Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Published on August 16, 2022 Updated on March 11, 2024
If you’re starting an LLC in Alaska, the business entity formation process is one of the first and most important hurdles. This step can be terribly complex and time-consuming, which is why many entrepreneurs turn to professional formation services.
But which are the best LLC formation services in Alaska? This article takes a closer look, stepping into an entrepreneur’s shoes to help you choose the service that puts you on the road to success.
Here we summarize our top picks for business formation services in Alaska.
Best LLC Formation Services in Alaska
ZenBusiness
4.7/5
Best Overall
Price: $0 to $349 (3 plans offered) + state filing fees
Offers registered agent services, but as an add-on for $199
In Alaska, forming an LLC has never been easier, thanks to ZenBusiness. Their Starter plan for Alaska LLCs is priced at $0 plus state fees, ensuring a thorough business name availability search in Alaska and complete LLC formation support.
The Pro plan, available for $199 plus Alaska fees, builds on the Starter plan’s offerings by including an operating agreement template tailored for Alaska, an EIN, annual compliance service, and priority rush filing.
For those wanting an even more comprehensive package, the Premium plan, priced at $349 plus state fees, delivers everything in the Pro plan, along with a business document template library specific for Alaska businesses, domain name registration, a website, and email services.
When it comes to selecting the best LLC filing company for Alaskan entrepreneurs, ZenBusiness stands out. Their cost-effective service starts at a mere $0 plus state fees, ensuring LLC filing with a 100% accuracy guarantee.
Apart from offering LLC formation services in Alaska, ZenBusiness also provides a variety of add-on services, from registered agent solutions to essential business tools. However, potential clients should note that opting for these additional features might increase the overall cost. Historically, ZenBusiness has consistently received positive reviews from satisfied customers in Alaska and other states.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-priced packages offer good value ($0 business formation plan)
Great customer support
Positive customer reviews
Quick and easy purchase process
Company is socially responsible and active
Cons
Registered agent service not included in the plans (add-on)
Cancellation can be a lengthy process
Some information is difficult to find on the website
ZenBusiness offers valuable services for budding entrepreneurs. While registered agent services are an add-on, their excellent customer support, user-friendly site, and positive reviews make them a top choice.
In Alaska, Northwest offers a comprehensive plan for aspiring business owners. For just $39 plus state fees, this package covers business formation, a free registered agent service for the first year, a business address, a tailored operating agreement for Alaska, and several other valuable extras.
This plan represents an incredible value for Alaskan entrepreneurs, especially considering that it includes crucial services such as the registered agent service and an operating agreement tailored for Alaska LLCs.
However, it’s important for Alaskan businesses to note that even if they decide not to opt for the registered agent services, the full plan price remains unchanged.
Given their name, Northwest Registered Agent is primarily renowned for their registered agent services. Their reputation as registered agent service providers is backed by their commitment to offering more personalized customer support and prompt correspondence notifications, ensuring Alaska businesses always stay compliant and informed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-designed package offers good value (registered agent service included in the first year)
Outstanding customer service
Website is intuitive and resourceful (free legal documents and forms)
Northwest Registered Agent can take the time and hassle out of starting your business and the ongoing process of staying in compliance with your state’s laws. Their streamlined pricing is uncommon amongst competitors, so you’ll have more control over what you pay for.
For Alaskans looking to set up their LLC swiftly, Swyft Filings provides an array of packages tailored to meet different business needs. With just the state fees, Swyft Filings’ Basic package will verify your company name availability in Alaska, handle the preparation of the articles of organization, and ensure timely document filing with the Alaska state office.
If you’re looking to upscale your business services in Alaska, the Standard package is available at $199 plus state fees. This covers everything in the Basic package and further includes a custom operating agreement tailored to Alaska, a federal tax ID or EIN, custom banking resolution services, and custom organizational minutes.
For those who want an all-inclusive service in Alaska, Swyft Filings’ Premium package is an ideal choice. Priced at $299 plus the state filing fees, it envelops all the offerings of the Standard package. What sets it apart is the expedited filing, ensuring faster processing. Additionally, LLCs will gain access to a business document library, timely compliance notifications, and a business domain name coupled with a website. The digital LLC kit that accompanies this package offers a digital company “seal”, a meticulous ledger for ownership transfer tracking, and bespoke ownership certificates.
Lastly, it’s imperative to mention that Swyft Filings doesn’t just offer these services; they back them up with exemplary customer support. Their impressive track record in Alaska, as evidenced by numerous positive customer reviews, stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Competitively-priced packages offer good value
Fast turnaround times
Personalized customer service specific to your needs
Quick and easy purchase process
Good rating from the Better Business Bureau
Cons
Registered agent services not included in packages and pricier than competitors
Swyft Filings offers fast processing but doesn’t include registered agent services in their packages, making additions somewhat costly. However, they provide good value overall and strong customer support.
The Basic plan for an Alaska LLC costs only state fees and includes a business name availability search in Alaska and the LLC formation service, complete with full customer support. This plan also provides a few added benefits, such as a digital welcome packet and a business website. Additionally, you can access your formation documents online whenever needed.
The Pro plan, priced at $249, encompasses all features of the Basic plan and introduces an operating agreement tailored for Alaska, an EIN, a business license guide, and initial phone consultations with experts.
The Premium plan, available at $299, offers all the perks of the Pro plan, complemented by unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations and amendments to your Alaska LLC for 30 days, paired with personalized guidance from a business attorney.
What sets LegalZoom apart is the comprehensive array of additional legal services and documents they make available.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Reputable and reliable services
Local attorneys available in all 50 states
Great customer support
Quick and easy purchase process
Variety of legal services and documents available to business owners
Cons
Registered agent service cost is higher compared to competitors
LegalZoom’s services are easy to use and they offer great customer experience. They offer a wider variety of legal services and have been in business for more than 20 years. Overall, they’re a great one-stop shop for all of your business formation and legal needs.
Tailor Brands caters to Alaska-based businesses with their Lite plan, priced at only $49 plus the state fees. This plan ensures your business formation in Alaska and comes with standard state processing durations.
Their Essential plan, designed for the Alaskan business landscape, offers enhanced features. For an annual cost of $199, this package includes their yearly compliance service, an operating agreement tailored for Alaska, and swift, expedited processing.
The Elite plan, available at $249 annually, is tailored to the digital needs of Alaska businesses, providing them with a domain name, a choice of eight unique logos, a business website builder, and other valuable extras.
Tailor Brands stands out by introducing a suite of contemporary business tools, such as a logo maker, website, and domain name, making it especially advantageous for budding Alaskan enterprises.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Easy to use website — users can begin with just a few clicks
A comprehensive platform for entrepreneurs looking to form an LLC and build an online presence
Provides superior branding and business-enhancing tools
Tailor Brands’ plans are a decent value, but the main reason that we chose them for the list is the extensive business tools they offer. If you can overcome their aggressive sales tactics, you can access a variety of services to meet all your business needs.
Filenow presents a Starter plan for $49, catering to Alaska LLCs. This plan encompasses features like company compliance alerts specific to Alaska’s regulations, a tax consultation, and an exclusive business bank account.
The Premium plan, priced at $199, enhances the offering with a complimentary year of registered agent services in Alaska, an operating agreement tailored to Alaska, an EIN, a banking resolution, business contract templates suitable for the state’s norms, and expedited 24-hour processing.
What sets Filenow apart is its swift processing times and a reassuring money-back guarantee. Moreover, their Premium plan stands out as an extraordinary value for Alaskan businesses.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Good value offered without hidden fees
Live 24-hour order processing
24/7 customer support
Money-back guarantee
Error-free filing, or your money back
Cons
No free business formation plan
Limited service options (no annual reporting, no legal services)
Filenow’s Premium plan is an exceptional value based on what you get for the price. It’s less expensive than similar plans offered by competitors. They also offer fast turnaround times, and a money back guarantee.
Why Use a Business Formation Service for your LLC in Alaska?
A business formation service handles the business formation process for you, making it nearly seamless while offering additional services that can make life easier for a new business owner. Whether you’re forming a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, a business formation service takes care of all the red tape, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.
What to Look for When Purchasing an LLC Service in Alaska?
With so many business formation services to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is best for you. There are four essential elements that can help you make your decision.
Features
Each service offers various products and services, and their plans are all designed differently. You may need some services but not others, so you need to choose the service that offers everything you need. For example, only some of the providers offer annual report filing.
If it’s important to you to get that task off your plate, you’ll want a service that offers that feature. Another feature you might need is a digital dashboard where you can always access your business formation documents.
You’ll want to choose a service that has everything you need to make starting and running your business as easy as possible.
Pricing
Of course, you’ll want to get the best value for your money!
Compare the cost of each service for everything you need. The price can really add up when you start adding extras, so be careful not to go too far. You also want to get good value and great customer service, so if you’re considering the cheapest service, check the reviews to see how people feel about it.
Turnaround time
Business formation turnaround times vary with each service, so if you’re in a hurry to get your business up and running, you’ll want to look for the quickest service. You don’t want your order to sit in an office too long before your paperwork gets filed with the state. Some services differentiate themselves with fast turnaround times, so if they also offer good value, that might be your best choice.
Customer Service and Reviews
One good way to learn about the quality of anything you’re buying is to listen to what people are saying about it. When we review services we look at Better Business Bureau ratings and reviews, as well as TrustPilot reviews. You should look at both positive and negative reviews to find out what people love about the service and about the issues customers have encountered.
Remember that fake reviews are common, so you’ll have to take some of the reviews with a grain of salt.
Our Approach
As an entrepreneurial advisory site, we take our responsibilities seriously. We understand that countless entrepreneurs, and potential entrepreneurs, rely on our judgments and insights, particularly when it comes to creating their business.
As a result, our writers do their utmost to gain a comprehensive understanding of the services offered and the actual customer experience. In nearly every case, we:
Examined every page of the service’s website
Reviewed all of their offerings, from a la carte products to packages
Put ourselves in the customer’s shoes, creating an account
Communicated with customer service via chat, email, and phone
Used the service to actually form an LLC
Gained a full understanding of the customer experience and service value
Thanks to this full immersion in the actual customer experience, our reviewers are able to provide the most complete and insightful analysis of various LLC formation services.
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