How to Start an LLC in Alaska (Step-by-Step Guide)

Forming an LLC in Alaska requires filing Articles of Organization with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing and paying a $250 filing fee. The process takes about 10-15 business days for standard processing.

Follow these steps to start your Alaska LLC in 2026.

How to Start an LLC in Alaska (6 Steps)

Step 1: Name Your Alaska LLC

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other business names registered in Alaska. The name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” at the end of the name.

Search the Alaska Division of Corporations entity database to check availability. This free search tool lets you see if another entity is already using your desired name or a name that’s deceptively similar to it.

If you find a name you want to secure before filing, you can reserve it for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Application ($25 fee). This is optional but helpful if you need time to gather your formation documents or finalize your business plan.

Alaska naming rules:

• Must include an LLC designator (“Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”)
• Cannot be the same as or deceptively similar to an existing entity registered in Alaska
• Cannot include words suggesting it’s a bank or insurance company without proper authorization
• Cannot contain words that could confuse the LLC with a government agency
• Must not include words that imply the LLC provides services it isn’t licensed to provide

Tips for choosing a strong LLC name: Consider checking if a matching domain name is available for your website. Also search the Alaska business license database to make sure no one is operating under a similar trade name. Thinking ahead about branding will save you trouble later.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

Alaska requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in Alaska. The registered agent receives legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your LLC, including service of process (lawsuits), state notices, and compliance reminders.

You have three options for your registered agent:

• Be your own registered agent: Free, but you must have an Alaska physical address (not a PO box), be available during normal business hours, and your name and address become public record.
• Appoint a trusted person: They must be an Alaska resident with a physical address and willingness to be available during business hours.
• Hire a professional registered agent service: Provides privacy, reliability, mail forwarding, and compliance alerts. Costs $39-$299/year.

Our top recommendation is Northwest Registered Agent ($39/year), which also handles LLC formation for $39 + the $250 state fee. Their service includes a physical Alaska address, document scanning and forwarding, and compliance alerts so you never miss a filing deadline.

Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization

File Form 08-484 (Articles of Organization) with the Alaska Division of Corporations. This is the official formation document that legally creates your LLC in Alaska. You can file online through the Alaska Corporations Database or by mail to the Division of Corporations in Juneau.

Filing details:

• Filing fee: $250
• Online filing: Alaska Division of Corporations website (recommended for faster processing)
• Processing time: 10-15 business days (standard), faster for online submissions
• Mail filing address: Alaska Division of Corporations, PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806

Information required on the Articles of Organization:

• LLC name (with the LLC designator)
• Registered agent name and physical street address in Alaska
• Principal office address (can be outside Alaska)
• Mailing address (if different from principal office)
• Names and addresses of one or more organizers
• Whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed
• LLC purpose (use “any lawful purpose”)
• Duration (perpetual is standard — choose this unless you have a specific end date in mind)

Member-managed vs. manager-managed: In a member-managed LLC, all owners participate in daily business decisions. In a manager-managed LLC, designated managers run the business while other members serve as passive investors. Most small businesses choose member-managed because all owners are actively involved.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Alaska doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, but having one is strongly recommended for several critical reasons. An operating agreement defines how your LLC operates, how profits and losses are divided, and what happens when members join or leave. Without one, your LLC defaults to Alaska’s statutory provisions, which may not match your intentions.

Your operating agreement should cover these key areas:

• Member ownership percentages and initial capital contributions
• Voting rights and how major decisions are made
• How profits and losses are allocated among members
• Management responsibilities and authority
• Procedures for admitting new members or handling departing members
• Meeting requirements and record-keeping procedures
• Rules for dissolution and winding up the LLC

Even single-member LLCs should create an operating agreement. It strengthens the legal distinction between you and your business entity, which is essential for maintaining liability protection. Additionally, most banks will ask for a copy of your operating agreement when you open a business bank account.

Step 5: Get an EIN

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website. An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business — it’s a unique nine-digit identifier used for tax purposes. The application is free and takes about 15 minutes online.

You need an EIN to:

• Open a business bank account (required by virtually all banks)
• Hire employees and manage payroll
• File federal and state tax returns
• Apply for business credit cards, loans, and lines of credit
• Comply with IRS reporting requirements

Even if you’re a single-member LLC with no employees, we recommend getting an EIN. It protects your Social Security number from appearing on business forms and invoices, and it makes your LLC look more professional to clients and vendors.

Step 6: Get an Alaska Business License and File Your Initial Report

After forming your LLC, you need to complete these two important steps:

Alaska Business License: Nearly all businesses in Alaska need a state business license. This applies whether you’re a resident or a non-resident operating in Alaska. Apply through the Alaska Division of Corporations website.

• Cost: $50 per year (or $100 for a two-year license)
• Application: Online through the Alaska CBPL website
• Renewal: Annually on December 31

Initial Report: You must file an Initial Report with the Division of Corporations within six months of forming your LLC. There is no fee for the Initial Report. The report confirms or updates your LLC’s basic information, including your registered agent and principal office address.

After your Initial Report, you’ll need to file a Biennial Report every two years ($100 fee), due on January 2 of your filing cycle year.

Alaska LLC Costs

Total first-year cost: $300-$599 (depending on whether you use a registered agent service). Alaska has one of the higher initial filing fees at $250, but its lack of state income tax and sales tax offsets the upfront cost over time. See our complete guide to LLC costs by state for a full comparison.

Want to save money? Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($39 + state fee) is much cheaper than hiring an attorney ($500-$2,000). For most straightforward LLC formations, a formation service handles everything you need.

Alaska LLC Taxes

Alaska is one of the most tax-friendly states in the country for LLC owners. It has no state personal income tax and no state sales tax — a rare combination that only a handful of states can match.

• State income tax: None. Alaska has no personal state income tax, meaning LLC members don’t owe any state income tax on their business profits.
• Sales tax: No state sales tax. However, some local municipalities impose their own sales taxes (typically 1%-7.5%), so check with your local borough or city government.
• Corporate income tax: Only applies if your LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation. Alaska’s corporate income tax uses graduated rates from 0% to 9.4%, which is among the highest corporate rates in the country.
• Self-employment tax: 15.3% on the first $168,600 of net self-employment income (2026 federal rate), plus 2.9% Medicare tax on amounts above that threshold. This applies regardless of which state you’re in.
• Federal taxes: Standard pass-through taxation — the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income tax. Profits pass through to members’ personal federal returns and are taxed at individual rates.

Tax advantage: Because Alaska has no state income tax, your LLC profits are only subject to federal income tax (plus self-employment tax). This is a significant advantage compared to states like California, where you’d pay both state income tax and an annual $800 franchise tax on top of federal taxes.

Annual Requirements for Alaska LLCs

To keep your Alaska LLC in good standing, you must meet these ongoing requirements:

• Biennial Report: Due every two years on January 2 of your filing cycle year. The filing fee is $100. If you formed your LLC in an even-numbered year, file in even years; if formed in an odd year, file in odd years. Filed with the Alaska Division of Corporations.
• Alaska Business License: Must be renewed annually ($50/year) or biennially ($100/2 years). All licenses expire on December 31.
• Maintain a registered agent: Must have a registered agent with an Alaska physical address at all times. If your agent changes, you must file an update with the Division of Corporations.
• Keep records: Maintain current business records, member lists, and financial statements at your principal office.

Failure to file your Biennial Report can result in involuntary dissolution of your LLC by the state. If this happens, you’ll need to apply for reinstatement, which involves additional fees and paperwork.

Pros and Cons of an Alaska LLC

Advantages:

• No state income tax — one of only 9 states with this benefit
• No state sales tax — one of only 5 states without one
• Strong asset protection laws for LLCs
• Biennial reporting (every 2 years) instead of annual, reducing paperwork
• No annual franchise tax or business entity tax

Disadvantages:

• Higher-than-average filing fee ($250)
• Required state business license ($50/year)
• Remote location can make in-person filing difficult
• High corporate income tax rates (9.4% top rate) if you elect corporate taxation
• Some local municipalities charge sales tax despite no state sales tax

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to form an LLC in Alaska?

Standard processing takes 10-15 business days when filed by mail. Online filing through the Alaska Division of Corporations is typically faster. There is no expedited processing option available through the state, so plan ahead and file early if you need your LLC active by a specific date.

Does Alaska have income tax?

No. Alaska has no personal state income tax and no state sales tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for LLC owners. You’ll still need to pay federal income taxes on your LLC’s profits and self-employment tax on your net earnings. If your LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, Alaska does impose a corporate income tax with rates up to 9.4%.

Can I form an Alaska LLC if I live in another state?

Yes. You can form an Alaska LLC regardless of where you live. You’ll need a registered agent with a physical address in Alaska, which is why most non-resident filers use a professional registered agent service. However, if you primarily do business in another state, you’ll likely need to register your Alaska LLC as a foreign LLC in that state as well, which means paying additional fees and filing requirements. For most small businesses, forming your LLC in the state where you do business is simpler. See our how to start an LLC guide for more on choosing the right state.

Does Alaska require an operating agreement?

No, Alaska doesn’t legally require an operating agreement, and you don’t need to file one with the state. However, we strongly recommend creating one for every LLC. It defines member roles and responsibilities, protects your personal liability by reinforcing the separation between you and your business, and most banks require one to open a business account. Without an operating agreement, your LLC is governed entirely by Alaska’s default LLC statute, which may not align with your preferences.

What is the Alaska Biennial Report?

The Biennial Report is a filing required every two years to keep your LLC in good standing with the state. It costs $100 and is due on January 2 of your filing year. If you formed your LLC in an even-numbered year, you file in even years; if formed in an odd year, you file in odd years. The report updates the state on your LLC’s current registered agent, principal office address, and other basic information. You must also file a free Initial Report within the first six months of forming your LLC.

Start an LLC in Another State

Click your state below for a step-by-step formation guide with filing fees, requirements, and timelines.