Business Licensing AirBnB, mother-in-law apartments, and property rental FAQs 1. I want to operate an AirBnB. Do I need an Alaska Business License? Airbnb is an accommodation-sharing online marketplace which lets people rent out their properties or spare rooms to guests. Yes, if you are collecting rental income then you are engaged in business activity and an Alaska Business License is required. Per AS 43.70.020(a) a business license is required for the privilege of engaging in a business in the State of Alaska. Per AS 43.70.110(1) “Business” means a for-profit or non-profit entity engaging or offering to engage in a trade, a service, a profession, or an activity with the goal of receiving a financial benefit in exchange for the provision of services, or goods, or other property. Per AS 43.70.020(f) a business license may cover multiple lines of business. For more information go to: Multiple Lines of Business FAQs In addition, if your business structure is an entity (i.e. corporation, LLC, LLP, LP, etc.), per Alaska Statute Title 10, then you must register your entity prior to obtaining an Alaska Business License; for more information go to: Corporations Section TIP: prepare before you begin to get licensed by going to: How To Get Licensed 2. I have a “mother-in-law” apartment and I want to rent it out. Do I need an Alaska Business License? A “mother-in-law” apartment is a small apartment attached to or next to a house, ostensibly intended for occupancy by a mother-in-law or other relative, but potentially also rented out to a stranger. Yes, if you are collecting rental income then you are engaged in business activity and an Alaska Business License is required. Per AS 43.70.020(a) a business license is required for the privilege of engaging in a business in the State of Alaska. Per AS 43.70.110(1) “Business” means a for-profit or non-profit entity engaging or offering to engage in a trade, a service, a profession, or an activity with the goal of receiving a financial benefit in exchange for the provision of services, or goods, or other property. Per AS 43.70.020(f) a business license may cover multiple lines of business. For more information go to: Multiple Lines of Business FAQs In addition, if your business structure is an entity (i.e. corporation, LLC, LLP, LP, etc.), per Alaska Statute Title 10, then you must register your entity prior to obtaining an Alaska Business License; for more information go to: Corporations Section TIP: prepare before you begin to get licensed by going to: How To Get Licensed 3. I have a room I want to rent it out. Do I need an Alaska Business License? Yes, if you are collecting rental income then you are engaged in business activity and an Alaska Business License is required. Per AS 43.70.020(a) a business license is required for the privilege of engaging in a business in the State of Alaska. Per AS 43.70.110(1) “Business” means a for-profit or non-profit entity engaging or offering to engage in a trade, a service, a profession, or an activity with the goal of receiving a financial benefit in exchange for the provision of services, or goods, or other property. Per AS 43.70.020(f) a business license may cover multiple lines of business. For more information go to: Multiple Lines of Business FAQs In addition, if your business structure is an entity (i.e. corporation, LLC, LLP, LP, etc.), per Alaska Statute Title 10, then you must register your entity prior to obtaining an Alaska Business License; for more information go to: Corporations Section TIP: prepare before you begin to get licensed by going to: How To Get Licensed 4. I have rental property I want to rent out. Do I need an Alaska Business License? Yes, if you are collecting rental income then you are engaged in business activity and an Alaska Business License is required. Per AS 43.70.020(a) a business license is required for the privilege of engaging in a business in the State of Alaska. Per AS 43.70.110(1) “Business” means a for-profit or non-profit entity engaging or offering to engage in a trade, a service, a profession, or an activity with the goal of receiving a financial benefit in exchange for the provision of services, or goods, or other property. Per AS 43.70.020(f) a business license may cover multiple lines of business. For more information go to: Multiple Lines of Business FAQs In addition, if your business structure is an entity (i.e. corporation, LLC, LLP, LP, etc.), per Alaska Statute Title 10, then you must register your entity prior to obtaining an Alaska Business License; for more information go to: Corporations Section TIP: prepare before you begin to get licensed by going to: How To Get Licensed 5. Will I need a business license from my local government, municipality, city, or village? Check with your local government or agency for any additional business licensing requirements, potential restrictions per local ordinances, and/or sales tax requirements. 6. IMPORTANT – Check with other agencies. After you have met the requirements of this Division there will be other agencies you need to work with to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements. For more information go to: Business Structure FAQs and click your entity type. For additional resources, which may provide technical, informational or advisory assistance, go to: Alaska Small Business Development Center IRS Small Business Center Small Business Assistance Center U.S. Small Business Administration Workshops for Small Business In addition, you may wish to contact a professional association or organization affiliated with your business activity. If you need further assistance you are advised to seek the services of an attorney or other qualified professional. 7. Where can I find additional information on landlord and tenant rights? Landlord and Tenant Information The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: what it means to you In addition, landlords and tenants should read and familiarize themselves with the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03.010 – 34.03.380). Complaint FAQs Complaint FAQs This Division does not provide legal advice. The information contained within these webpages is provided for your convenience and is not to be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to know what your registering, reporting and filing requirements are based on your specific business activities. Not knowing what is expected of you may not preclude you from the legal obligation to meet these requirements and compliance with the law. You are encouraged to seek the advice of a professional, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Attorney if you need additional assistance. Contact Us When contacting this office, please direct your questions to the appropriate Section: Corporations, Professional Licensing, or Business Licensing. Each Section specializes in its own requirements per Alaska statutes and regulations. Professional Licensing Section Email: License@Alaska.Gov Corporations Section Email: Corporations@Alaska.Gov Business Licensing Section Email: BusinessLicense@Alaska.Gov