Thank you for your interest in doing business in Seward! 

Seward City Code requires that all businesses operating within city limits obtain a city business license.  The City Clerk's Office will process your business license application as quickly as possible.  Please call us at 907-224-4046 or stop by City Hall and we'll be more than happy to help you! 

The following is required to obtain a city business license:

• A completed city business license application and fee of $30
• A valid State of Alaska business license (and occupational license, if applicable)
• Registration with the Kenai Peninsula Borough to collect sales tax
• Authorization with the City of Seward Community Development Department, confirming the business type is allowed for the location indicated on the business license application
• Authorization from City Departments that all city accounts are current and not delinquent (this is done internally)

    
We strongly recommend that any new business contact the Community Development Department at 907-224-4049 before starting the licensing process to confirm the proposed business location is properly zoned for your intended use. 

Below are the forms you'll need to obtain a City of Seward business license:

• The cost of a City of Seward business license is $30 and it is renewed annually.
• The cost of a State of Alaska business license is $50, also renewed annually.
• The cost to register with the Kenai Peninsula Borough to collect sales tax is free.  The borough has businesses file their tax returns on a quarterly basis.  Call (907) 262-4441 ext. 2175 for sales tax questions.
  
  If you are operating a charter, taxi cab, or lodging business, please see the section provided below. 

Charter businesses should contact the Seward Small Boat Harbor at 907-224-4350 for additional paperwork such as registration to collect passenger fees and insurance required by City Code to operate as a charter business.  

Vehicles for Hire (Taxis) require additional permitting from the clerk's office: 

• A completed vehicle for hire application for each vehicle used for a for-hire service.  A $100 permit fee is charged for each vehicle. See the forms section below for the permit application.
• Proof of valid insurance on each vehicle intended for hire.  
• Proof of a valid chauffeur's license for each listed driver on the vehicle for hire permit application. 

Lodging Businesses or B&Bs with 5 or less rooms are required to obtain a lodging permit from the clerk's office:

• Compliance from the Community Development Department that the use is zoned correctly and allowed outright (please see this department FIRST before pursuing a lodging permit).
• A successful annual life safety inspection conducted by the Seward Fire Department.

Door-to-Door Solicitors - click here for information

City of Seward Business License Application

State of Alaska Business License
*Note: this can also be done online (and is much quicker).  http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/CBP/

State of Alaska Occupational Business License (if applicable)

Kenai Peninsula Borough Sales Tax Application
(Submit directly to the Kenai Peninsula Borough)

Vehicle for Hire Application

Lodging Permit Application (NEW BUSINESSES)

Lodging Permit Application (RENEWING BUSINESSES)

Annual Life Safety Inspection

Hotel/Motel Tax (Bed Tax) Forms:

• Hotel/Motel Bed Tax Application Form
• Hotel/Motel Tax Return Form
• Hotel/Motel Tax Return Form Instructions
• Nightly Tax Exempt Form - Schedule A
• Monthly Tax Exempt Form - Schedule B
• Information on Government Issued Credit Cards
• Information on State Issued Credit Cards
• List of Tax Exempt State Agencies