ve formed an LLC in Alaska, you need to file an initial report within 6 months after organization.
- File the Beneficial Ownership Information Report:
- Beginning in 2024, Alaska LLCs must submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report.
1. Choose A Name For Your LLC
Check if the name you desire for your Alaska LLC is available in the state. This is important because no two businesses in Alaska can share the same name.
To do this, use the Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool to compare your business name with existing ones in Alaska.
Make sure your LLC name is unique by following Alaska’s naming rules to increase the chances of your LLC name being approved.
2. Appoint Registered Agent
In Alaska, you need to choose a registered agent for your LLC. This is the person or company allowed to get legal papers and important notices on behalf of your LLC.
Your registered agent can be a person, like yourself or one of your employees, or a company that offers this service.
The registered agent has to meet some requirements:
- If it is a company, it must offer registered agent services.
- The agent must have an address in Alaska.
- The agent must be there in person and ready to get documents during regular business hours.
3. File Alaska LLC Articles Of Organization
To officially establish your Alaska LLC, you need to file the Alaska LLC Articles of Organization.
This document provides essential details about your LLC and serves as the official registration.
To prepare the certificate, gather the following information: your LLC name, the name, and address of the registered agent, NAICS Code (to specify the type of your LLC business), and provide the effective date if different from the filing date.
The form is a straightforward online submission or can be sent by mail.
The Alaska LLC Articles of Organization filing fee is $250.
When filing for an LLC in Alaska, you need to provide an NAICS code on the application.
What Is An NAICS Code?
An NAICS Code (North American Industry Classification System) is a code used by government agencies to figure out what kind of business your LLC is in and what activities it’s involved in. It’s mostly used for keeping statistics.
Certain states, such as Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and New Mexico, may request your NAICS Code. While it’s optional in some states, others make it a requirement.
Refer to this quick guide to discover your specific NAICS Code in Alaska.
Once filed, the Alaska Secretary of State will review the document, and upon approval, your LLC attains legal business entity status.
You can undertake this process independently using our step-by-step guide or opt for the convenience of hiring a company for assistance.
>> Form your LLC with Bizee for $0 (plus state fee) <<4. Create An Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a document that shows how your LLC will do business.
While Alaska doesn’t make it a must, having one is crucial. It helps in different ways, like resolving money disputes or potential legal issues. Without it, the courts decide based on state laws, not necessarily what’s best for the LLC.
The agreement can include things like the LLC’s name, address, how long it will last, the registered agent’s details, info from the articles of organization, the business’s purpose, member contributions, how profits and losses are shared, rules for new and leaving members, how the LLC is managed, and clauses about protection and responsibility.
5. Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) gives your LLC a nine-digit number called an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to identify it for taxes. You can get your EIN by mail or online through the IRS.
This number helps you:
- File and handle taxes at both the state and federal levels.
- Open a bank account for your business.
- Apply for permits and licenses.
- Hire employees.
Obtaining an EIN is FREE.
6. File An Initial Report
If you’ve just formed an LLC in Alaska, you must file an initial report within six months of creating it. Getting it done right away is a good idea to avoid forgetting.
So, file this report when we submit the Articles of Organization for Alaska LLCs, and it doesn’t cost anything.
After the initial report, Alaska LLCs must file a biennial report every other year with the Division of Corporations, Business & Licensing.
The biennial report has a $100 fee.
7. File The Beneficial Ownership Information Report
Starting in 2024, many Alaska LLCs must submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
This is a new rule, and the deadlines can be a bit confusing. For LLCs created in 2024, the report is due within 90 days of registering with the Alaska Corporations Section.
If your LLC was registered before 2024, you have until January 1, 2025. LLCs established in 2025 or later must file within 30 days of formation.
The BOI Report requires details about the person who filed your Articles of Organization (your LLC organizer) and all individuals with at least 25% ownership or substantial control over your LLC’s operations and finances.
Review: What Is Needed To Form An LLC In Alaska?
To form an LLC in Alaska, you need:
- A unique LLC name.
- NAICS Code
- Articles of Organization
- Registered Agent information.
- Operating Agreement (recommended).
- Employer Identification Number (EIN).
What Forms Do You Need To Get An LLC In Alaska?
- Alaska NAICS Codes
- Articles of Organization (online)
- Articles of Organization (PDF)
- Initial Report (online)
- Biennial Report (online)
- EIN Application Form
- BOI Form
How Much Does It Cost To Start An LLC In Alaska?
The cost to start an LLC in Alaska involves several steps, each with its own associated fees:
- Certificate Of Formation Filing Fee: $250
How Long Does It Take For An LLC To Get Approved In Alaska?
If you send your LLC application by mail, it will be approved in 10-15 business days, plus the time it takes for the mail (3-4 weeks in total).
However, if you file online, your LLC can be approved right away.
What Are The Benefits Of Getting An LLC In Alaska?
- Limited liability protection for members
- Pass-through taxation
- Flexible management structure
- Credibility for business transactions
Is Alaska A Good State To Get An LLC?
Whether Alaska is the right state for your LLC depends on where you live and do business. If you live or operate in Alaska, it makes sense to start your LLC there.
Do LLCs Pay Taxes In Alaska?
Alaska is the only state with no personal or sales tax, but you must live there to take advantage.
Getting An LLC In Alaska: Next Steps
Once your LLC is registered, you can:
- Get the permits and licenses you need for your business, like health or zoning permits.
- Register your business with the state’s tax agency.
- Open a business bank account.
- Apply for a business credit card.
- Buy insurance for your business.
- Safeguard your name and logo with a trademark.
To maintain your LLC in Alaska, you must:
- File biennial reports by the due date to keep the LLC in good standing.
- Update any changes to the registered agent or business address promptly.
- Pay Taxes (owners file their individual tax returns)
Read our review of 7 providers to find the best LLC service in Alaska.
Conclusion
Forming an LLC in Alaska involves a few key steps, from name reservation to obtaining an EIN.
Carefully following the process ensures a smooth establishment of your LLC.
For more detailed information and to access the necessary forms, visit the Alaska Secretary of State website.
