This calculator starts with Alaska’s combined rate of 1.82% (0% state + 1.82% average local). Your actual rate depends on the city, county and district of the sale — pick “Custom rate” to enter it exactly.
Alaska sales tax rates in 2026
At 1.82%, Alaska’s combined average rate ranks 46 of the 50 states and D.C. (1 = highest) — 5.18 percentage points below the middle value of all 51 jurisdictions (7%).
| Measure | Rate | Rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| State sales tax rate | 0% | 47 of 51 |
| Average local rate (population-weighted) | 1.82% | — |
| Combined state + average local rate | 1.82% | 46 of 51 |
| Highest local rate | 7.85% | — |
| Middle of all 51 (combined) | 7% | 26 of 51 |
No statewide sales tax, but boroughs and cities may levy local sales taxes (up to 7.85% per Tax Foundation). The average local rate is population-weighted.
Sales tax on common purchases in Alaska
Sales tax at 1.82%, rounded to the cent:
| Purchase | Sales tax (1.82%) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $100 purchase | $1.82 | $101.82 |
| $500 purchase | $9.10 | $509.10 |
| $1,000 purchase | $18.20 | $1,018.20 |
| $25,000 car | $455.00 | $25,455.00 |
The $25,000 car line uses the general rate. Many states tax vehicles under separate rules — a different rate, a cap, or tax on the price after a trade-in — so treat it as an estimate.
Groceries and items taxed differently
Groceries: No state sales tax; local jurisdictions that levy sales taxes decide whether to tax or exempt groceries.
Because Alaska has no state sales tax, each borough or city that levies a sales tax sets its own exemptions, so the treatment of clothing, food and other items depends on where you shop.
Alaska vs. Washington
On a $1,000 purchase, the average sales tax is $18.20 in Alaska and $95.70 in Washington — $77.50 less in Alaska.
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Alaska |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 0% | 1.82% | 1.82% | $18.20 | — |
| Washington | 6.5% | 3.07% | 9.57% | $95.70 | +$77.50 |
See sales tax rates for every state.
How to calculate Alaska sales tax
- Add tax: multiply the price by 1.0182. $100.00 × 1.0182 = $101.82.
- Remove tax: divide the total by 1.0182. $1,000.00 ÷ 1.0182 = $982.13, so the tax was $17.87.
- Tax alone: multiply the price by 0.0182. On $500.00: $9.10.
If you itemize deductions, you can deduct either your state and local income taxes or your general sales taxes on your federal return, within the SALT cap. The income tax calculator shows whether itemizing beats the standard deduction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Alaska in 2026?
Alaska has no state sales tax, but boroughs and cities can levy their own; the population-weighted average local rate is 1.82% as of July 1, 2026 (Tax Foundation). That ranks 46 of 51 (1 = highest). Local rates reach 7.85%, so check the rate for the exact address of the sale. At the average combined rate, a $100.00 taxable purchase costs $101.82.
How much is sales tax on $1,000 in Alaska?
About $18.20 at the 1.82% combined average rate, for a total of $1,018.20. All of it is local tax, so the real amount depends on the borough or city: some areas charge no sales tax, and local rates reach 7.85%. Multiply the price by 0.0182 to get the tax, or by 1.0182 to get the total.
How do I remove Alaska sales tax from a total?
Divide the total by 1.0182 (1 plus the 1.82% combined rate). A $1,000 receipt total works out to $982.13 before tax and $17.87 of tax. Subtracting 1.82% of the total would give $981.80, which understates the price because the tax was charged on the smaller pre-tax amount.
How much is sales tax on a $25,000 car in Alaska?
At the 1.82% general combined rate, $455.00, for a total of $25,455.00. Vehicles are often taxed under separate motor vehicle tax rules, at a different rate or on a price reduced by a trade-in, so confirm the amount with Alaska’s motor vehicle or tax agency before you budget for it.
Are groceries taxed in Alaska?
It depends on where you shop. No state sales tax; local jurisdictions that levy sales taxes decide whether to tax or exempt groceries. Local rates in Alaska reach 7.85%, and each borough or city that levies a sales tax sets its own list of exempt items, so ask the local government where you shop.
Is sales tax higher in Alaska than in Washington?
On a $1,000 purchase, the average sales tax is $18.20 in Alaska and $95.70 in Washington — $77.50 less in Alaska. These comparisons use each state’s combined state and average local rate; Alaska shares no land border with another state, so it is compared with Washington.