Filing your Arkansas state income tax return for 2018 can initially seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing the rules and steps ahead of time can make the process far smoother, whether you are a full-year resident, part-year resident, or nonresident with Arkansas income. This guide is designed to help you understand how to file your Arkansas tax return for 2018 accurately, meet deadlines, and avoid unnecessary penalties.
This resource is written for individuals, small business owners, and self-employed taxpayers who need clear, straightforward information on filing requirements, forms, and payment options. It will walk you through the essential documents to gather, explain how to determine your filing status, and outline the deductions and credits you may qualify for. Even if you are new to filing in Arkansas, you will find each step broken down into plain language.
This guide will teach you how to file your taxes and pay them. We will also cover how to track your refund, request an extension, and prepare a final filing checklist so you can confidently submit your return. Following these steps will help you file taxes on time and in compliance with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration requirements.
Arkansas requires some taxpayers to file an income tax return based on where they live, how much money they make, and how they file. For the 2018 tax year, the state kept certain income levels, updated some exemptions, and changed rules to match recent changes at the federal level. Knowing these facts can help you decide if you need to file taxes and how to do it correctly.
You must file an Arkansas tax return for 2018 if you meet any of the following:
Income thresholds vary by filing status:
For calendar-year filers, the due date for the 2018 Arkansas tax return was April 15, 2019. The next business day applies if the due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday. The U.S. Postal Service postmark determines the filing date, so if you mail your return, allow extra time.
Several updates affected Arkansas taxpayers in the 2018 tax year:
Choosing the correct forms is essential to completing your Arkansas tax return accurately. The forms you need depend on your residency status and the type of income or deductions you have for the 2018 tax year.
All official 2018 tax forms are in the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration forms archive.
Completing your Arkansas tax return for 2018 requires a straightforward process. Following each step ensures your filing is accurate and submitted on time.
Before you start, collect important tax information, including your federal income tax return, W-2s, 1099s, and any records for deductions or credits you plan to claim. Self-employed workers should also have business expense records and proof of payroll taxes paid to employees. If you earn rental income, keep documentation of any property you own.
Select the correct filing status based on your situation:
The forms you use and the deductions you can claim depend on your filing status. For example, a married couple may be eligible for credits they could not claim when filing separately.
Credits reduce the amount of tax you owe. You and your spouse each get a $26 personal credit. Dependent credits apply for qualifying children or relatives. If you claim credits for certain expenses, refer to the official instructions for the exact eligibility rules.
Report your taxable income, such as wages, interest, dividends, business income, and capital gains. If you have investment accounts, ensure that all ownership details are correct. This section also includes adjustments for income exempt under Arkansas law, such as active-duty military pay.
You can use the standard deduction or itemize deductions for expenses such as mortgage interest, charitable donations, and medical bills. Your filing period may differ for those on a fiscal year schedule instead of the calendar year. In Arkansas, the deadline is typically the 15th day of the fourth month after your tax year ends.
Use the Arkansas tax tables to determine your final liability. Subtract all credits and record the net amount. If you have made an estimated tax payment, please include it in your calculations. Direct deposit refunds require your routing and bank account number.
If you have questions, call the DFA or the IRS website for help. Many taxpayers use Google to find information, but you should always ensure you're on a government site. Filing correctly helps you stay compliant, avoid fines, and ensure your return is processed without any problems.
You can submit your Arkansas tax return for 2018 electronically or by mailing a paper return. The proper method depends on your comfort level, the complexity of your return, and whether you are getting a refund or paying your taxes.
E-filing is the fastest and most secure way to file taxes. You can submit your state and federal returns simultaneously, which helps reduce errors and speeds up processing. Many taxpayers are eligible for free e-filing through Arkansas’s participation in the Free File Alliance program. Benefits of e-filing include:
E-filing can make it easier to file forms simultaneously if you are self-employed or own a small business.
You can file by paper if you prefer traditional methods or are uncomfortable using online services. Be sure to:
Paper filing is generally slower because it requires manual entry by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration may hold up your refund and send you a notice asking for more tax information if your submission is missing or has mistakes.
You can choose from several payment options if you owe taxes for your 2018 Arkansas return. Paying the correct amount on time helps you avoid penalties and interest.
Online payments are generally processed faster and confirm your records.
When mailing a payment, use the address in the tax return instructions to ensure it goes to the correct processing center.
For calendar year filers, the due date for 2018 payments was April 15, 2019. For those on a fiscal year schedule, the deadline is the 15th day of the fourth month after your tax year ends. If you don't pay on time, you may have to pay extra fees and interest, and the total amount you owe will go up the longer you don't pay.
Knowing how to track your Arkansas tax refund or verify a remaining balance is integral to learning how to file your 2018 Arkansas tax return successfully. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration has tools that help taxpayers check the status of their refunds, ensure their tax payments are received, and ensure they have sent in all the necessary paperwork.
Once you file your taxes, you can track your refund online or over the phone. The Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) lets you see when your return was processed and whether your refund was approved. Your Social Security number and the refund amount from your tax return are essential. Phone assistance is also available for those who prefer to speak directly with a representative.
For calendar year filers, most electronic returns are processed within 2–3 business days, while paper returns may take 6–8 weeks. If you file on a fiscal year basis, your processing timeline will begin after your filing due date and can vary depending on when your return is received.
If you are self-employed and expecting a refund, remember that certain returns may require additional review, especially if they include complex deductions or credits. This extra verification can extend processing time, so allow for possible delays. Monitoring your account regularly helps you confirm when your refund is issued or when a balance due is posted.
Sometimes taxpayers need extra time to gather documents, review deductions, or ensure accuracy before filing. Arkansas allows extensions that give you more time to submit your state return. However, it’s critical to remember that an extension to file your tax return does not extend the deadline for making a tax payment. If you delay paying what you owe, penalties and interest will apply, even if you are granted more time to file.
If you file a federal extension using Form 4868, Arkansas automatically honors that extension for your state return. You must not submit a separate state extension form if your federal request is approved. Despite the extra time to file, you are still required to make your tax payment by the original due date, which for most calendar year filers is April 15, 2019. Paying on time prevents late-payment penalties and minimizes interest charges. If you’re unsure about the exact amount to pay, you can make an estimated payment to cover your liability.
If you do not file a federal extension, you can request an Arkansas-only extension by submitting Form AR-1055-IT before the standard filing deadline. This request must be sent to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and should include your estimated tax liability for 2018. Even with an Arkansas-only extension, the tax payment deadline remains the same. Late payments can lead to compounding interest and penalty assessments, so calculate your expected liability carefully and submit the payment with your extension request.
An extension can benefit taxpayers who experience unexpected events, need time to gather complex financial records, or are waiting for corrected forms from employers, banks, or investment companies. It can also be valuable for those who have moved recently or have multiple income sources. Requesting an extension ensures you can file a complete and accurate return, reducing the risk of errors that could trigger an audit or delay your refund.
Before submitting your 2018 Arkansas state income tax return, take a few moments to ensure that every detail is accurate. A careful review helps you avoid delays, penalties, or rejected filings. Use this checklist to ensure your return is complete and ready for submission.
Visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before submitting your return for official instructions, updated forms, and mailing addresses. A complete, accurate filing ensures your return is processed smoothly and your refund—if due—arrives without unnecessary delay.
If you missed the due date, submit your return as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. Even if you cannot pay the entire balance, filing quickly demonstrates good faith and can help maintain compliance with Arkansas requirements. This also limits the accumulation of daily interest and potential late-filing penalties, ensuring your account is addressed before the state takes collection action.
Many taxpayers qualify for free e-filing through the Free File Alliance program, which offers secure, state-approved services that meet Arkansas and IRS standards. E-filing ensures faster processing, built-in error checks, and direct deposit options. It’s especially beneficial for those seeking to avoid common filing mistakes, since the software guides you step-by-step through the process while keeping you compliant with current state and federal requirements.
Frequently missed deductions include medical expenses, charitable donations, certain payroll taxes for employees, educator classroom supplies, and eligible education costs. These deductions can significantly lower your taxable income if claimed correctly. Taxpayers often forget to track smaller receipts or overlook deductions that apply only at the state level. Reviewing official instructions and consulting a tax professional can help you claim all allowable deductions before filing.
If you were married on December 31, you may file a joint return even if you moved mid-year. Be sure to report all income earned and determine which portion is taxable in Arkansas based on ownership rules and residency periods. This ensures compliance with state allocation requirements and helps you avoid overstating your income subject to Arkansas tax.
Review the notice carefully and read all details on the page provided. The notice may request documentation, explain changes to your return, or list a balance due. Respond promptly, as most notices have deadlines for action. If you disagree with the adjustment or need clarification, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration directly. Quick action can prevent further penalties or enforcement measures.
Maintain your records for at least six years, including copies of filed returns, proof of asset ownership, employees’ wage records, and receipts for taxable transactions. This documentation may be required if the IRS or Arkansas audits your return or requests verification of reported amounts. Organized records make it easier to respond quickly to inquiries and ensure you can substantiate deductions, credits, or income reported on past returns.
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