What is the sales tax rate in Arkansas?

Arkansas has a state sales tax rate of 6.500%. Counties and cities add their own local sales taxes, so combined rates typically range from 6.500% to over 11%.

Does Arkansas have local sales tax?

Yes, Arkansas allows counties and cities to impose local sales taxes on top of the 6.500% state rate. Local rates vary significantly across the state, with combined rates reaching up to 11.5% in some areas.

Are groceries taxed in Arkansas?

Arkansas currently taxes groceries at a very low state rate of 0.125% (one-eighth of one percent). This is the lowest grocery tax rate among states that tax groceries. Arkansas plans to completely eliminate this state grocery tax on January 1, 2026. Local sales taxes still apply to groceries at full local rates.

Is clothing taxed in Arkansas?

Yes, clothing and footwear are subject to Arkansas's sales tax at the full rate of 6.500% plus any applicable local taxes. There are no special exemptions for clothing regardless of price.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in Arkansas?

Yes, Arkansas charges sales tax on motor vehicle purchases. The rate is 6.500% state tax plus applicable local taxes. The tax is calculated on the purchase price and collected when you register the vehicle.

What city in Arkansas has the highest sales tax?

Several Arkansas cities have combined rates around 11% to 11.5%, depending on the combination of state, county, and local taxes. Use our calculator to find the exact rate for any Arkansas city.

When did Arkansas last change its sales tax rate?

Arkansas's general state sales tax rate of 6.500% was established on July 1, 2013 and has remained stable since then. The state currently taxes groceries at just 0.125% and plans to completely eliminate this grocery tax on January 1, 2026. Local rates change more frequently as cities and counties adjust their rates.

Do I pay AR sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, online purchases delivered to Arkansas addresses are subject to sales tax. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, most major online retailers collect Arkansas sales tax at checkout.

Sales Tax Calculator

Arkansas Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Arkansas sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total with local rates included.

State Rate

6.500%

Select City

Amount before tax

About Arkansas Sales Tax

State rate: 6.500%

Local rate in Pulaski County: 2.125%

Combined rate in Little Rock: 8.625%

State Rate

6.500%

Local Tax

Yes

Max Combined

~11.5%

Jefferson County

9.375%

Standard Rate

40,000

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
Little Rock	Pulaski	8.625%	Standard Rate	204,774
Fayetteville	Washington	9.750%	Standard Rate	103,134
Fort Smith	Sebastian	9.500%	Standard Rate	90,507
Springdale	Washington/Benton	9.750%	Standard Rate	89,368
Jonesboro	Craighead	8.500%	Standard Rate	82,384
Rogers	Benton	9.500%	Standard Rate	70,000
North Little Rock	Pulaski	9.500%	Standard Rate	65,000
Conway	Faulkner	8.750%	Standard Rate	64,000
Bentonville	Benton	9.500%	Standard Rate	55,000
Pine Bluff	Jefferson	9.375%	Standard Rate	40,000
Hot Springs	Garland	9.500%	Standard Rate	38,000
Benton	Saline	9.375%	Standard Rate	36,000
Sherwood	Pulaski	9.500%	Standard Rate	32,000
Texarkana	Miller	10.250%	Standard Rate	30,000
Russellville	Pope	9.000%	Standard Rate	30,000
Bella Vista	Benton	9.500%	Standard Rate	30,000
Jacksonville	Pulaski	9.500%	Standard Rate	29,000
Paragould	Greene	9.375%	Standard Rate	29,000
Cabot	Lonoke	10.000%	Standard Rate	27,000
West Memphis	Crittenden	9.750%	Standard Rate	24,000
Searcy	White	10.250%	Standard Rate	24,000
Van Buren	Crawford	9.250%	Standard Rate	23,000
Bryant	Saline	9.875%	Standard Rate	21,000
Maumelle	Pulaski	9.500%	Standard Rate	19,000
El Dorado	Union	9.750%	Standard Rate	17,000
Siloam Springs	Benton	9.500%	Standard Rate	17,000
Blytheville	Mississippi	10.500%	Standard Rate	13,000
Harrison	Boone	9.500%	Standard Rate	13,000
Mountain Home	Baxter	9.875%	Standard Rate	13,000
Camden	Ouachita	10.750%	Standard Rate	10,000

Note: Rates include state, county, and city taxes. Local rates may change; verify current rates for large purchases.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Arkansas

Sales Tax Calculation

Arkansas

Example: Little Rock Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 8.625% (0.08625)

Sales tax $43.13

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $43.13

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $543.13

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.08625 to find the pre-tax price (using 8.625% rate). Example: $108.63 ÷ 1.08625 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Most items including groceries (reduced rate)

Exempt: Prescription drugs, some medical items

Special Arkansas Sales Tax Rules

Grocery Tax Elimination

Arkansas is eliminating the state grocery tax. The state currently taxes groceries at just 0.125% (one-eighth of one percent) — the lowest rate among states that tax groceries.

Elimination date: January 1, 2026. The 0.125% state tax on groceries will be completely eliminated. Local sales taxes still apply to groceries at full local rates.

Local Rate Variations

Arkansas allows extensive local taxation, resulting in different rates across the state

•
County Taxes: Each county can impose its own sales tax
•
City Taxes: Municipalities add additional rates on top of county rates
•
Special Districts: Some areas have special district taxes
•
Range: Combined rates typically range from 6.5% to 11.5%

How Arkansas Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how Arkansas's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

6.500%

Missouri

+ up to 5.77% local tax

4.225%

Tennessee

+ up to 2.75% local tax

7.000%

Louisiana

+ up to 7.00% local tax

5.000%

Texas

+ up to 2.00% local tax

6.250%

Missouri

4.225%

+ up to 5.77%
local tax

Tennessee

7.000%

+ up to 2.75%
local tax

Arkansas

6.500%

+ Local taxes

Combined: 6.5% - 11.5%

#10 of 50 states

Louisiana

5.000%

+ up to 7.00%
local tax

Texas

6.250%

+ up to 2.00%
local tax

Arkansas's 6.500% state rate is middle-of-the-pack among its neighbors. Tennessee has the highest state rate (7%), while Missouri and Texas have the lowest (under 6.5%).

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Arkansas Sales Tax Rate History

Arkansas's general state sales tax rate has been 6.5% since July 1, 2013. The state currently taxes groceries at 0.125% and will eliminate this grocery tax in 2026:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
January 1, 2026	0.000%	▼ -0.125%	State grocery tax completely eliminated (planned)
July 1, 2013	6.500%	—	Current general state rate established
1935	—	—	Sales tax first enacted in Arkansas

Note: The 6.5% general state rate has been in effect since July 1, 2013 and applies to most items. Arkansas currently taxes groceries at just 0.125% (the lowest among states that tax groceries) and will eliminate this on January 1, 2026. Local rates change frequently as counties and cities adjust their rates.

Related Calculators & Resources

Calculator

Reverse Sales Tax

Find original price from total

State Calculator

Missouri

Calculate MO sales tax

State Calculator

Texas

Calculate TX sales tax

All Calculators

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Resources

Official AR Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Arkansas sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state and local legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Arkansas Code Title 26 (Taxation), Act 822 of 2023 (Grocery Tax Phase-Out)

Last updated: October 10, 2025