In my latest column for State Tax Notes, I discuss several tax-related bills that were introduced during the most recent Alaska legislative session, which ended on May 17. Of the session, I noted that “…after the Alaska Department of Revenue released its Spring 2023 Revenue Forecast in March, the level of activity around tax legislation seemed to accelerate dramatically, albeit in various and often countervailing directions.”

Among the bills I cover are:

  • S.B. 114: Would impose a new income tax on a “qualified entity,”—a partnership, sole proprietorship, or S corporation—and increase the oil and gas production tax.
  • H.B. 84 and S.B. 77: Would allow municipalities to fully exempt economic development properties from property taxes and to levy a tax on blighted properties of up to 50% of the property’s assessed value.
  • H.B. 142: Would impose a 2% tax on all sales of goods and services purchased in Alaska and would allow the legislature to share half of the tax revenue with municipalities that meet certain criteria.
  • H.B. 109: Would reduce corporate tax brackets from nine to one, leaving a single tax rate under which corporations with taxable income over $25,000 would be taxed at a flat 2% rate.

In conclusion: “…several of the tax bills introduced by the legislature will be carried over for discussion in the second regular session. Also, toward the end of the regular session, Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) announced that his administration could introduce sales tax legislation. Although it was never introduced, the specter has been raised of a special session sometime this fall. Stay tuned.”

You can read the full article here.

Photo of Jonathan Iversen Jonathan Iversen

Jon Iversen is a partner based in Stoel Rives’ Alaska office who provides tax planning and tax structuring advice and represents clients in tax audits and appeals. One of the most highly rated attorneys in the state in his field, Jon has extensive…

Jon Iversen is a partner based in Stoel Rives’ Alaska office who provides tax planning and tax structuring advice and represents clients in tax audits and appeals. One of the most highly rated attorneys in the state in his field, Jon has extensive experience counseling clients on state and local tax audits and appeals, incentives, and financing associated with Alaska’s oil and gas production tax credits. Jon also counsels national and international companies regarding economic development opportunities in the region, including unique issues presented by the Arctic.

Click here for Jon Iversen’s full bio.