In Alaska, as in most states, the primary step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) is to file articles of organization with the state.This ...
How Much Does it Cost to Start an LLC in Alaska?
Written by: Natalie Fell
Published on July 28, 2022
Updated on January 23, 2023
If you’re thinking of starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Alaska, it’s a good idea to know in advance how much it’s going to cost. LLC formation fees vary by state, so it’s helpful to do a bit of research and prepare yourself for the necessary steps.
Articles of Organization Cost
In Alaska, you form an LLC by filing articles of organization, which requires a $250 fee. It’s a simple process you can do online at the Division of Corporations website.
If you need a certified copy of the articles of organization, there is a $10 fee. If you need a Certificate of Compliance, there is a $10 fee. If you’d like the state to hold your LLC name before you register, you can apply online here for $25 to reserve it for 120 days.
Registered Agent Cost
In Alaska, you are required to have a registered agent, also known as an agent of service in process. A registered agent is a person or business authorized to accept legal, tax, and financial documents on behalf of your business.
Essentially, the purpose of a registered agent is to ensure compliance with state laws and to make sure all official matters are handled correctly and in a timely manner. Having one person or entity responsible for state documents helps ensure nothing is missed, avoiding potential potholes.
Documents your agent may receive include:
- Tax forms and documents
- Government correspondence
- Legal documents
- Summons documents in case of a lawsuit
In Alaska, you can be your own registered agent, or it can be another member of the LLC. An individual who is not a member or a professional agency can also serve as the registered agent for your LLC.
Using a Registered Agent Service
A registered agent service is a professional service that will handle official correspondence and documents for your business. Registered agents ensure that all official correspondence is handled on time and keep copies of documents for you. They also keep track of deadlines and send reminders of things you need to file, such as tax forms and annual reports.
You need a service that has an office in Alaska, but you may want to choose a national service so you have the flexibility to form LLCs in other states. Other than that, you should choose a service that offers:
- Compliance management, to send reminders of key deadlines
- Document copying and digital storage so you can access documents online
- Availability during the required hours, with prompt customer service
- Service in all 50 states and US territories
Costs for a registered agent service range from $50 a year up to $300 or more. There are several online services, such as ZenBusiness and LegalZoom, to choose from.
Business Licenses and Permits Cost
Starting an LLC requires obtaining the required licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. Fees for these vary, but most costs are minimal.
Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific permits.
You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments to learn more.
You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.
This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties. If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.
The most common permits and licenses include:
- Business operating licenses may be required by the city and the state to allow you to operate.
- Industry-specific licenses may be required, depending on your type of business. Businesses involved in construction, childcare, plumbing, electrical, food and liquor, insurance, finance, landscaping, and architecture all require licensing, for example. In some highly regulated industries, you may require licensing from a federal agency, such as the FDA or Department of Transportation.
- Zoning permits are issued by municipalities to ensure you’re operating in an area in which you’re allowed to operate.
- Building permits verify that the building you’re operating in is up to code. Home occupation permits, which some areas require, allow you to operate a business from your home.
- DBA permits allow you to do business under a name that is different from your legally registered business name.
- Sales tax permits allow you to sell products and collect sales tax.
- An employer identification number (EIN) is required if you plan to have employees, no matter what your business entity type.
- Health licenses and permits are required for certain businesses based on industry, and you will be required to maintain health and safety standards. Environmental permits are also required for certain industries in some locations.
- Fire permits certify that your business is up to fire safety codes. Depending on your location, this may be required for all businesses, while in other areas it’s required only if you work with flammable materials.
- Sign permits may be required for your location or other signage if there are rules about sign size and location.
Again, check with local government offices for specific requirements based on your location and industry, or visit MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance page.
Operating Agreement Cost
In Alaska, your LLC is not required to have an operating agreement in place. But it’s highly recommended, as an effective operating agreement can help avoid disputes and lawsuits that could threaten the stability of your LLC.
An LLC operating agreement is an important legal document that details who owns the business and provides essential information pertaining to member duties. An LLC operating agreement establishes the financial relationship between members and the basics of the working relationships between those members and the managers who oversee daily operations.
The operating agreement is not filed with the state, but instead remains private. It’s advisable to hire an attorney to ensure your operating agreement is thorough and legally binding.
Creating an operating agreement is free if you just draw it up yourself. Alternatively, you can pay around $100 for guidance from an online business advisory like MyCorporation.
This is an extremely important document, so it’s recommended that you use the services of a specialist or legal firm. If you choose to hire an attorney, the price will be around $500 for a single-member LLC and $2,500 for a multi-member LLC.
LLC Formation Service Cost (Optional)
Forming an LLC in Alaska tends to involve a lot of red tape and paperwork, so for many entrepreneurs just starting out it’s a good idea to hire an experienced service provider.
Some of the best services for forming an LLC are ZenBusiness and LegalZoom. LLC Formation service will take care of all the key steps, keeping you updated while allowing you to focus on launching and growing your business.
The cost of professional services depends on your requirements and LLC formation plan. Most LLC service providers offer different plans/packages and there are many LLC services that offer free LLC formation. Registered agent service (mentioned above) is very often included in these plans.
Ongoing Alaska LLC Costs
Every state has a different fee structure and timelines for LLC documents and licenses. It’s important to stay up-to-date or your business could face significant penalties. The fees and timelines for Alaska are detailed below.
Biennial Fees
You’ll need to file an LLC biennial report, sometimes known as a statement of information, with your state to keep your LLC in good standing. The fee is $100 and you can file online at the Corporation Division website.
In Alaska, biennial reports are due every two years on January 2nd.
Business License Renewal Fees
Some business licenses and permits must be renewed periodically, which may have a small associated fee. In Alaska, these include your state business license which is required to get your seller’s permit. The initial fee is $50 and it must be renewed annually.
Other renewal fees will apply to other licenses that are required for your business, such as a food service license for a restaurant.
In the table below, you’ll find the cost of forming an LLC in Alaska.
Requirement | Cost/Fee |
---|---|
Articles of Organization | $250 |
Certified Copy – Articles of Organization | $10 |
Certificate of Compliance | $10 |
Name Reservation | $25 |
Registered Agent Service | $50 – $300 |
Operating Agreement | $0 – $2500 |
Biennial Report | $100 |
Business Licenses and Renewals | $50 – state business license All others – check with state and local government |
Conclusion
As you can see, starting an LLC in Alaska takes a lot of work. But it doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re willing to shoulder much of the bureaucratic burden. Still, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney or hire a business formation service for guidance.
In most cases, the benefits of making your business an LLC far outweigh the costs and paperwork.
How Much Does it Cost to Start an LLC in Alaska?
- Articles of Organization Cost
- Registered Agent Cost
- Business Licenses and Permits Cost
- Operating Agreement Cost
- LLC Formation Service Cost (Optional)
- Ongoing Alaska LLC Costs
- Conclusion
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