Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a barber / cosmetology in Sitka, AK. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Alaska LLC Articles of Organization Filing
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing Division
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for all LLC formation in Alaska. Annual report required separately (see below).
Alaska LLC Biennial Report
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Applies to all Alaska LLCs regardless of business type.
Barber Individual License
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Required for each barber performing services. Prerequisites: 1,500 hours training or equivalent apprenticeship; pass written/practical exams. Applies to LLC owner/employees providing barber services.
Hairdresser Individual License (Cosmetology)
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Required for cosmetology/hairdressing services. Prerequisites: 1,800 hours training or equivalent; pass exams. Specific to cosmetology aspects of business.
Barber Shop / Hairdressing Shop License
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
Required Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Required for physical shop location. Must be issued to licensed individual manager; inspected for health/safety compliance.
Assumed Name (DBA) Registration
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) - Corporations Section
May Apply Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required if LLC uses trade name/DBA. Publication in newspaper required within 1 year.
Alaska State Sales Tax Permit (No State Sales Tax)
Alaska Department of Revenue – Division of Taxation
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Alaska has no state‑wide sales tax. Some cities (Anchorage, Fairbanks North Star, Juneau, etc.) impose a local sales tax on taxable goods and certain services. Barbers who only provide services are generally exempt, but the sale of retail products is taxable.
Alaska Corporate Net Income Tax Registration
Alaska Department of Revenue – Division of Taxation
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Alaska does not tax personal income, but it imposes a corporate net income tax on corporations and LLCs that elect corporate status. Most barbers operating as a single‑member LLC are taxed as a disregarded entity and are not subject to this tax.
Alaska Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax Registration
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Fee: $46500.00-$46500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Employers must also file quarterly UI tax returns (Form UI‑1) by the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31).
Alaska Quarterly Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax Payments
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Employers must submit UI‑1 returns electronically via the Alaska UI Online portal.
Anchorage Business License Tax (Annual)
Municipality of Anchorage – Finance Department
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
The Anchorage Business License Tax is a privilege tax on the right to conduct business within the city. The fee schedule is published on the city’s website and is based on gross receipts.
Anchorage Local Sales Tax Registration (if selling taxable goods)
Municipality of Anchorage – Department of Finance
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Anchorage imposes a 3% local sales tax on taxable goods. Services such as haircuts are exempt, but the sale of retail products is taxable.
Fairbanks North Star Borough Business License Tax (Annual)
Fairbanks North Star Borough – Finance Department
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
The borough imposes a business license tax on the privilege of doing business within its limits.
Juneau City Business License Tax (Annual)
City of Juneau – Finance Department
May Apply Fee: $60.00-$60.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Juneau requires an annual business license tax based on gross receipts.
Anchorage Municipal Business License
Municipality of Anchorage
Required Fee: $75.00-$75.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for all businesses operating within Anchorage city limits. Barber/cosmetology shops must also hold state license.
Anchorage Home Occupation Permit
Municipality of Anchorage Planning Department
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Limits clients to 2/day, no external signage, no employees other than residents (AMC 21.11.050).
Anchorage Sign Permit
Municipality of Anchorage Building Safety Division
May Apply Fee: $125.00-$125.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Comply with AMC 21.11.075 sign regulations.
Anchorage Building Permit
Municipality of Anchorage Building Safety Division
May Apply Fee: $10.00-$10.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for shop fit-outs exceeding minor repairs (AMC 22.05).
Anchorage Fire Inspection Certificate
Municipality of Anchorage Fire Department
Required Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Required for all commercial occupancies including salons (IFC adopted by AMC 22).
Anchorage Certificate of Occupancy
Municipality of Anchorage Building Safety Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Verifies zoning, building, fire code compliance (AMC 21.04).
Fairbanks North Star Borough Business License
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for all businesses in borough; cosmetology shops specifically listed.
Fairbanks Fire Sprinkler/Alarm System Permit
Fairbanks North Star Borough Fire Department
May Apply Fee: $75.00-$250.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for commercial buildings >2500 sq ft or specific hazards.
Juneau Commercial Use Permit
City and Borough of Juneau
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit
All businesses operating within CBJ limits require this (CBJ 50.02).
Juneau Building Safety Permit
City and Borough of Juneau Community Development
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for salon build-outs (CBJ Title 35).
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Business License
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for all commercial activity in borough.
Kenai Peninsula Borough Sales Tax License (if applicable)
Kenai Peninsula Borough
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: license
Required if selling tangible goods; barber services typically exempt.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Workers' Compensation Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Alaska law (AS 23.55.010) requires any employer with ≥1 employee to obtain workers’ comp insurance. The exemption applies only to owners who have no employees.
License Bond (Surety Bond) for Barbers/Cosmetologists
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Required Fee: $5000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Alaska Stat. §08.61.110 requires each licensed barber, cosmetologist, or salon owner to maintain a $5,000 surety bond as a condition of licensure.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles – Commercial Vehicle Insurance Requirements
May Apply Fee: $1200.00-$1200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Alaska Stat. §28.45.040 mandates that any vehicle used for commercial purposes be insured with liability coverage meeting state minimums.
Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Even single‑member LLCs often obtain an EIN to avoid using a personal SSN.
Federal income tax filing (Form 1065 or Form 1120) and Schedule K‑1 for members
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Default classification is partnership; LLC may elect corporate taxation via Form 8832.
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard compliance (29 CFR 1910.1030)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Barber shops must develop an exposure control plan, provide Hepatitis B vaccination, and train staff.
OSHA Recordkeeping (Form 300 Log) for establishments with >10 employees
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Barber shops with 10 or fewer employees are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III accessibility compliance
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Barber shops are public accommodations and must provide accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and service counters.
EPA hazardous waste management (if generating >100 kg hazardous waste per month)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Most small barber shops generate negligible hazardous waste and are therefore exempt.
FTC Advertising and Marketing compliance (no deceptive claims)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Claims about hair‑treatment results, product effectiveness, or pricing must be truthful and substantiated.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) wage and hour compliance
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – Wage and Hour Division
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Applies to any employees; includes minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child‑labor rules.
Form I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Must complete for each employee; E‑Verify optional but may be required for certain contracts.
FDA Cosmetics Regulation compliance (labeling, prohibited ingredients)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Required Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Barbers use cosmetics (hair dyes, shampoos, styling products) that must meet FDA labeling, ingredient, and safety standards.
Alaska LLC Annual Report
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing Division
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration
All LLCs, including those owned by a single member, must file. The filing can be completed online.
Barber / Cosmetology License Renewal
Alaska Board of Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Health & Social Services)
Required Fee: $45.00-$45.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: license
Renewal must be submitted online; proof of required continuing‑education must be attached.
Continuing Education for Barbers / Cosmetologists
Alaska Board of Barbers and Cosmetology (DHSS)
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: permit
12 continuing‑education hours are required every two years; courses must be approved by the Board.
Health Inspection (Public Health)
Alaska Department of Health & Social Services – Public Health Division
Required Renewal: annual
Type: permit
Inspection covers sanitation, equipment, and facility standards.
Fire Safety Inspection
Local Fire Marshal (e.g., Anchorage Fire Department)
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Check with the specific municipality for exact due date; some cities require a fire‑safety plan.
Alaska Corporate Income Tax – Estimated Payments
Alaska Department of Revenue – Tax Division
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
LLCs taxed as partnerships have no corporate tax but members report income on personal returns.
Alaska Corporate Income Tax – Annual Return
Alaska Department of Revenue – Tax Division
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Form 20‑C (Corporate Income Tax Return) must be filed electronically.
Local Sales Tax (if applicable)
Alaska Department of Revenue – Local Sales Tax Division
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Alaska has no state sales tax; only municipalities may levy a local tax.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax – Quarterly Reporting
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Employers must file UI‑1 report and remit tax each quarter.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Annual Report
Alaska Office of Workers’ Compensation (OWC)
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: certificate
Employers must submit the Annual Employer Report (Form 1) and maintain active coverage.
Federal Payroll Tax Deposits (IRS)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Employers must also file Form 941 quarterly and Form W‑2 annually.
Record‑Keeping Retention
Alaska Department of Revenue – Record Retention Guidance
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Includes financial statements, payroll records, tax returns, and licensing documents.
Labor Law Posters (Federal & Alaska)
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required posters include Minimum Wage, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and OSHA notices.
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