How Arkansas Taxes Your Paycheck
Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets. Rates start at 2% on the lowest earnings and rise to 3.9% on income above $4,500 for single filers.
Arkansas reduced its top rate from 4.4% to 3.9% in 2024, with further cuts being phased in.
Arkansas Job Market Context
Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville anchors a strong retail logistics sector; agriculture and aerospace add depth.
Top Cities in Arkansas
The largest population centers in Arkansas:
- Little Rock — 201,000 residents
- Fayetteville — 102,000 residents
- Fort Smith — 89,000 residents
How Arkansas Compares to Neighboring States
Single-filer take-home on a $75,000 annual salary in 2026, federal + state income tax + FICA only:
| State | Take-Home | vs. Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (here) | $58,847 | — |
| Louisiana | $59,718 | +$871 |
| Mississippi | $58,925 | +$78 |
| Tennessee | $61,593 | +$2,746 |
| Missouri | $58,948 | +$101 |
| Oklahoma | $58,763 | -$84 |
Take-home reflects single filer, no pre-tax deductions; SDI/PFML and local taxes excluded for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Arkansas state income tax rate?
Arkansas has progressive income tax brackets ranging from 2% to 3.9%. Most middle-income earners hit the middle brackets; the top rate applies only above $4,500.
How much is taken out of my paycheck in Arkansas?
For a single filer earning $75,000 in Arkansas (2026), expect roughly $7,670 in federal income tax, $5,738 in FICA, and $2,746 in Arkansas state tax — leaving about $58,847 take-home (21.5% effective tax rate). SDI/PFML and local taxes (if any) come out of that as well.
Is the Arkansas median household income enough to live comfortably?
The 2023 ACS reported a Arkansas median household income of about $62,100. Whether that's "comfortable" depends heavily on city — Little Rock cost of living can differ substantially from rural areas. Use the calculator above to model your specific salary and deductions.
How does this Arkansas paycheck calculator work?
We calculate your annualized gross pay based on the pay frequency you select, then apply the 2025 or 2026 IRS percentage method for federal income tax, the Arkansas state tax schedule (if any), Social Security, and Medicare. Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and Section 125 health premiums reduce your taxable base before withholding is computed. You can switch between salary and hourly modes; hourly mode applies time-and-a-half to hours over 40/week prorated by pay period.