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Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Arkansas 2026

Calculate your clergy housing allowance exclusion tax savings in Arkansas. With Arkansas's 4.7% top state tax rate, your combined savings are higher.

Arkansas Tax Overview

State Income Tax
4.7%
progressive
Sales Tax
6.5%
avg combined: 9.44%
Property Tax Rate
0.62%
Median Income
$52,528

Top rate reduced to 4.7%. 50% capital gains exclusion on Arkansas assets. Highest combined sales taxes.

Arkansas Income Tax Brackets (Single)

0%
$0 - $4,400
2%
$4,400 - $8,800
3%
$8,800 - $13,100
3.4%
$13,100 - $22,200
4.4%
$22,200 - $38,500
4.7%
$38,500 +
Your bracket
$1,335
Est. Total Savings
No Limit
Max Deduction
Above-the-Line
Deduction Type
26.7%
Combined Tax Rate

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Savings Calculator for Arkansas

$
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Federal Savings

$1,100

22% bracket

Arkansas State

$235

4.7% rate

Total Savings

$1,335

26.7% combined

At a 26.7% combined tax rate in Arkansas, every $1,000 in deductions saves you $267 in taxes.

Savings by Tax Bracket in Arkansas

10%
$735
12%
$835
22%
$1,335
24%
$1,435
32%
$1,835
35%
$1,985
37%
$2,085

Includes 4.7% Arkansas state tax on top of federal savings.

Eligibility Requirements

Ministers and clergy who receive a housing allowance as part of compensation

  • 1Must be ordained, licensed, or commissioned minister
  • 2Allowance must be designated by employer in advance
  • 3Limited to lesser of: actual expenses, FMV of home, or designated amount

Arkansas residents should verify that this deduction is also recognized on their state tax return for additional savings of up to 4.7%.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • !Not having allowance designated before payment
  • !Exceeding the fair market value limitation
  • !Forgetting to include for self-employment tax purposes
  • !Forgetting to claim the deduction on your Arkansas state return (missing up to 4.7% additional savings)

Arkansas Filing Tips

Maximize the 50% capital gains exclusion on Arkansas-based business or property sales. The state standard deduction is low ($2,340 single), so itemizing may be worthwhile.

Required Tax Forms

Form 1040Schedule SE

File these forms with your federal tax return to claim the clergy housing allowance exclusion. Arkansas may require additional state-specific forms.

Other Tax Deductions in Arkansas

Mortgage Interest Deduction

Housing

~$4,248
est. savings

Property Tax Deduction

Housing

~$2,670
est. savings

Home Office Deduction

Housing

~$1,456
est. savings

Home Energy Tax Credit

Housing

~$1,800
est. savings

Residential Solar Tax Credit

Housing

~$7,500
est. savings

Military Moving Expenses

Housing

~$4,855
est. savings

PMI Premium Deduction

Housing

~$1,335
est. savings

Mortgage Points Deduction

Housing

~$2,427
est. savings

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Neighboring States

Missouri

4.8% top rate (progressive)

~$14,618
+13,283 vs Arkansas

Tennessee

No state income tax

~$12,000
+10,665 vs Arkansas

Mississippi

4.7% top rate (flat)

~$14,564
+13,229 vs Arkansas

Louisiana

3% top rate (flat)

~$13,636
+12,301 vs Arkansas

Texas

No state income tax

~$12,000
+10,665 vs Arkansas

Oklahoma

4.75% top rate (progressive)

~$14,591
+13,256 vs Arkansas

Tax Calculators for Arkansas Cities

Little RockFayettevilleFort SmithSpringdaleJonesboroRogersConwayNorth Little RockBentonville

Calculate Your Full Tax Savings in Arkansas

Use our free tax calculators to optimize your entire tax return for Arkansas.

Income Tax CalculatorArkansas Income TaxFull Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the clergy housing allowance exclusion can save you an estimated $1,335 per year on a $5,000 deduction. This includes $1,100 in federal tax savings and $235 in Arkansas state tax savings at the 4.7% marginal rate. The national average savings is $12,000/year.

What is the Arkansas state income tax rate?

Arkansas has a progressive income tax system with a top rate of 4.7%. Top rate reduced to 4.7%. 50% capital gains exclusion on Arkansas assets. Highest combined sales taxes.

Who qualifies for the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Arkansas?

Ministers and clergy who receive a housing allowance as part of compensation. The eligibility requirements are the same whether you live in Arkansas or another state, as this is a federal tax deduction. However, your total savings will vary based on Arkansas's 4.7% top state tax rate.

What tax forms do I need to claim the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Arkansas?

To claim the clergy housing allowance exclusion, you need to file Form 1040 and Schedule SE with your federal return. Arkansas residents should also check if the state allows this deduction on their state return for additional savings of up to 4.7%. Filing status affects your deduction limits and tax bracket.

Is the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion better in Arkansas than in states without income tax?

Yes, Arkansas residents benefit more because the state's 4.7% top income tax rate means the deduction reduces both your federal AND state tax liability. In states with no income tax (like Texas, Florida, or Nevada), this deduction only reduces federal taxes. Your combined rate of 26.7% means more savings per dollar deducted.

What is the standard deduction in Arkansas for 2026?

Arkansas's standard deduction is $2,340 for single filers and $4,680 for married filing jointly. Maximize the 50% capital gains exclusion on Arkansas-based business or property sales. The state standard deduction is low ($2,340 single), so itemizing may be worthwhile.

Related Calculators

Mortgage Interest Deduction in Arkansas

Avg savings: $3,500/year

Property Tax Deduction in Arkansas

Avg savings: $2,200/year

Home Office Deduction in Arkansas

Avg savings: $1,200/year

Home Energy Tax Credit in Arkansas

Avg savings: $1,800/year

Residential Solar Tax Credit in Arkansas

Avg savings: $7,500/year

Military Moving Expenses in Arkansas

Avg savings: $4,000/year