Filing your 2017 Arkansas tax return may seem like a hassle, especially if you haven’t reviewed the forms since that year. Whether you're an individual taxpayer, a part-time resident, or a small business owner, understanding how to file your return properly is key to avoiding penalties and delays in receiving your refund. This guide is designed to walk you through the entire process in plain language, even if you’re unfamiliar with tax terminology.
We’ll explain who needs to file, what documents you’ll need, and how to complete and submit the correct forms. You’ll also learn about the specific changes that applied to the 2017 tax year, such as updated deductions, credits, and Arkansas-specific rules that differ from federal tax returns.
If you're still catching up or filing late, it’s not too late to understand what steps you must take. We’ll also cover how to track your refund, make a payment, and what to do if you missed the original filing deadline. By the end of this guide, you'll have a complete picture of how to confidently file your Arkansas tax return for 2017.
Whether or not you need to file a 2017 Arkansas tax return depends on your income, filing status, and residency status during the tax year. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration established minimum income thresholds for different categories of individual taxpayers in 2017. If your gross income met or exceeded those thresholds, filing was required.
If you were a resident of Arkansas for the entire year, you were required to file if your gross income met the following minimums in 2017:
If you lived outside Arkansas for part or all of the year but earned Arkansas-source income, you must file a return regardless of the income amount. This includes wages earned while working in Arkansas, rental income from Arkansas property, or business activity conducted in the state.
It’s important to note that filing a federal income tax return with the IRS does not automatically satisfy your Arkansas state filing obligations. The state return must be filed separately using the appropriate Arkansas forms.
If you missed the original 2018 deadline for your 2017 return, you're still responsible for submitting it. Failing to file may result in late penalties and interest. Filing now could reduce additional charges, especially if you are eligible for a refund.
The 2017 tax year brought several notable changes to Arkansas’s income tax rules. These updates impacted deductions, exemptions, and the treatment of certain types of income. If you're preparing or revisiting your 2017 Arkansas tax return, it’s essential to understand these updates to apply them correctly.
One of the most notable developments in 2017 was the augmentation of the capital gains exemption. Taxpayers may now exclude 50% of net capital gains from Arkansas income tax. This exemption pertains to selling investments such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, excluding one's primary residence. It assists in diminishing taxable income for those who disposed of qualified assets within the year.
Arkansas introduced a new deduction for teachers who used their funds for classroom supplies. Educators could deduct up to $250 in qualified classroom expenses. For married couples filing jointly who were both teachers, the deduction doubled to $500. This deduction was in addition to any similar benefit on the federal return.
Income received through Arkansas’s Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program became exempt from state income tax in 2017. This exemption was designed to encourage medical professionals to work in underserved areas.
Contributions to Arkansas 529 college savings plans became more flexible. Taxpayers could now carry forward contributions exceeding $5,000 annually for up to four years. Additionally, the state allowed a deduction of up to $3,000 for contributions to out-of-state 529 plans.
As of January 1, 2017, Arkansas updated its laws to simplify tax preparation and align with certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code. This change made state and federal rules for deductions and taxable income more consistent.
Knowing which tax forms apply to your situation before you begin filling out your Arkansas tax return for 2017 is essential. The state provides different forms depending on your residency status and income sources. Using the correct forms ensures your return is processed without delays or rejections.
These forms are available from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for download and printing.
Depending on your income and deductions, you may also need to include one or more of the following:
You must complete your federal income tax return when filing your Arkansas return. Arkansas starts with your federal adjusted gross income, so Form 1040 and related schedules are essential to have on hand. You don’t need to attach your federal forms when e-filing, but if you’re submitting a paper return, you may be required to include copies of key pages.
Filing a state return can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process easier. Below is a complete walkthrough to help you file your 2017 Arkansas tax return accurately and confidently.
Start by collecting all relevant tax documents and supporting information. You’ll need:
Having these items ready ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of missing something during preparation.
Your filing status for Arkansas generally matches your federal return. The available options include:
Each status affects your standard deduction, tax rate, and eligibility for certain credits. Select the one that matches your federal filing unless your Arkansas residency status requires a different approach.
Start with your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) and apply Arkansas-specific additions and subtractions.
Common additions:
Common subtractions:
The result is your Arkansas AGI, which forms the basis for calculating your tax.
You can choose the standard deduction or itemize, whichever gives the greater benefit. For 2017, the Arkansas standard deductions were:
If your itemized deductions exceed these amounts, use Schedule AR3 to claim eligible expenses like
Choosing wisely can reduce your taxable income significantly.
Before calculating your final tax owed or refund due, apply any eligible tax credits and report payments already made, such as:
Use Form AR1000TC to report credits and AR1000V to make a payment if needed.
Once your Arkansas tax return is prepared, the next step is choosing how to submit it. Arkansas accepts both electronic (e-file) and paper filings. Each option has pros and limitations, depending on your situation and preferences.
Tax preparation software or working with a tax professional allows you to file your return electronically. E-filing is generally faster and more accurate than mailing a paper return.
Benefits of e-filing:
The software will typically prompt you if a specific situation requires submitting particular schedules or documents. You may need to complete Form AR8453-OL in some cases if additional information is required.
If you prefer or are required to file by mail, Arkansas accepts paper returns at specific addresses based on your refund or payment status.
Where to mail your return:
Paper filing tips:
Paper returns can take up to 10 weeks to process. If you're expecting a refund, e-filing is the faster option.
If your 2017 Arkansas tax return shows that you owe money, it is essential to submit your payment promptly to avoid penalties and interest. You have several options to pay what you owe, including online and traditional methods.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration offers two online services for paying your state taxes:
Online payments are processed quickly and give you immediate confirmation, making them a safe choice when you're close to a deadline.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can send a check or money order through the mail:
Please mail your payment and ensure it is sent to the correct address (refer to Section 6).
Even if you filed for an extension, any tax owed was due by April 15, 2018. Paying late may result in:
To reduce penalties, submit your payment as soon as possible, even if you’re filing late.
After submitting your 2017 Arkansas tax return, you can track the progress of your refund or check if you have an outstanding balance due. The state provides simple tools to help you stay updated.
If you're expecting a refund, Arkansas offers two options:
Processing times:
If you owe taxes or want to verify your account, log in to the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) at atap.arkansas.gov. This portal lets you:
Monitoring your status through ATAP can help you avoid surprises and stay current on any amounts still owed.
Please take a few moments to review this checklist before submitting your 2017 Arkansas tax return. A careful review helps prevent delays, rejections, or penalties due to missing or incorrect information.
Submitting a complete and accurate return improves your chances of a smooth process with no follow-up delays.
Arkansas requires part-year residents to file if they earned any Arkansas-source income. Even if your total income was below the threshold for a full-year resident, you must still report earnings earned while living in the state. The individual income tax applies to earned and unearned income within Arkansas, such as wages, business revenue, or rental income.
You can find free help through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration or IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs. These services support qualifying individuals, including low-income filers and seniors. If you're unsure how to proceed, check with local community centers or libraries that provide tax preparation help during filing season.
Yes, you're likely required to file if you received income from a business, partnership, or corporate distribution while residing in or earning income from Arkansas. This includes income reported on a Schedule K-1. Even without W-2 wages, tax obligations may apply based on your role and income source.
The Internal Revenue Service and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration exchange certain tax information. This helps the state verify your federal income and compare it to what you report on your state return. Failing to file your Arkansas return after submitting your federal one can still result in penalties.
A person dealing with complicated scenarios like multi-state income, amended returns, or missing documentation should refer to the Arkansas DFA website for additional information. The site offers forms, instructions, and contact numbers. Consider speaking with a tax professional or contacting the DFA directly for clarity for unique cases.
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