Alaska requires most business entities to file a Biennial Report with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. This report updates the state with current information about your entity, helping to maintain its active status and good standing. In addition to this, there are annual business license renewals and specific requirements for non-profit organizations.
Why is it important to file? Maintaining good standing with the State of Alaska is crucial for your entity’s legal operation. Failure to comply with these filing requirements can lead to various penalties and negative consequences, including:
Late Fees: Specific late fees apply, typically starting on February 1st for January 2nd due dates, and August 1st for July 2nd due dates.
Administrative Dissolution/Revocation: If Biennial Reports are not filed, the state can administratively dissolve your domestic entity or revoke the authority of your foreign entity to transact business in Alaska.
Loss of Name Protection: Your entity’s name may become available for others to use.
Inability to Conduct Business: A dissolved or revoked status can hinder your ability to legally enter into contracts, maintain bank accounts, or defend yourself in Alaska courts.
Complex Reinstatement: Reinstatement involves filing all delinquent reports and paying all associated fees and penalties, which can be a more involved and costly process.
Specific Requirements by Entity Type in Alaska:
Alaska Business License (Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Business Licensing Section): Almost all businesses operating in Alaska must obtain and annually renew an Alaska Business License.
Frequency: Annually.
Due Date: Annually by December 31st of each year.
Filing Fee:$50.00 per year.
Penalty: Operating without a valid business license can result in fines and legal consequences.
For Corporations (For-Profit & Professional) in Alaska:
Biennial Report (Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing):
Frequency: Biennially (every two years).
Due Date: By January 2nd of the filing year. The filing year (odd or even) corresponds to the year your corporation was initially formed or registered in Alaska. Reports can be filed starting October 2nd of the preceding year.
Filing Fee:
Domestic Corporations: $100.00
Foreign Corporations: $200.00
Late Penalty: $37.50 for domestic corporations, $47.50 for foreign corporations, if filed after February 1st.
Information Required: Corporation name, entity number, principal office address, names and addresses of directors, names and titles of principal officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer), and name and address of the registered agent.
Alaska Corporate Income Tax (Alaska Department of Revenue, Tax Division – Form 6000):
Frequency: Annually.
Due Date: Generally, April 15th for calendar year filers, or the 15th day of the 4th month following the close of your tax year. An extension to file (but not to pay) is available.
Tax/Fee: Alaska imposes a corporate income tax on profits.
No Annual Franchise Tax: Alaska does not have a general corporate franchise tax (separate from income tax) based on the privilege of doing business.
For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in Alaska:
Biennial Report (Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing):
Frequency: Biennially (every two years).
Due Date: By January 2nd of the filing year. The filing year (odd or even) corresponds to the year your LLC was initially formed or registered in Alaska. Reports can be filed starting October 2nd of the preceding year.
Filing Fee:
Domestic LLCs: $100.00
Foreign LLCs: $200.00
Late Penalty: $37.50 for domestic LLCs, $47.50 for foreign LLCs, if filed after February 1st.
Information Required: LLC name, entity number, principal office address, names and addresses of managers (if manager-managed) or members (if member-managed), and name and address of the registered agent.
Alaska Pass-Through Entity Income Tax:
LLCs are generally treated as pass-through entities for Alaska income tax purposes (unless they elect to be taxed as corporations). Income and losses are reported on the owners’ individual income tax returns. There is no separate state-level income tax return for the LLC itself if treated as a partnership or disregarded entity.
For Partnerships (Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Liability Limited Partnerships) in Alaska:
General Partnerships (GPs): Generally, GPs formed by agreement are not required to file a Biennial Report with the Alaska Secretary of State. They are subject to federal and state income tax reporting requirements for pass-through entities.
Biennial Report (Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing):
Frequency: Biennially (every two years).
Due Date: By January 2nd of the filing year. The filing year (odd or even) corresponds to the year of initial filing. Reports can be filed starting October 2nd of the preceding year.
Filing Fee:
Domestic LPs/LLLPs: $100.00
Foreign LPs/LLLPs: $200.00
Late Penalty: $37.50 for domestic, $47.50 for foreign, if filed after February 1st.
Information Required: Partnership name, entity number, principal office address, names and addresses of all general partners, and name and address of the registered agent.
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs):
Biennial Report (Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing):
Frequency: Biennially (every two years).
Due Date: By January 2nd of the filing year. The filing year (odd or even) corresponds to the year of initial registration. Reports can be filed starting October 2nd of the preceding year.
Filing Fee:
Domestic LLPs: $100.00
Foreign LLPs: $200.00
Late Penalty: $37.50 for domestic, $47.50 for foreign, if filed after February 1st.
Information Required: LLP name, entity number, principal office address, names and addresses of all partners, and name and address of the registered agent.
Alaska Partnership Income Tax (Alaska Department of Revenue, Tax Division – Form 6900):
Frequency: Annually.
Due Date: Generally, April 15th for calendar year filers, or the 15th day of the 4th month following the close of your tax year. An extension to file (but not to pay) is available.
Note: This is an informational return. Partnerships are generally pass-through entities, and the partners pay tax on their share of the income.
For Non-Profit Corporations in Alaska, please also note the following:
Non-profit organizations in Alaska have distinct compliance requirements with both the Alaska Division of Corporations and the Alaska Attorney General:
Biennial Report (Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing):
Frequency: Biennially (every two years).
Due Date: By July 2nd of the filing year. The filing year (odd or even) corresponds to the year your non-profit was initially incorporated or registered in Alaska. Reports can be filed starting April 2nd of the filing year.
Filing Fee:$25.00 (for both domestic and foreign non-profits).
Late Penalty: $5.00 if filed after August 1st.
Information Required: Non-profit name, entity number, principal office address, names and addresses of directors, names and titles of principal officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer), and name and address of the registered agent.
If your non-profit solicits charitable contributions in Alaska (unless specifically exempt), you must register and renew annually with the Alaska Attorney General’s Office.
Due Date: Annually by September 1st. Registration opens July 1st.
Filing Fee:$40.00.
Required Attachments: This renewal typically requires a list of officers and directors. You may also need to provide your federal IRS Form 990 series return if requested.
Penalties: Failure to register or renew can result in penalties and unlawful charitable solicitation findings.
Federal IRS Form 990 Series: As a federally tax-exempt organization, your non-profit must file an annual information return with the IRS (Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-N, depending on your gross receipts and assets). This is typically due by the 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends (e.g., May 15th for a December 31st fiscal year-end).
What information is generally required for these filings? The various Alaska filings typically require verification or updating of the following:
Your entity’s legal name and Alaska Entity Number.
The current principal office address.
The name and physical street address of your Alaska Registered Agent.
For Corporations and Non-Profits: Names and addresses of your principal officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer) and directors.
For LLCs: Names and addresses of managers (if manager-managed) or members (if member-managed).
For Partnerships: Names and addresses of all partners.
Updated contact information for the entity.
Financial information for tax returns (though no state-level income tax for most LLCs/Partnerships).
For Non-Profits: Details on any changes to your board of directors or charitable solicitation activities.
How can we assist you? We understand that navigating multiple state agencies and biennial filing schedules can be challenging. We are here to assist you with understanding and fulfilling your Alaska compliance obligations. Our services for these filings include:
Determining your specific filing requirements, due dates, and applicable fees.
Gathering the necessary information.
Preparing and accurately filing your Biennial Reports (and any required annual business licenses or tax forms).
Preparing and filing any applicable non-profit charitable renewals.
Arranging payment of the applicable fees.
Confirming receipt with the Alaska Division of Corporations, the Alaska Business Licensing Section, and, if applicable, the Attorney General’s Office.
What we need from you: To facilitate these filings, fill up the information sheet:
Please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss your Alaska compliance obligations. We can help ensure your entity remains in good standing and avoids any potential penalties.
