2026 Alaska Sales Tax Guide

Sales tax in Alaska isn’t like most states.

There’s no statewide sales tax, but many local jurisdictions do charge their own local sales tax. So, even without a state rate, you might still need to collect and file.

In this guide, we’ll explain how sales tax works in Alaska, what triggers tax obligations, and how to stay compliant. Plus, we’ll show you an easy way to manage sales tax across the United States.

Alaska Sales Tax Rate 2026

Alaska has no statewide sales tax. However, local jurisdictions may impose their own sales taxes, typically ranging from 2% to 7%.

Collecting Alaska Sales Tax from Customers

Let’s break down what you need to know about sales tax collection in Alaska:

Do I Have to Collect Alaska Sales Tax from Customers?

If your business operates in an area where a local sales tax is enforced, you may be required to collect it. Since Alaska doesn’t have a statewide sales tax, you’ll need to check with the specific municipal government to understand their local sales tax rules and filing requirements.

What Creates Sales Tax Nexus in Alaska?

If you meet any of the following conditions, you have sales tax nexus in Alaska:

• Physical nexus: Businesses with an office, place of distribution, sales or sample room or place, warehouse, storage place, or other place of business in this state.  
• Employees: Businesses with a service or sales agent in the state.
• Economic nexus: Marketplace facilitators and remote sellers who make more than $100,000 in sales in the previous or current calendar year.

Learn more about sales tax nexus and when you’re required to collect sales tax.

Do I Have to Collect Sales Tax from Alaska Customers if I Sell on Amazon or Walmart?

No. 

Alaska has a marketplace facilitator law that requires platforms like Amazon to collect sales tax from third-party sellers. That said, individual sellers with total sales under $100,000 aren’t required to collect or remit sales tax in the state.

Taxable Products in Alaska

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the items subject to tax in Alaska:

Are Groceries Taxable in Alaska? 

Alaska doesn’t charge a statewide sales or use tax on grocery items. However, individual localities may choose to apply their own taxes.

Are Digital Products Taxable in Alaska?

Local jurisdictions may tax digital products.

Is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Taxable in Alaska?

Yes, SaaS can be taxed in local jurisdictions.

Are Services Taxable in Alaska?

Yes, services are typically taxed in local jurisdictions.

Tax-Exempt Items

Since Alaska doesn’t impose a statewide sales tax, there’s no statewide uniform list of taxable or exempt items. Instead, cities and boroughs set their own sales tax rules and determine exemptions based on their local municipal codes.

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How to Register for an Alaska Sales Tax Permit

You can apply for a business license online through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing website. If you want to file offline, simply complete and submit the required form.

Discover how to obtain a seller's permit in every US state.

Do I Need an Alaska Sales Tax License if I’m Only a Wholesaler? 

Yes, wholesalers are still required to have a state tax permit in Alaska. However, they can use a Resale Exemption Certificate to buy items for resale without paying sales tax.

How to Collect Sales Tax in Alaska

Alaska follows destination-based sales tax sourcing for all sellers, whether located in or outside the state. This means you’re required to apply the sales tax rate based on the buyer’s shipping address when selling to an Alaska resident.

Should You Collect Sales Tax on Shipping Charges in Alaska?

Shipping charges are generally taxable, even when listed separately. However, certain jurisdictions may exempt them if the seller charges its customer the exact shipping cost and clearly itemizes it on the invoice.

How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Alaska

There are multiple ways to file and pay Alaska sales tax:

• Automated: Let Zamp handle your Alaska sales tax filing and remittance, so you won’t have to deal with sales tax returns ever again.
• File online: Pay online at the Alaska Remote Seller Sales Tax Commission Website.

Explore how you can file and pay sales tax in other US states.

FAQs on Paying and Filing Alaska Sales Tax

What is use tax?

Use tax applies to goods purchased outside a taxing jurisdiction and brought in for use within it. It helps prevent buyers from avoiding sales tax by purchasing from areas where tax isn’t collected.

What is the penalty for filing and/or paying Alaska sales tax late?

A late filing fee of $25 per month (or part of a month) will be charged for each late sales tax report, up to a maximum of $100. If a return is incomplete, it will be considered as not filed at all.

Can I amend an Alaska sales tax return? 

Yes, amended returns must be submitted within one year from the original due date of the return.

How often do I need to file and pay sales tax in Alaska?

Returns must be filed by midnight on the last day of the month after the end of the reporting period.

Alaska sales tax due dates

Alaska monthly sales tax filing due dates:

Alaska quarterly sales tax filing due dates:

Alaska semi-annual sales tax filing due dates:

*Note that each Alaskan municipality sets its own filing and deadline schedule. Check with your specific local jurisdiction for more information.

Let the Experts Handle Your Alaska Sales Tax Filing

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From lightning-fast setup to precise rate calculations and seamless one-click registration and filing, we make compliance simple.

Get started with Zamp and keep your business moving forward.

About the author

The Zamp Team

The Zamp Team consists of experienced writers and editors who are dedicated to researching sales tax topics to help readers make smart decisions about their business and sales tax compliance. Collectively, the team has over 300 years of sales tax experience.