How to File Arkansas State Taxes for Free

Navigating state tax obligations can seem complex, but many taxpayers qualify for free filing options in Arkansas. This guide outlines the criteria for eligibility and the various avenues for free tax preparation and submission within the state.

Eligibility for Free Filing

Free Arkansas state tax filing depends on income levels and taxpayer statuses. The most common pathway is through the ARFreeFile program, which typically serves taxpayers whose Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) falls below a certain threshold. For instance, some providers within the ARFreeFile alliance offer services free for AGIs up to $48,000, or up to $84,000 for active-duty military personnel.

Other free assistance programs, such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), extend their services to qualifying individuals. VITA generally assists those with low to moderate incomes, typically under $67,000, including individuals with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. TCE specifically targets taxpayers aged 60 and older, providing specialized support for retirement-related tax issues.

Available Free Filing Options

Several options are available for filing your Arkansas state tax return for free. The ARFreeFile program, a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and various tax software providers, allows eligible taxpayers to prepare and e-file their federal and state returns online at no cost. Taxpayers can access the official ARFreeFile portal through the DFA website to find participating software companies.

For those preferring in-person assistance, the VITA and TCE programs provide free tax preparation services through IRS-certified volunteers. These sites are located across the state and offer guidance on both federal and state tax returns, including e-filing. Taxpayers can locate nearby VITA or TCE sites using locator tools provided by the IRS. Additionally, the Arkansas DFA provides fillable PDF forms on its website for individuals who prefer to complete their returns manually. This option requires printing and mailing the return.

Preparing Your Arkansas Tax Return

Before beginning the filing process, it is important to gather all necessary documents to accurately complete your Arkansas state tax return. This includes income statements such as W-2 forms from employers and various 1099 forms reporting interest, dividends, retirement distributions, and other income. You will also need statements detailing Social Security benefits.

Specific Arkansas tax considerations require additional documentation. For instance, homeowners may claim the homestead property tax credit, which reduces real property taxes by up to $425 annually, increasing to $500 for 2025 tax bills. This credit applies to your principal residence, and you must register proof of eligibility with your county assessor’s office. Military retirees can exclude their military retirement pay from Arkansas income tax, as specified in Arkansas Code Section 26-51-307. Military retirement benefits from uniformed services are fully exempt. Beyond financial records, ensure you have personal identification details, including Social Security Numbers for all individuals on the return and banking information for direct deposit of any refund.

Submitting Your Free Arkansas Tax Return

Once your Arkansas tax return is prepared, the submission method depends on the free filing option you selected. If you used an ARFreeFile software provider, the final steps involve reviewing the entire return for accuracy before electronic submission. You will typically e-sign your return, often by verifying your Adjusted Gross Income from a prior year’s tax return. After submitting, you should receive a confirmation email, and you can generally check the status of your refund online through the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) using your Social Security Number and the exact refund amount. E-filed returns usually process within twenty-one business days.

For those who received assistance from a VITA or TCE site, the volunteers will facilitate the electronic filing of your return after reviewing it with you. You will need to bring all your prepared documents to the site for their review and processing. If you opted to complete fillable PDF forms from the DFA website, you must print and mail your completed return. The mailing address varies depending on whether you are expecting a refund or owe taxes; for refunds, send to Arkansas State Income Tax, P.O. Box 1000, Little Rock, AR 72203-1000. Paper-filed returns typically take up to 10 weeks to process. It is always advisable to keep a copy of your submitted return and all supporting documentation for your records.