everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

Republican Sponsorship
Taxes & Budget

SB289

To Cut The Statewide Sales Tax Rate By One-eighth Percent To Reduce The Surplus Funds Collected From Arkansas Taxpayers.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

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AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 289 proposes a reduction in the statewide sales and use tax rates in Arkansas. Specifically, the bill aims to decrease the additional excise tax levied for property tax relief from 0.5% to 0.375%. This change applies to taxable sales of property, specified digital products, digital codes, and services, excluding food, food ingredients, and certain used motor vehicles and trailers. The legislation is presented as a response to the state's accumulation of surplus funds within the Property Tax Relief Trust Fund. By lowering the tax rate, the bill intends to provide tax relief to Arkansas residents and reduce the collection of excess revenue. The bill includes provisions to modify both the Arkansas sales tax and the use tax codes accordingly.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be Arkansas consumers, who would see a decrease in the sales tax paid on most retail purchases. Additionally, businesses that collect and remit these taxes would see a reduction in the total tax burden passed on to their customers, potentially increasing consumer spending power.

Who Might Suffer?

The primary entity negatively impacted by this bill would be the State of Arkansas, specifically the Property Tax Relief Trust Fund. By reducing the tax rate, the state will collect less revenue for this fund, which could potentially limit the state's ability to provide property tax relief or necessitate future adjustments to budget allocations for programs supported by these tax revenues.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us