Alaska: Local Ballots Deal with Sales Tax

Oct 8, 2015 | Gail Cole

This fall, local elections in Alaska deal with sales tax and marijuana.

In Alaska, preliminary results are in for local elections held on October 6, 2015. Several propositions relate to sales tax.

Voters in the City of Bethel approved a 15% tax on marijuana sales if they are ever permitted, and a 12% tax on alcohol sales if they are ever permitted.

Voters in the City of Fairbanks overwhelming approved a 5% sales tax on future marijuana sales (Proposition A). Retail stores are expected to open sometime in 2016. Once they do, sellers will be required to file and remit taxes by the 15^th of each month. Those who report and pay on time “will be reimbursed 2 percent for the use of their resources.”

Voters in the City of Houston opposed a measure to increase local sales tax by 1% (Proposition 2).

The City of Palmer: A small majority of voters decided the city will not permit the commercial marijuana industry, meaning it is imposing a ban on the cultivation, manufacture, testing and retail sales of marijuana (Proposition 1). No marijuana sales means no marijuana sales tax.

Simplify sales tax compliance in Alaska and elsewhere with automated sales tax software.

Sales tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Avalara Author

Gail Cole

Avalara Author Gail Cole

Gail began researching and writing about sales tax in 2012 and has been fascinated with it ever since. She has a penchant for uncovering unusual tax facts, and endeavors to make complex sales tax laws more digestible for both experts and laypeople.