Arkansas Sales Tax: Rates, Rules, and How to Calculate It (2026)
Arkansas imposes a 6.5% state rate plus local taxes through 735 jurisdictions, creating a combined range of 6.5% to 12.625%. Both groceries and clothing face the full tax burden, while SaaS remains untaxed, positioning Arkansas as a traditional sales tax state.
| Statewide base rate | 6.5% |
|---|---|
| Typical combined rate | 6.5%–12.625% |
| Are groceries taxed? | Taxable |
| Economic nexus threshold | ≈$100,000/yr (verify) |
| Taxing jurisdictions tracked | 735 |
| Get the exact rate | Look up any Arkansas ZIP or address instantly |
How much is sales tax in Arkansas?
Arkansas starts at a 6.5% state rate and layers local rates on top across 735 separate jurisdictions. The combined minimum stays at 6.5%, but the maximum reaches 12.625% in Gillham and nearby areas. The average combined rate statewide is 9.05%, so a typical transaction at a mid-range location will be taxed at roughly that percentage.
Within Arkansas, neighboring communities often have different combined rates because local authorities add their own levies independently. One street might fall under city tax while the next block falls under a county tax with a different rate. Address lookup reveals the exact local component and the combined total that applies to you.
What's taxed and what's exempt in Arkansas
Groceries are taxable in Arkansas at the full combined rate—no exemption like some states offer. Clothing is also taxable, so both essential and discretionary purchases carry the full sales tax burden.
SaaS is not taxable in Arkansas at either the state or local level. Prescription medicine is exempt. Restaurant and prepared food, however, are taxable. If you're uncertain about a specific category, verify it before calculating.
Do you have to collect Arkansas sales tax? (Economic nexus)
Like most states after the 2018 Wayfair decision, Arkansas requires out-of-state sellers to register and collect once their sales into the state cross an economic-nexus threshold. That line is commonly around $100,000 of sales into Arkansas per year, and some states also count a number of separate transactions — but the exact figure, and whether the transaction count still applies, change from time to time. Confirm Arkansas's current threshold before you rely on it.
If you sell into Arkansas from out of state, the practical question is whether you've crossed that line. Watching your sales into each state is how you know when you're on the hook — and it's the kind of thing that's easy to miss until a notice shows up.
Nexus rules change often and vary by state (reviewed 2026-01-01). This is general information, not tax advice — confirm your obligations with the Arkansas Department of Revenue or a tax professional.
How to calculate Arkansas sales tax
The math itself is simple: multiply the taxable price by the combined rate for the buyer's location. A $100 order at 9.049% means about $9.05 in tax. The hard part is getting the right rate for every address, keeping it current as rates change, and doing it fast enough to run inside a checkout.
That's what Sefro does. One API call returns the combined state, county, city, and special-district rate for any US address, sourced from state Departments of Revenue and refreshed weekly. You can also calculate the full tax on an order, validate addresses, and pull return-ready reports. See how the data is sourced or pricing to start.
Look up the Arkansas sales tax rate for any ZIP
Enter an Arkansas ZIP code to see the live combined rate from the Sefro API.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Arkansas?
Arkansas's state rate is 6.5%, but local taxes stack on top, making the combined range 6.5% to 12.625%. The statewide average is 9.05%.
Are groceries taxed in Arkansas?
Yes, groceries are taxable in Arkansas. You'll pay the combined state and local rate on grocery purchases.
Do I have to collect Arkansas sales tax if I sell online?
Once your sales into Arkansas cross its economic-nexus threshold — commonly around $100,000 a year, sometimes with a transaction count — you generally must register and collect. Because states adjust these rules, check Arkansas's current figure before relying on it.
How do I find the exact rate for an Arkansas address?
Enter the full address into a tax lookup tool to get the combined state and local rate. Sefro's API returns the combined rate for any Arkansas address.
Is SaaS or digital software taxable in Arkansas?
No, SaaS and digital software are not taxable in Arkansas. This applies to most cloud-based and digital services.
Does Arkansas have local sales taxes on top of the state rate?
Yes, Arkansas has 735 taxing jurisdictions stacking local rates on the 6.5% state rate. This creates considerable variation across the state depending on your location.
Handle Arkansas sales tax with one API call
Skip the rate tables and district lookups. Sefro returns the exact combined rate for any Arkansas address in one request — start with a free trial.
Rates and rules on this page are provided for general information only and are not tax or legal advice. Rates change; confirm the current rate and your filing obligations with the Arkansas Department of Revenue or a qualified professional. See our Terms.