Set Up an LLC in Alaska Today

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Benefits of opening an LLC in Alaska

There are many reasons to form an LLC in Alaska. Here are the main ones:

Legal protection in case of bankruptcy or lawsuits

Separation of personal and business assets

Tax benefits: flexibility & pass-through taxation

Increasing credibility and trust for your business

How to get your Alaska LLC with
Startup Canada

Fill out one form for multiple state registrations.

We handle preparation, filing, and follow-ups.

Receive step-by-step guidance and confirmation.

How to start an Alaska LLC in 5 steps

Step 1: Name your Alaska LLC

Although Alaska has specific guidelines for choosing a name for your LLC, those guidelines are not as stringent as in other states. The guidelines do say you need to do an Alaska name search to confirm there is no other business in the state that is already using the exact name you choose.

This will keep you from legal issues that may arise from infringing on the rights of an already established business. Alaska makes it clear that its approval of a name that is requested is not a determination of an entity’s legal right to that name.

If the LLC is composed of professionals who are required to have a license to practice the profession, the LLC can only have the name of the profession in the name of the LLC if all members of the LLC have the appropriate license. For example, it cannot contain the name “engineers” unless all members are licensed engineers.

You can obtain exclusive rights to a name that is available by filing for a Business Name Reservation which costs $25 and will protect the name for 120 days. You can also file for a Business Name Registration which gives you exclusive rights to using the name for 5 years and also costs $25. You can renew the name registration when the 5 years expired.

When you file your Articles of Organization and your LLC is officially recognized by the State of Alaska, this automatically registers your business name.

The name of your business must not be one that can be confused with a government agency with a similar name. Avoid any words that might lead someone to believe your business is in any way affiliated with the government.

The name you choose must also include the term Limited Liability Company or abbreviation LLC. You can abbreviate “Limited” to “Ltd” and abbreviate “Company” to “Co.”

You can reserve or register the name by using the online provisions of the State of Alaska Division of Corporations.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

You’re required to appoint an Alaska registered agent who can accept service of process when necessary and other notices. If an individual, the agent must be a resident of Alaska, and only Alaska, with a street address in Alaska. The agent cannot arrange for his or her mail to be forwarded or held. If the agent will be out of the state, notice must be given to the State of Alaska of a new registered agent. There is a fee of $25 for naming a new registered agent.

Your registered agent may be a corporation authorized to transact business in Alaska. An LLC cannot be a registered agent and an entity cannot be its own registered agent.

Attorneys and incorporated law firms can be registered agents.

Step 3: File articles of organization

Alaska requires you to file articles of organization with a filing fee of $250 and the following information included:

Name: The name you have selected for your LLC. The word “limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd” and the word “Company” abbreviated as “Co.”

Purpose: This describes the activities of the company at the time of the filing. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code should be included where indicated. A list of codes can be found on the State of Alaska Department of Corporations website.

Registered Agent: This must include the name, physical address and mailing address, and other contact information of the agent of the LLC who must be a resident of Alaska and of only Alaska. The registered agent may be a corporation that is in good standing in Alaska, but an LLC may not be a registered agent.

Management: You must include how the LLC will be managed. Managers have sole decision-making power within the LLC.

Optional provisions: Any optional provisions you determine are required.

Signatures: The signature of the organizer or signatures of the organizers must be included.

State fees

The filing fees for all required documents for an LLC in Alaska include:

Reservation of Business Name: $25

Filing Articles of Organization: $250

Business License: $50 per year (As of November 2020, renewal of the license is $0)

Trademark Registration: $50

Requirements for filing documents in Alaska

All required documents may be filed online with fees being paid by Visa, Master Card, Discover Card, or American Express. If you prefer not to file online, mail the appropriate forms to:

The State of Alaska, Department of Corporations

 

Step 4: Create an operating agreement

Alaska does not require LLCs to have written company agreements.  Although Alabama does not require an operating agreement, having one can save you many future problems, so we consider it a must. An operating agreement may offer you more control over the way your business will be treated in case of dispute or legal action. Alabama does not set any specific requirements for the agreement although state law sets certain limits on what a company agreement can do, including:

  • It cannot change the legal nature of the company as an LLC
  • It cannot restrict the authority of a court over the company
  • It cannot waive the obligations of the company or its members under contract law and consumer protection law

Step 5: Apply for an EIN

The IRS issues Employer Identification Number (EIN) to businesses and other organizations. Please note that this is different from the Entity ID Number issued by the Alabama SOS for your LLC. In addition to its role as an identification number for tax purposes, an EIN is required for many of your business operations, including opening a business bank account or applying for a business loan.

The IRS states that you must have an EIN if your LLC meets certain criteria, including if you have employees or if you operate your business as a corporation or partnership. Every LLC with more than one member will operate similar to a corporation or partnership, as discussed further below.

 

Creating an LLC in AL: The Basics

How much will it cost to start an LLC in Alabama?

There are different costs to form an LLC in Alabama and maintain it. We’ve listed all of them in this post.

How to do a business entity search and name your LLC in Alabama

This step-by-step guide details the steps and requirements you need to know in order to name your Alabama LLC.

Appointing a registered agent for your Alabama LLC

A registered agent is a mandatory step in your Alabama LLC formation process – learn more about the requirements.

Get business licenses and permits for your LLC in Alabama

This guide details which licenses and permits your LLC may need to obtain in Alabama and how to get them.

Why is Startup Canada the Best LLC Service in Alabama

At Startup Canada, we love nothing more than helping people start their business. We take care of the LLC formation and offer additional services so you can focus on launching and growing your business, while staying informed and compliant with state regulations.

Here’s why people choose to form their LLC with us:

Easy and intuitive

Our products are user friendly, all you need to do is answer a few questions about your business and let us take care of all the rest.

Friendly dashboard

Our platform is easy to use and is optimally designed to guide you through your LLC formation process and business journey.

Additional services

We offer more products to help you set and manage your business like registered agent, business licenses, and annual report.

Form an LLC in Alabama, Hassle-Free

This portion of our website is for informational purposes only. Startup Canada is not a law firm, and none of the information on this website constitutes or is intended to convey legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Startup Canada is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness.

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