In this article
- Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Arkansas
- When to file and pay Arkansas sales tax
- Arkansas sales tax filing deadlines
- How to prepare your Arkansas sales tax return
- How to complete and file an Arkansas sales tax return
- How to pay sales tax in Arkansas
- What happens after filing and paying Arkansas sales tax
- Late filing penalties and interest
- Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
- Sales tax filing in other states
If you're registered for Arkansas sales tax, you must file returns and pay any tax due according to the filing frequency assigned by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. This guide focuses on the filing and payment process most relevant to remote sellers and out-of-state businesses using the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP).
For broader information about Arkansas sales tax rules, rates, and exemptions, see the Arkansas Sales Tax Guide. For details on how to get an Arkansas Sales and Use Tax Permit, see the Arkansas Sales Tax Registration Guide.
Quick facts: Filing for sales tax in Arkansas
Key information about filing Arkansas sales tax returns, including filing frequency, deadlines, and payment options.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filing frequency | Monthly, quarterly, or annually |
| Filing deadline | The 20th day after the period ends |
| Filing portal | Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) |
| Zero returns required | Yes |
When to file and pay Arkansas sales tax
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration will assign you a filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) after you register your business.
Arkansas sales tax returns and payments are due at the same time, by the 20th of the month following the end of the filing period. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date shifts to the next business day.
Arkansas sales tax filing deadlines
Arkansas monthly filing due dates
Reports are due on the 20th of the month following the reporting month.
| Month | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| January | February 20 |
| February | March 20 |
| March | April 20 |
| April | May 20 |
| May | June 20 |
| June | July 20 |
| July | August 20 |
| August | September 20 |
| September | October 20 |
| October | November 20 |
| November | December 20 |
| December | January 20 |
Arkansas quarterly filing due dates
| Quarter | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| Q1 (January 1, March 31) | April 20 |
| Q2 (April 1, June 30) | July 20 |
| Q3 (July 1, September 30) | October 20 |
| Q4 (October 1, December 31) | January 20 |
Arkansas annual filing due dates
Reports for the previous year are due on January 20.
Important note: Zero returns
Once you have an Arkansas Sales and Use Tax Permit, you are required to file returns for every assigned period regardless of whether any sales tax was collected. When no sales tax was collected, you must file a zero return electronically through ATAP.
How to prepare your Arkansas sales tax return
Before working on your sales tax return, collect all sales information for the tax period.
Sales transactions
You need to know your total gross sales to Arkansas buyers and your taxable sales. Arkansas taxes digital goods and SaaS, so be sure to include those sales in your taxable totals.
Key reporting figures
In addition to your gross Arkansas sales, filing a return requires:
- Total sales and income
- Taxable sales subject to state and local rates
- Non-taxable sales and exemptions
- Deductions and adjustments
- Total sales tax collected from customers during the filing period
How to complete and file an Arkansas sales tax return
Arkansas sales tax returns are filed electronically through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) and must be reported in US dollars.
Step-by-step: file an Arkansas sales tax return
1. Collect all necessary information
Gather your sales records for the tax period. Because Arkansas has city and county sales taxes on top of the state rate, make sure your records reflect the correct combined rate applied to each sale.
2. Log in and file online
- Log in to the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP).
- Navigate to your Sales and Use Tax account.
- Select the filing period you want to file.
- Enter your gross sales, taxable sales, exemptions, and total tax collected.
- Review and submit your return.
3. Receive confirmation
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this as your record of filing.
How to pay sales tax in Arkansas
Arkansas requires businesses to file and pay electronically through ATAP. You can pay directly within the portal after filing your return. Accepted payment methods include:
- Electronic funds transfer (EFT/ACH debit) directly from your bank account
- Credit card (processing fees may apply)
What happens after filing and paying Arkansas sales tax
After filing and paying, keep a copy of your return and payment confirmation for your records.
- Save your filing confirmation and payment receipt
- Keep records supporting the reported amounts
- Continue filing according to your assigned frequency, remembering Arkansas's 20th due date
- File a zero return for any period with no taxable sales
➡ Need help understanding Arkansas sales tax rules, rates, and nexus? See the Arkansas Sales Tax Guide
➡ Need to register for Arkansas sales tax? See the Arkansas Sales Tax Registration Guide
Late filing penalties and interest
If you miss an Arkansas sales tax filing deadline, file as soon as possible. Failure to file returns and remit collected tax on time results in penalties and interest charges that increase the longer you wait.
For current penalty rates and interest charges, refer to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.
Getting third-party help with sales tax filing
Quaderno can simplify your Arkansas sales tax compliance by generating detailed tax reports and handling the filing process on your behalf. Connect your sales data and Quaderno manages the submission to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, ensuring timely and accurate filing.
Sales tax filing in other states
- Arizona Sales Tax Filing Guide
- California Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Florida Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Georgia Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Illinois Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Kentucky Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Massachusetts Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New Jersey Sales Tax Filing Guide
- New York Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Ohio Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Pennsylvania Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Rhode Island Sales Tax Filing Guide
- South Carolina Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Texas Sales Tax Filing Guide
- Virginia Sales Tax Filing Guide
Need help filing across multiple states?
Watch our webinar: US Sales Tax Registration & Filing Tips + AMA. Learn how international sellers register, file, and manage US sales tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the tax authorities.
