Start an LLC in Alaska — No State Income Tax, No Sales Tax

Your Alaska LLC name must be unique among all businesses registered with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) and must include a required designator.

Alaska Naming Rules:

• Must include: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
• Cannot use: Words implying a government agency (e.g., "FBI," "State Department")
• Restricted words: "Bank," "Insurance," "University" require additional approval
• Must be distinguishable: From all existing Alaska business names in the CBPL database

Every Alaska LLC must designate a registered agent — an individual or company with a physical Alaska street address — to receive legal documents and official state notices during regular business hours.

Who can be your registered agent?

• Yourself: Must have a physical Alaska address and be available during business hours
• A trusted individual: Any Alaska resident with a physical address
• A professional service: Like Brendat — keeps your personal address off public records and essential for non-residents

The Articles of Organization officially creates your Alaska LLC. You file it with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) — online via the Alaska Corporations Online Filing System (ACOFS) or by mail.

Alaska does not legally require an operating agreement, but it is strongly recommended for all Alaska LLCs. It establishes ownership, profit sharing, and management rules and protects your liability shield in court.

Your operating agreement should cover:

• Ownership structure: Each member's percentage and capital contribution
• Profit distribution: How and when profits are divided
• Management: Who makes decisions and how voting works
• Member changes: Process for adding or removing members
• Dissolution: Steps to close the LLC if needed

An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID — required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. You apply through the IRS for free.

• US residents: Apply free online at IRS.gov — instant approval
• Non-US residents: Apply by fax using IRS Form SS-4 — 4–6 weeks
• Brendat handles this: Included in Standard and Premium packages

Alaska LLCs must file an annual report every year with the Alaska CBPL to stay in good standing. At $100 per year due January 2, it's a straightforward ongoing requirement.

• Annual report fee: $100/year
• Due date: January 2 every year
• Filing: Online via Alaska ACOFS portal
• Late penalty: $25 late fee + potential administrative dissolution