Alaska Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate sales tax for purchases in Alaska. Alaska has no state sales tax, but cities and boroughs can levy their own local sales tax. Enter your purchase amount and your local rate to see the tax and the total instantly — all calculated privately in your browser.
Alaska Has No State Sales Tax
Alaska is one of five US states with no statewide sales tax, and the only one of the five that allows local governments to impose a sales tax of their own (Tax Foundation, July 2026). There is no state tax line on any Alaska receipt, but there may be a city or borough one.
Local Taxes in Alaska
Although Alaska has no state sales tax, many cities and boroughs levy their own. The Tax Foundation's table of rates as of July 1, 2026 puts the population-weighted average local rate at 1.82% and the highest local rate at 7.85%; not every municipality has a sales tax. Rates, exemptions and caps are set by each municipality, so confirm the rate with your city or borough before making a large purchase.
Alaska Sales Tax Holidays
Alaska has no statewide sales tax holiday, because there is no state sales tax to suspend. Any local tax-free day is a decision of the individual city or borough.
What You Can Buy Tax-Free in Alaska
No purchase in Alaska carries a state sales tax. Whether it is taxed at all depends on the city or borough: where a local sales tax exists it generally applies to ordinary retail goods, and each municipality sets its own exemptions. Excise taxes on items like tobacco, fuel, or alcohol are separate from sales tax.
Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations
Always confirm the exact local rate with your city or borough — the 1.82% statewide average local rate (Tax Foundation, July 2026) is a population-weighted mean, not the rate at any particular checkout. Large purchases like appliances or electronics are where the local rate matters most. Keep receipts that show the tax rate used; this helps verify correct tax was charged and supports any refund claims for exempt purchases. If you are making a business purchase, check whether your state offers a sales tax exemption certificate to avoid paying tax on resale items.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026); Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs — Alaska Sales Tax Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alaska have a sales tax?
Not at state level. Alaska is one of five US states with no statewide sales tax, but it allows cities and boroughs to levy their own. The highest local rate is 7.85% and the population-weighted average local rate is 1.82% (Tax Foundation, July 2026).
What is the sales tax rate in Alaska?
The Alaska state sales tax rate is 0%. Local city and borough rates run from nothing up to 7.85%, with a population-weighted average of 1.82% (Tax Foundation, July 2026).
Do I pay tax on groceries in Alaska?
There is no state sales tax on groceries in Alaska. A city or borough with its own sales tax may tax food, depending on its local rules, so check with your municipality.
Is clothing taxed in Alaska?
Not by the state. Where a city or borough levies a local sales tax, clothing is generally taxed like other retail goods at that local rate; elsewhere it is untaxed.
How do I calculate sales tax in Alaska?
Multiply the purchase price by your city or borough rate. For example, at a 5% local rate, $50 × 0.05 = $2.50 tax, total $52.50. Where there is no local sales tax, there is nothing to add.