Arkansas Paycheck Calculator: How Much You Take Home After Taxes

Arkansas uses a progressive state income tax with rates that have been trending downward in recent years as the state has phased in cuts to its top bracket.

What comes out of an Arkansas paycheck

  1. Federal income tax — based on income, filing status, and W-4 elections
  2. Arkansas state income tax — a progressive system with relatively moderate brackets
  3. Social Security tax — 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 for 2026
  4. Medicare tax — 1.45% on all wages, no cap

Worked example: $52,000 salary in Arkansas

Single filer, biweekly pay, no pre-tax deductions:

  • Federal standard deduction (2026): $16,100
  • Federal taxable income: $35,900
  • Federal tax owed: 10% on $12,400 ($1,240) plus 12% on $23,500 ($2,820) = $4,060
  • Social Security: 6.2% × $52,000 = $3,224
  • Medicare: 1.45% × $52,000 = $754
  • Arkansas state income tax: typically $1,000–$1,400 at this income level, depending on the current year's brackets
  • Estimated annual take-home pay: roughly $42,700–$43,000

Why Arkansas's rates have been shifting

Arkansas has reduced its top income tax rate multiple times in recent years through phased-in legislation, meaning the exact bracket thresholds and rates can shift year to year more than in some other states — worth double-checking each tax year rather than assuming last year's numbers still apply.

Get your exact numbers

Use the PayGauge take-home pay calculator for a precise, up-to-date Arkansas paycheck breakdown based on your actual filing status and deductions.

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