Did Arkansas change vehicle sales tax rates in 2025?

Senate Bill 49 of 2025 proposed altering the vehicle brackets, but the bill died in committee upon Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025. The existing $4,000 and $10,000 thresholds under Ark. Code § 26-52-510 remain the law.

Can I deduct a trade-in on a private vehicle sale in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas allows a 'sale in lieu of trade-in' tax credit on private party transactions if you sell your previous vehicle within 60 days before or after purchasing the replacement vehicle and submit bill of sale documentation to the DFA.

How much are Arkansas title and tag fees?

The Arkansas certificate of title fee is $10.00, lien recording is $0.50, and standard passenger vehicle registration is $27.50 (including the $25.00 weight fee and $2.50 validation decal).

Verified for 2026 Arkansas Statutory Rates

Arkansas Private Party Vehicle Tax, Tags & Title Calculator

Calculate your true first-year out-of-pocket costs for a private vehicle sale in Arkansas. Accurately accounts for 6.5% excise/sales tax, $10 certificate of title fee, 1 or 2-year tag registration, and state-specific regulations.

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Arkansas.

State of Registration5 Regional States Active

Vehicle Type

Purchase Price (Agreed Sale Price)Arkansas 6.5% tax base

Vehicle Model Year7 years old

Vehicle Weight ClassificationClass A Passenger

Registration TermArkansas tag options

Powertrain / Fuel TypeEV surcharge rules

Financing & Lien FilingLien fee: $0.5.00

Trade-in Value (Optional)Arkansas: Deductible

Arkansas Statute: Arkansas allows trade-in value on private sales to be deducted from the purchase price before applying the 6.50% fee.

Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only — not tax or legal advice. Verify with Arkansas DFA.

Motor vehicles under $4,000 purchase price are exempt from Arkansas state sales tax under Ark. Code § 26-52-510, while $4,000–$9,999 pay 3.5% and $10,000+ pay 6.5%.

City and county local sales taxes may apply even when exempt from state sales tax.

Trade-in sales tax credit is available if you sell your old vehicle within 60 days with bill of sale proof.

County & Local Tax Note: Arkansas cities and counties levy local sales taxes between 1.0% and 3.5%, bringing total sales tax to 7.5%–11.5%. Local sales taxes apply even to vehicles under $4,000 where state tax is exempt.

Estimated Total Breakdown

First-Year Out-of-Pocket Cost

Jurisdiction

Arkansas

Total True First-Year Cost

$1,012.50

Sales/Excise Tax + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee

1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (6.5%)

Calculated at 6.5% tiered rate on taxable base of $15,000

$975.00

2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$10.00

3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00

4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$27.50

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Frequently Asked Questions

Arkansas Private Vehicle Sales & Tag Rules

Essential statutory answers regarding MVA excise taxes, titling requirements, and tag renewal fees.

Under Ark. Code § 26-52-510, state sales tax is tiered: vehicles under $4,000 are 0% (exempt); vehicles priced from $4,000 to $9,999.99 are taxed at a reduced 3.5% rate; vehicles $10,000 and above are taxed at 6.5%.