Arkansas Personal Tax Extension | Form AR1055 | Request for Extension of Time for Filing Income Tax Returns Filing Guide

Arkansas Personal Tax Extension Guide

Arkansas's Automatic Extension with Federal Approval

Arkansas residents who need more time to file their personal income tax return can take advantage of the state’s automatic extension—provided they have already received a federal extension by filing IRS Form 4868. No separate Arkansas state extension form is required in most cases. This extension allows you to file your Arkansas return as late as November 15, 2026—one of the longer state extension periods in the country.

Important: Check the Extension Box on Your Return

Although no separate state form is required, you must check the extension checkbox on page 1 of your Arkansas return when you file. Failing to do so may result in penalties, even if your federal extension was properly filed. Keep a copy of your Form 4868 to reference when preparing your state return.

Payment Is Still Due by April 15

While the extended filing deadline is November 15, 2026, any Arkansas income tax you owe must still be paid by April 15, 2026. The extension applies only to filing—not to payment. To avoid interest and penalties, estimate your tax liability and submit payment by the original deadline.

How to Make Extension Payments

Arkansas offers two online payment methods:

• ACH Debit: Use the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) at www.atap.arkansas.gov for a direct bank account transfer.
• Credit Card: Visit www.acipayonline.com and select “state payments.” A service fee applies.

Using Form AR1055

If you prefer to pay by mail, use Form AR1055 and mail it with your payment to:
Arkansas Department of Finance
Individual Income Tax Section – Attn: Extension
P.O. Box 8149
Little Rock, AR 72203-8149

Late Filing and Payment Penalties

Arkansas imposes a failure-to-file penalty of 5% of unpaid tax per month, up to a maximum of 35%—higher than most states. Late payment carries an additional 1% per month penalty. Checking the extension box on your return and paying by April 15 helps you avoid both.

Best Practices

• File IRS Form 4868 on time to qualify for Arkansas’s automatic extension.
• Pay any Arkansas tax owed by April 15, 2026—the November 15 extended deadline is for filing only.
• Check the extension box on page 1 of your Arkansas return when you file.
• Use ATAP (atap.arkansas.gov) for ACH payments—fast, secure, and no service fee.
• Note Arkansas’s unique November 15 filing deadline—later than most states—and plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Arkansas makes extension filing straightforward for taxpayers with a federal extension—no separate state form required. The extended November 15 filing deadline gives extra flexibility, but any taxes owed must be paid by April 15. Use Arkansas’s online tools, check the extension box when you file, and keep your records through your final filing date.