Start a Business in Alaska
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This guide on starting your business in Alaska provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.
Step-By-Step Startup
Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.
- If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
- If wish to form your business in a different state than Alaska, click here.
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Alaska Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Alaska Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Alaska Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions |
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Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Alaska
- Most of your filing will be with the "Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing". For brevity, you'll often hear it called CBPL. They handle both corporate filings and business licensing, which can be confusing.
- A major perk of forming an LLC in Alaska is that they have no state income tax. There is no personal income tax in Alaska and since LLCs by default receive pass-through taxation, the LLC does not pay income tax either.
- You will obtain for a business license at the same time as you file formation documents with the CBPL. Licenses must be renewed annually.
- Your LLC or Corporation must file an initial report with CBPL within 6 months after formation. Thereafter, reports are due biennially.
- The Alaska Statutes has some detailed rules about when and how you hold the first board of directors meeting for a corporation... which we'll get into later.
