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Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in Arkansas 2026

Calculate your military combat zone pay 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

Military Combat Zone Pay 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

Military personnel serving in designated combat zones

  • 1Must serve in a combat zone designated by Executive Order
  • 2Enlisted members: all compensation is tax-free
  • 3Officers: exclusion capped at highest enlisted pay plus hostile fire pay

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 extending filing deadlines for combat zone service
  • !Forgetting that combat zone extends to qualifying hazardous duty areas
  • !Missing the option to include combat pay for EITC calculation
  • !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 W-2Form 1040

File these forms with your federal tax return to claim the military combat zone pay exclusion. Arkansas may require additional state-specific forms.

Other Tax Deductions in Arkansas

Tax Preparation Fees Deduction

Other

~$485
est. savings

AMT Credit Carryforward

Other

~$3,000
est. savings

Hobby Loss Rules & Deductions

Other

~$0
est. savings

Federally Declared Disaster Loss

Other

~$9,709
est. savings

Professional Gambler Business Deduction

Other

~$6,068
est. savings

Innocent Spouse Relief

Other

~$6,068
est. savings

Estimated Tax Penalty Waiver

Other

~$607
est. savings

Mortgage Interest Deduction

Housing

~$4,248
est. savings

Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in Neighboring States

Missouri

4.8% top rate (progressive)

~$9,745
+8,410 vs Arkansas

Tennessee

No state income tax

~$8,000
+6,665 vs Arkansas

Mississippi

4.7% top rate (flat)

~$9,709
+8,374 vs Arkansas

Louisiana

3% top rate (flat)

~$9,091
+7,756 vs Arkansas

Texas

No state income tax

~$8,000
+6,665 vs Arkansas

Oklahoma

4.75% top rate (progressive)

~$9,727
+8,392 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 Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with the Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the military combat zone pay 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 $8,000/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 Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in Arkansas?

Military personnel serving in designated combat zones. 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 Military Combat Zone Pay Exclusion in Arkansas?

To claim the military combat zone pay exclusion, you need to file Form W-2 and Form 1040 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 Military Combat Zone Pay 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

Tax Preparation Fees Deduction in Arkansas

Avg savings: $400/year

AMT Credit Carryforward in Arkansas

Avg savings: $3,000/year

Hobby Loss Rules & Deductions in Arkansas

Avg savings: $0/year

Federally Declared Disaster Loss in Arkansas

Avg savings: $8,000/year

Professional Gambler Business Deduction in Arkansas

Avg savings: $5,000/year

Innocent Spouse Relief in Arkansas

Avg savings: $5,000/year