Arkansas Senate Bill SB82

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25
• Refer: 4/1/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB82 would significantly change the current tax structure associated with the sale of used vehicles in Arkansas. By raising the exemption limits, many buyers would be relieved from paying sales tax on their transactions, enabling them to allocate their funds towards other essential expenses such as medical care or groceries. This policy change is particularly crucial for Arkansans residing in rural areas where reliable transportation is vital for accessing jobs and essential services.

Summary

Senate Bill 82 aims to amend the sales and use tax regulations applied to the purchase of new and used motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers in Arkansas. The bill proposes to increase the exemption limits for sales and use tax for used motor vehicles, specifically targeting vehicles sold for under fifteen thousand dollars. The intent is to alleviate the financial burden on low- to moderate-income households that often depend on affordable personal transportation. The bill recognizes that a significant number of used vehicles are sold for less than this threshold and that taxing such transactions exacerbates economic strains on these households.

Contention

Despite the bill's intentions to ease tax burdens, there may be points of contention regarding its fiscal impact on state revenue. Critics may argue that reducing sales tax collection on vehicle sales could lead to decreased funding for essential state programs that rely on these revenues, which could affect public services. Additionally, discussions around the bill highlight concerns over ensuring that the tax relief measures do not unintentionally benefit wealthier individuals who may purchase expensive vehicles or who might trade frequently, thereby benefiting from the exemptions more than those the bill seeks to assist.