Alaska has no state sales tax. Compare Alaska with other states and calculate what you would pay in any state.
Alaska has no state sales tax but allows local sales taxes averaging 1.76%. Purchases made in Alaska are not subject to state sales tax. Use the calculator above to compare Alaska with other states and see potential savings on large purchases.
Alaska does not impose a state sales tax, making it one of the most consumer-friendly states for retail purchases. Alaska has no state sales tax but allows local sales taxes averaging 1.76%. Residents and visitors in Alaska pay no sales tax at the point of sale on most goods and services. This makes Alaska attractive for large purchases such as vehicles, electronics, and appliances.
While Alaska forgoes sales tax revenue, it may fund state services through other mechanisms such as property taxes, income taxes (where applicable), excise taxes, or fees. A complete comparison of state tax burdens requires evaluating all tax types together, not just sales tax.
Because Alaska has no sales tax, a $500 purchase costs exactly $500 with $0 in tax. Compare this to high-tax states: the same $500 purchase costs $547.80 in Louisiana (9.56%) or $546.90 in Washington (9.38%). Shopping in Alaska saves $47.80 to $47.90 on a $500 purchase compared to the highest-tax states.
Use the calculator above to compute sales tax for any price and quantity. You can also use reverse mode to extract the pre-tax price from a total that already includes Alaska sales tax.
State vs. combined rate
The Alaska state rate is 0%. Local jurisdictions may add additional taxes, bringing the average combined rate to 1.76%. Your specific location may have a higher or lower combined rate. To find your precise local rate, search your city name plus "sales tax rate" or visit the Alaska Department of Revenue website.
Common exemptions
Most states exempt prescription drugs from sales tax. Grocery exemptions vary by state. Clothing, digital goods, and services have varying taxability rules. If you are buying for resale or exempt business use, you may qualify for a Alaska sales tax exemption certificate. Check the Alaska Department of Revenue for a complete list of exemptions.
Business sales tax obligations in Alaska
Businesses selling in Alaska must register with the Alaska Department of Revenue, collect the correct combined rate, file regular returns, and remit collected taxes on schedule. Online sellers may have economic nexus obligations in Alaska under the Wayfair decision if they exceed $100,000 in Alaska sales or 200 transactions per year.
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Alaska has no state sales tax but allows local sales taxes averaging 1.76%. This makes Alaska one of only five states with no general sales tax. Residents of neighboring high-tax states sometimes travel to Alaska to make large purchases, though they may technically owe a use tax to their home state on items purchased and brought back.
Alaska funds state and local services through revenue sources other than a general sales tax. Depending on the state, this may include property taxes, income taxes, excise taxes on specific goods, business taxes, and fees. The absence of sales tax is a significant factor for residents making large purchases and for businesses evaluating state tax burdens.
Purchasing from a Alaska-based retailer online does not automatically exempt you from sales tax in your home state. Since the 2018 Wayfair Supreme Court decision, businesses with economic nexus in your state (over $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions) must collect your home state's sales tax regardless of where the seller is located. Physical purchases made while you are physically present in Alaska are not subject to sales tax.
Shopping in Alaska saves you the full sales tax you would have paid in another state. On a $10,000 purchase: you save $956 compared to Louisiana (9.56%), $938 compared to Washington (9.38%), and $955 compared to Tennessee (9.55%). On a $50,000 vehicle, the savings vs. a 9% state exceed $4,500. For very large purchases, the savings can justify travel to Alaska from a neighboring state.
Alaska has no state sales tax but allows local sales taxes averaging 1.76%. Some states with no state sales tax allow limited local option taxes in certain resort areas or municipalities. Verify with your local government whether any narrow local taxes apply to your specific transaction.