Arkansas State Tax Guide
Arkansas state tax rates and rules for income, sales, property, fuel, cigarette, and other taxes that impact Arkansas residents.
Arkansas State Tax: Overview
Arkansas state tax is a mixed picture. Sales taxes in Arkansas are relatively high. Income taxes are generally above average relative to other states. Arkansas income tax is based on different rate schedules depending on your income.
Arkansas's property taxes are among the lowest in the nation, and there are no estate or inheritance taxes when you die.
[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from several sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]
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Arkansas State Tax: Income Taxes
Arkansas tax on retirement benefits: Social Security retirement benefits and Railroad Retirement benefits are tax-exempt. Retirees age 59.5 or older can exempt the first $6,000 of an IRA distribution. Up to $6,000 of income from private or government employer sponsored retirement plans is also tax-exempt in Arkansas.
Arkansas income tax rates max out at 4.7%.
The table below shows 2023 Arkansas income tax rates for individuals with net incomes up to $84,500. Taxpayers with net incomes above this amount reach the higher tax brackets sooner.
Arkansas Income Tax Range: Individual with net income up to $84,500
Up to $5,099 | 0% |
$5,100 to $10,299 | 2% |
$10,300 to $14,699 | 3% |
$14,700 to $24,299 | 3.4% |
$24,300 or more | 4.7% |
Arkansas Sales Tax
Arkansas has a 6.5% state levy. Localities can add as much as 6.125% to the state's tax rate, according to the Tax Foundation.
- Groceries are taxable at a reduced rate of 0.125%, but local taxes may also apply.
- Clothing is taxable.
- Prescription drugs are tax-exempt.
How Much Are Property Taxes in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the average effective property tax rate is 0.62%, and the median property tax bill is under $1,000.
Arkansas Property Tax Breaks for Retirees
Age 65 Property Tax Relief: Residents 65 or older who qualify for the homestead exemption may also have the assessed value of their property frozen.
- Construction and "substantial improvements" may cause the assessed value of the property to increase.
- People with disabilities may qualify for the freeze regardless of age.
Arkansas Motor Vehicle Taxes
Motor vehicle purchases are subject to state and local sales taxes.
Arkansas taxes gasoline at $0.249 per gallon when considering the state excise tax and other state taxes and fees.
Arkansas Alcohol and Tobacco Taxes
Cigarettes | $1.15 per pack |
Other tobacco products | 68% of manufacturer's price |
Beer | $0.23 per gallon |
Wine | $0.75 per gallon |
Liquor | $2.50 per gallon |
Arkansas Estate and Inheritance Taxes
Arkansas does not have an estate or inheritance tax.
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Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
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