How Arkansas Sales Tax Works
Arkansas's state government imposes a 6.50% sales tax on most retail purchases. Counties, cities, and special districts can layer additional local sales tax on top — pushing combined rates to a population-weighted average of 9.44% statewide.
Arkansas has one of the highest combined sales tax rates in the country, in the top five nationally.
Groceries in Arkansas
Arkansas taxes groceries at a reduced 0.125% state rate; local rates still apply at full strength.
Sales Tax Holidays in Arkansas
Arkansas holds an annual back-to-school sales tax holiday on the first weekend of August covering clothing, school supplies, and electronics.
How Arkansas Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Arkansas versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Arkansas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (here) | 6.50% | 9.44% | $94.40 | — |
| Louisiana | 5.00% | 10.11% | $101.10 | +$6.70 |
| Mississippi | 7.00% | 7.06% | $70.60 | -$23.80 |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 9.55% | $95.50 | +$1.10 |
| Missouri | 4.22% | 8.39% | $83.90 | -$10.50 |
| Oklahoma | 4.50% | 8.99% | $89.90 | -$4.50 |
A negative "vs." figure means a lower sales tax bill on the same purchase. Specific addresses can vary materially from the state-wide average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arkansas sales tax rate for 2026?
Arkansas's state sales tax rate is 6.50% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of 2.94%, most Arkansas residents pay a typical combined rate of 9.44%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Arkansas?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $6.50 in state sales tax, or about $9.44 including average local sales tax (combined 9.44%). Total cost: roughly $109.44.
Are groceries taxed in Arkansas?
Arkansas taxes groceries at a reduced 0.125% state rate; local rates still apply at full strength.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Arkansas?
Arkansas follows the standard rule used by virtually all states: sales tax is calculated on the final discounted price, not the original price. If a $200 item is on sale for $150, you pay sales tax on $150. Manufacturer coupons can be treated differently in some states.
How is this Arkansas sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Arkansas's 6.50% state sales tax rate plus whatever local rate you enter (city + county + special districts). The default Local Rate is 0%; click a city in the table above to fill in its local portion, or look up your specific address with Arkansas's Department of Revenue tool.