Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the Arkansas Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Arkansas. The state sales tax rate is 6.5%, and when combined with the average local rate of 2.98%, the total average in Arkansas comes to 9.48%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
Arkansas Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 6.5%
- Avg Local Rate
- 2.98%
- Combined Average
- 9.48%
Quick Reference
Arkansas eliminated its state sales tax on groceries on January 1, 2026, although local grocery taxes still apply.
State income tax: 3.9% top rate
Arkansas Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 9.48% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.95 | $10.95 |
| $25 | $2.37 | $27.37 |
| $50 | $4.74 | $54.74 |
| $100 | $9.48 | $109.48 |
| $250 | $23.70 | $273.70 |
| $500 | $47.40 | $547.40 |
| $1,000 | $94.80 | $1094.80 |
| $2,500 | $237.00 | $2737.00 |
| $5,000 | $474.00 | $5474.00 |
How Arkansas Sales Tax Works
Sales tax in Arkansas is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 6.5% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 2.98% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in Arkansas, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $162,500 and a property tax rate of 0.62%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
What Is and Is Not Taxed in Arkansas
Unprepared groceries are exempt from Arkansas state sales tax — the state grocery tax was eliminated on January 1, 2026; local taxes still apply.
Prescription medicines are exempt in Arkansas, as they are in every state that levies a sales tax; over-the-counter drugs and most medical supplies are treated separately and are frequently taxable.
Out-of-state sellers must register and collect Arkansas tax once they cross the state's economic nexus threshold, a rule that follows from the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Below that threshold, the buyer technically owes use tax instead.
Arkansas Sales Tax vs. the National Picture
At 9.48% combined (state plus average local), Arkansas's sales tax ranks 4th-highest nationally — above the national median of 7%.
The 6.5% state rate does most of the work in Arkansas, with local jurisdictions adding an average of 2.98%.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Louisiana (10.13%); Mississippi (7.06%); Missouri (8.445%); Oklahoma (9.06%); Tennessee (9.61%). Mississippi has the lowest nearby rate at 7.06%.