Is there sales tax on groceries in Arkansas?
Quick answer
Partly. Arkansas taxes grocery food at a reduced 0.125% state rate instead of the full 6.5%, and local rates may still apply on top.
Arkansas taxes food and food ingredients at a reduced 0.125% state rate, though full local rates still apply.
Rule summary
How Arkansas treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Reduced state rate of 0.125% |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (8.625%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration · rates as published for 2026
This page summarizes the general rule. Every state writes exceptions for specific products, and local jurisdictions can differ from the state treatment. Confirm your situation with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Arkansas
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Arkansas.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Arkansas?
- Partly. Arkansas taxes grocery food at a reduced 0.125% state rate instead of the full 6.5%, and local rates may still apply on top.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Arkansas?
- Yes. Arkansas treats hot, ready-to-eat and restaurant food as a taxable retail sale even where unprepared grocery food is exempt or reduced.
- Are prescription drugs taxable in Arkansas?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Arkansas.
More Arkansas guides
Other Arkansas rules that change the total.