Arkansas General Bill of Sale Overview
Arkansas applies a 6.5% state sales tax to tangible personal property, with local taxes adding up to 5.125% more in certain areas. The combined rate in some jurisdictions exceeds 11%, placing Arkansas among the higher-tax states for personal property. Documenting the sale price accurately on a bill of sale is important given these substantial tax implications.
Arkansas law recognizes a bill of sale as a valid document for transferring ownership of personal property. The Arkansas Commercial Code (Title 4, Subtitle 2) governs sales of goods and provides the legal framework for private party transactions.
6.5%
State sales tax
No
Notarization required
$500
UCC writing threshold
Arkansas Requirements for Personal Property Sales
An effective Arkansas bill of sale includes full party identification, a thorough property description, the sale price in both numbers and words, the date of sale, condition of the item, an as-is clause for used items, and signatures of both parties.
Important: Document Everything
For any personal property sale over $500 in Arkansas, a written bill of sale is essential under the UCC Statute of Frauds. Without written documentation, the agreement may not be enforceable in court. Always create a bill of sale for items of significant value.
What to Include in Your Arkansas Bill of Sale
- Party Information: Full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller
- Property Description: Detailed description including brand, model, serial number, color, and distinguishing features
- Sale Price: Amount in both numbers and words, plus the payment method
- Condition Statement: Current condition, known defects, and as-is or warranty terms
- Ownership Warranty: Seller confirms legal ownership and right to sell
- Date and Signatures: Date of sale with signatures from both buyer and seller
How to Fill Out a Arkansas General Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your Arkansas general bill of sale properly and ensure it meets all state requirements for a legally sound document.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name and current Arkansas mailing address. If the seller is a business, include the business name, entity type, and the name of the authorized representative. Add phone number and email for follow-up communication.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name and current address. The buyer's location in Arkansas may affect the applicable use tax rate for the transaction. Include contact information for both parties.
Describe the Property
Provide a thorough description of the item: brand, model, serial number, color, size, and any distinguishing features. The description should be specific enough to uniquely identify the item. Attach photographs if possible for additional documentation.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method — cash, check, electronic transfer, or other. If the item is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." The stated price determines any use tax obligation for the buyer under Arkansas law.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies — one for each party. Arkansas does not require notarization for general personal property bills of sale. Notarization is available at most banks, UPS stores, and attorney offices across the state. For items worth $500 or more, notarization adds extra legal protection at minimal cost.
Arkansas Sales Tax & Use Tax on Personal Property
Arkansas requires buyers to pay use tax on items purchased without sales tax collection. The use tax rate matches the combined state and local rate. Buyers report use tax on their Arkansas income tax return. The state has been increasing compliance efforts, especially for purchases over $500.
| Tax / Detail | Rate / Information |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.5% |
| Local Taxes | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Use Tax | Same rate as sales tax — applies to private purchases |
| Notarization | No for general personal property |
| UCC Writing Requirement | Sales of $500+ must be in writing to be enforceable |
Sample Arkansas General Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Arkansas-specific general bill of sale template. Your customized document will include all fields appropriate for Arkansas personal property transactions.
STATE OF ARKANSAS
GENERAL BILL OF SALE
Personal Property Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Arkansas Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Arkansas Address]
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Item: [Detailed Description]
Serial No.: [If applicable]
Condition: [New / Used / As-Is]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Arkansas General Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Arkansas general bills of sale and personal property transactions.
Official Arkansas Resources
Use these official resources to verify tax requirements and consumer protection laws for personal property transactions in Arkansas.
Arkansas DFA — Sales & Use Tax
Sales tax rates, filing, and exemptions
Arkansas Department of Finance
General tax information and forms
UCC Article 2 — Sale of Goods
Uniform Commercial Code governing personal property sales
FTC — Warranty Laws & As-Is Sales
Understanding as-is clauses and warranty protections
Other Arkansas Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Arkansas? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Arkansas Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans
Arkansas Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Arkansas Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Arkansas Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Arkansas Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Arkansas ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Arkansas Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Arkansas Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
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