Arkansas State Taxes
Quick Tax Facts
Income Tax: 0% – 3.9%
State Sales Tax: 6.5%
Median Property Tax: $1,007
Overview
Arkansas is on a mission to make living in the state more attractive and affordable for residents. This includes eventually removing state income taxes, which is a priority for Governor Sara Huckabee Sanders. It recently reduced its top income tax rate to 3.9% and it has one of the lowest median property tax rates in the county. Unfortunately, it’s ranked near the top of the list for most expensive sales taxes (state and local combined).
Arkansas Income Tax
In 2014, the top income tax rate in Arkansas was 7%. Over the last decade, however, Arkansas has steadily decreased its personal income tax rate. In 2025, the top tax rate fell to 3.9%, the lowest in Arkansas’ history. Residents and non-residents are now subject to a tax on their net income at the following rates:
| Net Income of Less Than or Equal to $92,300 |
|---|
| Net Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $5,499 | 0% |
| $5,500 – $10,899 | 2% |
| $10,900 – $15,599 | 3% |
| $15,600 – $25,699 | 3.4% |
| $25,700 – $92,300 | 3.9% |
| Net Income Greater Than $92,300 |
|---|
| Net Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $4,600 | 2% |
| $4,601 and above | 3.9% |
Who Must File?
Full-year residents are required to file an income tax return (AR1000F) if they meet the following requirements:
| If your marital status is: | And your filing status is: | File if gross income is at least |
|---|---|---|
| Single (includes divorced and legally separated) | Single | $14,644 |
| Head of Household with 0 or 1 dependent | $20,821 | |
| Head of Household with 2+ dependents | $24,819 | |
| Married | Married Filing Jointly with 0 or 1 dependent. | $24,696 |
| Married Filing Jointly with 2+ dependents | $28,723 | |
| Married Filing Separately | $9,470 | |
| Unmarried Surviving Spouse | Surviving Spouse with 1 or no dependents | $20,821 |
| Surviving Spouse with 2+ dependents | $24,819 |
Part-year residents who receive any gross income while living in Arkansas must file a tax return (AR1000NR) regardless of marital status, filing status, and amount earned. Non-residents are also required to file (AR1000NR) if they received any gross income from Arkansas sources.
You can find more information about 2025 tax forms and instructions here.
Arkansas Sales Tax
Arkansas has a state sales tax rate of 6.5%. Local governments can also impose an additional sales tax of up to 6.125%. The average combined sales tax rate (state & city) is 9.47%, which is the third highest in the country. The city of Gillham has the highest combined sales tax rate at 12.625%.
Arkansas is also one of 13 states that still impose a sales tax on groceries (food), though it is the lowest at .125%.
Arkansas Property Taxes
Arkansas does not impose a state property tax. Instead, property taxes are collected at the city and county levels. Arkansas currently has one of the lowest median property tax rates in the country at an average of .59% of a property’s assessed fair market value.
The highest property tax is in Benton County, which collects an average of $1,602. Calhoun County has the lowest at $412. The state’s median property tax is a modest $1,007.
| Highest | $1602 |
|---|---|
| Median | $1007 |
| Lowest | $412 |
Yearly Cost Per Resident
Arkansas Tax Holidays
Each year, the state of Arkansas hosts a sales tax weekend that begins at 12:01 AM on the first Saturday of August and ends at 11:59 PM the following day (Sunday). Items exempt from sales tax (state and local) include:
- Clothing and footwear ($100 or less per item)
- Clothing accessories and equipment ($50 or less per item)
- School supplies (including art supplies and instructional materials)
- Electronic devices commonly used in the course of study
Arkansas Tax Relief
If you’re having trouble paying your Arkansas income taxes, you’re not alone. Whether your tax debt stems from an unexpected hardship, late tax returns, or a business tax issue, ignoring the problem can lead to additional penalties, interest, and potential collection actions. The sooner you address your tax problem, the more options you may have to solve it.
Thankfully, there are several ways to resolve Arkansas tax debt depending on your financial situation. From payment plans to an Offer in Compromise and other resolution options, taking action early can help you regain control of your finances and avoid more serious collection efforts.
Understanding how Arkansas collects unpaid taxes and the relief options available to you is the first step toward resolving your tax issues.
Common Arkansas State Tax Problems
Back Taxes
If you owe unpaid Arkansas taxes, addressing your balance early may help you avoid additional penalties and collection actions.
Unfiled Tax Returns
Filing past-due Arkansas tax returns is often the first step toward resolving your state tax issues.
Tax Notices
Notices from the AR Department of Revenue shouldn’t be ignored, as they often require prompt action to prevent further collections.
Liens & Levies
Unresolved tax debt may lead to liens against your property or levies on your assets as the state works to collect what is owed.
Garnishment
Arkansas may garnish your wages to collect unpaid taxes, reducing the amount of each paycheck you receive.
Tax Penalties
Unpaid taxes can continue to accrue penalties and interest until your balance is resolved.
How Arkansas Collects Tax Debt
If you don’t pay your Arkansas income taxes by the due date, the Department of Finance & Administration will send a Notice of Delinquency that details the amount past due, as well as any penalties and interest owed.
If your balance remains unpaid, the state may file a Certificate of Indebtedness, which creates a lien on your real and personal property. Additionally, the state may pursue enforced collection actions to recover the debt, such as wage garnishment and bank levies.
Because penalties and interest continue to accrue until the balance is paid, addressing your tax debt as early as possible can help you avoid additional costs and more serious collection actions.
Taxpayer receives Notice of Delinquency
Certificate of Indebtedness is filed
If not paid, case referred to Collections
Arkansas State Tax Relief Options
Arkansas offers several state tax relief options, including:
- Income Tax Payment Plans – Arkansas taxpayers who cannot pay their balance in full may apply for a payment plan online or by calling 501-682-5000.
- Penalty Abatement – The state may abate penalties for reasonable cause. An abatement request can be made by submitting an Individual Income Tax Penalty and Interest Waiver Request by mail, fax (501-682-7692), or email (individual.income@dfa.arkansas.gov).
- Offer in Compromise – Financially distressed taxpayers may be able to settle their tax debt for less through an Offer in Compromise. Each case is evaluated on its own unique set of circumstances and must meet the criteria set forth under 2000-4 DFA Rule.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship and can’t pay your Arkansas tax bill, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration as soon as possible to discuss payment options and potential alternatives to collection actions.
When to Seek Tax Relief Help
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to explore your tax relief options:

You’re Receiving Collection Notices
Ignoring Arkansas tax notices can lead to more serious collection actions, so it’s often best to address the issue early.

You Can’t Afford to Pay Your Taxes
If paying your Arkansas state tax bill in full isn’t realistic, there may be payment or resolution options available.

Collection Actions Have Started
If you’re facing wage garnishments, bank levies, or tax liens, professional guidance may help you understand your options.
The sooner you address your tax debt, the more options you may have available to resolve your balance and minimize additional collection actions.
Arizona Tax Relief FAQs
Arkansas Tax Resources
If you need assistance preparing your Arkansas state taxes, you can speak with a tax professional from Tax Defense Network by calling 855-476-6920.
You can also visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s website for additional resources.
- Arkansas Taxpayer Access point (ATAP)
- Check Refund Status
- Individual Income Tax Hotline: 800-882-9275 or 501-682-1100
- ATAP Helpline: 877-280-2827
- Individual Income Tax Forms


