Forming an Alaska LLC
(2025 Guide)
2025 LLC Guide
Special Offer alert!
forms your LLC with Northwest for $39 (60% off). Details inside.
How to Start an LLC in Alaska 2025 Step-by-Step Guide
Discover how to start an LLC in Alaska, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.
To establish an LLC in Alaska, submit the Articles of Organization to the Alaska Division of Corporations. The filing fee is $250, and approval is typically granted within one day.
To establish an LLC, follow these six steps:
- Choose a Name for Your LLC
- Appoint a Registered Agent
- Submit Articles of Organization
- Draft an Operating Agreement
- Obtain an EIN
- Submit Your Initial and Biennial Reports
To establish your LLC on your own, consult our complimentary guide provided below..
Should you prefer someone to handle it on your behalf, we suggest engaging Northwest Registered Agent.
Need to save time?
Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).
(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)
What is the cost to establish an LLC in Alaska?
The initial fee to establish an LLC is $250. Subsequently, a $200 fee is required biennially.
What do these fees cover?
- The $250 is for filing the Articles of Organization, which establishes an LLC.
- The $50 annually is for your Alaska Business License.
- The $100 every two years is for your Biennial Report, a required submission to maintain your LLC’s good standing.
To learn more about LLC Costs, see LLC Costs in Alaska.
What is the processing time for an LLC in Alaska?
Submitting your LLC application via mail will result in approval within 10-15 business days, in addition to mailing time. However, if you opt to file online, your LLC will receive instant approval.
For any potential delays, refer to the section on How long does it take to get an LLC in Alaska.
Here are the steps to forming an LLC
1. Search Your LLC Name
Begin by searching your LLC name to ensure it’s available in your state. This step is crucial because no two businesses can share the same name within the state.
Start by comparing your desired business name against existing ones. You can verify the uniqueness of your LLC name using the Alaska Division of Corporations’ Search Corporations Database.
Next, get acquainted with the state’s naming rules to ensure your LLC name meets all requirements and gets approved. We will provide more detailed information here.
Note:
Most people choose “LLC”.
2. Select a Registered Agent
The next step involves selecting a Registered Agent. An Alaska LLC Registered Agent is an individual or company designated to receive legal correspondence and state notifications on behalf of your Limited Liability Company.
Who can serve as the Registered Agent for a Limited Liability Company?
You have three options:
- You
- A friend or family member
- A Registered Agent Service
The Registered Agent for your Alaska LLC must have a physical street address in Alaska. PO Boxes are not permitted. The name and address of the Registered Agent will appear on public records.
If you lack an address in Alaska or prefer more privacy, you can enlist a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent. One of our favorite features of Northwest is their allowance to use their office address throughout your LLC filings, helping you keep your address private. They also scan any mail received by your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest is known for excellent customer service, and we rely on them as our own Registered Agent.
Special offer:
Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)
3. Submit LLC Articles of Organization
To establish an LLC, you must submit the LLC Articles of Organization to the Alaska Division of Corporations.
Filing your LLC Articles of Organization online costs $250. This is a one-time fee required to form your Limited Liability Company. If you prefer to handle this yourself, refer to our step-by-step guide: Alaska LLC Articles of Organization. Alternatively, you can hire a service to complete the process for you.
Need to save time?
Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).
(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)
4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement
An LLC Operating Agreement can be considered a “partner” document to the Articles of Organization.
While the Articles of Organization establish your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies its ownership. Some financial institutions may require this document when you set up an LLC bank account. It also serves as crucial evidence of proper management if legal issues arise. Therefore, we advise every LLC, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.
Moreover, an Operating Agreement is an “internal document.” This means you don’t have to submit it to any government bodies like the Division of Corporations or the IRS. Simply keep a copy with your business documentation. You can find a free template below and view our instruction on completing the Alaska Operating Agreement.
Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:
Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word
(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)
5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC
The subsequent step involves acquiring an Alaska LLC EIN Number from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).
Note: An EIN Number is also referred to as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number.
An EIN Number is necessary to:
- identify your LLC for tax purposes
- open a business bank account
- apply for business licenses and permits
How much does an EIN cost?
Obtaining an EIN Number from the IRS is entirely free.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
If you apply online, it takes about 15 minutes. If you apply by mail or fax, it can take 1-3 months.
How can I get an EIN?
US Citizens/US Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, you can apply for an EIN online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
Non-US Residents: You cannot apply online, but you can obtain one by fax or mail. Follow these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
6. Submit Your Initial Report & Biennial Report
All LLCs in the state are required to submit an Initial Report within six months of forming the LLC.
This one-time submission must be made with the Division of Corporations, regardless of the business’s income or operations. After this, an LLC Biennial Report is due every two years. Filing these reports ensures your LLC remains in good standing with the state.
How much does the Alaska Initial Report cost?
The cost is $0, meaning there is no fee for filing the Alaska Initial Report.
When is the Initial Report due?
It must be submitted within six months of forming your LLC. This is a one-time requirement.
What is the cost of the Alaska Biennial Report?
The filing fee for the Biennial Report is $100 every two years.
When is the Biennial Report due?
It is due biennially.
- If your Initial Report was filed in an even-numbered year, your Biennial Report is due in every subsequent even-numbered year.
- If filed in an odd-numbered year, it’s due every odd-numbered year.
The filing deadline is January 2nd.
When is my first Biennial Report due?
The first Biennial Report is due two years after your LLC is approved.
For instance, if you filed your Initial Report in 2025, your first Biennial Report will be due by January 2, 2026, and every two years thereafter, also by January 2.
How do I file my LLC Initial Report and Biennial Report?
You can file these reports online or by mail. We recommend online filing as it is more convenient.
Follow our step-by-step guide here: Alaska LLC Biennial Report.
What should I do once my LLC is approved?
Following after approval of your LLC, there are several important steps to take.
LLC business bank account
It’s advisable to establish a business bank account specifically for your LLC. This approach simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business finances.
Moreover, maintaining a separate business bank account helps preserve your personal liability protection by keeping your business and personal finances distinct.
Obtain business licenses and permits
In Alaska, every business needs to acquire a general Alaska business license from the state government. Depending on your LLC’s location, a local business license or permit might also be required.
For instance, if you’re planning to open a daycare, a business license from the city or county may be necessary. You can find more information in our step-by-step Alaska Business License guide.
File and pay taxes
LLCs themselves do not pay federal taxes. Instead, the LLC Members are responsible for paying taxes for the LLC through their personal tax returns. In other words, the owners include their share of the LLC’s income on their personal tax returns.
How will my LLC be taxed?
Typically, the IRS taxes an LLC based on its ownership structure:
- A Single-Member LLC is taxed similar to a Sole Proprietorship.
- A Multi-Member LLC is taxed similar to a Partnership.
As another option, you can request the IRS to treat your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation for tax purposes.
In addition to federal taxes, individuals must also consider state and local income taxes, along with sales tax.
The great news is that Alaska does not impose a state-level income tax. This means if you operate a Single-Member LLC, you aren’t required to file a state-level income tax return for your LLC earnings.
If every member of your Multi-Member LLC is a “natural person” (real individuals), then you don’t need to submit a state income tax return.
Alaska does not impose a state-level sales tax. However, your LLC might need to collect sales tax at the local level.
For further details, refer to Alaska LLC Taxes.
Helpful Resources
Alaska Secretary of State:
Visit WebsiteAlaska Division of Corporations:
IRS EIN Application:
Apply OnlineLLC Name Search:
Search Tool
How to Start an LLC in Alaska FAQs
What is an LLC?
An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a business structure. It protects its owners from personal liability. It also offers tax benefits, management flexibility, and asset protection.
What are the benefits of an LLC?
The primary advantage of an LLC is safeguarding your personal assets. This means if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal belongings—such as your home, vehicles, and bank accounts—remain protected. This protection extends to all LLC owners, known as LLC Members, whether you have a Single-Member LLC or a Multi-Member LLC. All owners are shielded from business debts and liabilities. This protection is absent in a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where owners are exposed to lawsuits, making LLCs a more favored business structure. Another perk is LLC pass-through taxation, where the LLC doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits “pass through” to LLC Members, who then report them on their personal tax returns. Notably, Alaska has no state income taxes
Can I start an LLC online in Alaska?
Absolutely, you can establish your LLC online. The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $250. Once you submit your LLC online, it gets approved immediately.
What’s the difference between the Initial Report and Biennial Report?
They are essentially the same, with the state using slightly different names. The Initial Report is your “first” Biennial Report. While they have different names, due dates, and filing fees, they convey the same information to the state. In other words, the Initial Report is just a Biennial Report with a distinct name and due date. The Initial Report is a free, one-time filing, whereas the Biennial Report costs $100 every two years.
Is Alaska a good state to start an LLC?
Whether Alaska is a suitable state for starting an LLC depends on your residence and business location. If you reside or conduct business in Alaska, you should establish your LLC there. Though many websites discuss tax rates and state advantages, these don’t matter if it’s not where you live and operate. For instance, forming an LLC in Nevada while living and doing business in Alaska means you’ll also need to register the Nevada LLC in Alaska, incurring extra fees and paying Alaska taxes regardless. This results in additional costs and complications without benefits. In short, if you live and do business in Alaska, it’s a good state to start a business. If not, it’s not advisable.
Real estate exception: If buying property outside Alaska, form your LLC in the property’s state. For more insights, see Best State to Form an LLC.
About Us
We specialize in guiding individuals through the process of forming LLCs across all states, while also offering a range of comprehensive business services tailored to entrepreneurs.
Basics
Our Services
contact details
- support@uniprime.online
- +1 (646) 347-3833
- 1494 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304,