How to Conduct an Alaska Business Entity Search

The NAICS Association reports that there are 45,147 registered businesses in Alaska, and the SBA Office of Advocacy estimates that there are 74,587 small businesses in the state. These small businesses employ roughly 138,517 employees, which is 52.3% of the Alaskan workforce.

Registering a business in Alaska offers companies several advantages, including no state income or sales tax, strong liability protection that shields personal assets, and a business-friendly legal environment. Alaska also provides access to various loan programs and tax incentives, and its LLC structure can be confidential, protecting member information. Alaska treats LLCs as a "pass-through" entity, meaning the business doesn't pay taxes and all profits and losses are reported on the owner's tax return.

Alaska allows private LLC ownership, meaning Alaska's Secretary of State does not make member information public. Additionally, Alaska has a reputation for supporting entrepreneurship, with laws designed to encourage business growth. Perpetuity is another strong advantage. A corporation can continue to exist even if a founder or shareholder leaves, which can be beneficial for long-term planning.

The most common types of businesses in Alaska are in sectors like oil and gas, tourism, fisheries, and healthcare. Other prominent industries include government services, transportation, retail, and food processing, driven by the state's natural resources and strategic location.

Allowable Entity Types in Alaska

Alaska allows for a wide range of business entity types, including Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships (General, Limited, and Limited Liability), Corporations (C-Corps, S-Corps, Professional, Non-profit, and Cooperative), and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). Regardless of their legal structure, every company in Alaska must have an Alaska Business License.

The state also allows joint ventures, which are business relationships between two or more individuals or companies. Alaska offers the option of a Cooperative Corporation, which is a business owned and operated by its members for their mutual benefit. Another allowable option is a Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP), which is a more complex partnership structure, and Professional Corporations, in which a group of licensed professionals, such as doctors or lawyers, form.

Why Search for an Alaska Business Entity

Before you invest in, purchase, or partner with a company, you should always conduct due diligence to vet them using as much information as you can find. That is one of the top reasons to search for an Alaska business entity. Another is making sure the name you have chosen for your company is available and avoiding any legal issues.

Some of the reasons to search for an Alaska business entity include:

• Check Name Availability: To ensure the business name you want to use is not already in use and is available for your use.

• Verify Legitimacy: To confirm that a business is a legitimate and legally registered entity in the state.

• Conduct Due Diligence: To research competitors, potential partners, or investment opportunities. This can include checking their legal and compliance status.

• Understand Business Health: To obtain details such as the entity's formation date, status (e.g., "suspended"), registered agent, and mailing address.

• Assess Risk: A business's status can help identify potential risks, such as a company that is not in good standing.

• Market and Industry Research: To analyze industry trends, identify growth areas, and understand the market landscape.

• Legal Compliance: Searching proves you are following state rules for naming conventions and entity types before you file your official formation documents.

• Preventing Issues: A proactive search can prevent the costly, time-consuming process of changing your name later if the name is already taken.

• Finding Information: You can find official information on registered businesses, including their legal structure, which can be helpful in various business-related decisions.

• Ensure Tax Compliance: A unique business name is crucial for tax purposes, as it ensures your business is correctly identified and associated with its tax obligations.

• Confirm Registered Agent Information: Use the search to find the registered agent for an existing company.

• Check Business Status: You can search for a "Certificate of Good Standing" to confirm that a business is current with all its state filings and franchise taxes.

• Investigate Potential Partners or Competitors: Researching a company can help you understand its history, structure, and regulatory compliance before making a business decision and jeopardizing your own company.

• Find a Business Organizer or Incorporator: If you know a founder's name, you can search for all the businesses they have been involved with.

• Compliance: To check to see if a company is compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations.

• Name Reservations: To see if a preferred name is available to be reserved for a limited time, which can help secure a domain name and other branding elements while preparing to register the business formally.

• Before Investing: Conducting thorough due diligence when acquiring or investing in a business.

• Trademarks: Searching for registered trademarks to avoid conflicts.

How to Search for Business Entities

Accessing business entity information in Alaska is essential. To search for a business entity in Alaska, you can visit the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to access Alaska business entity records.

The first step is to choose your search criteria. The web tool provides different search criteria to access business entity records, including:

• License Number: Use the license number assigned to the business entity at registration to access the record

• Business Name: The full or partial business name may be used to look up business entity information

• Owner Entity Name: The full name of the business owner may be used to access the entity's record

• Owner First Name: Business entity records search permits accessing the records using the owner's first name only

• Owner Last Name: Use the owner's last name to look up registered business entity information

What Information Can You Find with the Secretary of State?

Review the search results. The result displays the license number, the full business name, the owner's name, the business status, and the city where the business entity operates.

How to Access Detailed Information

Accessing detailed business entity information requires searchers to click on the business license number in the results. The available information includes:

• License Number: Displays the seven-digit number assigned to the business entity at registration.

• Business Name: The name under which the business operates.

• Status: The current legal status of the business (e.g., Active, Inactivated, Voluntarily Canceled, or Expired).

• Principal Address: The physical address of the business.

• Mailing Address: The business entity's mailing address.

• Place of Formation: The county where the business was incorporated.

• Issue and Expiration Date: The registration date and the expiration date of the business license.

• License Lapse: Lists any periods where the business license expired before being renewed.

The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development can provide direct assistance should you need help during the search process.

Generally, the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) provides the following services, including:

• Corporations Section: Contains information on how corporations can get licensed, file a biennial and initial report online, search the corporation database and trademarks, and corporation forms and fees

• Business Licensing: File a new business license or renew business licenses online, search business license records, business license forms and fees, and payment and refund policy

• Professional Licensing: Obtain license verification, a list of professions requiring professional licensing, and contact information

• Foreign Corporations: Contains information on foreign corporations qualified to operate and how to register a foreign corporation in Alaska

• Investigations: Investigations relating to business licenses, endorsements, and professionals, the investigative process, and consumer protection information

What Business Entity Information is Not Public

While Alaska is generally an open-records state, business information that is not public includes private internal corporate records, specific shareholder information beyond what's in public filings, and proprietary financial details, unless they are part of a public filing or require disclosure. Employee and confidential financial data are also not typically public.

Some examples of things that are not public information in Alaska include:

• Proprietary Financial and Operational Data: Information such as private internal financial records, trade secrets, and specific operational details is not public.

• Employee and Payroll Information: Details about employees, including their names, salaries, and contact information, are not made public.

• Confidential Shareholder Information: While some shareholder information might be in public filings, the corporation can keep other details private. Shareholders may have a right to access certain internal records, but this access is protected from the general public.

• Registered Agent Contact Details: A registered agent can be a person or a company. While the name and business address are often public, the agent's personal contact information is not.

• Information Protected by Exemptions: Alaska law has specific exemptions that allow government entities to withhold information from public access, such as trade secrets or private financial data.

• Trade Secrets: Formulas, processes, methods, or other proprietary information that derives economic value from not being generally known to the public and is the subject of reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.

• Private Employee Medical Records: Medical and health insurance information.

• Customer and Employee Identifying Information: Identifying information like Social Security Numbers, driver's license numbers, and passport numbers.

• Revenue and Profit Numbers (unless a public company): Smaller companies that are not publicly traded can keep their financial data private.

• Financial Data: Bank and credit card numbers, as well as loan information.

How to Find EIN and UCC Records in Alaska

To find EIN records in Alaska, you can search for your own EIN through your business documents or the IRS website, or you can find another business's EIN by using the Alaska Secretary of State's Business Entity Search, the IRS's Tax-Exempt Organization Search for nonprofits, or by purchasing a credit report. The Alaska Department of Commerce also offers business and professional licensing information. You can also contact the company to request the information.

Also, try using EntityCheck's EIN search tool to find EINs in Alaska.

To find UCC liens in Alaska, you must search the Alaska Secretary of State's online database. First, visit the Alaska Secretary of State's website and look for the UCC or public records search section. Then enter the debtor's name to find any active or terminated financing statements; note that only UCCs are listed at the state level in Alaska, not other types of tax liens.

Another valuable resource for finding UCC records is EntityCheck's UCC Filings search tool.

How to Find DBA Records in Alaska

To search for a company's DBAs (also called "doing business as" or trade names) in Alaska, use the Alaska Corporations Database on the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development website. You can search by the full or partial name of the business and filter the results to see all registered entities and their associated trade names. When searching, select "Starts With" or "Contains" to refine your search. The results will display a list of registered businesses that match your criteria, including any DBAs or trade names associated with them.

EntityCheck Business Background Check Goes Further

An even more insightful way to search for Alaska business entities and access additional information is to utilize EntityCheck's powerful search engine. Search quickly and easily by business name, EIN, owner, phone number, or email address. Along with the information above, you can dig deeper to find incredibly illuminating details such as:

• 
  UCC Filings:

  Discover Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, showing creditors' attachment to business assets. These files provide insight into the organization's financial stability by examining its standing debts and the risks they entail. Also find lien details, creditor and debtor information, filing and expiration dates, and collateral and asset claims.
• 
  Court Cases:

  Evaluate a company's legal record to assess potential risks associated with its operations and identify any outstanding issues. Review bankruptcy filings, liens and judgments, federal court cases, litigation, and legal history of ongoing and past court cases.
• 
  Licenses:

  Verify business credentials, including licenses, permits, and government certifications, as well as the educational backgrounds of decision-makers, to assess credibility.
• 
  Filing & Compliance:

  Review a company's financial performance reports, DBAs (Doing Business As), and government Tax IDs.
• 
  Trademarks & Patents:

  Find out what intellectual properties a company controls and review the details of any trademarks and patents it holds.
• 
  Registered Individuals:

  Identify key decision-makers, registered agents, corporate officers, and leadership, even if this information is not readily available through official records.

Alternative Resources Beyond the DCCED (Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development) Search

Although the central information repository is the DCCED, you can also find a wide range of business details with other government offices, such as those listed below:

• Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development: The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) promotes economic growth and job creation by providing resources and support to businesses, communities, and workers. This includes offering business development services, managing state and federal programs, such as the Alaska Broadband Office, and working with communities on initiatives in childcare, housing, and workforce development.

• Alaska Court System: The Alaska court system provides a forum for resolving legal disputes, handling a wide range of matters, including criminal and civil cases, family law, probate, and appeals. Its mission is to decide cases according to the law, while ensuring accessibility, impartiality, and integrity. The unified, centrally administered state system includes trial courts (District and Superior Courts) and two levels of appellate courts (the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court).

• Alaska Department of Revenue: According to the State of Alaska, "the mission of the Alaska Department of Revenue is to collect and invest funds for public purposes. Our core divisions are Treasury, Tax, Child Support Enforcement, and Permanent Fund Dividend."

• Regulatory Commission of Alaska: The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) regulates public utilities and pipeline services in Alaska to ensure they provide safe and adequate service at reasonable rates. The commission certifies providers, investigates complaints, establishes operational rules and standards, and oversees the utility account system. It also promotes resource conservation in setting electric service rates.

• Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development: The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) connects job seekers and employers through services such as resume assistance, job matching, and skills assessment, and administers programs for job training and employment assistance. The department also handles key functions, including enforcing wage and hour laws, managing unemployment programs, and providing resources on labor laws, such as paid sick leave and public construction projects.

• Alaska Department of Natural Resources: The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages and develops the state's natural resources to maximize public interest, which includes state-owned land, water, oil, gas, minerals, and forests. Its responsibilities include managing state parks and wildlife areas, regulating mining and oil and gas production, and ensuring sustainable forestry practices. The department issues permits for various activities, from commercial development to recreational use, and provides scientific data on the state's water resources.

• Alaska Small Business Development Center: The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free, confidential business advising and low-cost workshops for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, covering topics like business planning, marketing, and financial management. It also offers online tools, resources, and access to AI-based solutions to help businesses grow. The SBDC's mission is to support and develop Alaska's small business community through expert guidance and resources.

How to Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Alaska

Online public search engines may provide access to information on business owners in Alaska. However, these public search tools offer basic information and may not provide detailed information on the business's ownership structure. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development web page provides comprehensive information on business entity owners. The steps outlined can help individuals seeking information about business entity owners obtain the necessary details.

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

Additionally, persons seeking information on the owners of business entities in Alaska may utilize the following resources:

• Alaska Boroughs: Many Alaska businesses register with their local borough offices. Contact the appropriate Alaska borough or city clerk's office to access records of business entity owners.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB reviews businesses across the United States, including Alaska, and may provide information on business owners in the state. Visit BBB

• Public Libraries: Many public libraries keep business directories that provide comprehensive details about local businesses and their owners

• Other Public Records: Tax records, court records, real estate records, and business license records may provide information on the identity of Alaska business entities

Types of Owners and Their Roles

Common types of businesses in Alaska include restaurants, tourism, oil and gas services, car repair, and online businesses. Within these, owners and controllers can hold one or many different roles. Leadership styles in Alaska include autocratic and transformational, and roles include C-suite executives (CEO, CFO, CMO) and operational managers (COO, Director, Project Manager). Business owner roles can range from founding a company to managing daily operations.

Alaska Business Ownership and Leadership Roles Include:

• Founder: The individual who starts and often remains involved in the company's direction.

• C-Suite: High-level executive roles:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): The highest-ranking executive.

• Chief Operating Officer (COO): Responsible for the day-to-day operations.

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Oversees the company's financial activities.

• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Leads all marketing and advertising efforts.

• Managers and Directors: Oversee specific departments or projects:

• Director of Operations

• Sales Manager

• Human Resources Manager

• Project Manager

• Department Supervisor

Different entity structures have various roles and types of ownership. Some individuals who have control over a company may not hold a traditional role within it. Leadership is a crucial factor to understand before working with a company.

Some of the more conventional roles within companies include:

• Shareholders (or Stockholders): They own the corporation by purchasing stock, which grants them voting rights to elect the Board of Directors and influence major corporate decisions.

• Directors: Directors set the strategic course for the corporation, make major decisions, and oversee the conduct of the officers.

• Officers: Officers, such as presidents (CEO) and secretaries, manage the day-to-day operations of the business and are hired and fired by the Board of Directors.

• Members: Members are the owners of the LLC. They can also serve as managers or delegate management to others. Members are typically protected from personal liability for the company's debts.

• Managers: Managers, whether members or non-members, are responsible for managing the business and affairs of the LLC.

• General Partners: They manage the business affairs as outlined in the partnership agreement. General partners are entirely liable for all business debts and obligations.

• Limited Partners: Limited partners have limited management rights. Their liability is typically limited to their investment in the business, providing them with some protection from business debts.

Red Flags to Look for When Searching Business Entities

When researching Alaska business entities before using their services, partnering with them, or investing, always watch out for red flags that could indicate serious problems. The following are some red flags to be aware of when searching.

General red flags include:

• Deceptive Solicitations: Be cautious of official-looking requests for money or information, such as those that impersonate government entities or vendors.

• Misrepresentation: Scammers may misquote or misrepresent Alaska Statutes and Regulations, especially when trying to get you to pay them.

• Fake Services: Be wary of offers for counterfeit services or products, like fake OSHA education products.

• Bad Reputation: A business with a poor reputation may be a higher risk, though it could be a turnaround opportunity if the price is right.

Entity Status Problems

Begin your search by verifying the company's entity status. Contact the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to check the status. Be cautious if the status is inactive, dissolved, or under penalty for not following state rules. If you cannot find the company, that could also be a serious red flag, indicating they are operating illegally and not officially registered.

Check with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing for any "trade names." Registering a DBA protects the name for 5 years in the state, preventing other businesses from registering the same name.

Sometimes the available data can be limited, inaccurate, or missing. You can also use EntityCheck's stellar business search tool to find details about a company in Alaska.

Inconsistent or Suspicious Information

Another red flag is inconsistent, missing, or suspicious information. Always verify the company's names and addresses. Ensure that the name on an entity filing was included with the person's consent and that the address was also provided with the person's consent. Check for consistency. Do the name, address, and other details match across all available documents, or are there differences? Let that be a warning; something may not be up to par. If the company has no physical address, only a P.O. box, watch out.

Ownership and Management Concerns

Poor management is a big indicator of deeper issues. For example, consistently high employee turnover can signal poor management, a toxic work environment, or other internal problems.

An unsustainable business model is also a red flag. Investigate if the business has a viable model or if there are fundamental weaknesses in its operations or legal structure that could cause it to fail.

Another issue is heavy reliance on key individuals. A business that is overly dependent on a few key people can be risky, as their departure could jeopardize the company's future.

An Alaska legal professional notes that the most common types of employment lawsuits in Alaska are retaliation and wrongful discharge, which are often linked. These lawsuits arise when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in a "protected activity," such as reporting illegal activity, discrimination, or safety violations. Alaska's public policy exception to at-will employment specifically protects employees from being fired for actions like filing a workers' compensation claim. Watch out for companies with multiple retaliation or wrongful discharge lawsuits.

Financial Warning Signs

One of the most important things to check is financial warning signs, because if a company is insolvent, it might not be reliable, and if it is fraudulent, it could put you at risk. Be cautious of unsupported or unauthorized transactions, excessive voided receipts, or a large number of unsupported adjusted journal entries, as these can indicate financial irregularities.

A business that cannot provide complete or consistent financial records (such as tax returns or profit-and-loss statements) is a major red flag. A high level of existing debt can indicate financial instability. A business that is not transparent about its financial dealings is a clear red flag.

Legal and Compliance Gaps

The last thing you want is to get in the middle of some other company's legal battles. Always check any pending or even frequent past litigation. Multiple lawsuits about the same issue say a lot.

The most common business lawsuits in Alaska often involve consumer protection, employment disputes, and contract disagreements. Consumer protection cases are frequently brought by the state, as seen in actions against companies for alleged scams or deceptive practices. Employee-related lawsuits, such as wrongful termination, and disputes over contractual obligations, are also common types of litigation.

Connections & Affiliations

A company's connections and affiliations can tell quite a story. Sometimes one person runs multiple dissolved/failed companies. Look for repeat patterns of dissolutions followed by new formations. That is a significant indicator of potential fraud. One thing to be cautious of is a company with ties to organized crime figures and politically exposed persons (PEPs). If the company makes a concerted effort to conceal its actual owner or person in charge, that should be a clear warning to stay away.

Some red flags in broader business records include the following:

Inconsistent Public Records

• Company filings don't match what's listed in:

• Court records

• Tax records

• Property ownership filings

• An example of this is that the registered address differs from the address in lawsuits or liens.

Poor Record-Keeping

• Missing meeting minutes (for corporations).

• No updated ownership/member list for LLCs.

• Lack of transparency in accounting records.

Regulatory Issues

• Fines, sanctions, or loss of licenses with state agencies.

• Businesses flagged by the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office.

Unusual Patterns

• Very recent incorporation with sudden high activity.

• Foreign entities registered but not compliant with local laws.

• Shell-company indicators (multiple entities tied to the same registered agent at the same address).

Best Practices When Reviewing Business Entity Records

Utilize the best practices outlined below to maximize the benefits of your research. A business background check can take time, but it can yield a wealth of information that could help you avoid any costly mistakes. - Cross-reference everything.

• Use official resources. Verify information by searching the official Alaska Corporations Database.

• Compare the UCC filing data with records from litigation and bankruptcy courts. Look for discrepancies between the documents.

• Check annual reports for consistency year-over-year.

• Research the owners of a company to detect possible bankruptcies, felonies, fraud, and other legal issues that could affect your business.

• Use business verification services or business background reports from EntityCheck.

• Keep in mind the context. For example, a single lien may not be alarming, but multiple filings, lawsuits, and frequent leadership turnover together signal real risk.

How to Register an Entity in Alaska

Setting up a business entity in Alaska is a thorough process to ensure compliance with the law. It begins with identifying the type of business you want to set up and choosing the legal structure that best suits it. Generally, the standard options for business legal structure include:

• Sole Proprietorship: Low entry cost, but has no liability protection for its owners

• Partnerships: Ideal for businesses with two or more owners sharing responsibilities

• LLCs: Offers liability protection and tax flexibility. Ideal for small and medium-scale businesses

• Corporations: Ideal for companies planning to issue stock or attract investors

• Nonprofit Organizations: Best suited for entities focused on charitable, educational, or religious deeds

• Foreign Entities: Used by corporations established outside Alaska but intending to conduct business in the state

Persons setting up a business entity may take the following steps to legalize their entities:

• Identify the business type and choose the legal structure.

• Choose a name. The state allows you to reserve a business name by filing a Business Name Reservation up to 120 days before registering the business entity. Always verify that the name is available before proceeding to avoid legal conflicts.

• Select your registered agent for corporations, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs.

• Register the business entity with the Alaska Corporations by filing the Articles of Incorporation.

• Obtain professional licensing for businesses operating in regulated professions.

• Apply for a business license from the Alaska Business Section.

• Register a business tax account with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

• Get an Employer Identification Number for the IRS.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Alaska

The cost of establishing a business in Alaska varies by entity type. Generally, the following fees apply to registering a business entity in the state:

Business Corporations

• Domestic - $250

• Foreign - $350

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

• Domestic - $250

• Foreign - $350

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

• Domestic and Foreign - $150

Limited Partnership (LP)

• Domestic and Foreign - $150

• Nonprofit Corporations

• Domestic and Foreign - $50

Professional Corporations

• $250

Business Name Reservation

• $25 for both paper and online submissions

Biennial Report

• Domestic Corporations - $100 every two years

Biennial Report

• Foreign Entities - $200 every two years

Biennial Report

• Nonprofits (Domestic & Foreign) - $25 every two years

In Alaska, business entities must have their names approved before formal registration. Reserving a business name costs $25 for paper applications and online submissions. In addition, corporations, LLCs, LLPs, professional corporations, and nonprofits may file a biennial report every two years to avoid non-compliance. It costs $100 for domestic corporations and $200 for foreign entities to file a biennial report. However, domestic and foreign nonprofits may file biennial reports for $25.

When naming your new company, you must follow Alaska's strict naming guidelines. They are as follows:

In Alaska, a business name must be distinguishable from other registered businesses and include an entity indicator, such as "Corporation," "Company," "Limited," or "LLC," if the business is a registered entity. Unincorporated companies cannot use these terms, and names cannot mislead the public or resemble government agencies. You must conduct a name search to ensure availability and register the name with the state before you begin operations.

The exact naming guidelines for Alaska are as follows:

• Distinguishable Name: Your name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses already operating in Alaska.

• Entity Indicators: The name must include a designated corporate or business type identifier, such as "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporation," "Limited," or "LLC" (for a limited liability company).

• Unincorporated Businesses: An unincorporated business cannot use words like "incorporated" or "corporation" in its name.

• Restricted Words: Do not include words or phrases that are misleading or could confuse the name with a government agency (e.g., "FBI," "Treasury," "State Department").

• Professional Names: Using words like "Attorney," "Engineer," or "Bank" may require additional paperwork and proof of professional licensing.

• DBA: If you plan to operate under a different name than your legal entity name, you must register it as a "Doing Business As" (DBA) or assumed name. A DBA is a separate registration for a name different from your legal business entity name. You need both a business license and a DBA registration for a DBA name to be legally valid.

FAQs

1. How do I look up who owns an LLC in Alaska (members vs. managers)?

   To find the members or managers of an LLC in Alaska, use the Alaska Corporations Database on the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing website. You can search by the LLC's name or entity number and view public information, including the names of registered members or managers, in documents such as articles of organization or biennial reports. You can also use EntityCheck's search tool to find owners, directors, and associates within a company. 2. How can I find a corporation's officers and directors in the state? You can find a corporation's officers and directors in Alaska by using the Alaska Corporations Database for basic information, checking [SEC filings (like EDGAR) for public companies, and searching the company's website for "About Us" or "Investor Relations" sections.

2. Are business owners' names public or private in Alaska?

   In Alaska, business owners' names are public information and accessible through official business license records. You can search for business licenses on the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development website that include the owner's name.

3. Where do I search official business records in the state?

   You can search for official business records in Alaska through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing website by using the "Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing search page" to find a business by its name or entity number. This is the primary official source for this type of information in the state, managed by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.

4. How do I check if a business name is available or reserved in Alaska?

   To check if a business name is available in Alaska, use the free online business entity search on the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development website. Search for all or part of the name to see if it or a similar name is already registered and check the status of any matches. You should also perform a search on the USPTO website to see if a name is trademarked.

5. How can I view recent filings (Articles, amendments, mergers, annual/biennial reports) for a company in Alaska?

   You can view recent filings for an Alaska company by using the Alaska Search Corporations Database. Navigate to the website, search for the entity by name or number, and then access and print most documents directly from the results, though some may require a special request.

6. How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence in Alaska?

   You can get an Alaska Certificate of Compliance (good standing) online or by mail through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Licensing. To get one online, go to the "Forms & Fees" page, select the online option, fill out the required information, and pay the $10 fee for an immediate, printable certificate. By mail, you will need to submit a Copy Request Form and pay the fee, with processing taking about 10--15 business days.

7. How do I obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in the state?

   To get certified copies of formation documents and amendments in Alaska, you must submit a written request with a completed Copy Request Form 08-562 to the Division of Corporations. Pay the required fees, including a $5 fee per certified copy and an additional copy request fee based on the number of pages, then submit the form by mail or fax. The state will then process the request and mail the certified copies to you.

8. How do I search UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) liens against a company in Alaska?

   To search for a UCC lien against a company in Alaska, you must go to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing website, which is where UCC filings are handled. Search the public records using the company's correct legal name to see any filed liens. Try using variations of the name, such as any former names, for a complete search. You can also find UCC liens using EntityCheck's UCC Filings search tool.

9. What are the steps to register an LLC in Alaska (forms, fees, timeline)?

   To register an LLC in Alaska, you must file Articles of Organization with the state for a $250 fee, appoint a registered agent, and create an operating agreement. After filing, you must file an Initial Report online within six months (no fee) and obtain an Alaska business license. Processing can take two to three weeks, but expedited processing is available. You will also need an EIN from the IRS.

10. What are the steps to incorporate (C-Corp/S-Corp) in Alaska?

    To incorporate in Alaska, you must first choose a business name, appoint a registered agent, and file Articles of Incorporation with the state. For an S-Corp, you will also need to file Form 2553 with the IRS after your corporation is formed. After filing with the state, you should hold an initial organizational meeting with the directors to adopt bylaws and issue stock.

11. Do I need a registered agent in the state, and who can serve as one?

    Yes, you need a registered agent in Alaska if you form a business there. This can be an individual who is at least 18 years old with a physical address in Alaska, or a professional service company that has a physical address in Alaska. You cannot serve as your own registered agent if you are forming a corporation.

12. What annual reports, franchise/margin taxes, or license renewals are required in Alaska?

    Alaska requires most registered businesses to file a biennial report instead of an annual one, due in January in odd or even years based on the business's formation year. The state does not have a franchise tax, but corporations pay an annual Corporation Net Income Tax. Businesses also need to pay their federal and state taxes and may need to renew other professional or business licenses.

13. How long does state approval take in Alaska, and are expedited options available?

    Standard state approval in Alaska takes 10-15 business days for hard-copy filings, while online filings are processed much faster, often immediately. Expedited options are generally not available for many standard business filings, though some specific licenses, such as liquor licenses, can take significantly longer. The state prioritizes online submissions, which are the fastest method for many processes.

14. Do I need to foreign-qualify to do business in Alaska if my company is formed elsewhere?

    Yes, your out-of-state company must foreign-qualify to do business in Alaska. This is done by filing a Certificate of Authority with the Alaska Corporations Section and appointing a registered agent in the state.

15. What activities count as "doing business" in the state?

    Activities that count as "doing business" in Alaska include transacting substantial business, maintaining an active office, manufacturing products, or otherwise operating in the state, especially for out-of-state entities. Any business operating in Alaska must obtain an Alaska business license, regardless of its legal structure. Additionally, operating as a sole proprietor and conducting business activities without formally registering as another business also counts.

16. How do I file a DBA/fictitious business name in Alaska, and is county/city filing required?

    To file a DBA in Alaska, you must register the name with the Alaska Department of Commerce and have a current Alaska business license; no county or city filing is required. You'll need to provide the business name, owner information, and a business license number on the application and pay a $25 fee. Filing can be done online for immediate processing or by mail for a 10--15-day turnaround.

17. How do I change my company's name, address, officers, or members with the state?

    To change your company's information in Alaska, you must file the appropriate forms with the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. For name, address, or registered agent changes, you will likely file an amendment or a specific change form. For officers, directors, or managers, file a "Notice of Change of Officials" form.

18. How do I reinstate or revive a company that's been administratively dissolved in Alaska?

    To reinstate an Alaska company, contact the Alaska Corporations Section via email at corporations@alaska.gov with your entity's name, number, and dissolution date, as they will provide the necessary forms and instructions. You will need to resolve the reason for dissolution, which usually involves paying overdue fees and/or taxes, and submit the required paperwork. Reinstatement must be completed within two years of the involuntary dissolution date.

19. Do I need to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN, and how does that interact with Alaska filings?

    Yes, your Alaska-registered business, such as an LLC, is likely required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN, and this is a separate federal filing that does not replace your Alaska state-level filings. You must file the BOI report with FinCEN, even though you already have state filings with Alaska.