What to Do When Someone Dies in Alaska
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Alaska has no state income, estate, or inheritance tax, and was one of the first states to allow self-settled asset protection trusts, along with an elective community property system that couples can opt into. Probate follows the Uniform Probate Code, allowing an informal process for many uncontested estates.
Alaska pairs a straightforward, low-tax environment with some genuinely distinctive elective planning tools.
Death certificates
Certified death certificates in Alaska are issued through the Alaska Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. The funeral home typically handles ordering these on your behalf.
Elective community property
Unlike automatic community property states such as California or Texas, Alaska allows married couples to opt into a community-property-style arrangement through a specific trust or agreement. This is a distinctive, elective feature — worth discussing with an estate attorney if it might benefit a specific couple’s planning, since it doesn’t apply automatically the way it does in true community property states.
A pioneer in asset protection trusts
Alaska was one of the first states to allow self-settled asset protection trusts — trusts that can shield assets from certain creditors even when the person creating the trust is also a beneficiary. This has placed Alaska alongside states like Nevada and South Dakota as a notable jurisdiction for this kind of trust planning. See our general guide on trust administration for the broader concepts involved.
Informal probate
Alaska adopted the Uniform Probate Code, allowing many uncontested estates to go through an informal probate process — generally faster than more heavily court-supervised proceedings.
No state income, estate, or inheritance tax
Alaska has no state income tax, and correspondingly, no state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Where to get help
- Alaska Department of Health for death certificate questions
- Alaska Bar Association for attorney referrals, including estate, probate, and trust specialists
Alaska law can change. This is general educational information, not legal advice — please consult an Alaska-licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation, especially regarding elective community property or trust planning.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a death certificate in Alaska?+
The funeral home typically orders certified copies through the Alaska Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics on your behalf.
What is Alaska's elective community property system?+
Alaska allows married couples to opt into a community-property-style arrangement through a specific trust or agreement, even though Alaska isn't automatically a community property state like California or Texas. This is a distinctive, elective option worth discussing with an estate attorney if it might benefit a specific couple's planning.
Why is Alaska known for asset protection trusts?+
Alaska was one of the first states to allow self-settled asset protection trusts - trusts that can shield assets from certain creditors even when the person creating the trust is also a beneficiary. This has made Alaska, alongside states like Nevada and South Dakota, a notable jurisdiction for this kind of trust planning.
Is probate simple in Alaska?+
For many uncontested estates, yes - Alaska adopted the Uniform Probate Code, allowing an informal probate process generally faster than more heavily court-supervised proceedings.
Does Alaska have a state estate or inheritance tax?+
No - Alaska has no state income tax, and correspondingly no state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Sources
Related glossary terms
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