LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — As the new year begins, several new Arkansas laws are set to take effect, including one that will slightly reduce the cost of groceries for shoppers across the state.
Starting just after midnight on Jan. 1, 2026 Arkansas will eliminate its state sales tax on food and food ingredients. The change stems from House Bill 1685, which passed during the most recent legislative session and was signed into law as Act 1008. The measure removes the state’s 0.125% tax on qualifying grocery items.
“By exempting food and food ingredients from the state sales and use tax, lawmakers took a meaningful step to lower the cost of everyday necessities for families across Arkansas,” a news release from the Arkansas House said. “Because groceries are a recurring expense for every household, removing the state tax provides ongoing relief that can make a real difference in monthly budgets, particularly for working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and those most sensitive to rising food prices.”
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The tax cut applies to staple foods such as meat, poultry, fish, produce, bread and certain eggs, including those that are cut, repackaged or pasteurized. However, shoppers should not expect their grocery receipts to be completely tax-free…