Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a critical step in starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Alaska. Whether you have been running a charity for a while or are just starting out, your nonprofit organization will need to fill out the Articles of Incorporation and file them with the State of Alaska. This will allow you to file for 501(c)(3) status and reap the benefits of having an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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Starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Alaska is easy, just follow these easy steps to file the Alaska Articles of Incorporation:
If you are starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Alaska, you have come to the right place. After reading the comprehensive guide for Alaska nonprofit formation, follow this guide to file the Alaska Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
What is covered in this guide:
Information you will need to file the Alaska Articles of Incorporation
To become a nonprofit corporation in Alaska you must file Form 08-438, the Articles of Incorporation for a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation.
Here are the sections that you will need to complete.
Article 1: Name of Corporation
Enter the name you have selected.
For help with selecting a name for your nonprofit read our comprehensive guide on how to name an Alaska nonprofit.
Article 2: Disclosure of Corporate Purposes
Describe the purpose of your nonprofit organization. Nonprofit organizations should also include NAICS code(s) where applicable. The State of Alaska provides a list of recognized NAICS codes.
In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, the organization’s purpose must explicitly be limited to one or more of the following:
- Charitable
- Religious
- Scientific
- Literary
- Testing for public safety
- Fostering national/international amateur sports competition
- Preventing cruelty to animals/children
NOTE: You can read the IRS guidelines on their website.
Article 3: Registered Agent & Registered Office
The registered agent can be any entity registered to do business in Alaska or any person who is a resident of the state. Your organization cannot act as its own registered agent.
Any person you designate as the registered agent must have explicitly consented to act as the registered agent for your organization even though you do not need to include proof of consent with your Form 08-438.
For more information read our guide: What is a registered agent? and The Alaska Registered Agent Guide.
Article 4: Directors
At least 3 directors will need to be named.
When filling the form do not use any prefixes such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” and only use the suffix box for titles of lineage such as ‘Jr.’, ‘Sr.’, or ‘III’ but not for designations such as M.D. or Ph.D.
Since this document will become public record you may want to use a post office box address rather than the residential addresses of the directors to maintain privacy.
Enter the information of the directors selected.
Article 5: Supplemental Provisions/Information
Use this section of the articles of formation to formally state what the assets of the organization will be used for, and what will happen to the assets if the organization is dissolved.
To be eligible for 501(c)(3) status, you must convince the IRS that the organization’s assets will always only be used for the purposes approved under 501(c)(3) rules. To this end, you must include provisions ensuring that in the event your organization is dissolved, the assets of the organization will be used towards tax-exempt purposes.
Section 5 of this sample document provides an example of these provisions required for 501(c)(3) eligibility.
Signatures
Include the signature and printed names of at least 3 incorporators who are over the age of 19.
How to file the Alaska Articles of Incorporation
There are two ways to submit your Articles of Incorporation one of two ways:
Online:
File the Articles of Incorporation through the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development's online application.
By Mail:
Submit the Articles of Incorporation to the mailing address below:
State of Alaska Corporations Section
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
The filing fee is $50.
- Checks and money orders for mailed forms must be made payable to the "State of Alaska"
- Accepted credit cards for both online and mail filing include Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express
Alaska Nonprofit Formation FAQ
How long does it take to process Form 08-438?
If you file online it is processed immediately. If you file by mail expect to get a response in 10-15 business days.
How do I contact the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development for more information?
You can call for Information at (907) 269-8160 or visit them at their website.
State of Alaska Nonprofit Resources
IRS - Information for Charities & Nonprofits
IRS - Required Provisions for Organizing Documents
IRS - 990 Series for Tax-Exempt Organizations
IRS - Applying for Tax-Exempt Status
IRS - 501(c)(3) Compliance Guide
Small Business Administration - License and Permits
Alaska Department of Revenue - Tax Division
State of Alaska Department of Commerce - Business License
Alaska Department of Law - Charitable Organization Registration