Arkansas Reverse Sales Tax Calculator
Arkansas has a 6.5% state sales tax, and with local additions the statewide average reaches 9.43% — one of the highest in the country. Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville all run around 9.75%. The state has taken a notable step on groceries: unprepared food is taxed at only 0.125% at the state level (though local taxes still apply on top), so grocery receipts will show a lower effective rate than retail purchases.
The calculator defaults to Arkansas's statewide average of 9.43%. For most cities in the state, 9.75% is the number you want. If you're working from an actual receipt, check the tax line — the rate can vary by exact jurisdiction, and the receipt calculation is always more accurate than a statewide average.
Current Arkansas Sales Tax Rates
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| State rate | 6.50% |
| Average local rate | 2.93% |
| Average combined rate | 9.43% |
| Location | Combined Rate |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | 9.75% |
| Fort Smith | 9.75% |
| Fayetteville | 9.75% |
| Jonesboro | 9.50% |
What's Taxable in Arkansas
Arkansas taxes groceries at a reduced state rate of 0.125% (one-eighth of a cent) rather than the full 6.5% state rate. Local taxes may still apply on top. Prepared food at restaurants is taxed at the full combined rate. Prescription drugs are exempt.
Worked Example
Purchase in Little Rock totaling $218.47 at 9.75%.
$218.47 ÷ 1.0975 = $199.06 (pre-tax price)
$218.47 − $199.06 = $19.41 (tax amount)
That's $19.41 in sales tax on a $199.06 purchase before tax. The main calculator handles this automatically — enter the total and rate and the breakdown appears instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Little Rock's combined rate is approximately 9.75% — the 6.5% state rate plus Pulaski County and city levies. This applies to most retail purchases. Groceries are subject to a reduced state rate of 0.125% but local taxes may still apply.
Arkansas reduced its state sales tax on groceries to 0.125% — essentially a token rate compared to the full 6.5%. However, local sales taxes still apply to groceries at the full local rate. So while the state portion is nearly zero, the total rate on groceries in Little Rock could still be several percent due to local taxes.
Divide the total amount paid by (1 + the tax rate as a decimal). For Arkansas's 9.43% rate: divide by 1.0943. The result is the pre-tax price. Subtract that from the total to get the tax amount. The calculator on this page does this automatically.
Arkansas holds annual sales tax holidays, typically in August for back-to-school purchases including clothing and school supplies. Check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for confirmed 2025 dates.