Short answer:Arkansas Amendment 79 is the constitutional property tax relief framework behind the homestead credit taxable assessed value caps and the age 65 or disabled homestead freeze. It can reduce or slow tax increases but it does not eliminate local millage or every reassessment change

Key Facts

  • Homestead taxable assessed value increases are generally capped at 5% per year after reappraisal
  • Non homestead taxable assessed value increases are generally capped at 10% per year after reappraisal
  • The homestead credit is part of the Amendment 79 relief structure
  • Age 65 or disabled homeowners may qualify for a taxable assessed value freeze
  • New construction newly discovered property and substantial improvements can be treated differently

Plain-English Definition of Amendment 79

Amendment 79 is Arkansas's property tax relief amendment In practical terms it softens the effect of reappraisal increases on taxable assessed value and provides homestead based tax relief

It is one reason a county record may show more than one value: market value, assessed value and taxable assessed value. The calculator estimate should use the taxable value rules when you know they apply

Homestead Credit

The homestead credit reduces the tax bill for an eligible primary residence. For 2026 tax bills, Arkansas has authorized the credit up to 600 The owner should make sure the credit is filed with the county assessor For filing details see the Arkansas homestead tax credit guide.

5% Homestead Taxable Assessed Value Cap

For qualifying homestead property Amendment 79 generally limits annual taxable assessed value increases after reappraisal to 5 The cap applies to taxable assessed value not necessarily market value

Example: if a homestead's taxable assessed value is 40,000 and reappraisal would otherwise move it to 50,000 the taxable increase maybe phased rather than recognized all at once subject to exceptions

10% Non-Homestead Taxable Assessed Value Cap

Non homestead property can receive a different cap commonly described as 10% per year. This can matter for rental homes commercial property and other property that is not the owner's principal residence

Age 65 or Disabled Freeze

A qualifying age 65 or disabled homeowner may receive a freeze on the taxable assessed value of the homestead. This rule is separate from the homestead credit. A homeowner can need both the credit and freeze recorded correctly to estimate the bill

Read theArkansas senior property tax freeze guidefor examples.

New Construction, Newly Discovered Property, and Substantial Improvement Exceptions

Amendment 79 does not block every increase. New construction newly discovered property and substantial improvements can be added outside the usual cap treatment If the assessor discovers an omitted garage newly finished living area or major addition the taxable value may change

How Amendment 79 Affects Reappraisal Years

In a reappraisal year market values can move sharply Amendment 79 control show much of that increase becomes taxable assessed value right away for many properties. That is why two similar homes can have different taxable values if one has an older capped value and the other recently sold

For more detail read theArkansas reappraisal cycle guide.

How It Affects Calculator Estimates

A simple calculator using only market value and millage may overstate taxes for a property protected by caps or a freeze. It may also understate taxes when new construction or an exception applies Use the calculator for planning then compare with the county record for taxable assessed value

Estimate, Then Verify Taxable Value

Use the calculator as a planning tool and confirm Amendment 79 details with your county assessor

Open the Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Arkansas Amendment 79 do?

It provides property tax relief through the homestead credit taxable assessed value caps and an age 65 or disabled homestead freeze

Is the homestead cap 5% or 10%

The commonly cited cap is 5 for homestead taxable assessed value and 10 for non homestead taxable assessed value subject to exceptions

Does Amendment 79 stop millage increases?

No. Amendment 79 affects credits and taxable assessed value rules Local millage rates can still change

Why did my tax bill change if my value is frozen?

Your bill can still change because millage rates special assessments penalties, or exception property can change

Official Sources

Arkansas DFA Property Tax Relief. State guidance on Amendment 79 relief.