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The filing that creates an Alaska LLC is the Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company, written under AS 10.50.075. It goes to the Corporations Section of the state's Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. The filing fee on the state's form is $250. The articles also ask for an industry code, and a separate business license follows. Our Alaska business guide covers the company search.
What goes into the Alaska articles?
The state's Articles of Organization instructions list five articles:
- Name. It must contain the words "limited liability company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "LLC". "Limited" may be written Ltd. and "company" may be written Co.
- Purpose and NAICS code. "Any lawful" is allowed as a purpose. You also give the 6 digit NAICS code for your first activities.
- Registered agent. A name, a physical address and a mailing address, both in Alaska.
- Management. Choose members or managers.
- Optional provisions. Extra articles on how the company is run.
The statute behind this is AS 10.50.075. Under AS 10.50.078, organizers also deliver a separate statement of activity codes with the articles.
Which name will pass?
The name has to be distinguishable on the state's record, and it cannot use the word "city," "borough" or "village" or suggest a municipality. A real town's name is fine as part of the name. Run the search in our Alaska guide first. If you are not ready to file, Alaska sells a separate name reservation that lasts 120 days. The state says that if you are ready to register, filing a reservation first is generally not recommended. See name reservation.
Who can act as the registered agent?
The instructions say the agent must be an individual who lives in Alaska, or a corporation registered and in good standing with the office. An LLC, LP or LLP cannot serve. The agent receives and forwards legal papers to the entity's last known address. If you live outside Alaska, you will need a resident or a qualifying corporation. Compare options in be your own registered agent.
How do you file and how long does it take?
- Online. Go to the Corporation Forms and Fees page and choose the online option next to the LLC articles. Online filings are processed immediately.
- By mail. Print the form and mail it with the $250 fee to the Corporations Section in Juneau. Hardcopy filings normally take 10 to 15 business days, and longer in April to June and October to December, the biennial reporting peaks.
Do not email filings or payment. The state says to avoid it for security reasons. Pick one route per filing. The state asks you not to duplicate a filing or its payment.
What comes after the articles?
Three things, in this order.
First, file the initial report online. The instructions tell you to do this after the articles are accepted.
Second, get an Alaska business license. The same instructions say a business license is required for a new entity. It is a separate process from forming the LLC.
Third, write the operating agreement and get an EIN. Alaska does not want the agreement. The state returns one if it is sent in. Keep it with your records, and start from the free template. Then apply for an EIN.
What must the LLC file every two years?
Alaska LLCs report every other year, not every year. The biennial report is due by January 2, and a report marked after February 1 incurs late fee penalties. If you formed in an even numbered year, you report in even numbered years. If you formed in an odd one, you report in odd ones. The reporting window opens three months before the due date. Our annual report deadlines page compares this with other states.
You cannot change the registered agent on the biennial report. A Statement of Change does that.
Start with the start an LLC form.
After approval, check the rules in our Alaska business license guide.