If you’re a small business owner in Alaska and want to market your business under a name that’s not your own, a DBA — short for “doing business as” — is your first step. This alias, also known as a fictitious business name or trade name, lets entrepreneurs do business and present a brand without altering a company’s legal name. 

DBA in Alaska: Key Takeaways

• Before you can use a DBA in Alaska, you need to determine if the name isn’t already taken. 

• Getting a DBA is not a business type like forming an LLC or corporation; a DBA is simply an alternative name.

• You must stay on top of renewal deadlines to keep your DBA active and avoid legal hiccups.

What Is a DBA?

A DBA, or “doing business as,” is a pseudonym for your business in Alaska. It’s not a business structure like an LLC or a corporation; it doesn’t protect you from liability or create a separate legal entity. Instead, it allows you to conduct business under a name other than your personal name or your company's legal name.

If your name is John Doe and you run a landscaping business, operating under “John Doe” doesn’t tell potential customers what you do. But “Alaska’s Best Landscaping,” as a DBA, immediately communicates your services and can help with branding.

Business owners might choose a DBA for various reasons, such as distinguishing different business branches or preferring a more marketable name. It’s a way to present a professional image that aligns with your marketing and goals without forming a new business entity.

How to File a DBA in Alaska

The following sections will take you through DBA registration process step by step. Whether you’re sprucing up your brand or carving out a new niche, a DBA can help you get there. 

1. Do a DBA Name Search

Before you get too attached to the seemingly perfect name of the business, check if it’s free to take. In Alaska, a name search is your first move. This isn’t just a formality — it’s about ensuring you’re setting yourself up for a clear path forward without getting in the way of someone else.

You can use the Alaska Department of Commerce’s business name search resources to double-check.[1]

And remember, a DBA name isn’t a shield against others using it. If you want exclusive rights, you’ll need to look beyond just a DBA and get a trademark.

2. File Your DBA With the County Clerk’s Office

Once you pick a name, the next step is to make it official. You can download the New Business Name Registration form and send it via mail. Alternatively, you can file online at the Department of Commerce website. The filing fee is $25 either way.

The application is pretty self-explanatory. You need to provide:

• Trade name you’re aiming to use

• Business license number

• Mailing address or P.O. box

• Business type

• Brief description of your business activities

• Business structure, like whether you’re an LLC or a corporation

3. Publish Your DBA Name

In some states, you’re not done after filing for a DBA. You need to let the world know by publishing it. However, Alaska doesn’t always require you to publish your Alaska business name. But you should double-check if your specific business activities or location might need you to take out an ad.

4. Follow Up

In the state of Alaska, a DBA isn’t indefinite; it has a set expiration date. You must file a renewal every five years. 

The cost for renewing a DBA in Alaska is $25, whether you’re a sole proprietorship, an LLC, or a corporation.

When it’s time to renew, the renewal mirrors your initial filing. You’ll update your information, confirm that your DBA is still the one you want, and submit the renewal with the fee.

Alaska DBA Name Restrictions

Remember that a DBA is just a nickname for your business — it doesn’t change its legal structure. Also, a DBA doesn’t mean you have exclusive rights to the name. If you want that kind of protection, you’re looking at trademarking, which is a different procedure.[2]

You should avoid names that could confuse your DBA with a government agency or suggest it’s something it’s not. And if you’re in certain professions, there might be additional rules about what you can call your business.

DBA Alaska Tax Considerations

Registering a new DBA in Alaska doesn’t change your tax situation, just as it doesn’t change the nature of the business. It isn’t like a new business license, either. A DBA is just another name your business operates under; it doesn’t create a separate tax entity or tax ID. If you’re a sole proprietor or a general partnership, you’ll report income earned under the DBA on your personal tax returns.

For corporations or LLCs, the DBA’s financial activity is part of the company’s overall finances and follows the same tax rules as the rest of the company’s income. Keeping your financial records straight and showing the connection between your DBA and your main business simplifies the tax period.

Alaska stands out because it doesn’t have state income tax for individuals or corporations, which means one less tax form to worry about for your DBA. But remember, all your business income, including what’s under the DBA, still needs to be reported to the IRS.

Why Should You Get a DBA?

A DBA, or “doing business as” name, offers several practical advantages. For starters, it allows you to conduct business under a name that might better reflect your brand or services without forming a new company. This can be particularly handy for sole proprietors who want to avoid using their personal name as their business name.

Financially, a DBA can pave the way for opening a business bank account and getting a credit card under your trade name. Banking is simpler this way, and you present a professional image to customers and vendors. It’s also a step towards separating your business and personal finances, which is a smart move for managing money and liability.

For those who run multiple ventures, a DBA can give each venture a distinct name and identity while still being under the umbrella of a single legal entity, like an LLC. This can streamline operations and potentially reduce administrative overhead.

Privacy is another consideration. Using a DBA can provide privacy for business owners, especially if you’re operating from home and would prefer not to publicize your home address. For sole proprietors, the owner’s name is the business name, so they need this privacy layer.

FAQs

What’s the difference between an LLC and a DBA?

An LLC, or limited liability company, is a registered agent that protects personal assets and has set tax and structural rules. A DBA, “doing business as,” is a name under which a company presents itself that isn’t its legal, registered name. 

How much does getting a DBA cost?

The state fee for an Alaska DBA is $25.

Do I need a DBA for my Alaska business?

If you’re operating under a name different from your legal business name, you should get a “doing business as,” or DBA.

What’s the difference between a trade name, assumed name, and a DBA name?

They’re often used interchangeably. A trade name is the official name under which one conducts business. An assumed name and a DBA are any name a business uses that isn’t its legal name.

How long does a DBA last?

In many places, including Alaska, a DBA registration is valid for about five years, but this can vary. The renewal fee in Alaska is $25.

Is there a limit to the number of DBA names I can have?

There’s no hard limit. You can register multiple DBA names if you follow the proper filing process for each.

Is a DBA the same as a trademark?

A DBA isn’t a trademark. A trademark legally protects a name or logo, while a DBA doesn’t grant any exclusive rights to the business name.

Does a DBA affect my business’s tax status?

A DBA doesn’t change your taxes. It’s simply a name and not a business entity that would influence tax obligations.

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Bibliography

1. Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. “Select a Business Name.” Accessed November 2, 2023.

2. Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. “Trademark Registration“. Accessed November 2, 2023.