How to Start an LLC in Alaska: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Name Your Alaska LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in forming an Alaska LLC. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Alaska naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (e.g., FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g., Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.

2. Is the name available in Alaska?Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing aname searchon the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development website.

To learn more about searching for anAlaska LLC name, read our full guide. Find name ideas using ourfree LLC name generator．

3.Is the URL available?We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a网络域．Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

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FAQ: Naming an Alaska LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Alaska

You arerequiredto nominate anAlaska registered agentfor your LLC.

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. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent?A registered agent must be a resident of Alaska or a corporation, such as aregistered agent service, authorized to transact business in Alaska. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File the Alaska LLC Articles of Organization

To register your Alaska LLC, you will need to fileForm 08-484 - Articles of Organizationwith the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. You can apply online, by mail, by fax, or in person.

Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will bemember-managed vs. manager-managed．

You'll also need to know yourNAICS Code for LLCnumber (Alaska requires it).

For help with completing the form, visit ourAlaska Articles of Organizationguide.

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the State of Alaska, you will need to form aforeign 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 ourNAICS Code Lookup Tool.

FAQ: Filing Alaska LLC Documents

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.

What is an operating agreement?An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important?A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read ourAlaska LLC operating agreementguide.

FAQ: Creating an Alaska LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get an Alaska LLC EIN

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 number is required for the following:

• To open abusiness bank accountfor the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• 为公司雇佣员工

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:Youdo not need an SSNto get an EIN.Learn more here．

FAQ: Getting an EIN

How to Maintain Your LLC

File the Initial Report

After submitting the Articles of Organization, Alaska LLCs must file an initial report with the statewithin six months of filing．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

Apply for a Business License

Alaska businesses must obtain an Alaska Business License in order to conduct activity within the state.

You can choose whether to renew this license annually (every year) or biennially (every two years). This can also be doneonlineor by submitting ahard copy renewal formby mail, by fax, or in person. The filing fee is $50 annually and $100 biennially.

If your business license has been expired for more than two years, you must reapply for a new license.

File Alaska LLC Biennial Report

后申请an initial report, Alaska LLCs must file a biennial report by January 2 of every second year after formation (e.g., LLCs formed in odd-numbered years will file a biennial report in odd-numbered years).

You can file this reportonlineor by printing and submitting a pre-populated form by mail or fax. A $100 filing fee is required.

Keep Your Company Compliant

Alaska Business Licenses & Permits

To operate your LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. Fees and requirements for licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of business license you need.

Find out how to get the necessary Alaska business licenses and permits for your LLC with ourAlaska Business Licenseguide.

Alaska LLC Tax Filing Requirements

It's important to stay up to date on Alaska LLC taxes.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of tax:

Sales Tax

Alaska is one of five states that doesn’t impose a statewide sales tax. However, you may be subject to municipal or city sales tax, which has a maximum rate of 7.5%.

Employer Taxes

If you’re hiring employees, you’ll need to register forUnemployment Insurance Taxwith the State of Alaska.

Income Tax

Alaska is one of several states that does not impose a state income tax. However, you will need to report your federal income tax using eitherForm 1065(multi-member LLC) orForm 1040 Schedule C(single-member LLC).

Hiring Employees

If you plan to hire employees for your Alaska LLC, stay compliant with Alaska law by following these steps:

• Verify that new employees areable to work in the US
• Report employeesas "new hires" to the state
• Provideworkers' compensationinsurance for employees
• Withhold employee taxes
• Print workplace compliance posters and place them in visible areas of your workspace

For more information check out theAlaska Child Support Services Divisionguide for new employee hires.

Alaska Business Resources

• Alaska Department of Commerce, Community,and Economic Development
• Alaska LLC Statutes
• Alaska Small Business Resources
• Understanding Alaska LLC Laws
• Alaska LLC
• Alaska LLC Dissolution