Alaska Capital Gains Tax Rate (2026)
Alaska capital gains tax overview
Alaska has no individual income tax. Capital gains are not taxed at the state level.
Federal + Alaska combined rates
Your total capital gains tax bill includes both layers — federal and state. Here is what an Alaska investor pays in 2026 for long-term gains:
| Federal Long-Term Rate | Alaska State Rate | Combined Rate | Plus NIIT (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 0% | 0% | 3.8% |
| 15% | 0% | 15% | 18.8% |
| 20% | 0% | 20% | 23.8% |
The NIIT (Net Investment Income Tax) adds an extra 3.8% for taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). It is a federal tax only — Alaska does not have an equivalent.
How Alaska compares to other states
Alaska is one of 8 states with no individual income tax. This group includes: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming. Residents of these states pay only federal capital gains tax — a significant advantage for investors with large unrealized gains who have flexibility on where they live.
Tax-reduction strategies for Alaska residents
With no state income tax, Alaska residents already benefit from one of the most favorable environments for capital gains in the country. The primary levers are federal:
- Hold over 1 year for long-term federal rates (0/15/20%).
- Tax-loss harvesting: Offset your gains with losses realized in the same year. A $20,000 loss offsets $20,000 of gains dollar-for-dollar, saving $4,000 in federal tax at top rates.
- 0% bracket planning: In lower-income years (retirement, sabbatical, between jobs), realize gains at the federal 0% rate. With no state tax, this means zero total capital gains tax.
- Donate appreciated stock directly to charity or a donor-advised fund to avoid capital gains tax entirely while generating a charitable deduction for the full fair market value.
Detailed Alaska capital gains tax rules
Tax history and legal basis
Alaska has never imposed a state income tax or capital gains tax. It is one of only 8 states with no income tax.
Exemptions and special treatment
All capital gains are fully exempt from state taxation. There is no filing requirement for capital gains income. Alaska residents only owe federal capital gains tax.
Filing requirements
No state income tax return is required. Alaska residents report capital gains only on their federal return (Schedule D, Form 1040).
Recent changes and legislative updates
Alaska continues to fund its government primarily through oil revenues and the Permanent Fund. There have been periodic discussions about implementing an income tax but none have advanced. Residents also receive the annual Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), averaging $1,000-$3,000 per year.
Worked example: $50,000 capital gain in Alaska
Here's exactly what an Alaska resident would owe on a $50,000 long-term capital gain with $80,000 in other income (single filer, 2026):
| Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capital gain | $50,000 | Long-term (held over 1 year) |
| Federal tax (15%) | −$7,500 | Based on $80,000 ordinary income + gain |
| Alaska state tax (0%) | −$0 | No state income tax |
| Total tax owed | −$7,500 | Federal + state combined |
| You keep | $42,500 | 85.0% of your gain |
Because Alaska has no state income tax, you keep $42,500 after federal tax — significantly more than residents of high-tax states like California (where state tax alone would cost ~$4,650 on this gain).
Frequently asked questions — Alaska
Does Alaska tax short-term and long-term gains differently?
No — Alaska has no income tax, so neither type of gain is taxed at the state level. The difference between short-term and long-term only matters for federal purposes.
Do I need to file an Alaska tax return if I only have capital gains?
No. Alaska has no income tax, so there is no state return to file for investment income.
What if I moved to Alaska mid-year?
Moving to Alaska eliminates future state capital gains taxes, but gains realized while you were a resident of your prior state are taxable by that state. Most states use a prorated approach for part-year residents.