AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB289

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB289

Introduced
2/24/25  
Refer
2/24/25  
Refer
2/27/25  

Caption

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

Summary

Senate Bill 289, introduced by Senator J. Dotson, proposes a reduction in the statewide sales tax rate by one-eighth percent. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on Arkansas taxpayers by addressing the surplus funds that have been collected beyond what is required to maintain the Property Tax Relief Trust Fund. The intention of this bill is to provide much-needed relief and to contribute to a reduction in the overall tax burden faced by consumers within the state. The legislative findings highlight that Arkansas has the third highest combined state and local sales tax rate in the entire nation, prompting the need for tax reform. The bill seeks to align the sales tax rate more closely with the funding requirements for property tax relief, addressing the excess that has been accumulated over time. By lowering the tax rate, the state government aims to ensure that funds collected from taxpayers are used more judiciously and efficiently. If enacted, SB289 will amend specific sections of the Arkansas Code, including regulations concerning the additional sales and use taxes levied for property tax relief. The changes will impact the amount of excise tax applied to various taxable goods and services, effectively reducing the rate at which consumers are taxed. The bill emphasizes the goal of increasing fairness and accessibility in tax collection, while still providing necessary funding for state programs. Notably, the proposal may face contention from various stakeholders who have differing views on budget prioritization and fiscal responsibility. Some may argue that reducing sales tax could impact funding for essential state services or programs that rely heavily on these revenue sources. Thus, the discussions may revolve around the balance between providing tax relief to citizens vs. maintaining adequate state funding levels for public services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1661

To Repeal The Sales And Use Tax On Food And Food Ingredients; And To Exempt Food And Food Ingredients From Sales And Use Tax.

AR SB133

To Increase The Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Used Motor Vehicles; And To Repeal The Special Rate Of Tax For Certain Used Motor Vehicles, Trailers, And Semitrailers.

AR HB1146

To Protect Arkansas Taxpayers From A Tax To Collect Taxes.

AR SB394

To Amend The Law Concerning The Collection Of Sales And Use Tax On Motorboats; And To Subject Certain Used Motorboats To A Special Rate Of Tax.

AR HJR1005

An Amendment To The Arkansas Constitution To Create The "arkansas Taxpayer Bill Of Rights".

AR HJR1007

A Constitutional Amendment To Levy An Excise Tax On Certain Taxable Sales To Reimburse Counties For The Homestead Property Tax Credit And Administer The Application Of The Homestead Property Tax Credit.

AR HB1317

To Provide For A Reduced Sales And Use Tax Rate For Natural Gas, Electricity, And Coal Used By A Data Center; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB134

To Increase The Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Used Motor Vehicles; And To Amend The Reduced Sales And Use Tax Rate Applicable To Purchases Of Used Motor Vehicles.

AR HB1308

To Amend The Law To Provide For Changes Related To Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 101; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1001

To Reduce The Income Tax Levied On Individuals, Trusts, Estates, And Corporations; To Transfer Surplus Funds To The Arkansas Reserve Fund Set-aside; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.