Budget & Taxes (Sales Tax)

This bill proposes to remove the state income tax on pass-through entities, which are businesses where income is passed directly to owners rather than being taxed at the corporate level. The change would take effect on January 1, 2028, by repealing the specific section of the tax code that currently imposes this tax. Directly affected individuals and businesses would no longer pay state income tax on their earnings from these types of enterprises. The legislation does not alter how other forms of income are taxed or change the tax rates for corporations.

HB 350 proposes a new 9.4% state income tax on businesses structured as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, or S-corporations (referred to as "qualified entities") with taxable income exceeding $25 million in a single year. The tax applies only to income above this threshold, calculated using federal C-corporation rules while disallowing most federal tax credits or deductions. It excludes businesses already taxed under other state provisions and takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. This bill would create a new tax obligation for large pass-through entities, distinct from existing corporate tax structures.

HB 268 exempts electric cooperatives from state and local property, income, and excise taxes. It also creates tax exemptions for new electricity generation and storage facilities built after July 1, 2024, if operated by public utilities or serving only other utilities or new customers without prior service as of July 2026. The bill adjusts tax refund rules, requiring local governments to receive refunds based on where cooperative revenue was earned, except when earned outside city limits. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

SB 227 establishes a new state-level sales and use tax in Alaska, replacing the current system where local governments collected taxes. It allows boroughs and cities to levy local sales taxes under state administration, authorizes the Department of Revenue to join the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, and adds an infrastructure maintenance surcharge on oil production. The bill also modifies corporate income tax rules, creates a pipeline corridor maintenance fund, and adjusts how local taxes are collected and distributed. These changes directly affect businesses, oil producers, and local governments managing tax revenues. The bill aims to simplify tax collection and fund infrastructure maintenance through new revenue streams.