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To start a C corp in Alaska, first pick a name that includes a word like Corporation, Inc., or Ltd. and isn't already taken. Next, choose a registered agent with a physical Alaska address. Then, decide how many shares you'll authorize and who your president, secretary, and treasurer will be. The next step is to file your Articles of Incorporation with the state for \$250, online or by mail.
Next, write your bylaws and hold an organizational meeting to adopt the bylaws, elect officers, and approve shares. Once the filing is approved, get a free EIN from the IRS. Afterward, get an Alaska business license and file your free Initial Report within six months.
Your Alaska C corporation's name is the first detail customers, partners, and the state will associate with your business. That’s why Alaska requires C corporations to use a name that meets its naming rules.
Alaska C Corp Name Requirements
1. Use a corporate designator: Your C corporation's name must include an approved corporate designator, such as:
2. Make the name distinguishable: Alaska generally will not consider a name distinguishable if the only differences are:
3. Avoid restricted or misleading names: Your Alaska C Corp name also cannot:
Once you have chosen a unique name and verified its availability through the Alaska Corporations Database, prepare a backup option in case your first choice is too similar to an existing entity. You can also use Swyft Filings’ free business name generator to create several options.
Every Alaska C Corp must designate a registered agent to receive official state correspondence, legal notices, and service of process on the corporation's behalf. You can appoint an individual or a qualified business as your registered agent when filing your Articles of Incorporation.
Requirements for an Alaska Registered Agent
Your registered agent must meet Alaska's requirements, including:
Physical Alaska address: The agent must have a physical street address in Alaska. A P.O. box, virtual office, or mail-forwarding address is not accepted.
Availability: The agent must be available at the registered office during normal business hours to receive official documents.
Eligible individual or entity: An Alaska resident whose business office is the registered office, or a corporation that can do business in Alaska, may serve as the registered agent. An LLC, LP, or LLP cannot serve.
The corporation itself may not act as its own registered agent in Alaska, which differs from the rule in a number of other states.
How to Appoint Your Registered Agent
Choose an agent: You can serve as your own agent if you qualify, appoint another eligible individual, or hire a professional registered agent service.
List the agent on your formation documents: Provide the registered agent's name and physical Alaska address when completing your Articles of Incorporation.
Keep the information current: If your registered agent changes after C Corp formation, file the appropriate change with the Alaska Division of Corporations and pay the applicable fee.
Yes. Your mom can generally serve as the registered agent for your Alaska C Corp if she meets Alaska's registered-agent requirements. She does not necessarily have to be a shareholder, director, or officer of your corporation.
However, if she does not live in Alaska or cannot maintain a qualifying Alaska registered office, you would need to appoint another eligible individual or a qualified registered agent service.
Alaska's Articles of Incorporation require you to state the number of authorized shares before you file. Zero is not an acceptable entry.
Alaska's Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing accepts Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Business Corporation (C corp) online or by mail.
Filing online:
Filing by mail:
Send your completed Articles of Incorporation along with a $250 check to the Corporations Section, PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806.
Once your Alaska Articles of Incorporation are filed, put the corporation's internal rules in place through bylaws. These rules explain how the corporation will handle day-to-day governance and how directors, officers, and shareholders will make important decisions.
Your Alaska C Corp's bylaws should generally cover:
After the bylaws are prepared, formally adopt them and keep the approved version with your corporate records. Need professional help with this? Swyft Filings can prepare customized Corporate Bylaws for your Alaska C Corp around your specific governance structure.
Your Alaska C Corp organizational meeting is the first formal meeting where the corporation's initial decisions are documented. After filing the Articles of Incorporation, use this meeting to establish how the corporation will operate and record its key organizational actions.
At the meeting, the directors can:
Keep signed minutes from this meeting with your corporate records as they are your clearest evidence that the C Corporation followed proper formalities if that's ever questioned later.
After organizing your Alaska C Corp, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You may need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal tax returns, and handle other business-related activities.
When applying for an EIN, you’ll generally need to provide:
Apply directly and for free through the IRS's online EIN application, or let Swyft Filings handle it as part of its premium Alaska C Corp formation package.
After forming your Alaska C Corp, you still need to keep up with state filings, taxes, licensing, and corporate records. The main requirements include the following:
Within six months of incorporating, your Alaska C Corp must file an Initial Report with the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. There's no filing fee. The report records your corporation's officers and directors, since those aren't listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Alaska domestic business corporations must file a Biennial Report every two years. The due date is January 2 of the applicable even- or odd-numbered year, based on the year your corporation was formed.
The filing fee is \$100, increasing to \$137.50 when the late fee applies. You can file the report online or by submitting a hard copy. Keep your registered agent, business address, officers, and other company information up to date when filing. Alaska allows filing to open on October 2 of the previous year, giving businesses time to complete the report before the January deadline.
An Alaska C Corp is subject to Alaska corporate income tax on taxable income. Unlike a sole proprietorship or other pass-through business, a C corporation generally pays income tax at the corporate level. Your corporation should determine its Alaska taxable income, apply the applicable tax rate and deductions, and file the required corporate tax return with the Alaska Department of Revenue.
Because tax brackets, thresholds, and filing requirements can change, review the current state requirements when preparing your return rather than relying on the rates that applied when you incorporated.
Your Alaska C Corp needs a state business license and may also need local or federal licenses. Check each level before you start operating.
State business license: Alaska requires a state business license to do business in the state. After your Articles of Incorporation are filed and your corporation has an Alaska entity number, apply through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. A one-year license costs \$50 and a two-year license costs \$100. Licenses expire on December 31, so add your renewal date to your compliance calendar. Your corporation must be in good standing with the Division to get or renew the license, which includes keeping its biennial report current.
Local licenses and permits: Forming a C Corp at the state level does not cover any license your business needs. Depending on where you operate and what you do, you may need a license or permit from a city, borough, or municipality. Regulated industries may also need professional or industry-specific licenses and endorsements, which you must maintain separately.
Federal licenses and permits: Most businesses do not need a federal license, but some industries do, such as those involving alcohol, firearms, aviation, or broadcasting. Check the federal agency that oversees your industry.
If your license lapses, additional requirements and fees may apply depending on how long it has been expired. A business license research service can help you determine which licenses apply to your business and provide direct application links so you can apply for them.
Keep your Alaska C Corp's finances separate from your personal funds by opening a dedicated business bank account. Banks typically ask for documents such as your corporation's Articles of Incorporation, EIN, business license, and information about the owners or authorized signers.
Use the account for business income, expenses, payroll, and other corporate transactions rather than mixing them with personal finances. Maintaining separate financial accounts also helps keep your corporation's financial records organized and supports the separation between the corporation and its owners. Before choosing a bank, compare account fees, transaction limits, online banking features, and other services that fit your business needs.
The cost of incorporating a C Corp in Alaska depends on the state's filing fees and any additional services you choose for your business.
| Cost | Fee | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Incorporation (online or by mail) | \$250 | Yes |
| Alaska business license | \$50 for one year or \$100 for two years | In most cases, before you start operating |
| Name reservation (held for 120 days) | \$25 | Optional |
| Registered agent service | \$149/quarter | If you hire Swyft Filings’ professional registered agent services. |
| EIN from the IRS | \$0 | Yes |
Start your Alaska C Corp with Swyft Filings for a $0 service fee + state fees with the Basic package. If you need additional support, you can choose a premium Alaska C Corp formation package that includes services such as corporate bylaws, initial resolutions, stock setup assistance, and more.
$0 + State Filing Fees
*Disclaimer: This guide offers general information about forming a C Corporation in Alaska and isn't a substitute for legal, tax, or financial advice.*
C Corp rules, filing costs, and corporate tax structures vary by jurisdiction. Select any state below to view its specific C Corp laws.
