Committee advances technical change to sales‑tax prepayment timing for large retailers

Little Rock — The Senate Revenue & Tax Committee approved House Bill 1435, a technical change to the sales‑tax prepayment calculation for businesses that meet the $200,000‑per‑month threshold.

Senator Jim Petty (District 29), sponsor of the bill, told the committee the measure would change the 12‑month period used to calculate whether a business must make periodic sales‑tax prepayments so that the calculation mirrors the state fiscal year (July 1–June 30). Petty said the change provides businesses more time to determine whether they will be subject to the prepayment requirement and is intended to reduce compliance issues that can arise when the first prepayment is due before year‑end tax filings are complete.

Paul Gehring of DFA said the amendment does not change the number of businesses subject to prepayments and that exempt sales are not included in the calculation. Committee members pressed for clarity on how the rule would apply to businesses with different fiscal years or to retailers that close stores mid‑year; DFA said the department routinely adjusts prepayment schedules and can accommodate changed circumstances.

Senator Deese seconded a do‑pass motion and the committee approved the bill by voice vote. The sponsor and DFA indicated no change to which taxpayers are subject to the requirement and said the bill is intended to improve planning and administration. The committee referenced an effective timing in early 2024 to allow businesses time to plan.