These important changes to the Haines Borough Sales Tax Code made by our voters are going to take some getting used to for everyone.
Please bear with us as we work to provide business owners with the support and resources that you need!
Don't hesitate to reach out with questions or suggestions.
SALES TAX RATES |
New Summer Apr-Sep |
New Winter Oct-Mar |
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Townsite |
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7.00% |
4.50% |
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Outside the Townsite |
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5.00% |
3.00% |
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EXI Tax Rate |
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4.50% |
2.50% |
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Change in Rate - On October 7, Haines Borough voters approved a seasonal sales tax which went into effect January 1, 2026. The new rates mean an increase in the sales tax rate during the six months of the year including summer (April 1 – September 30) and a decrease during the six months of the year including winter (October 1 – March 31). In the Townsite the rates will go to 7.0% in summer and 4.5% in winter. Most Haines Borough commerce takes place in the townsite but if a sale takes place exclusively outside the townsite other rates may apply per code. We would be happy to help you with any questions about rates for any given transaction.
Seasonal Grocery Exemption – The change also means that no sales tax will be collected on non-prepared food during the winter season (October through March). This exemption applies to sellers who are authorized to participate in the SNAP (food stamps) program and to sellers whose sales of non-prepared food constitute the majority of their sales.
What about the lodging & marijuana taxes? The 4% lodging tax and the 2% marijuana tax are not changing. You should still add those taxes, as applicable per code, to the new retail sales tax rates above. For instance, the Haines Borough retail sales tax on a short-term rental in the Townsite including lodging tax would be 11% (7% + 4%) in the summer and 8.5% (4.5% + 4.0%) in the winter.