An Alaska LLC is a registered business that requires the filing of Articles of Organization with the State of Alaska Corporations. 

Steps for Registering an Alaska LLC

Before registering the LLC, you must first select a name that is not in use.

  1. It's recommended that a name check is completed prior to filing LLC formation documents. 
  2. Use the search option available at the Alaska Department of Commerce website. 
  3. Select a name that is distinguishable from other LLCs using specific words to make it stand out and by including words required for LLCs. Doing so improves the chances of the name being approved.
  4. Alaska law requires an LLC to contain one of the following: Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., or LLC.
  5. If you have a name you're interested in but are not ready to claim it, you can file a Business or Corporation Name Reservation Application to reserve the name for up to 120 days.
  6. Once the form is completed, it can be filed with the State of Alaska Corporation office via online or by post.

Information for Filing Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization has specific information necessary required for filing. This includes:

  • The LLC's name
  • Purpose of the LLC
  • Duration of the LLC if it's not perpetual
  • The way the LLC will be managed
  • The registered agent's name and address
  • An explanation of the company's activities
  • The (NAICS) North American Industry Classification System code
  • The filing fee of $250 (subject to change)
  • The art

The articles can be filed online. By doing so, the articles will be processed and approved quickly. If the articles of organization are filed using paper and mailed, it can take anywhere between seven and 10 days for the articles to be processed and approved. An additional fee can be paid for priority services to have the process and approval process expedited.

Information for Selecting a Registered Agent

Any business being filed as an LLC in Alaska must have a registered agent to handle service of process within the state. 

  • An individual or a corporation can be named as the agent. The responsibility of the agent is accepting legal papers on behalf of the LLC if it is being sued. 
  • Before designating an agent, the person or corporation should agree to be named the agent.
  • Registered agents can be corporations that have the authorization to do business transactions in Alaska. If the agent is an individual, he or she must be a resident of Alaska.
  • An agent must have an actual physical address in the state of Alaska.
  • An LLC may not be named or serve as its own registered agent. 
  • For a list of private service companies that can serve as an agent, visit the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development website.

Information for Preparing an Operating Agreement

If an LLC is being formed that will have more than one member, it is recommended that a limited liability operating agreement be created for its members. An operating agreement includes the following information:

  • An operating agreement is created to list the terms the members agree to regarding the operation of the LLC. 
  • Information included in the operating agreement would include things such as voting rights, who will manage the LLC, the roles of each member, dissolution of the LLC, how new members are admitted and established members removed, and the amendment for the procedures within the operating agreement.
  • It is not a requirement to file the operating agreement with the State of Alaska.

Information About Tax and Regulatory Requirements

  • Compliance with tax and regulatory requirements include having an Employer Identification Number (EIN). 
  • An EIN is required if the LLC will have more than one member.
  • If an LLC is formed for one member, an EIN must be obtained if the business is to be taxed as a corporation versus a sole proprietorship.
  • An EIN number is easily attained by completing IRS Form SS-4 at the Internal Revenue Service website. 
  • A business license is required in Alaska.
  • The application is available online or a copy may be mailed using the New Alaska Business License Application form plus a $50 filing fee.

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