Forming an Alaska limited liability company
We’ve got a do-it-yourself kit for forming an LLC in Alaska that you can purchase for $34.95 by clicking the button shown below.
But you should know that the actual steps you take to form an Alaska limited liability company are pretty simple. Here’s what you do:
1. Check if the LLC name you want is available
As a first step, you may want to check if the LLC name you want to use is even available. Here’s an easy and free way to do this: You can search for a similarly named LLC using the Alaska’s online database at:
http://www.commerce.alaska.gov/CBP/Main/CBPLSearch.aspx?mode=Corp
2. Download the articles of organization form from the Alaska Department of Commerce’s web site, then print this form
The URL, or web page address, for this form is as shown below.
http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/bsc/pub/08-430.pdf
3. Identify the name you want to use for your new LLC
Enter your business or investment name onto the lines provided. (I used the example name, “Acme Explosives LLC.”) The name of a limited liability company stated in the articles of organization must contain the words “limited liability company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” or “LLC”. The word “limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.,” and the word “company” may be abbreviated as “Co.” For example, all of the following names should be acceptable:
- Acme Explosives Limited Liability Company
- Acme Explosives LLC
- Acme Explosives L.L.C.
- Acme Explosives Ltd Liability Company
- Acme Explosives Limited Liability Co.
- Acme Explosives Ltd. Liability Co.
4. Provide a description of your business activity
Put in the description of your business activity. In the example, I put wholesaling to mining companies. As an LLC, you can simply put in the words “any lawful” if you choose.
5. Provide your name and address
Alaska wants to know the name and contact information for a real person within the state of Alaska who the state can contact if it has questions or concerns about an LLC’s operation or if legal documents need to be served. The registered agent may be either an individual resident of Alaska whose business office is the same as the registered office, or a domestic or foreign corporation authorized to transact business in Alaska whose business office is the same as the registered office. If you have a PO Box, you will also need to put in your physical address. Accordingly, enter your name and address information onto the lines that ask for this information.
6. List duration of your LLC
If you have no date to dissolve your LLC, simply check the box after “the duration is perpetual.” If the duration is not perpetual, list the latest date that the LLC will dissolve.
7. State if you are using a manager
If you are using a manager to manage your LLC, then you will need to check the box in Article 5. In our example, John C. Smith, the owner, will be managing the LLC so the box is left blank.
8. Sign as the LLC organizer
You need to both print and sign as the organizer of the LLC. You will also need to date the form and provide a contact name and phone number to resolve any questions with the form.
10. Fill in the appropriate NAICS code
Fill in the 6 digit NAICS industry grouping code which most clearly describes the initial activities of your LLC. The code must not conflict with the purpose stated in the Articles of Organization. You can find these codes at:
http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ/pub/NAIC_System.pdf
11. Submit the application
After you complete the articles of organization, mail the document, the disclosure of company activities, and a check for $250 to:
State of Alaska
Corporations Section
P.O. Box 110808
Juneau, Alaska 99811
Processing lead times vary, but in general, it takes several weeks to get your LLC certificate back from the Secretary of State’s office. You can expedite your filing by enclosing an extra $150 fee.
