Alaska tax tidbit: cruise tax cut

April 8, 2010

Alaska flag One of the most popular ways to see Alaska is via cruise ship, and that travel option may soon be a bit cheaper.

Gov. Sean Parnell wants the legislature to cut the per passenger tax from $46 to $34.50. In addition, the governor's proposal would allow for deductions of local charges which would in some cases bring the cruise head tax down to less than $20.

If Last Frontier lawmakers do approve the tax cut, it also could help resolve a federal lawsuit fighting the state's cruise tax, which was enacted in 2006 as a way to raise money for port infrastructure. The Alaska Cruise Association claims the head tax is onerous and unconstitutional.

While reduced tourism is a concern, passage of the reduced tax is not a done deal.

So if you're planning an Alaskan cruise, you might want to wait until after April 18. That's the day the state legislature adjourns and we should know by then if the tax rate drops.

Tax trip around the United
States: This post is part of our series highlighting tax
information from the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. You can read other state tax blurbs at our Complete menu of tasty state tax tidbits.

The State Tax Departments page provides
links to official state and District of Columbia revenue Web sites so that you
can find out more about your home's tax laws and filing
requirements.

As we work
through the 2010 tax season, a different state will be featured each day as
noted in Don't forget your state taxes! Check back to see what tax
tidbit we share about your home.

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Comments
  • Alaska tax filing
    16 years ago Reply

    Alaska state tax filing online is the best option for filing tax. Electronically tax filing is now a days very famous. There are lots of online taxpayers are pay taxes easily. There are lots of web sites are filing tax online.

  • jmike
    16 years ago Reply

    Did you know that the infamous “bridge to nowhere” was designed to serve Alaska cruise ship passengers flying in to catch the ships at Ketchikan?

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