2026 Arkansas Sales Tax Guide

Are you doing business in Arkansas? Then, sales tax is something you have to think about.

This Arkansas sales tax guide covers everything from determining nexus to knowing when to collect and calculate sales tax correctly.

The best part? We’ll show you a simple tool for streamlined sales tax management so you can grow your business confidently.

Arkansas Sales Tax Rate Range 2026

Arkansas’s statewide sales tax rate is 6.5%. Local governments can also impose additional local sales taxes.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Arkansas

You need to be aware of these rates to calculate sales tax correctly in Arkansas: 

• State sales tax
• County sales tax
• City sales tax
• Any applicable district taxes

For example, for doing business in Mena, Arkansas, there are three sales taxes you have to pay:

• Arkansas sales tax rate of 6.5%
• Polk county sales tax of 2%
• Mena city sales tax of 1%

This brings the total sales tax rate in Mena to 9.5%.

Collecting Arkansas Sales Tax from Customers

The guide below breaks down the basics of Arkansas sales tax. A sales tax expert can help you navigate the details if you need further assistance.

Do I Have to Collect Arkansas Sales Tax from Customers?

Any retailer making a taxable sale of tangible personal property and certain selected services should collect Arkansas sales tax.

What Creates Sales Tax Nexus in Arkansas?

Some conditions that create nexus in Arkansas include:

• Physical nexus: Businesses or their subsidiaries with a store, showroom, distribution center, warehouse, service center, factory, office, or research facility in Arkansas.
• Economic nexus: All remote sellers and marketplace facilitators must collect and remit sales tax to Arkansas if their sales exceed $100,000 or 200 or more transactions.

Learn more about sales tax nexus and when you’re required to collect sales tax.

Do I Have to Collect Sales Tax from Arkansas Customers if I Sell on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, or Etsy?

No. 

Arkansas has a marketplace facilitator law. This law requires marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon to collect sales tax on behalf of third-party sellers on their platforms. A marketplace facilitator who doesn’t meet the $100,000 threshold or more than 200 transactions doesn’t have to register, collect, and remit Arkansas tax.

Taxable Products in Arkansas

Here’s a detailed overview of taxable items in Arkansas:

Are Groceries Taxable in Arkansas? 

Groceries in Arkansas are not taxable at the state level, though local taxes may still apply.

Is Clothing Taxable in Arkansas?

Yes. You need to pay tax on clothing in Arkansas.

Are Digital Products Taxable in Arkansas? 

Yes, products transferred electronically, such as ebooks and music, are taxable in Arkansas.

Is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Taxable in Arkansas?

No, as software delivered electronically or by load and leave isn’t taxed in Arkansas.    

Are Services Taxable in Arkansas?

Yes, some services, such as pool cleaning, lawn care, and telephone answering services, are taxed in Arkansas. 

Tax-Exempt Items

Some items that are exempt from sales tax in Arkansas are:

• Prescription drugs sold by licensed pharmacists, hospitals, or physicians.
• Durable medical devices like glucose meters and apnea monitors.
• Raw farm products like Christmas trees 
• Sale of livestock, like cattle and domesticated fish, by producers at special livestock sales

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How to Register for an Arkansas Retail License

You can register for a retail license online through Arkansas’s tax portal, the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) website.

Learn how to register for a sales tax permit in every US state.

Do I Need an Arkansas Sales Tax License if I’m Only a Wholesaler? 

Yes, wholesalers also need to apply for an Arkansas sales tax license. However, wholesalers can obtain a resale certificate to buy goods for resale without paying Arkansas sales tax.

Do I Need an Arkansas Seller's Permit if I Only Sell Temporarily in the State?

Yes, promoters or organizers of special events must apply for sales tax permits. 

How to Collect Sales Tax in Arkansas

Arkansas uses a destination-based sales tax system.  

This means that when you sell something to a customer in Arkansas, you must charge sales tax based on the tax rate at the address where the item is being shipped.

Should You Collect Sales Tax on Shipping Charges in Arkansas?

If the products being shipped are taxable, all freight, shipping, and transportation charges must be included in the gross receipts. Sales and use tax must be collected and remitted on the total amount.

Learn more about sales tax on shipping in every state in the United States.

How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Arkansas

There are multiple ways to file and pay sales tax in Arkansas:

• Automated: Let Zamp handle your Arkansas sales tax filing and remittance so you won’t have to deal with sales tax returns ever again.
• Online: Taxpayers can file and pay electronically via the ATAP website.

FAQs on Paying and Filing Arkansas Sales Tax

What is use tax?

Use tax is charged on items bought out of state and brought into Arkansas for use, storage, or distribution without paying any sales tax.

What is the penalty for filing and/or paying Arkansas sales tax late?

If you file your return late and owe taxes, you’ll typically face a Failure to File Penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax for each month (or part of a month) you're late, up to a maximum of 35%.

How often will I be required to file and pay sales tax in Arkansas?

You should file and pay sales tax on the 20th of each month following your sales tax period.

Arkansas sales tax due dates

Arkansas due dates for monthly filers:

Arkansas quarterly sales tax filing due dates:

Arkansas annual sales tax filing due date:

Let the Experts Handle Your Arkansas Sales Tax Filing

Sales tax shouldn’t slow you down.

Zamp helps you stay ahead with streamlined onboarding, accurate calculations, and effortless filing — all in one place. No headaches. No guesswork. 

We simplify sales tax, so you can focus on growing your business.

Ready to take the stress out of sales tax? Get started with Zamp today!

About the author

The Zamp Team

The Zamp Team consists of experienced writers and editors who are dedicated to researching sales tax topics to help readers make smart decisions about their business and sales tax compliance. Collectively, the team has over 200 years of sales tax experience.