How to Form a C Corporation in Alaska

Introduction

Incorporating your business in Alaska is a straightforward process that requires only a few basic steps. The first step is to choose a corporate name, followed by filing articles of incorporation with the Division of Corporations. You should also hold an initial meeting of the corporation’s directors and shareholders. After that, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and file several other types of applications with state agencies. We’ll walk you through these steps now:

Select a Corporate Name

After you’ve decided to form a corporation in Alaska, you need to choose a name for it. Your corporate name should be unique and distinguishable from any other business or entity that already exists. The name should not be misleading or deceptive—it must honestly describe the nature of your business. For example, if you’re planning on selling fast food, it would be misleading for your corporation’s name to sound like an expensive restaurant or nightclub.

The names “corporation,” “incorporated,” “limited” and their abbreviations (Corp., Inc., Ltd.) are not allowed in Alaska corporations’ names because they are reserved words used by the state government itself when creating businesses under its jurisdiction. You can choose another adjective such as “corporate” instead of using one of these words in your company’s title; however, we recommend avoiding this practice unless absolutely necessary since most people will misinterpret it as referring directly back at them rather than being just another type of business entity within their industry sector (e.g., choosing something like 1st Corporate instead).

Complete Your Company’s Articles of Incorporation

You can form your corporation by filing articles of incorporation with the state of Alaska. You must complete and submit a [fill in the blank] that includes:

• The company name (which cannot be the same as another corporation operating in Alaska)
• The registered agent’s address (the person or business who will accept legal documents on behalf of your corporation)
• The number of shares authorized (how many shares will there be?)

Have Your Company’s Articles of Incorporation Filed

If you’re ready to form a C corporation in Alaska, the first thing you need to do is submit your articles of incorporation to the state. The articles must include:

• The name of your company and its address at incorporation. Your company’s name can be anything as long as it contains no words that are prohibited by law (e.g., obscene, scandalous, or immoral).
• A statement that you’re forming a domestic corporation under Alaska law and not one formed under laws of another state or country. You must also include an address where legal papers can be served on your company’s officers or shareholders if they live in another state or country. This address should be the same as the one listed above for mailing purposes; it’s okay if this is not yet finalized because that information can always change later without affecting how well-formed your initial paperwork was when filed with Alaskan officials at incorporation time (as long as all required information is included).
• The names and addresses of each incorporator (person who signed off on filing), along with their signatures (this section is optional but recommended so that others know who did what related tasks). If more than one person signed off on filing documents then there should be separate entries for each individual indicating which specific part(s) they took care of leading up until naming themselves as an incorporator by signing under any applicable line(s).

Hold and Keep Minutes of Initial Meeting of the Board of Directors

The board of directors is the governing body of a corporation. It’s responsible for making sure that the company runs smoothly and efficiently, as well as running elections and meetings to decide on important matters like purchasing new equipment or hiring new employees.

The board of directors should have a minimum of three members (although some states require only one director), but it could be larger or smaller depending on how many shareholders there are in your business. You can also decide whether you want to elect your own board members or appoint them from outside sources such as other companies or family members.

Once you have decided who will make up your board, it’s time to get started!

File a Certificate of Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Acquisition Certificate in Connection with an Acquisition Transaction

If you’re filing your certificate of adoption in Alaska, you must file it with the Division of Corporations and Business. To do so:

• Go to the Division of Corporations and Business website and click “File a Certificate.”
• Follow the prompts to select your corporation type (C Corporation), then follow the steps to complete your certificate of adoption online. You can also download an application form from this site and send it via mail or fax if you prefer not to use their online system.

Assign Employer Identification Number (EIN) to Your Company

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify business entities. If you’re forming a corporation, you need one in order to open a bank account and complete other financial transactions. Anyone who owns or controls at least 25% of the company must apply for an EIN. You can get it from the IRS—simply call 800-829-4933 during business hours (Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm EST) or file Form SS-4 with your local IRS office.

Once you’ve been assigned an EIN, be sure to keep track of it so that if you ever need it again—which could happen if your corporation goes out of business and is later revived under different ownership—you’ll have access to this valuable piece of information.

File Business License or Permit Applications

If you’re going to be doing business in Alaska, you need to apply for a Business License. You can apply online or by mail. The application will require your company’s name and address as well as your personal information.

Takeaway:

The takeaway from this article is that you have to file annual reports with the Alaska Division of Corporations, and if you don’t, your corporation will be dissolved.

You can file your annual report online through the Alaska Division of Corporations website. Just click on “File Online” in the top right corner and follow the instructions.

Conclusion

If you have a good idea for a business, the time to get started is now. This article has shown you some of the steps required to form your own C Corporation in Alaska. If you need help with any of these steps or other business advice, contact us at [email protected].