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Anchorage, AK Hotels & Lodging: Transient Occupancy Tax (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Tax rate
12% of room rent
Who collects
Operator or hosting platform
Filing
Quarterly tax return
Long-stay exemption
30+ consecutive days
Enforcing agency
Municipality of Anchorage Finance Department

Summary

Anchorage levies a 12% tax on room rents at hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, collected by the operator or hosting platform and remitted quarterly to the Municipality of Anchorage Finance Department.

Subject to the provisions of this chapter, there is hereby levied a tax on all room rents in an amount equal to 12 percent (12%) of the room rent paid to an operator.

1. The guest shall pay the tax to the operator at the time the rent is paid, provided however, that tax paid on rents which subsequently qualify for an exemption from this tax shall be refunded by the operator to the guest and shown as a credit on the guest's bill.

2. The operator shall collect the tax when the operator collects the rent and shall state the tax as a separate item on the guest's bill.

B. One-third of the total tax revenues received, less administrative and enforcement related expenses, are dedicated to promotion of the tourism industry, which includes use of funds for any purpose set forth in subsection C.

C. One-third of the total tax revenues received, less administrative and enforcement related expenses, are dedicated to financing the design, site acquisition, construction, landscaping, bonded debt service or lease payments, carrying costs, and operation, and/or maintenance of the new civic and convention center, including parking facilities, and the renovation, operation and maintenance of the existing Egan Civic and Convention Center.

D.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5010260; v11 updated 2026-09-01).

Full Breakdown

Municipal Code Chapter 12.20 imposes a 12% tax on all room rents paid to an operator: covering hotels, motels, and short-term rental hosts alike. The guest pays the tax to the operator at checkout, and the operator (or a registered hosting platform such as a booking site) collects it and remits it quarterly to the Finance Department. Rentals of 30 or more consecutive days by the same person, government-paid rooms, and hostel dormitory beds are exempt. A third of revenue funds tourism promotion; another third funds the Egan Civic and Convention Center's debt service, operation, and maintenance.

Violations & Fines

Operators who fail to collect, report, or remit the room tax face penalties and interest on unpaid amounts and risk having their certificate of registration refused or revoked under AMC Chapter 12.20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Anchorage's room tax apply to short-term rental platforms?
Yes: registered hosting platforms must obtain a certificate of registration and collect and remit the 12% tax on behalf of operators under AMC 12.20.031, unless an exemption applies.
Is the room tax charged on long-term stays?
No: rent paid for 30 or more consecutive days by the same person at the same place is exempt under AMC 12.20.022A.4.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anchorage

All Anchorage rules

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