Legal Bueno

    How to Start Your LLC in Alaska

    Legal Bueno helps with everything you need to start your business. We take care of all the paperwork so you don't have to worry about it. Want to learn more about the process we handle? Keep reading!

    Quick Summary:

    • Filing Fee: $250
    • Turnaround time: immediately

    How do I start an LLC in Alaska?

    Thinking about starting an LLC? The process is pretty similar across the states. You'll start by picking a unique name for your business (you'll need to check to make sure it hasn't been taken!) and then filing some paperwork—usually called Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation—with your state's agency.

    If you want to check the name availability for Alaska, visit https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/entities.

    After that's taken care of, you'll want to draft a governing doc for your business called an operating agreement & find any licenses you might need. Just keep in mind that each state has its own little quirks, so it's always a good idea to double-check specific requirements for your area.

    What are the costs & processing times of starting a business in Alaska?

    Here's the rundown for Alaska:

    • The filing fee is: $250
    • There are ongoing fees of $100 (every 2 years)
    • It usually takes immediately if you're filing online or 10-15 business days (plus mail time) if by mail.

    Why Alaska is a great state for your LLC

    Starting a company in Alaska offers several distinct advantages that can benefit entrepreneurs and small business owners:

    • Financial Support: Alaska provides various loans and tax credits aimed at promoting economic development. Entrepreneurs can access microloans, with amounts ranging from $35,000 for individuals to $70,000 for partnerships, which helps mitigate financial barriers.
    • Business Structure: Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Alaska is a streamlined process. An LLC is often the preferred choice for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, as it combines the advantages of larger corporations with simplified compliance and operational rules.
    • Tax Advantages: Forming an LLC allows business owners to easily file taxes and explore potential advantages in tax treatment, which can lead to substantial savings.
    • Personal Asset Protection: Operating as an LLC provides a safeguard for owners’ personal assets against business liabilities and debts, ensuring peace of mind.
    • Affordability: The cost to file for an LLC in Alaska is relatively low at $250, making it financially accessible for new businesses.

    Overall, these benefits make Alaska an appealing destination for entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow their companies.

    Legal Requirements

    Remember! Legal Bueno will handle all of these requirements for you, but if you're interested, here are the legal requirements for Alaska:

    Articles of Organization

    The articles of organization must include:1. The name of the company;

    1. The purpose for which the company is organized, which may include the conduct of any or all lawful affairs for which an LLC may be organized;
    2. The mailing address of the company's registered office and the name of the company's registered agent;
    3. If applicable, a statement that the company will be managed by a manager; and
    4. Any other provision for the regulation of the internal affairs of the LLC that the organizers elect to include.

    Alaska Stat. § 10.50.075

    Filing fee: $250

    Filing Process

    After you've prepared the initial formation documents, you need to file it! Here is what Alaska laws require for filing:

    When a document is required or allowed to be delivered to or filed with the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, the person delivering the document must deliver to the department the required fee, the original signed document, and an exact copy of the document.

    Alaska Stat. § 10.50.810

    If the department determines that a document conforms to the filing requirements, the department must:1. Mark on the original signed document and on the exact copy the word “filed” and the date and time of the document's acceptance for filing;

    1. Retain the original signed document in the department's files; and
    2. Return the exact copy to the person who filed the document or to the person's representative.

    The department may not file a document if the filing requirements are not met.

    Alaska Stat. § 10.50.820

    Additional Legal Considerations

    Here are some additional relevant laws that might be useful when operating your business in Alaska:

    Operating Agreement

    Alaska Stat. § 10.50.095

    Biennial report required

    Alaska Stat. § 10.50.750

    Contents of biennial report

    Alaska Stat. § 10.50.755

    Filing of biennial report

    Alaska Stat. § 10.50.760