DFA report shows Arkansas revenue over forecast, strong job market

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration report that October revenues exceeded projections and indicate a strong job market.

Officials said the October report also indicates stability for the state. October is the fourth month in the state’s fiscal year.

Year-to-date, according to the October report, gross revenues are $14.1 million, a 0.5% increase over the same period in 2024. This puts this category above what was forecast by $90.6 million, or 4.2%.

The $2,265.9 million ($2,269,900,000) in net revenues through October represents a $41.4 million, or 1.9%, increase over the same period last year. Net available revenue is above forecast by $90.5 million or 4.2%, according to the report’s authors.

In October alone, the state collected $629.4 million in gross revenue, leading to a net revenue of $503.5 million, according to the report. Individual tax collections were down 3% in October at $266.8 million, which the study’s authors attributed to the extension of the due date to Dec. 3.

DFA Secretary Jim Hudson summarized what this means for Arkansas.

“October revenue collections exceeded forecast for gross revenues by $10.8 million and net revenues by $16.6 million,” Hudson said. “Wage withholding for personal income taxes was strong, growing year over year by 5.7%, and indicating continued strength in the state’s labor market. With four months completed in fiscal year 2026, year-to-date revenue collections exceed forecast by $90 million, pointing to stability in state revenues.”

Additional information on DFA revenue reporting and forecasting may be found at DFA.Arkansas.gov.