Taxes in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Complete tax guide for Fort Smith, AR. State income tax up to 4.7%, 0.65% property tax, 10.5% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
4.7%
Arkansas
Property Tax
0.65%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
10.5%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Very Low
Fort Smith, AR Tax Overview
Among the highest combined sales tax rates in the US
Population
89,142
Median Income
$40,058
Cost of Living
79.8 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
4.7%
Median Home Price
$128,000
Fort Smith Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Fort Smith median: $40,058
Total Tax Burden in Fort Smith
$7,716
Take-Home: $32,342 · Effective Rate: 19.26%
Federal Tax
$2,768
6.91% eff.
AR State
$1,883
4.70% eff.
FICA
$3,064
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$32,342
80.74% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $40,058.00 | $3,338.17 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$2,768.46 | -$230.71 |
| Arkansas State Tax | -$1,882.73 | -$156.89 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,483.60 | -$206.97 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$580.84 | -$48.40 |
| Take-Home Pay | $32,342.38 | $2,695.20 |
Property Tax in Fort Smith
Median Home
$128,000
Annual Tax
$832
Monthly Tax
$69
Effective Rate
0.65%
Sales Tax in Fort Smith
Combined Rate
10.5%
State Portion
~8.0%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Fort Smith is 10.5%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $10.50 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Fort Smith | Arkansas Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 4.7% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.65% | ~0.65% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 10.5% | ~10.5% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Very Low | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Fort Smith
Fort Smith has a population of approximately 89,142 residents with a median household income of $40,058. The cost of living index is 79.8 (20.2% lower than the national average of 100).
Local context: Among the highest combined sales tax rates in the US
Tax burden classification: Very Low. Effective combined tax rate of 23.5% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Fort Smith household.
Official Tax Resources for Arkansas
For authoritative Arkansas tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — official state revenue agency
- Arkansas Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Fort Smith Residents
- Arkansas's income tax rate of 4.7% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Fort Smith (0.65%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- The combined sales tax rate of 10.5% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Arkansas
Sources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Arkansas state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Fort Smith's median home value of $128,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.65%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Arkansas Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Fort Smith, AR?
Fort Smith, Arkansas has a state income tax rate up to 4.7%. The property tax rate is 0.65% and the combined sales tax rate is 10.5%. Among the highest combined sales tax rates in the US
How much is property tax in Fort Smith?
The effective property tax rate in Fort Smith is 0.65%. On the median home price of $128,000, this equals approximately $832 per year or $69 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Fort Smith?
The combined sales tax rate in Fort Smith is 10.5%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Fort Smith's tax burden compare to other cities?
Fort Smith has a very low overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 23.5%. The combination of 4.7% state income tax, 0.65% property tax, and 10.5% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 79.8 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 4.7%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Among the highest combined sales tax rates in the US