Business FAQs

There are many types of businesses in the Borough, however, the only businesses that are tracked by the Borough are businesses that are tied to Fish Processing, Professional Guides, overnight accommodations i.e. lodges, hotels, cabins, and camps, or the removal of any raw materials from the land. There is approximately 11 Fish Processing operations, 38 Professional Guide Outfitters, and 68 Lodges/Hotels/Cabins/Camps operating in the borough.

The only taxes collected in the Borough are Raw Fish Tax, Bed Tax, Guide Tax, and Severance Tax. If your business is operating in Fish Processing, Professional Guides, overnight accommodations i.e. lodges, hotels, cabins, and camps, or removing raw materials from the ground, you will need to fill out the appropriate tax return.

If you are starting a business that will operate in the Borough, your first step is to fill out and obtain an Alaska State Business License. You can start that process by going to their website at: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing/NewBLOnline.aspx. If your business is operating as either Fish Processing, Professional Guides, or overnight accommodations i.e. lodges, hotels, cabins, and camps, then you will need to fill out a Business License Application.

The only businesses that are required by the Borough to have a business license to operate in the borough are businesses that are tied to Fish Processing, Professional Guides, or overnight accommodations i.e. lodges, hotels, cabins, and camps.

The Borough Staff is happy to help on the Borough Tax Forms. Please feel free to reach out to us at 907 246-3421 or via email at finance@lakeandpen.com or asstfinance@lakeandpen.com.