Arkansas
Report ranks Arkansas 9th in tax regressivity | Camden News
WASHINGTON — Arkansas’ tax structure places a heavier burden on low- and middle-income families, according to a recently released report, with the state’s tax system ranked among the most regressive in the nation.
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy — a Washington, D.C., think tank focused on equity in tax systems — released its seventh “Who Pays?” report last week in which the organization analyzed local and state tax structures across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The organization last released a “Who Pays?” report in 2018.
Arkansas has the ninth most regressive tax system in the latest ratings, a jump from 20th in the 2018 analysis. Florida has the most regressive tax structure, with Washington, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Nevada completing the top five.
Analysts evaluated income taxes, sales and excise taxes, and property taxes in compiling the review. The lowest 20% of income earners nationally pay an average 11.3% share of their income in taxes, while the top 1% pay 7.2%.
According to the report, 44 states have tax structures that “exacerbate income inequality” with lower-income households paying a larger proportion of their income in taxes compared with more affluent homes.
“When we look at how states are taxing their residents, it’s clear that they’re falling very far short of what most people consider to be a fair tax code,” Carl Davis, the institute’s research director, told reporters.
“Most state tax systems are regressive, which means the less you make, the more you pay,” he added. “A lot of times, we’ll call this an upside-down tax code because it’s the exact opposite of the kind of progressive taxation that a huge swath of the public supports.”
In Arkansas, the lowest 20% of income earners have a 13.1% share of their income in taxes while the top 1% pay less than half of this percentage at 5.8%, according to the report. The middle 20% of earners have an 11.7% income share going toward taxes.
According to researchers, Arkansas’ current placement stems from the increased dependence on sales and excise taxes. Around half of Arkansas’ tax revenue for the 2023 calendar year came from these taxes.
Tennessee and Louisiana followed a similar pattern with more than half of their tax revenue coming from sales and excise taxes. Louisiana placed 10th on the organization’s list.
“Arkansas does have both a reliance on sales taxes but also one of the highest combined sales tax rates in the country,” said Jeremy Horpedahl, director of the Arkansas Center for Research in Economics at the University of Central Arkansas.
Neither Horpedahl nor the center worked on the report.
“When we look at what people are spending their money on, low-income families are spending a much bigger share of their income, which means a much bigger share of their income is hit by the sales tax,” Horpedahl said. “Groceries — while we exempt them from the state sales tax — are included in local sales taxes, and city and county sales taxes have gone up quite a bit in the past few years in Arkansas.”
Other factors affecting the state’s ranking include the lack of earned income and child tax credits, as well as capital gains tax breaks, according to the report.
Florida Policy Institute CEO Sadaf Knight said another element involves personal and corporate income tax reductions. State political leaders have passed multiple cuts since Republicans took control of the governor’s mansion and state legislature in 2015.
“They’ve done so in a way that overwhelmingly benefits [to] the highest-income families in the state,” she said. “That shifted the tax system to become more regressive over the years.”
According to the report, if Arkansas had not reduced its personal or corporate income tax rates since the 2018 report, the bottom 20% of income earners would pay a similar income share on local and state taxes, but the top 1% would pay 7.3%. The state would still have a regressive tax structure, but Arkansas would instead place 15th.
“When you have very low property taxes and reducing the personal income tax in this way, it means that the lion’s share of your revenue is going to come from taxing what people buy through sales and excise tax,” Davis said. “When you structure your system that way, you’re going to have a lot of regressivity in it.”
During last September’s special legislative session, Arkansas’ state legislature approved reducing the top individual income tax rate from 4.7% to 4.4% and the state’s top corporate tax rate from 5.1% to 4.8%, both of which took effect Jan. 1.
Horpedahl took exception with the report’s handling of corporations conducting business across states. He made note of the presence of multiple companies headquartered in Arkansas, such as Walmart, with domestic and international operations.
“If you’re a business located in Arkansas and you sell things in another state, who bears the burden then of the corporate income taxes paid? This report essentially ignores that because, I think, it’s just really hard to do that,” he said.
“I don’t think it means the results are totally meaningless, but I think it does mean we are missing some of those taxes that the top 1% are paying in Arkansas, which means we are not as regressive as this report suggests.”
The report received strong disapproval from Jared Walczak, vice president for state projects at the Tax Foundation. Much like the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, the Tax Foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based tax policy organization, albeit with an emphasis on proposals fostering economic growth.
“The broader issue is progressivity is achieved in two ways,” Walczak said, “by how governments raise revenue and how governments spend revenue.”
Walczak argued the lowest-income earners — unlike high-income households — receive net government transfers and benefits on top of earnings, which the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy did not consider in its report.
“At the state level, spending systems are highly progressive while tax systems typically are not because states have to compete with each other for jobs, people and businesses,” he said. “Therefore, they have often been content to let most of the progressivity take place in both the spending codes and the federal government with its progressive tax and transfer system.”
Alexa Henning, communications director for Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, also criticized the report.
“Democrats and liberal advocacy groups like the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy oppose Governor Sanders’ tax cuts because they think government spends the American people’s money better than the American people themselves,” Henning said.
“The Governor passed tax cuts that benefited every taxpayer in Arkansas and helped spur Arkansas’ economic growth by returning $300 million to families and businesses last year.”
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy placed the District of Columbia as the least regressive tax system, followed by Minnesota, Vermont, New York and California. Researchers stated, however, none of the tax systems are “robustly progressive in a traditional sense,” noting uneven curves in rising tax shares.
Arkansas
Arkansas basketball stars Meleek Thomas, Trevon Brazile selected in NBA Draft second round | Whole Hog Sports
Arkansas
Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics has signed a long-term partnership with CommunityAmerica Credit Union, marking a significant step in the credit union’s growing commitment to Northwest Arkansas. Facilitated by Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will become CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium beginning with the 2027 football season.
Rooted in more than 85 years of helping individuals and families achieve financial peace of mind and building on a 65-year legacy of service in Arkansas, CommunityAmerica is excited to engage with Razorback fans and support the communities they call home.
“This is so much more than a name on a stadium. It’s about becoming part of the Razorback Nation experience and helping fans, students, student-athletes and the communities we and the university serve,” said Lisa Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do and when we evaluate partnerships like this, it starts with what matters most to them. The University of Arkansas is a powerful source of pride and connection for people across the state and in many of our markets. This partnership underscores our long-term commitment to Northwest Arkansas, where we look forward to growing our presence and helping more families achieve financial peace of mind. We’re already deepening our roots with plans for a campus location and several new branches throughout the region.”
The multi-phased partnership extends beyond naming rights and designates CommunityAmerica as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics. CommunityAmerica will also serve as an official sponsor of Arkansas Athletics, supporting student-athletes and fans alike. The comprehensive partnership will also include the rebranding of the SEC Club inside Razorback Stadium as the CommunityAmerica Club, where fans enjoy premium amenities on gameday. As part of the agreement, CommunityAmerica will engage directly with Razorback student-athletes providing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, valuable financial education and programs to help them succeed both on and off the field.
“We are thrilled to welcome CommunityAmerica Credit Union as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics as one piece of a partnership that will benefit our student-athletes, fans and the state of Arkansas for years to come,” said Hunter Yurachek, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas. “Our vision in the Department of Athletics is to be our best and CommunityAmerica’s commitment to excellence as a trusted, people-driven financial institution mirrors that same vision. This partnership is just getting started but its impact will help shape our future.”
Beginning with the 2027 football season, the partnership will expand into its second phase with the naming of CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium and the launch of CommunityAmerica Razorback Checking, Debit and Credit Cards.
With a legacy of serving members across Arkansas and nationwide, CommunityAmerica is ranked among the most trusted and innovative credit unions in the country and among the largest in the Midwest. CommunityAmerica is excited to engage and serve Razorback fans and members more deeply with a variety of financial products and services that align to their passion for the University.
“Our members are proud of where they live and what they stand behind, and for so many in Arkansas and across our shared communities, that means being part of Razorback Nation,” Ginter said. “As we look ahead to launching Razorback-branded products in 2027, we’re excited to offer experiences that celebrate that pride, strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.”
“This is a historic partnership featuring an innovative brand with a passion and proven track record of supporting their community, paired with one of the leading college athletics programs in the country,” said Allison Fillmore, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Learfield. “Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties are excited to collaborate with Arkansas Athletics, which will enhance fan and student-athlete experiences for years to come.”
Razorback Sports Properties is the locally based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Arkansas Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Razorbacks.
About the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics pursues its vision to “Be Our Best” while developing 465+ student-athletes into Razorbacks and Champions for Life. As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Razorbacks consistently compete at the nation’s highest levels while proudly representing the University of Arkansas and the entire state. Arkansas has established itself as one of the most competitive programs in the nation, winning nine NCAA titles and over 50 SEC Championships in recent years.
About CommunityAmerica Credit Union
CommunityAmerica Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution committed to helping members get on a path to thrive and achieve financial peace of mind. Founded in 1940, and with Arkansas roots dating back to 1968, CommunityAmerica has grown to meet the evolving financial needs of its members. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members, the credit union is ranked among the nation’s 50 largest credit unions. It is the largest credit union in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, and one of the largest financial institutions with expanding operations in Northwest Arkansas. CommunityAmerica offers a full suite of financial products and services for individuals and businesses, including checking and savings, mortgages, loans, commercial banking, wealth management, retirement planning, and insurance. Federally chartered, CommunityAmerica serves members across multiple markets nationwide with branch locations in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. Learn more at CommunityAmerica.com.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
BROOKLYN — Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff is the first of three Razorbacks off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft Tuesday night when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round.
Acuff’s selection makes him the highest drafted player from Arkansas since 2023 when Anthony Black went No. 6 overall to the Orlando Magic.
He went into the night projected to be the first player from the Hogs taken following a phenomenal freshman year that saw him earn first team All-American honors, SEC Player of the Year, league freshman of the year, and SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player.
Likely his biggest accomplishment was becoming the first player to lead the SEC in points and assists since Pete Maravich in 1970.
As a freshman, Acuff averaged over 24 points, six assists and three rebounds on 48% shooting from the field, 44% from three and 81% from free throw line.
His knack as a bucket getter and facilitator lifted the Razorbacks to a different level in the postseason by averaging an astonishing 30 points, seven assists and one steal across six postseason tournament games.
He led Arkansas to a victory over Vanderbilt for the SEC Tournament Championship and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.
Arguably his best performance of the season came in a double-overtime classic in Tuscaloosa against Alabama when he dropped 49 points on 16-of-27 from the floor, 6-of-10 from three and 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also contributed with five rebounds, five assists and only one turnover in 50 minutes.
And don’t forget, the 6-foot-2, 186 pound point guard did all of that on a bum ankle he sustained against Aubrn just four days prior.
During a media appearance on ESPN last week, Calipari made sure to warn NBA teams they will regret passing on superstar point guard.
“A great teammate. We all hear stuff. I’m around these kids, all they want to do is get better. They want to respect who’s coaching them,” Calipari told Colin Cowherd on The Herd. “And Darius Acuff, I’m telling you, there’s going to be some guys regretting [not picking him.]
“That’s okay. That’s okay. When he starts playing, you’ll remember this conversation, and we’re saying, ‘You’re going to regret not taking him.’”
Acuff is the latest in a growing list of coach John Calipari guards to be selected as lottery picks across his four decades in the college game. Former Kentucky stars Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De’Aaron Fox and Brandon Knight.
During his time at Memphis, Calipari helped Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and Dajuan Wagner were each lotter picks from 2000-2009.
The 2026 NBA Draft will continue with its second round Wednesday night at 7 p.m. CT from the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Coach Cal Reaction
There haven’t been many times over the years that Calipari has missed out on watching one of his stars stroll across the stage to shake hands with the NBA Commissioner.
The second-year Razorbacks coach told the world Tuesday night that the Kings will be getting a “fierce competitor and winner” in Acuff.
With NBA Lottery pick and Sacramento Kings Guard Darius Acuff Jr!!! Congratulations to the entire family! The Kings are getting a fierce competitor and winner https://t.co/pk7T9H8e8b
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) June 24, 2026
Being drafted by Sacramento shouldn’t come as a surprise either as most mock drafts pegged him at No. 7 overall since the beginning of the college basketball offseason. With so many connections to the franchise, the Kings’ organization might be the perfect fit after all as General manager Scott Perry coached his father two decades ago at Eastern Kentucky.
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