Clear, accurate answers to the most common Arkansas property tax questions from basic calculations to appeals and exemptions
Arkansas property tax is calculated using this formula
Step 1—Assessed Value:Your property's market value is multiplied by 20% (the state mandated assessment ratio per ACA §26-26-1001). A $200,000 home has an assessed value of $40,000
Step 2 Apply millage rate Multiply assessed value by millage ÷ 1,000. At 50 mills:$40,000×0.050=$2,000.
Step 3—Apply credits: Subtract any homestead credit Arkansas DFA says 2026 tax bills are authorized up to 600 for qualifying primary residences
Use ourfreecalculatorto run this calculation instantly for any Arkansas county.
Amillagerateis the tax rate expressed in mills. One mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value or 0.001 Your total millage rate is the sum of
Because school districts differ within a county millage rates vary by address not just by county Our calculator uses county averages. See the full millage rates table →
Arkansas has an average effective property tax rate of approximately0.52% of market valueone of the lowest in the United States The national average is around 1.1%.
County rates range from0.34%(Stone County, the lowest) to0.81% (Pulaski County, the highest The effective rate depends on both the millage rate and local home values.
All real property in Arkansas is assessed at20 of its current market valueper Arkansas Code 26-26-1001 This ratio is uniform across all property types and all 75 counties— residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial property are all assessed at 20% of market value
This means only one fifth of your home's market value is subject to the millage rate. A $300,000 home has an assessed value of $60,000
The Arkansashomestead property tax creditreduces your annual property tax bill if you own and occupy the property as your primary residence Arkansas DFA says homeowners may receive up to $500 per year and 2026 tax bills are authorized up to$600.
You only need to apply once After you file the one time application with your county assessor the credit is automatically applied each year as long as you live there as your primary residence
To qualify for the Arkansas homestead credit you must
You can only claim the homestead crediton one property your primary home Rental properties vacation homes commercial properties and second homes do not qualify
To apply for the homestead credit
The credit will be applied to your tax bill each year automatically If you move to a different primary residence, you'll need to reapply at your new county assessor's office
When you sell your home the homestead credit no longer applies to that property as of the date of sale You will need to apply for the homestead crediton your new primary residence with that county's assessor.
The credit is tied to both the property and the owner's primary residence status The new buyer must apply for their own homestead credit
Arkansas property taxes are due by October 15 each year. This applies to both real property land and buildings and personal property vehicles business equipment
If October 15 falls on a weekend or public holiday the deadline moves to the next business day Tax bills are typically mailed in the summer July September
After October 15, a10% penaltyis added to your unpaid tax balance Interest may also accrue on delinquent amounts
If taxes remain unpaid for two years the county can initiate ataxsaleproceeding on the property It's important to pay on time or make arrangements if you're facing hardship
Many counties allow partial payments contact your county collector for options
Most Arkansas counties offer multiple payment options
Visit ourcounty assessor directoryfor contact information and website links for all 75 counties.
Your county assessor determines the market value of your property based on
Arkansas law requires county wide reappraisals on a schedule set by the Arkansas Assessment Coordination Division Once your market value is set the assessed value is automatically 20% of that figure.
If you believe your property is over assessed you can appeal to your county'sBoard of Equalization BOE. The general process:
Each Arkansas county has aBoard of Equalization (BOE), which is an independent board that hears property assessment appeals from taxpayers. The BOE meets annually typically spring through fall) to review appeals
If you believe your property is over assessed you present your evidence to the BOE and they can order the assessor to reduce your assessed value The BOE's decision can be further appealed to Circuit Court.
Arkansas does not have a statewide blanket property tax exemption for seniors However seniors can take advantage of
Contact your county assessor's office to ask about local programs Income thresholds and eligibility rulesvary.
Yes. UnderAct 313 of 2017, veterans with a 100 permanent and total service connected disability rating from the VA may qualify for afull property tax exemptionon their homestead in Arkansas.
To apply, contact your county assessor with your VA disability rating documentation The exemption applies to the property used as the veteran's primary residence
Agricultural land in Arkansas is assessed at 20 of its market value consistent with all other property types However the market value for agricultural land maybe based on its agricultural use valuerather than highest and best use value in some assessments
Landowners using property for timber production may qualify for specific programs Contact your county assessor for details on agricultural land classification and any available current use programs
In addition to real estate taxes Arkansas collectspersonal property taxeson motor vehicles, boats, trailers, and business equipment Like real property personal property is assessed at 20% of value, then multiplied by the local millage rate
Vehicle values are typically based on the NAD A trade in value as of January 1 each year Personal property taxes are due by the same October 15 deadline. You must assess your vehicle annually with your county assessor failure to assess by May 31 may result in a 10 assessment penalty
You must assess all personal property vehicles boats, trailers, business equipment with your county assessor by May 31 each year. Failure to assess by May 31 results in a 10% penalty on the assessment.
New residents must assess their personal property within 30 days of establishing Arkansas residency Contact your county assessor many now allow online or phone assessment
By effective rate,Stone Countyhas the lowest at approximately 0.34%, followed by Montgomery (0.39%), Newton (0.40%), and Madison (0.40%). By median annual tax paid Lawrence County ($400/yr) and Calhoun County ($412/yr) are among the lowest
Note that lowtax rates often come with trade offs such as fewer county services lower school district funding, or more rural locationsRead our full county ranking →
Millage rates vary within a county based onschool district boundaries. A county may have 3 to 8 separate school districts each charging a different school millage rate Since school millage is typically 60% to 70% of the total millage rate addresses in different school districts within the same county can have significantly different tax bills
City residents also pay additional municipal millage that rural residents in the same county don't pay To find your exact millage rate contact yourcounty assessor.
| Assessment Ratio | 20% |
| Homestead Credit | Up to $600 |
| Tax Due Date | Oct 15 |
| Late Penalty | 10% |
| Personal Prop Assess By | May 31 |
| State Avg Rate | ~0.52% |