Arkansas Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in Arkansas. Arkansas has a 6.5% state sales tax rate; local taxes bring the average combined rate to 9.48%. Based on current AR rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

$
%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$9.48

Total with Tax

$109.48

Combined Rate

9.480%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (6.50%)$6.50
Local Tax (2.98%)$2.98
Total Sales Tax$9.48
Total with Tax$109.48

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Arkansas Sales Tax Guide

Arkansas applies a 6.5% state sales tax to most retail sales, collected by the seller at the register and sent on to the Department of Finance and Administration. It reaches a broad range of tangible goods, from appliances to clothing, plus a number of services. The state rate is only the floor, though: cities and counties layer their own local sales taxes on top, and those add up to roughly 6.1% in the highest-rate jurisdictions, so the combined rate you actually pay swings depending on where the sale happens.

Some categories are carved out or taxed at a lower rate. Prescription drugs are commonly exempt and ring up without tax, and groceries are taxed under a reduced state food rate rather than the full 6.5%, which eases the cost of routine food shopping. When you buy from an out-of-state seller that doesn't charge Arkansas tax, the matching use tax applies at the same rate, and it's reported to the DFA. Use tax exists so that a purchase made online or by mail doesn't slip past the tax an in-state store would have collected.

Arkansas Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 6.5%
Local Sales Taxes Yes, 2.98% on average
Average Combined Rate 9.48% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
Local Tax Note Local city and county sales taxes up to about 6.1% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
State Income Tax progressive (up to 3.9%)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 0.54%

Official Sources:

Arkansas Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in Arkansas?
The state rate is 6.5% on most retail goods and many services. On top of that, local city and county sales taxes can add up to about 6.1% more, so the combined rate varies by location and can climb well into double digits in some areas. The seller adds the applicable total at checkout and remits it to the DFA.
Are groceries and prescriptions taxed in Arkansas?
Prescription drugs are commonly exempt and usually carry no sales tax at the counter. Groceries are taxed under a reduced state food rate instead of the full 6.5% general rate, which lowers the cost of basic food shopping, though local taxes can still apply. Prepared and restaurant food is generally taxed at the standard rates.
How do local sales taxes change what I pay in Arkansas?
The 6.5% state rate is just the base. Cities and counties add their own levies, which together can reach roughly 5.5% in the highest jurisdictions, so two purchases of the same item in different towns can total different amounts. The receipt shows the combined rate the retailer actually charged on that sale.
When do I owe Arkansas use tax?
Use tax is the counterpart to sales tax and applies when you buy a taxable item from an out-of-state seller that didn't collect Arkansas tax, including many online and catalog orders. It is charged at the same rate the sale would have carried and reported to the DFA, frequently on your income tax return. The point is to keep out-of-state buying from escaping tax that a local store would charge.

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