Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Arkansas Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
6.50%
Average combined (state + local)
9.45%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Reduced rate | 0.125% state grocery tax (effectively eliminated); local tax still applies |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Arkansas sales tax holiday
Sales Tax Holiday
When: First weekend of August
Items: Clothing < $100, accessories < $50, school supplies, electronics
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $6.50
- Combined (state + average local): $9.45
- Total with combined tax: $109.45
Major cities in Arkansas
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | 9.25% | -0.20% |
| Fayetteville | 9.75% | +0.30% |
| Fort Smith | 9.75% | +0.30% |
| Springdale | 9.75% | +0.30% |
| Jonesboro | 8.75% | -0.70% |
Border shopping — vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
| State | State rate | Avg combined | vs AR | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (current) | 6.50% | 9.45% | — | — |
| Mississippi | 7.00% | 7.07% | -2.38% | $23.80 |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.20% | -1.25% | $12.50 |
| Missouri | 4.23% | 8.38% | -1.07% | $10.70 |
| Oklahoma | 4.50% | 9.01% | -0.44% | $4.40 |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 9.55% | +0.10% | — |
| Louisiana | 4.45% | 9.56% | +0.11% | — |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Arkansas?
- Arkansas levies a 6.50% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 9.45%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Arkansas tax groceries?
- Arkansas applies a reduced rate to groceries. 0.125% state grocery tax (effectively eliminated); local tax still applies
- Does Arkansas have a sales tax holiday?
- Yes. Arkansas runs Sales Tax Holiday first weekend of august. Eligible items: clothing < $100, accessories < $50, school supplies, electronics.
- Who collects sales tax in Arkansas?
- The Arkansas Department of Revenue collects state-level sales tax; counties and cities add local rates that are remitted through the same return. Out-of-state sellers shipping to Arkansas must collect if they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100k in sales or 200 transactions).
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local rates vary by city and county — your actual rate at the register may differ from the state average. Category-specific exemptions (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) and tax holidays change by year; check the Arkansas DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy