CNBC 2025 · #50 of 50

Alaska

Less favourable
Overall score
58 /100

Rank: #50 of 50

Category breakdown

All 10 CNBC categories — score out of category max, rank among 50 states.

Economy #50 110/445
Infrastructure #49 120/405
Workforce #28 173/335
Cost of Doing Business #41 101/295
Business Friendliness #27 139/270
Quality of Life #25 142/265
Technology & Innovation #47 91/255
Education #48 24/110
Access to Capital #49 11/60
Cost of Living #26 30/60

CNBC methodology — 10 categories, 2,500 points max

Founder Snapshot

Lite operational context for Alaska — what to know before operating here. Sourced public facts, separate from CNBC scores.

Tax posture

Alaska has no state personal income tax or statewide sales tax (local sales taxes may apply). Oil and industry taxes dominate state revenue.

Source: Alaska Department of Revenue — Tax Division

Business registration

Register businesses and obtain licenses through Alaska Commerce.

Source: Alaska Department of Commerce

Compliance calendar

Biennial report and business license renewals apply to many entities; check Commerce for your entity type.

Source: Alaska Department of Commerce — Biennial Report

Multi-state heads-up

If you operate outside Alaska or hire remotely — informational, not legal advice.

Remote sales & economic nexus

Hiring remote workers in Alaska triggers state unemployment and workers' comp requirements.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor — Employment Tax

Remote employees & payroll

Local borough/city sales taxes apply in many Alaska communities — rates are not uniform statewide.

Source: Alaska Tax Division — Local Sales Tax

Also applies across state lines

Regulatory Pulse

Recent regulatory changes in Alaska — sourced public updates for founders operating here.