ARKANSAS PAYCHECK CALCULATOR — 2% TO 4.7% PROGRESSIVE TAX, $2,340/$4,680 DEDUCTION, $29/$58 EXEMPTION
Arkansas tax: 2% on first $5,500, 3% on next $5,400, 3.4% on next $4,700, 4.7% over $25,700. Standard deduction: $2,340 single / $4,680 married. Personal exemption: $29 single / $58 married. Texarkana residents pay ZERO state tax. No local tax. Minimum wage $11.00/hr. No SDI. No tax on Social Security. Updated for 2026.
ARKANSAS PAYCHECK CALCULATOR — INSTANT TAKE-HOME PAY
Use the calculator below to see your exact take-home pay after federal and Arkansas state taxes. Enter your salary, filing status, and dependents. Results update instantly. No buttons. No waiting.
- 2%-4.7% Tax
- $2,340/$4,680 Deduction
- $29/$58 Exemption
- Texarkana Exemption
- No Local Tax
- No SDI
- No Tax on SS
- $11.00 Min Wage
- Free & No Signup
Arkansas Paycheck Calculator 2026
payscheckcalculator.com — Accurate take-home pay for Arkansas employees
Pay Information
Pay Type
Pay Frequency & Location
Pay Frequency
Weekly
Biweekly
Semi-Monthly
Monthly
Filing Status & Dependents
Advanced Options
🌿 Your Arkansas Take-Home Pay
Annual Take-Home
$——
After all federal & state taxes
Per Paycheck (Biweekly)
$——
Monthly Take-Home
$——
Weekly Take-Home
$——
Gross Annual Pay
$——
Detailed Tax Breakdown
Eff. Fed Rate
—
Eff. AR Rate
—
Total Tax
—
Take-Home %
—
ℹ️ Arkansas 2026: Progressive rates 2%–4.7%.
Std. deduction: $2,340 (single) / $4,680 (married).
Personal exemption: $29/person. Texarkana = $0 state tax.
No local tax. No SDI. No SS tax. Min wage $11/hr.
Top rate → 3.9% by 2027.
Quick Navigation — Jump to Any Section Click to open ▼
ARKANSAS TAX RATE — 2% TO 4.7% PROGRESSIVE BRACKETS EXPLAINED
Arkansas does not have a flat tax. It uses a progressive system. You pay different rates on different portions of your income.
Four brackets. Low earners pay less. Higher earners pay more only on the money above each threshold.
The Brackets for 2026
2% on the first $5,500 of taxable income
3% on the next $5,400 (from $5,501 to $10,900)
3.4% on the next $4,700 (from $10,901 to $15,600)
4.7% on any taxable income over $25,700
Example — Single Person with $40,000 Taxable Income
First $5,500 taxed at 2% = $110
Next $5,400 taxed at 3% = $162
Next $4,700 taxed at 3.4% = $160
Remaining $24,400 taxed at 4.7% = $1,147
Total Arkansas state tax = $1,579
Example — Single Person with $60,000 Taxable Income
First $5,500 taxed at 2% = $110
Next $5,400 taxed at 3% = $162
Next $4,700 taxed at 3.4% = $160
Remaining $44,400 taxed at 4.7% = $2,087
Total Arkansas state tax = $2,519
Example — Single Person with $25,000 Taxable Income
First $5,500 taxed at 2% = $110
Next $5,400 taxed at 3% = $162
Next $4,700 taxed at 3.4% = $160
Remaining $9,400 taxed at 4.7% = $442
Total Arkansas state tax = $874
What is Taxable Income
Taxable income is NOT your gross salary. You subtract three things before applying the brackets.
First, subtract any pre-tax deductions like 401k contributions and health insurance.
Second, subtract the Arkansas standard deduction based on your filing status.
Third, subtract personal exemptions ($29 per person in your household).
The result is your Arkansas taxable income. Then apply the brackets above.
Example — Single Person Earning $60,000 with 401k
Gross income: $60,000
Minus 401k (5%): $3,000
Minus standard deduction: $2,340
Minus personal exemption: $29
Taxable income: $54,631
Now apply the brackets:
First $5,500 at 2% = $110
Next $5,400 at 3% = $162
Next $4,700 at 3.4% = $160
Remaining $39,031 at 4.7% = $1,834
Total tax = $2,266
Without the 401k contribution, tax would be $2,519. The 401k saves you about $253 in state taxes.
Same Brackets for Everyone
Arkansas uses the same brackets for all filing statuses. Single, married, head of household — same rates.
The only difference is the standard deduction. Married couples get $4,680 (double the single $2,340). Personal exemptions also double for married couples ($58 instead of $29).
Example — Married Couple with $80,000 Taxable Income
First $5,500 taxed at 2% = $110
Next $5,400 taxed at 3% = $162
Next $4,700 taxed at 3.4% = $160
Remaining $64,400 taxed at 4.7% = $3,027
Total Arkansas state tax = $3,459
Tax Rates Are Dropping Every Year
Arkansas is in the middle of a multi-year tax cut. The top rate has been dropping.
2024: 4.7% top rate
2025: 4.4% top rate
2026: Still 4.4%
2027: 3.9% top rate (scheduled)
Your tax bill will go down each year without you doing anything.
How Arkansas Compares to Neighboring States
Arkansas top rate: 4.7%
Texas: 0% (no state income tax)
Oklahoma top rate: 4.75%
Missouri top rate: 5.4%
Tennessee: 0% (no state income tax on wages)
Louisiana top rate: 4.25%
Arkansas is competitive. Not the lowest, but not the highest.
What About High Earners
Once your taxable income exceeds $25,700, all additional income is taxed at 4.7%.
On $200,000 for a single person:
First $5,500 at 2% = $110
Next $5,400 at 3% = $162
Next $4,700 at 3.4% = $160
Remaining $184,300 at 4.7% = $8,662
Total tax = $9,094
Your effective rate (what you actually pay as a percentage of your income) is about 4.5%.
One Thing to Remember
The brackets apply to taxable income, not gross income. After subtracting standard deduction and personal exemptions, most people have much lower taxable income.
A single person earning $40,000 might have only $35,000 in taxable income. Their tax is much lower than the brackets suggest if you just looked at gross income.
Use Our Calculator to See Your Exact Numbers
Enter your salary. Select your filing status. Add your dependents.
The calculator automatically:
Subtracts standard deduction based on your filing status
Subtracts personal exemptions ($29 per person)
Applies the correct brackets to your taxable income
Applies Texarkana exemption if you check the box
Includes no SDI and no tax on Social Security
ARKANSAS STANDARD DEDUCTION — $2,340 / $4,680
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income. Lower taxable income means lower tax.
But Arkansas’s standard deduction is very low compared to most states.
Arkansas Standard Deduction for 2026
Single filers: $2,340
Married filing jointly: $4,680
Head of household: $2,340
Married filing separately: $2,340
How This Compares to Federal
Federal standard deduction for single filers is $15,000. Arkansas gives you only $2,340 — about six times less.
Federal for married couples is $30,000. Arkansas gives you only $4,680 — about six times less.
Why is Arkansas’s Deduction So Low?
Arkansas gives you personal exemptions on top of the standard deduction. Most states eliminated personal exemptions. Arkansas kept them.
You get $29 per person as a personal exemption (applied as a tax credit). For a family of four, that is $116 in exemptions plus the standard deduction.
The combination of low standard deduction plus personal exemptions equals what other states offer as a standard deduction.
Example — Single Person with $60,000 Income
Arkansas calculation:
Gross income: $60,000
Subtract standard deduction: $2,340
Subtract personal exemption: $29
Taxable income: $57,631
Without the standard deduction, taxable income would be $60,000. The standard deduction saves you about $110 in tax.
Example — Married Couple with Two Children ($80,000 Income)
Arkansas calculation:
Gross income: $80,000
Subtract standard deduction: $4,680
Subtract personal exemptions (4 people × $29): $116
Taxable income: $75,204
Without the standard deduction, taxable income would be $79,884. The standard deduction saves you about $220 in tax.
How the Deduction is Applied
You subtract the standard deduction BEFORE calculating your tax. It reduces the income that gets run through the progressive brackets.
On $60,000 gross income, you pay tax on only $57,631 after standard deduction and personal exemption.
What if Your Deductions are Higher?
You can itemize deductions instead if they exceed the standard deduction. Common itemized deductions include:
Medical expenses over 7.5% of your income
Mortgage interest
State and local taxes
Charitable contributions
For most people, the standard deduction is easier. No paperwork. No receipts.
How Arkansas Compares to Neighboring States
Arkansas: $2,340 single / $4,680 married
Texas: No state income tax
Oklahoma: $6,350 single / $12,700 married (much higher)
Missouri: $14,600 single / $29,200 married (much higher)
Tennessee: No state income tax on wages
Louisiana: $4,500 single / $9,000 married (higher)
Arkansas has one of the lowest standard deductions in the country. But the personal exemptions help balance it out.
The Low Deduction Means More of Your Income is Taxed
On a $60,000 salary in Arkansas, about $57,600 is taxable after deductions.
In Oklahoma, only about $53,600 would be taxable. Oklahoma gives you a much larger standard deduction.
But Arkansas’s top tax rate (4.7%) is lower than Oklahoma’s (4.75%). The difference balances out for most earners.
One Thing to Check
If you are married and filing separately, both spouses get $2,340. That is $4,680 total. Same as filing jointly for standard deduction purposes.
The personal exemptions also apply to both spouses when filing separately.
Use Our Calculator to See Your Exact Deduction
Enter your salary. Select your filing status. Add your dependents.
The calculator automatically applies:
The correct standard deduction based on your filing status
Personal exemptions ($29 per person)
The progressive tax brackets (2%, 3%, 3.4%, 4.7%)
Texarkana exemption if applicable
No SDI
No tax on Social Security
ARKANSAS PERSONAL EXEMPTION — $29 / $58
This is one of the smallest tax exemptions in the country. But it still exists. Many states eliminated their personal exemptions years ago. Arkansas kept them.
You get $29 for each person in your household. It is applied as a tax credit, not a deduction. That means it directly reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar.
Who Qualifies
You claim an exemption for yourself on every Arkansas tax return. That is $29.
You claim an exemption for your spouse if you are married and filing jointly. That is another $29.
You claim an exemption for each dependent you claim on your federal return. That is $29 per child or dependent.
Example — Single Person with No Children
You claim yourself only.
Total exemptions: 1 person × $29 = $29 tax credit
This directly reduces your Arkansas tax bill by $29.
Example — Married Couple with No Children
You claim yourself and your spouse.
Total exemptions: 2 people × $29 = $58 tax credit
Example — Married Couple with Two Children
You claim yourself, your spouse, and both children.
Total exemptions: 4 people × $29 = $116 tax credit
Example — Single Parent with One Child
You claim yourself and your child.
Total exemptions: 2 people × $29 = $58 tax credit
How the Exemption Saves You Money
Unlike a deduction which reduces your taxable income, a credit reduces your tax bill directly.
Each $29 exemption saves you exactly $29 in state taxes. No math needed. No brackets to apply.
For a family of four, $116 in exemptions saves you $116 in taxes.
Why Does Arkansas Have Such a Small Exemption?
Arkansas kept the personal exemption when most states got rid of theirs. But they set the amount very low.
The trade-off is a lower standard deduction. Arkansas has one of the lowest standard deductions in the country. The small personal exemption is part of the same system.
Who Counts as a Dependent
You can claim a personal exemption for a dependent if:
The dependent is your child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, half-sibling, or descendant of any of these
The dependent lived with you for more than half the year
The dependent did not provide more than half of their own financial support
The dependent is under age 19 (or under 24 if a full-time student)
There is no age limit for permanently disabled dependents
What About Divorced Parents
If you are divorced, the parent who has custody for more than half the year claims the dependent exemption.
If custody is split exactly 50-50, the parent with the higher adjusted gross income claims the exemption.
What About Elderly Parents
If you support an elderly parent who lives with you, you can claim them as a dependent.
The parent must have gross income of less than $4,700 (2026 limit) and you must provide more than half their support.
That gives you an extra $29 personal exemption.
What About Adult Children with Disabilities
Adult children who are permanently and totally disabled qualify as dependents regardless of age.
You can claim them as long as they lived with you or you provided more than half their support.
That is an extra $29 exemption that many people miss.
Personal Exemption vs Dependent Exemption
They are the same thing. Arkansas does not separate them. Every person in your household, whether you call them a personal exemption or dependent exemption, is worth $29.
How to Claim the Exemption on Your Tax Return
On Arkansas tax forms, the personal exemption is applied as a credit. You do not subtract it from your income. You subtract it directly from your tax bill.
If you use tax software, it will ask about your dependents and calculate the credit automatically.
If you are an employee, your employer’s withholding may not account for your dependents. Adjust your Arkansas withholding form to claim the correct number of exemptions.
Comparison with Other States
Arkansas: $29 per person (as credit)
Alabama: $1,500 per person (as deduction)
Georgia: Eliminated personal exemptions
Mississippi: $6,000 total for married couples
Tennessee: No state income tax
Texas: No state income tax
Arkansas has the smallest personal exemption in the region. But it is still something.
Why Most Calculators Miss This
Many online paycheck calculators use a generic formula that assumes every state has no personal exemption. They completely miss Arkansas’s $29 per person credit.
Our calculator above includes the personal exemption. Enter your filing status and the number of dependents. The calculator automatically applies the $29 credit for each person in your household.
The calculator also includes the standard deduction, the progressive tax brackets, the Texarkana exemption, no SDI, and no tax on Social Security.
ARKANSAS TEXARKANA EXEMPTION — BORDER CITY SPECIAL RULE
This is one of Arkansas’s best tax perks. Most people have no idea it exists. If you live in Texarkana, Arkansas, you pay ZERO Arkansas state tax on wages earned within the city limits.
That is right. No state tax at all on your paycheck if you work in Texarkana.
How It Works
Texarkana is a unique city. It sits on the border between Arkansas and Texas. The city has two sides — Texarkana, Arkansas, and Texarkana, Texas.
Because of this unique situation, Arkansas created a special exemption. Residents of Texarkana, Arkansas, do not pay Arkansas state income tax on wages earned inside the city limits.
The exemption applies to wages earned in Texarkana. If you work outside the city, the exemption does not apply.
Example — Living and Working in Texarkana, Arkansas
You live in Texarkana, Arkansas. You work at a job in Texarkana, Arkansas.
You pay ZERO Arkansas state tax on those wages. Your entire paycheck is exempt from state tax.
On a $60,000 salary, you save about $2,500 per year in state taxes.
Example — Living in Texarkana but Working Outside the City
You live in Texarkana, Arkansas. But you commute to a job in Little Rock or anywhere else outside the city limits.
You pay Arkansas state tax on those wages. The exemption only applies to wages earned within Texarkana.
Example — Living Outside Texarkana but Working Inside
You live in a different Arkansas city. But you work in Texarkana, Arkansas.
You still pay Arkansas state tax. The exemption is for residents of Texarkana, not for people who just work there.
What Qualifies as Texarkana Residency
You must actually live within the city limits of Texarkana, Arkansas. Living in the surrounding county or in Texarkana, Texas, does not qualify.
Your address determines eligibility. If your mailing address is Texarkana, Arkansas, with an Arkansas ZIP code, you likely qualify.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration has specific boundaries for the exemption. Check with the city or a tax professional if you are unsure.
Do You Need to Do Anything Special?
Yes. You must file a special form with your employer. Arkansas Form AR-TX certifies your residency in Texarkana.
Give this form to your payroll department. They will stop withholding Arkansas state tax from your paycheck.
If you do not file the form, your employer will continue to withhold state tax. You will get the money back when you file your tax return, but you wait months for the refund.
How Much Can You Save
A lot. Here is the math:
On $60,000 salary: Save about $2,500 per year
On $80,000 salary: Save about $3,400 per year
On $100,000 salary: Save about $4,300 per year
That is real money. Hundreds of dollars per month in your pocket.
What About Texarkana, Texas Residents
If you live in Texarkana, Texas, you already pay zero Texas state income tax. Texas has no state income tax on wages.
This exemption is specifically for Arkansas residents of Texarkana.
Can You Work Remotely from Texarkana?
Yes. If you live in Texarkana, Arkansas, and work remotely for a company located anywhere else, the exemption still applies.
The key is where you physically work. If you work from your home in Texarkana, Arkansas, the wages are exempt from Arkansas tax.
This is true even if your employer is in New York, California, or any other state.
What About Self-Employed Workers
If you are self-employed and live in Texarkana, Arkansas, your business income earned within the city limits is exempt from Arkansas state tax.
You still need to file a tax return. But you will owe zero Arkansas tax on that income.
Consult a tax professional for the specific rules for self-employed workers.
Why Most Calculators Miss This
Most online paycheck calculators assume everyone pays the same state tax. They have no idea that Texarkana residents pay zero.
Our calculator above includes a checkbox for the Texarkana exemption. Check the box, and the calculator sets your Arkansas state tax to zero.
The calculator also includes standard deduction, personal exemptions, progressive tax brackets, no SDI, and no tax on Social Security.
How to Claim the Exemption
Verify you live within Texarkana, Arkansas, city limits.
Download Arkansas Form AR-TX from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.
Fill out the form certifying your Texarkana residency.
Give the form to your payroll department. They will stop withholding Arkansas tax.
Keep a copy for your records.
If you have already had tax withheld this year, you will get the money back when you file your state tax return.
What If Your Employer Refuses to Stop Withholding?
Some employers do not know about this exemption. If they refuse to stop withholding, show them this page.
You can also call the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration at (501) 682-7290. They can confirm the exemption for your employer.
As a last resort, let your employer withhold the tax. You will get a refund when you file. But you wait months for the money.
One Thing to Remember
The Texarkana exemption only applies to Arkansas state tax. You still pay federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare on your wages.
Only Arkansas tax is exempt.
Use Our Calculator to See Your Exact Take-Home Pay
Enter your salary. Check the “I live in Texarkana, Arkansas” box.
The calculator:
Sets your Arkansas state tax to zero
Still applies federal tax, Social Security, and Medicare
Shows you exactly how much more you take home
The calculator updates instantly with every change. No buttons. No waiting. No signup.
ARKANSAS MINIMUM WAGE — $11.00 PER HOUR
Arkansas has its own minimum wage law. It is higher than the federal rate.
For 2026, the minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00 per hour.
Who Gets Paid $11.00
Most employees in Arkansas must be paid at least $11.00 per hour. This includes:
Full-time workers
Part-time workers
Seasonal workers
Temporary workers
Hourly employees
Salaried employees are different. They must earn at least $684 per week to be exempt from overtime. That works out to about $17.10 per hour for a 40-hour week.
What About Tipped Employees
Tipped employees have a lower minimum wage. Arkansas follows the federal tipped minimum wage of $2.13 per hour.
If tips do not bring the employee up to $11.00 per hour, the employer must make up the difference.
Example — Restaurant Server
A server earns $2.13 per hour base wage. They work 40 hours. Base pay is $85.20.
They receive $300 in tips during the week. Total is $385.20.
$11.00 × 40 hours = $440.00 minimum required. The server earned $385.20, which is $54.80 below the minimum. The employer must add $54.80.
If tips were higher, say $400, total would be $485.20. That is above $440. No extra pay needed.
How Arkansas Compares to Neighboring States
Arkansas: $11.00
Texas: $7.25
Oklahoma: $7.25
Missouri: $12.30 (higher)
Tennessee: No state minimum (federal applies = $7.25)
Louisiana: No state minimum (federal applies = $7.25)
Arkansas has a higher minimum wage than most of its neighbors. Only Missouri is higher.
What About Cities with Higher Minimum Wage
Unlike some states where cities like Seattle or New York City set their own higher minimum wages, Arkansas cities cannot do this.
State law prevents cities from setting their own minimum wage rates. The state rate applies everywhere in Arkansas.
Little Rock: $11.00
Fort Smith: $11.00
Fayetteville: $11.00
Springdale: $11.00
Jonesboro: $11.00
All the same.
How Does Overtime Work
Overtime is 1.5 times your regular rate for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Example — $15 per hour, 45 hours worked:
Regular pay: 40 hours × $15 = $600
Overtime pay: 5 hours × $22.50 = $112.50
Total gross: $712.50
If you earn minimum wage of $11.00, your overtime rate is $16.50 per hour.
Who is Exempt from Minimum Wage
Some workers are exempt from minimum wage laws:
Salaried executive, administrative, and professional employees earning at least $684 per week
Outside salespeople
Some agricultural workers
Some seasonal workers at certain types of businesses
Independent contractors are also exempt because they are not employees.
What About Younger Workers
Arkansas does not have a separate youth minimum wage. Workers under 18 get the same $11.00 per hour as everyone else.
Some states allow lower wages for teenagers. Arkansas does not.
What If My Employer Pays Less Than $11.00
That is illegal. You can file a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing.
Keep records of your hours and pay. Save your pay stubs. Write down days and times you worked.
The department can investigate and order your employer to pay you the difference. You may also get additional damages.
How Does Minimum Wage Affect My Take-Home Pay
At $11.00 per hour working 40 hours per week:
Weekly gross: $440
Monthly gross: about $1,907
Annual gross: about $22,880
After federal tax, Arkansas state tax, Social Security, and Medicare, your take-home pay is approximately $19,500 to $20,500 per year.
That is about $375 to $395 per week.
Use our calculator above to see your exact take-home pay at minimum wage. Enter $11.00 as your hourly rate and 40 hours per week. Select Arkansas as your state. Choose your filing status.
The calculator shows your weekly, biweekly, and monthly take-home pay after all taxes, including Arkansas’s progressive brackets, standard deduction, and personal exemption.
What About Overtime at Minimum Wage
If you work overtime at minimum wage, your rate is $16.50 per hour.
Example: 45 hours per week at $11.00
Regular 40 hours: $440
Overtime 5 hours: $82.50
Total weekly gross: $522.50
Annual gross: about $27,170
After taxes, your take-home is about $23,500 to $24,500 per year.
Will Minimum Wage Increase in Arkansas
The minimum wage was increased by voter referendum in 2018. It reached $11.00 in 2021 and has stayed there.
There is no scheduled increase for 2026 or 2027. Any future increase would require a new law or another voter referendum.
For now, $11.00 remains the law in Arkansas.
How to Budget on Minimum Wage
At $11.00 for 40 hours per week, your monthly take-home is about $1,625 to $1,700.
This is tight. Most financial experts recommend:
Housing: no more than 30% of income ($490 to $510 per month)
Food: $250 to $300 per month
Transportation: $150 to $200 per month
Utilities: $150 to $200 per month
The rest for savings, insurance, and other expenses
Many minimum wage workers in Arkansas work a second job or have a roommate to make ends meet.
One Thing to Remember
Minimum wage is gross pay before taxes. Your take-home pay is lower.
Many people think “I earn $11.00 per hour, so I should get $440 per week.” But after taxes, you actually get about $375 to $395.
Our calculator above shows you the real number. The amount that actually lands in your bank account.
Try our calculator above with your specific numbers. Enter your hourly rate. Enter your hours per week. Select Arkansas. The calculator includes federal tax, Arkansas progressive tax (2% to 4.7%), standard deduction ($2,340/$4,680), personal exemption ($29/$58), Texarkana exemption if applicable, no SDI, no tax on Social Security, Social Security, and Medicare.
The calculator updates instantly with every change. No buttons. No waiting. No signup.
ARKANSAS NO SDI AND NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY
Two things Arkansas does not take from your paycheck. Both save you money.
No SDI Tax
SDI stands for State Disability Insurance. It is a tax that funds disability benefits for workers who cannot work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
Only a handful of states have this tax. Arkansas is not one of them.
California has the highest SDI tax at 1.1 percent. New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New York also have SDI taxes.
Arkansas workers pay nothing for SDI.
What This Means for You
If you move from California to Arkansas, that 1.1 percent tax disappears.
On a $60,000 salary, you save about $660 per year.
On a $100,000 salary, you save about $1,100 per year.
On a $150,000 salary, you save about $1,650 per year.
That money stays in your paycheck.
Example — Moving from California to Little Rock
You earn $80,000 per year. In California, you paid SDI tax of 1.1 percent. That is $880 per year.
You move to Little Rock. That $880 goes away. Your take-home pay increases by $880 per year. About $73 more per month.
Other Disability Insurance
Arkansas does not have state disability insurance. But some employers offer private disability insurance as a benefit.
If your employer offers it, the premium may be deducted from your paycheck. That is voluntary, not mandatory. You can opt out.
No Tax on Social Security Benefits
This is huge for retirees.
Arkansas does not tax Social Security benefits at all. Whether you receive $10,000 per year or $50,000 per year in Social Security, you pay zero Arkansas state tax on that money.
Many states still tax Social Security.
States That Tax Social Security Benefits
Arkansas: No tax
Arizona: No tax
California: No tax (but high other taxes)
Texas: No state income tax at all
Florida: No state income tax at all
Other states that still tax Social Security include Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Example — Retired Couple with $50,000 Social Security
In Arkansas: $0 state tax
In Colorado: About $1,500 to $2,000 state tax
In Utah: About $1,200 to $1,500 state tax
In Connecticut: About $1,200 to $1,800 state tax
Arkansas saves you over $1,000 per year compared to those states.
Other Retirement Income
Arkansas taxes pensions, 401k withdrawals, and IRA withdrawals as regular income at the progressive rates (2% to 4.7%).
Only Social Security benefits are fully exempt.
Example — Retired couple with $40,000 pension + $30,000 Social Security:
Pension: Taxed at Arkansas rates (about $1,200 to $1,500)
Social Security: Taxed at 0% = $0
Total Arkansas tax: About $1,200 to $1,500
In states that tax Social Security, that same couple might pay $2,500 to $3,500 more.
How to Check if Your Employer is Withholding SDI
If you live and work in Arkansas, your employer should NOT withhold SDI tax.
Check your pay stub for deductions labeled:
“SDI”
“CA SDI”
“State Disability”
“TDI”
Ask your payroll department why. You may be overpaying, especially if your company is based in California or another SDI state but you work remotely from Arkansas.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers injuries that happen at work. SDI covers illnesses or injuries that happen outside work.
Arkansas has no SDI, but employers still carry workers’ comp insurance. Premiums are paid by employers, not employees.
Unemployment Insurance
Covers workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. In Arkansas, unemployment insurance is paid entirely by employers. You do not see a deduction.
Paid Family Leave
Arkansas does not have a state-mandated paid family leave program. Some states like California, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts have paid family leave taxes. Arkansas does not.
There is no deduction for paid family leave on your Arkansas paycheck.
Impact on Savings
The combination of no SDI and no tax on Social Security saves Arkansas residents thousands of dollars per year.
A middle-income worker saves about $660 to $1,100 per year compared to California.
A retired couple with Social Security benefits saves another $1,000 to $2,000 per year compared to states that tax Social Security.
For a family or retiree, that is real money.
Try Our Calculator
Our calculator above includes:
No SDI tax (correct for Arkansas)
No tax on Social Security benefits
Arkansas progressive tax (2%, 3%, 3.4%, 4.7%)
Standard deduction ($2,340/$4,680)
Personal exemption ($29/$58)
Texarkana exemption checkbox
Federal tax, Social Security, Medicare
401k, health insurance, HSA deductions
Enter your salary. Select your filing status. Add your dependents. Check the Texarkana box if you qualify.
The calculator shows your exact take-home pay after all taxes and deductions.
REAL EXAMPLE — $60,000 SALARY IN ARKANSAS WITH MASON
Let us walk through a real example. Meet Mason.
Mason lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. He earns $60,000 per year. He is single, has no dependents, and contributes 5 percent to his 401k. He also pays $100 per paycheck for health insurance.
He does not live in Texarkana, so the Texarkana exemption does not apply. He pays standard Arkansas state tax.
Step 1 — Gross Pay per Year and per Paycheck
Mason earns $60,000 per year. He gets paid every two weeks, which means 26 paychecks per year.
$60,000 divided by 26 equals $2,307.69 gross pay per paycheck before any deductions.
Step 2 — Pre-Tax Deductions
Mason contributes 5 percent of his salary to his 401k.
$2,307.69 × 0.05 = $115.38 per paycheck going to his retirement account.
He also pays $100 per paycheck for health insurance.
Total pre-tax deductions per paycheck: $115.38 + $100 = $215.38
Step 3 — Taxable Gross Pay for Federal Taxes
Taxable gross pay for federal taxes is what remains after pre-tax deductions are removed.
$2,307.69 – $215.38 = $2,092.31 taxable gross per paycheck.
This is the amount on which Mason pays federal taxes.
Step 4 — Federal Income Tax
First, annualize the taxable gross pay.
$2,092.31 × 26 paychecks = $54,400 annual taxable income.
Subtract the federal standard deduction for a single filer. That is $15,000 in 2026.
Taxable income becomes $39,400.
Now apply the 2026 federal tax brackets for a single filer:
10% on the first $11,925 = $1,192.50
12% on income from $11,926 to $39,400 = $3,297
Total annual federal tax: $1,192.50 + $3,297 = $4,489.50
Divide by 26 paychecks. Federal tax per paycheck is approximately $172.67.
Step 5 — Arkansas State Income Tax
Arkansas has progressive tax rates. First, we need Mason’s Arkansas taxable income.
Annual gross after pre-tax deductions:
$60,000 – ($215.38 × 26) = $60,000 – $5,600 = $54,400
Subtract Arkansas standard deduction for a single filer: $2,340
Subtract Arkansas personal exemption for single filer: $29
Arkansas taxable income: $54,400 – $2,340 – $29 = $52,031
Now apply the Arkansas brackets for a single filer:
2% on first $5,500 = $110
3% on next $5,400 = $162
3.4% on next $4,700 = $160
4.7% on remaining $36,431 = $1,712
Total Arkansas state tax: $110 + $162 + $160 + $1,712 = $2,144 per year
Divide by 26 paychecks. Arkansas state tax per paycheck is approximately $82.46.
Step 6 — Social Security and Medicare
FICA taxes are calculated on gross pay before pre-tax deductions.
Social Security is 6.2 percent of gross pay.
$2,307.69 × 0.062 = $143.08 per paycheck
Medicare is 1.45 percent of gross pay.
$2,307.69 × 0.0145 = $33.46 per paycheck
Total FICA per paycheck: $143.08 + $33.46 = $176.54
Step 7 — Net Pay Take-Home Pay
Now subtract all deductions from gross pay:
Gross pay: $2,307.69
Minus pre-tax deductions: $215.38
Minus federal tax: $172.67
Minus Arkansas state tax: $82.46
Minus Social Security: $143.08
Minus Medicare: $33.46
The math:
$2,307.69 – $215.38 = $2,092.31
$2,092.31 – $172.67 = $1,919.64
$1,919.64 – $82.46 = $1,837.18
$1,837.18 – $143.08 = $1,694.10
$1,694.10 – $33.46 = $1,660.64
Mason’s net take-home pay per biweekly paycheck is approximately $1,661.
Summary — Where Did Mason’s Money Go?
From each $2,307.69 paycheck:
$115.38 goes to his 401k retirement account
$100 goes to his health insurance premium
$172.67 goes to federal income tax
$82.46 goes to Arkansas state tax (progressive rates)
$143.08 goes to Social Security
$33.46 goes to Medicare
After all these deductions, Mason takes home $1,661 in net pay per paycheck.
This means Mason keeps about 72 percent of his gross pay. The other 28 percent goes to taxes, retirement, and health insurance.
What if Mason Lived in Texarkana
If Mason lived in Texarkana, Arkansas, he would pay ZERO Arkansas state tax.
His net pay would increase by $82.46 per paycheck. That is about $2,144 more per year.
What if Mason Had No 401k or Health Insurance
If Mason had no 401k contribution and no health insurance deduction, his gross pay would remain the same.
But his taxable income would be higher.
His federal tax would increase to about $200 per paycheck. His Arkansas state tax would increase to about $95 per paycheck. His net pay would actually be lower by about $30 per paycheck even though his gross pay is the same.
This shows the power of pre-tax deductions. They reduce your taxable income and save you more in taxes than they cost you in take-home pay.
What if Mason Increased His 401k to 10 Percent
If Mason increased his 401k contribution from 5 percent to 10 percent, his 401k deduction would increase from $115 to $230 per paycheck.
His federal taxable income would decrease, so his federal tax would drop by about $10 per paycheck. His Arkansas state tax would also drop by about $5 per paycheck.
His net pay would decrease by about $100 per paycheck while saving an extra $115 for retirement.
What if Mason Was Married with Two Children
If Mason was married filing jointly with two children, his situation would change significantly.
For federal taxes, his standard deduction would increase to $30,000 and he would get a $4,000 child tax credit. His federal tax would drop from $4,490 to approximately $1,500 per year.
For Arkansas taxes, his standard deduction would increase to $4,680 (married joint). His personal exemptions would increase to $116 (4 people × $29). His Arkansas tax would drop from $2,144 to approximately $1,200 per year.
His net pay would increase by about $180 per paycheck.
Why This Example Matters
Most calculators just show you a number. They do not show the math.
Mason’s example shows you exactly where every dollar goes. You can follow along with your own numbers.
The same math applies to you. Just different numbers.
The calculator above does all this math for you. Enter your salary, filing status, and dependents. See your exact take-home pay. No buttons. No waiting. No signup.
WHAT IF SCENARIOS — MARRIAGE, KIDS, 401K CHANGES, TEXARKANA
Mason’s example shows one situation. Single, no kids, lives in Little Rock, 5% 401k.
But your situation might be different.
Scenario 1 — What if Mason Lived in Texarkana
Mason lives in Little Rock. He pays $82.46 per paycheck in Arkansas state tax.
If Mason lived in Texarkana, Arkansas, he would pay ZERO Arkansas state tax.
His net pay would increase by $82.46 per paycheck. That is about $2,144 per year.
Scenario 2 — What if Mason Had No 401k or Health Insurance
Mason contributes 5% to his 401k ($115 per paycheck) and pays $100 for health insurance.
If he had no 401k and no health insurance, his gross pay would stay the same.
But his taxable income would be higher.
His federal tax would increase by about $20 per paycheck. His Arkansas state tax would increase by about $12 per paycheck. His net pay would actually decrease by about $30 per paycheck.
No 401k also means no retirement savings. So he loses twice. Less take-home pay today. Less savings for tomorrow.
The lesson: pre-tax deductions save you more in taxes than they cost you in take-home pay.
Scenario 3 — What if Mason Increased His 401k to 10%
Mason currently contributes 5% ($115 per paycheck). If he increases to 10% ($230 per paycheck), his 401k deduction doubles.
His federal taxable income drops. His federal tax drops by about $10 per paycheck. His Arkansas state tax drops by about $5 per paycheck.
His net pay decreases by about $100 per paycheck. But he saves an extra $115 per paycheck for retirement.
Net effect: He puts $115 more into retirement. His paycheck only drops by $100. The $15 difference is tax savings.
Scenario 4 — What if Mason Decreased His 401k to 0%
If Mason stopped all 401k contributions, his paycheck would increase by about $90 per paycheck.
But he would lose $115 per paycheck in retirement savings. And he would pay about $25 more in taxes.
Short-term gain, long-term loss. Not recommended.
Scenario 5 — What if Mason Was Married Filing Jointly with No Children
If Mason got married and filed jointly with the same $60,000 household income, his federal standard deduction would increase from $15,000 to $30,000.
His federal tax would drop from $4,490 per year to approximately $2,800 per year.
His Arkansas standard deduction would increase from $2,340 to $4,680.
His Arkansas personal exemption would increase from $29 (self) to $58 (self + spouse).
His Arkansas state tax would drop from $2,144 to approximately $1,400 per year.
His net pay would increase by about $90 per paycheck.
Getting married saves you money in Arkansas.
Scenario 6 — What if Mason Was Married with Two Children
If Mason had two children under 17, he would get the federal child tax credit of $2,000 per child. That is $4,000 total.
His federal tax would drop from $4,490 to approximately $1,500 per year.
For Arkansas, his standard deduction would be $4,680 (married joint). His personal exemptions would be $116 (4 people × $29).
His Arkansas state tax would drop from $2,144 to approximately $1,200 per year.
His net pay would increase by about $150 per paycheck compared to single Mason.
Scenario 7 — What if Mason Was Single with One Child
If Mason had one child but remained single, he would get the federal child tax credit of $2,000.
His federal tax would drop from $4,490 to approximately $2,490 per year.
For Arkansas, his standard deduction stays at $2,340. His personal exemptions increase to $58 (self + child).
His Arkansas state tax would drop from $2,144 to approximately $1,900 per year.
His net pay would increase by about $70 per paycheck compared to single Mason with no children.
Scenario 8 — What if Mason Earned Less ($40,000 instead of $60,000)
If Mason earned $40,000 with the same single filing status:
Gross pay: $40,000
401k (5%): $2,000
Health insurance: $2,600 ($100 × 26)
Arkansas taxable income: $40,000 – $4,600 – $2,340 – $29 = $33,031
Arkansas state tax: $110 + $162 + $160 + ($17,331 × 4.7%) = $1,247 per year
Federal tax: approximately $2,000 per year
Approximate net pay per biweekly paycheck: $1,150
That is about $511 less per paycheck than $60,000 Mason.
Scenario 9 — What if Mason Earned More ($80,000 instead of $60,000)
If Mason earned $80,000 with the same single filing status:
Gross pay: $80,000
401k (5%): $4,000
Health insurance: $2,600
Arkansas taxable income: $80,000 – $6,600 – $2,340 – $29 = $71,031
Arkansas state tax: $110 + $162 + $160 + ($55,331 × 4.7%) = $3,032 per year
Federal tax: approximately $7,800 per year
Approximate net pay per biweekly paycheck: $2,050
That is about $389 more per paycheck than $60,000 Mason.
Scenario 10 — What if Mason Was Head of Household
If Mason had a dependent child and qualified as head of household, his federal standard deduction would increase from $15,000 to $22,500.
His Arkansas standard deduction for head of household is $2,340 (same as single).
His personal exemptions would be $58 (self + child).
His federal tax would drop significantly. His Arkansas tax would drop by about $100 per year.
Net pay increase compared to single: about $60 per paycheck.
Scenario 11 — What if Mason Worked Part-Time (20 Hours per Week)
If Mason worked 20 hours per week at $57.70 per hour (same $60,000 annual equivalent):
His annual gross would still be $60,000. His taxes would be the same as full-time Mason.
Part-time vs full-time does not change your tax rate. Only total annual income matters.
Scenario 12 — What if Mason Was Self-Employed
Self-employed workers pay higher taxes. They pay both the employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare.
Instead of 7.65% total (Social Security + Medicare), self-employed workers pay 15.3%.
On $60,000, that is an extra $4,590 per year in self-employment tax.
Our calculator is designed for W-2 employees where taxes are withheld from paychecks. Self-employed workers should use a self-employment tax calculator or consult a tax professional.
Summary — How Different Factors Affect Your Take-Home Pay
| Change | Effect on Net Pay |
|---|---|
| Live in Texarkana (vs Little Rock) | +$82 per paycheck |
| No 401k or health insurance | -$30 per paycheck |
| Increase 401k to 10% | -$100 per paycheck, +$115 savings |
| Married, no children | +$90 per paycheck |
| Married, two children | +$150 per paycheck |
| Single, one child | +$70 per paycheck |
| Salary $40,000 (instead of $60k) | -$511 per paycheck |
| Salary $80,000 (instead of $60k) | +$389 per paycheck |
| Head of household | +$60 per paycheck |
Enter your numbers in the calculator above. Change any variable. See how your take-home pay changes. No buttons.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) — ARKANSAS PAYCHECK CALCULATOR
Here are the most common questions users ask about Arkansas paycheck calculations. If you have a question, chances are it is answered below.
Arkansas has a progressive income tax with four brackets for 2026: 2% on the first $5,500 of taxable income, 3% on the next $5,400, 3.4% on the next $4,700, and 4.7% on income over $25,700.
Yes. For 2026, the standard deduction is $2,340 for single filers, $4,680 for married couples filing jointly, $2,340 for head of household, and $2,340 for married filing separately.
Yes. Arkansas has a personal exemption of $29 per person, applied as a tax credit. Single filers get $29, married couples get $58, and each dependent adds another $29.
Texarkana is a border city between Arkansas and Texas. If you live in Texarkana, Arkansas, you pay ZERO Arkansas state tax on wages earned within the city limits. You must file Form AR-TX with your employer to claim the exemption.
No. Arkansas has no local income taxes anywhere in the state. Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville — all have zero local tax.
The minimum wage in Arkansas for 2026 is $11.00 per hour. Tipped employees have a lower base wage of $2.13 per hour, plus tips must bring them to at least $11.00.
No. Arkansas does not have SDI. Only California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New York have SDI taxes.
No. Arkansas does not tax Social Security benefits at all. Whether you receive $10,000 or $50,000 per year in Social Security, you pay zero Arkansas state tax on those benefits.
Overtime is 1.5 times your regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Same as federal law.
First, subtract pre-tax deductions from your gross income. Then subtract the standard deduction based on your filing status. Then subtract personal exemptions ($29 per person). The result is your Arkansas taxable income. Then apply the progressive brackets: 2% on first $5,500, 3% on next $5,400, 3.4% on next $4,700, and 4.7% on the remainder.
Arkansas uses Form AR4EC. You claim your filing status and the number of exemptions. Each exemption reduces your withholding. More exemptions mean less tax withheld from each paycheck.
Your employer withholds less tax. You get more money in each paycheck, but you will owe money when you file your return. You may also face underpayment penalties.
Related Calculators You May Find Useful
Need more than just an Arkansas paycheck calculator? Here are other free tools that can help with your financial planning.
Why Thousands of Users Trust Our Paycheck Calculator
We understand that you are trusting us with your salary information. Here is why thousands of users choose our calculator every month.
100% free forever
No paid upgrade. No premium tier. No credit card required. Our calculator is completely free for everyone, always. You will never be asked to pay for any feature.
No signup — no email required
Your salary is your business. We never ask for your email address, name, phone number, or any personal information. No account creation. No newsletter signup. No “sign in with Google.” What you calculate stays between you and your browser.
Instant results — no button clicking
Results update as you type. No waiting. No page reloads. No “Calculate” button to find and click. Just immediate answers as you change numbers. This is faster than any competitor.
Accurate for all 50 states
We use official tax rates from the IRS, Social Security Administration, and each state’s tax authority. Our rates are verified against government sources.
Updated for 2026 tax laws
Our calculator uses the latest 2026 numbers:
- Federal tax brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%
- Federal standard deduction: $15,000 single / $30,000 married
- Social Security wage base: $184,500
- Arkansas specific: progressive brackets 2%-4.7%, standard deduction $2,340/$4,680, personal exemption $29/$58, Texarkana exemption, no SDI, no tax on Social Security, minimum wage $11.00
Arkansas unique benefits included
Most calculators miss Arkansas’s unique benefits. Ours includes all:
- Texarkana exemption: Check the box, your state tax drops to zero
- No SDI: Arkansas has no State Disability Insurance tax
- No tax on Social Security: Your retirement benefits stay tax-free
- Tax rates dropping: Top rate will hit 3.9% by 2027
No other free calculator offers all of these Arkansas-specific features.
Privacy first — no tracking
We do not use Google Analytics. We do not use Facebook Pixel. We do not use any tracking scripts. Your data never leaves your browser. We do not sell your data. We do not share your data. What you calculate stays with you.
Created with tax professionals
Our calculations are reviewed by certified tax professionals (CPAs) to ensure accuracy. If tax laws change, we update our calculator within days.
Used by thousands of users monthly
Join thousands of workers who use our calculators every month to understand their take-home pay, plan their budget, compare job offers, and decide where to live.
Download and share your results
You can print your results, save as PDF, download as PNG image, or copy a shareable link to send to your spouse, HR department, or tax advisor.
No catch — no hidden fees
No “free trial” that converts to paid. No limited calculations per day. No features locked behind a paywall. Everything is free. Everything is accessible. Always.
Verified security
Your connection is encrypted. Your data never leaves your browser. All calculations happen locally on your device. We do not store any information you enter.
100% transparent
We show you exactly how we calculate every number. No black boxes. No secret formulas. You can verify every calculation yourself.
Created for workers, not for corporations
Unlike ADP, Gusto, and PaycheckCity which are designed for employers, our calculator is designed for employees. We focus on your take-home pay, not on payroll processing.
Try it yourself
Change any number above. See results instantly. No signup. No email. No tracking. Just accurate take-home pay calculated right in your browser.