By Jake Lawson | Last updated: [4-Aug-2025]
Quick summary: Alaska LLCs must file a biennial report every 2 years by January 2nd, costing $100. This keeps your LLC in good standing and your contact information current with the state. File online for fastest processing.
Here’s what makes Alaska unique—while most states require annual reports, Alaska only requires this filing every two years. That’s great for reducing administrative burden, but it also means it’s easier to forget about it entirely. I’ve seen Alaska LLCs get dissolved because owners thought they were “done” after formation.
Don’t let a simple biennial report jeopardize your business. Let me walk you through exactly how to stay compliant.
Alaska LLC Biennial Report Requirements
Filing Details:
- Cost: $100 every 2 years
- Due date: January 2nd (every other year)
- Filing method: Online preferred, mail option available
- First report due: 2 years after Initial Report
- Processing time: 1-2 minutes online
Key Compliance Facts:
- Grace period: Until February 1st
- Late penalty: $37.50 after February 1st
- Consequences of non-filing: LLC dissolution
- Purpose: Update contact information and member changes
Example timeline: If you filed your Alaska LLC Initial Report on March 15, 2024, your first biennial report is due by January 2, 2026.
Understanding Alaska’s Biennial Report Schedule
The Two-Year Cycle:
Unlike most states that require annual reports, Alaska operates on a biennial (every 2 years) system. This starts from when you filed your Initial Report, not when you formed your LLC.
Timeline Example:
- LLC formed: February 2024
- Initial Report filed: May 2024
- First Biennial Report due: January 2, 2026
- Second Biennial Report due: January 2, 2028
- And so on…
Common Confusion:
Many business owners mistakenly think the cycle starts from formation. It doesn’t—it starts from your Initial Report filing date. This is why some Alaska LLCs miss their first biennial report.
Can’t remember when you filed your Initial Report? Search your LLC in the Alaska Corporations Database and check the “Filed Documents” section.
Why Alaska Biennial Reports Matter
What This Report Accomplishes:
- Maintains good standing with the Alaska Division of Corporations
- Updates contact information for official state communications
- Confirms current members/managers and their information
- Preserves LLC liability protection and legal status
Consequences of Not Filing:
- January 2nd: Report becomes overdue
- February 1st: $37.50 late penalty imposed
- Continued non-compliance: Administrative dissolution proceedings
- LLC dissolution: Loss of legal protection and business status
Reality check: A dissolved LLC means you lose liability protection, can’t conduct business legally, and face complex reinstatement procedures. All for missing a $100 biennial filing.
Before You Start: Required Information
You’ll Need:
- Entity Number (from your Alaska LLC records)
- Current contact information (mailing and physical addresses)
- Updated member/manager information (if there have been changes)
- Payment method (credit card for online filing)
Finding Your Entity Number:
- Check your original Certificate of Formation
- Look at your Initial Report documents
- Search the Alaska Corporations Database
- Call Alaska Division of Corporations at 907-465-2550
Don’t have your Entity Number? Don’t guess. Use the search tool or call the state. Wrong information can delay processing.
Step-by-Step Alaska Biennial Report Filing
Step 1: Access the Alaska Filing System
Start here: Alaska Biennial Report Portal
Enter your Entity Number:
- Input your LLC’s Entity Number exactly as it appears in state records
- Double-check for accuracy—wrong numbers cause processing delays
- Click “File Online” to begin
Tip: To stay compliant, schedule a repeating reminder on your calendar for filing your Biennial Report every two years.
Step 2: Verify Entity Addresses
Review your current addresses:
- Mailing address: Where the state sends official mail
- Physical address: Your LLC’s principal place of business
Update if needed:
- Change any outdated information
- Ensure addresses are complete and accurate
- Use standard postal formatting
Important note: You cannot change your Registered Agent through the biennial report. If you need to update your Registered Agent, you must file a separate Statement of Change with a $25 filing fee.
Address tips:
- Use full street names (not abbreviations)
- Include complete ZIP+4 codes when possible
- Make sure mail can actually reach these addresses
Step 3: Update Officials (Members/Managers)
Review current member/manager list:
- Add any new members or managers
- Remove anyone who’s no longer involved
- Update addresses for existing members/managers
Information required for each person:
- Full legal name
- Complete address
- Role (Member, Manager, or both)
Common scenarios:
- Single-member LLC: You’re likely both member and manager
- Multi-member LLC: List all current owners
- Manager-managed LLC: Include designated managers
- Changes since last filing: Add new people, remove former ones
Member vs. Manager reminder:
- Member: Owner of the LLC with financial interest
- Manager: Person authorized to manage day-to-day operations
- Member-managed: All owners participate in management decisions
- Manager-managed: Designated managers handle operational decisions
Step 4: Complete Filing Information
Name of person completing application:
- Enter your full legal name
- Provide current phone number
- Agree to terms and conditions
Review the terms carefully before agreeing. You’re certifying that all information is accurate.
Step 5: Review Your Filing
Click “Review Filing” PDF link to see your complete biennial report.
Check everything carefully:
- Entity information is correct
- Addresses are accurate and complete
- All members/managers are properly listed
- Your contact information is current
Make changes if needed:
- Click “Return to Filing” to make corrections
- Fix any errors before proceeding
- Don’t rush through this review step
Ready to file? Click “Proceed to Payment”
Save the PDF for your records before proceeding.
Step 6: Complete Payment
Enter your billing information:
- Credit card details
- Billing address
- Email address for confirmation
- Phone number
Filing fee: $100
Click “Continue” to process payment and submit your biennial report.
Step 7: Confirmation and Verification
After successful submission:
- You’ll receive immediate confirmation
- Processing takes 1-2 minutes
- Email confirmation sent to address provided
Verify filing was processed:
- Go to Alaska Corporations Database
- Search for your LLC by name or Entity Number
- Click on your Entity Number
- Scroll to “Filed Documents” section
- Look for your new “Biennial Report” entry
Save your confirmation and keep it with your LLC records.
Alaska Biennial Report Timeline and Penalties
Filing Schedule:
- Available starting: October 1st of filing year
- Due date: January 2nd
- Grace period: Until February 1st
- Late penalty: $37.50 after February 1st
Penalty Structure:
- Through January 2nd: No penalty
- February 1st and later: $37.50 late fee
- Continued non-filing: Dissolution proceedings begin
Strategic Timing:
My recommendation: File in November or December of the year before it’s due.
This gives you:
- Plenty of time before the deadline
- Fresh information while doing year-end business planning
- One less thing to worry about in January
Don’t wait until January 1st. The system might be busy, and you risk technical issues or forgetting entirely.
Common Alaska Biennial Report Mistakes
Based on my experience with Alaska clients, here are the errors that cause problems:
1. Confusing Formation Date with Initial Report Date
Problem: Filing based on wrong two-year cycle
Solution: Check your Initial Report filing date, not LLC formation date
2. Trying to Change Registered Agent
Problem: Biennial report doesn’t allow Registered Agent changes
Solution: File separate Statement of Change form with $25 fee
3. Outdated Contact Information
Problem: Missing state communications and compliance notices
Solution: Update addresses every time you move or change contact info
4. Incomplete Member/Manager Updates
Problem: State records don’t reflect current ownership/management
Solution: Add all new people, remove departed ones, update addresses
5. Missing the January 2nd Deadline
Problem: $37.50 late penalty and potential dissolution risk
Solution: File early in November/December, set calendar reminders
6. Wrong Entity Number
Problem: Filing gets rejected or applied to wrong business
Solution: Double-check Entity Number from official state records
Alaska vs Other States: Biennial Advantages
Why Alaska’s System Works:
Advantages:
- Less frequent filing (every 2 years vs. annually)
- Lower total cost ($50/year vs. $25-200+ annually in other states)
- Simplified compliance (fewer deadlines to track)
- Reasonable penalty structure (grace period provided)
Potential challenges:
- Easier to forget (longer intervals between filings)
- January 2nd deadline (right after holidays)
- Must track Initial Report date (not formation date)
Compared to Other States:
- Delaware: $300 annually, much more expensive
- California: $20 annually, but $800 minimum tax
- Nevada: $150 annually, more frequent but higher cost
- Wyoming: $50 annually, cheaper per year but more frequent
Bottom line: Alaska’s biennial system is business-friendly and cost-effective if you stay organized.
Professional Help vs DIY
Do It Yourself If:
- You have your Entity Number and basic information
- You’re comfortable with online forms
- Your LLC has simple ownership structure
- You want to save on professional fees
Consider Professional Help If:
- You have multiple LLCs with different filing schedules
- Complex ownership or management changes
- You’re frequently traveling or very busy
- You want automated compliance management
Alaska-Specific Considerations:
DIY usually works well because:
- Simple online process (10 minutes)
- Clear instructions and interface
- Immediate processing and confirmation
- Good state customer service support
Professional help makes sense if:
- You have businesses in multiple states
- Complex member/manager structures
- Want someone to track deadlines for you
- Need assistance with Registered Agent changes
Frequently Asked Questions
When is my first biennial report due?
Answer: Two years after you filed your Initial Report (not when you formed the LLC). Check your LLC’s filed documents if you’re unsure.
Can I file early?
Answer: Yes, you can file starting October 1st of the year before it’s due. I recommend filing early.
What if I miss the January 2nd deadline?
Answer: You have until February 1st before penalties apply. After that, there’s a $37.50 late fee.
Can I change my Registered Agent in the biennial report?
Answer: No, you must file a separate Statement of Change form with a $25 fee.
What happens if I don’t file at all?
Answer: Eventually, Alaska will dissolve your LLC, which eliminates your liability protection and legal business status.
Can I file by mail?
Answer: Yes, but online filing is faster, cheaper (no postage), and provides immediate confirmation.
Do I need to file if my LLC is inactive?
Answer: Yes, all Alaska LLCs must file biennial reports regardless of business activity.
My Recommendations for Alaska LLC Owners
After helping clients maintain Alaska LLCs, here’s my practical advice:
Best Practices:
- Set up calendar reminders 18 months after your Initial Report
- File early in November/December before the due date
- Keep Entity Number handy in your LLC records
- Update contact info promptly when you move or change numbers
- Save all confirmations for your business records
Alaska-Specific Advantages:
- Cost-effective at $50 per year average
- Less administrative burden than annual filing states
- Reasonable penalties with grace period
- Good online system that’s easy to use
Long-term Strategy:
- Track all filing dates if you have multiple entities
- Consider compliance services if you expand to multiple states
- Review member/manager information annually even though filing is biennial
- Maintain good standing to preserve liability protection
When Biennial Reports Are Due
Quick Reference Timeline:
If your Initial Report was filed in:
- 2024: First biennial report due January 2, 2026
- 2025: First biennial report due January 2, 2027
- 2026: First biennial report due January 2, 2028
Setting Up Reminders:
Calendar entries I recommend:
- October 1st: “Alaska biennial report filing opens”
- November 15th: “File Alaska biennial report early”
- December 15th: “Last reminder – Alaska biennial report due Jan 2”
Don’t rely on state reminders alone. Create your own system to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.
Contact Information and Resources
Alaska Division of Corporations:
- Phone: 907-465-2550
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM AKT, Monday-Friday
- Website: commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/Corporations.aspx
Online Resources:
- Biennial report filing: Filing portal
- Business entity search: Database search
- Statement of Change: Form 08-492
Legal References:
- Alaska Statutes Section 10.50.750 (Biennial report requirements)
- Alaska Statutes Section 10.50.755 (Filing procedures)
- Alaska Statutes Section 10.50.760 (Penalties and dissolution)
Questions about your specific situation? Drop me a line at [contact email]. I read every message personally and respond within 48 hours.
Looking for more Alaska LLC resources?
The Bottom Line on Alaska Biennial Reports
Alaska’s biennial report system is one of the most business-friendly in the country—lower cost per year than most states and less frequent filing requirements. But that longer timeline also makes it easier to forget entirely.
Key takeaways:
- File every 2 years starting from your Initial Report date
- Due January 2nd with grace period until February 1st
- Costs $100 every two years ($50/year average)
- Online filing is fastest and most reliable
- Missing it can dissolve your LLC and eliminate legal protection
My recommendation: Set up automatic calendar reminders for November of your filing year. File early, save the confirmation, and set the next reminder. Don’t let a simple compliance requirement put your business at risk.
The two-year cycle is both Alaska’s advantage and its trap. Use the longer timeline to your benefit by staying organized and filing early.
Jake Lawson is an LLC Formation Strategist with over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs from 40+ countries navigate U.S. business formation and maintenance. He holds an MBA in Finance from UT Austin and is a Certified Tax Consultant (CTC). His practical approach has helped over 1,200 businesses maintain compliance and good standing across all 50 states.
Need help with LLC compliance? Download my free LLC maintenance checklist to track all your business obligations across every state where you operate.