Arkansas Sales Tax Calculator 2026: 6.5% + Local Rates

Arkansas Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Arkansas charges a 6.5% state sales tax, and cities and counties add an average of 2.98% and as much as 6.13%, so the average combined rate is 9.48%, among the highest in the country. One 2026 change helps shoppers: the small state tax on groceries ended on 1 January 2026, though local taxes still apply to food. Prescription drugs are exempt. Pick general goods or groceries below, type your local rate and add or remove the tax.

By AwaisLast reviewed October 28, 2026

Arkansas sales tax at a glance

Arkansas sales tax rules
Type of tax	Sales and use tax
State rate	6.5%
Local rates	Average 2.98%, highest 6.13%
Average combined rate	9.48%
Groceries	No state tax since 2026; localThe state rate on food and food ingredients fell from 0.125% to 0% on 1 January 2026 (Act 1008). City and county taxes still apply to groceries.
Prescription drugs	ExemptPrescription drugs and insulin are exempt. Over-the-counter drugs are taxable even when a doctor recommends them.
Clothing	Taxed (August holiday, $100 cap)Clothing is taxed, except items under $100 (accessories under $50) during the August sales tax holiday (1 and 2 August in 2026).

Local averages are population-weighted figures from the Tax Foundation: State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of 1 July 2026). They are a guide, not the rate at any one address. For the exact rate where you buy, use the Arkansas DFA local tax lookup tools.

Worked examples

$180 of groceries at the average local rate

$180 of groceries at the average local rate
Rate	0% grocery + 2.98% local = 2.98%
Price before tax	$180.00
Sales tax	$5.36
Total	$185.36

Working: $180.00 × 2.98% = $5.36. With the state grocery tax gone, only the local rate applies to food. Before 2026 the state added another 0.125% on top.

Working back from a $109.48 total at the 9.48% average

Working back from a $109.48 total at the 9.48% average
Rate	6.5% state + 2.98% local = 9.48%
Price before tax	$100.00
Sales tax	$9.48
Total	$109.48

Working back: $109.48 ÷ 1.0948 = $100.00, so the tax was $9.48. At the average combined rate, a $109.48 total means a $100 price. Enter your own local rate for a real receipt.

Grocery tax gone at the state level

Arkansas had already cut the state tax on food and food ingredients to 0.125%. Under Act 1008, that last state portion was eliminated on 1 January 2026. City and county sales taxes still apply to groceries, so a grocery receipt in a city with a 3% local rate is taxed at 3%. Prepared food, candy and soft drinks are not covered by the food rate and are taxed at the full combined rate.

Local tax cap and the sales tax holiday

Arkansas limits local tax on large single purchases: city and county tax is charged only on the first $2,500 of a qualifying single transaction, and the excess can be claimed back as a rebate. The state's yearly sales tax holiday runs on the first weekend of August; in 2026 it was 1 and 2 August, covering clothing and footwear under $100 per item, and clothing accessories under $50. Use the Department of Finance and Administration lookup tools for the exact local rate at an address.

Arkansas vs. neighboring states

Arkansas sales tax compared with neighboring states
State	State rate	Avg. combined	Groceries
Arkansas	6.5%	9.48%	No state tax since 2026; local
Missouri	4.225%	8.44%	1.225% state + full local
Tennessee	7%	9.61%	4% state + local
Mississippi	7%	7.06%	5% (since July 2025)
Louisiana	5%	10.13%	No state tax; local may apply
Texas	6.25%	8.20%	Exempt
Oklahoma	4.5%	9.06%	No state tax; local applies

Average combined rates are from the Tax Foundation, midyear 2026 report. See sales tax rates for every state for the full table.

Frequently asked questions

Are groceries taxed in Arkansas in 2026?

Not by the state. The state tax on food and food ingredients ended on 1 January 2026, but city and county sales taxes still apply to groceries.

Why is sales tax so high in Arkansas?

The 6.5% state rate is already above average, and cities and counties add their own taxes, averaging about 3%, so many places charge 9% to 10% or more.

Is there a cap on local sales tax in Arkansas?

Yes. City and county tax applies only to the first $2,500 of a qualifying single transaction. Any local tax paid on the amount above that can be claimed back as a rebate.

When is the Arkansas sales tax holiday?

On the first weekend of August. In 2026 it ran on 1 and 2 August and covered clothing and footwear under $100 per item and accessories under $50.

What is the sales tax rate in Arkansas in 2026?

The statewide rate is 6.5%. Local taxes add 2.98% on average and up to 6.13%, so the average combined rate is 9.48% (Tax Foundation, rates as of 1 July 2026).

How do I calculate Arkansas sales tax on a purchase?

Add the state and local rates, then multiply the price by that rate as a decimal. At 9.48% (the state rate plus the average local rate), tax on $100 is 100 × 0.0948 = $9.48, for a total of $109.48. To go back from a receipt total, divide it by 1 plus the rate.