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Alaska is the only state where the state doesn't levy a sales tax for ecommerce sellers but the local government does.
Alaska sales tax at a glance
Alaska local sales tax rates
The Alaska sales tax rate in 2023 varies by municipality. This comprises a base rate of 0% plus a mandatory local rate of up to 7%. Depending on the local sales tax jurisdiction, the total tax rate can be as high as 7%.
Businesses must check the rate in effect for their specific location. The average local rate across the state is around 1-3%. However, some major cities like Anchorage have rates up to 7%.
Sellers making over $100,000 in annual sales or 200+ separate transactions in a taxing jurisdiction are required to collect local sales tax.
What are the penalties for not paying Alaska sales tax?
Penalties for late filing or nonpayment of Alaska sales tax vary by municipality. Generally, there is a penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax for the first month, plus an additional 5% for each subsequent month up to 25% of the unpaid tax. Interest is also charged on late payments.
Out-of-state sales tax collection requirements
While Alaska has no in-state sales tax, except for a few cities and counties, ecommerce (remote) sellers selling to customers in other states may be required to collect and remit destination sales tax depending on each state's economic nexus laws.
The Wayfair decision authorized states to require sales tax collection by out-of-state ecommerce sellers based on the sales volume into the state rather than physical presence.
Alaska ecommerce companies should know the economic nexus thresholds and sales tax obligations for the states they sell into. Registering voluntarily in destination states can simplify compliance.
Tax automation software can make it easier to correctly calculate, collect, report, and file sales tax returns in multiple state jurisdictions based on the shipment destination.
Even though Alaska is sales tax-free for in-state transactions, sellers making out-of-state sales need to comply with other states' tax laws and requirements. Careful compliance prevents penalties for non-collection of required destination sales tax.
Benefits of no statewide sales tax in Alaska
Since Alaska has no state sales tax, it creates an advantageous business environment. The Supreme Court's decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc. cleared the way for states to tax online sales even if the seller has no physical presence there. However, this does not apply in Alaska, given the lack of a statewide tax.
Operating in a zero-tax state like Alaska can help businesses improve their bottom line by reducing tax compliance obligations and overhead. However, businesses must pay close attention to local sales tax rates and collect/remit taxes accordingly.
Benefits of Alaska's zero sales tax
Key advantages of having no sales tax in Alaska include:
- Increased purchasing power for consumers who pay lower prices without adding sales tax.
- Improved competitiveness for Alaska businesses who can set lower prices versus out-of-state online sellers who must collect destination sales tax.
- Simpler tax compliance without any sales tax filing obligations.
- Strong marketing appeal for Alaska's tax-free status.
Even with local sales tax, Alaska continues to be a prominent location for ecommerce sellers to set up their businesses.
