Alaska Articles of Incorporation

What Are Alaska Articles of Incorporation?

Alaska articles of incorporation are the document you file with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing to form a corporation in Alaska. They must list the corporation's name, purpose, registered office and agent, alien affiliates, and authorized shares. (Alaska Stat. § 10.06.208)

These public records outline the basic facts about your corporation, which often include:

• Corporate name
• Principal office address
• Registered agent information
• Initial directors, where the state requires them
• Stock information

When to Use Alaska Articles of Incorporation

Alaska articles of incorporation are essential to establishing a corporation at the state level. Use them to do the following:

• Form a new corporation: This document officially creates your company as a distinct legal entity
• Register with the state: Filing is required to register your corporation with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
• Define company structure: Your articles outline the basic structure of your corporation
• Protect personal assets: A properly maintained corporation can help shield personal assets from business liabilities
• Plan your tax approach: Forming a corporation is the first step toward choosing C corporation or S corporation tax treatment
• Comply with state law: Alaska sets specific requirements for forming a corporation, and your articles help you meet them
• Prepare for future growth: Well-drafted formation documents give your business room to expand

Alaska Articles of Incorporation Requirements

Alaska sets its own rules for what your articles must include, who can sign them, and what else you must file. These are the Alaska rules to know before you file.

What Must Alaska Articles of Incorporation Include?

Alaska requires your articles to include the following:

• A corporate name that meets Alaska naming rules
• The corporation's purpose, which can be any lawful business
• The address of the initial registered office and the name of the initial registered agent
• Each alien affiliate's name and address (a closely tied foreign person or company), or a statement that there are none
• The number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue, plus class details if there is more than one class

Alaska does not require you to name initial directors in your articles, but you may include them.

Who Can Sign and File Alaska Articles of Incorporation?

One or more individuals who are at least 18 years old may act as incorporators of an Alaska corporation. You file your articles with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.

Does an Alaska Corporation Need a Registered Agent?

Alaska requires every corporation to keep a registered agent and registered office in the state at all times. The agent may be an Alaska resident whose business office is the registered office, or a corporation authorized to do business in Alaska.

What Else Is Required to File Alaska Articles of Incorporation?

Alaska has these additional requirements when you file:

• You must file a separate statement of the industry codes that best describe the activities the corporation will first engage in.
• Alaska law calls for an original and an exact copy of the articles when you file.

These requirements reflect Alaska's corporation statutes, and some filings may call for more information.