Missing your Arkansas property tax deadline can be a costly mistake. Unlike federal income taxes, property taxes do not have an extension option. Once you miss the October 15 deadline, penalties kick in immediately.
When Are Arkansas Property Taxes Due?
Arkansas property taxes become due throughout the year, with the final payment deadline of October 15. Bills are mailed in September or early October. Arkansas does not offer installment payment options statewide; the full year's taxes are due in a single payment by October 15 unless your collector publishes a different local option.
Full Payment Timeline
Assessment Date
Property values set as of January 1 This is the basis for your tax bill
Appeal Period
County Board of Equalization meets Last chance to appeal before billing
Bills Mailed
Tax statements mailed You can pay as soon as you receive your bill
Payment Deadline
Last day to pay without penalty Pay online by mail, or in person.
10% penalty Added
A 10% penalty is immediately applied Interest begins accruing
State Land Sale
After two years of delinquency the property is transferred to the Commissioner of State Lands and becomes subject to public auction
Penalty Structure
| Time Frame | What Happens | Extra Cost on $1,000 Bill |
|---|---|---|
| By Oct 15 | No penalty | $0 |
| Oct 16–Year End | 10% penalty added immediately | +$100 |
| After Jan 1(Year 2) | Penalty continuing interest | +$100+interest |
| After 2 Years | COSL takes over; additional fees | Significant fees |
| Public Land Sale | Property auctioned title lost | Loss of property |
How to Pay
- Online:Most county websites accept credit/debit cards and e-checks small processing fee
- By mail:Check to your county collector's office must be postmarked by October 15th.
- In person:Visit your county collector's office during business hours
- Dropbox:Many offices have after-hours drop boxes for check payments
Find your county collector's contact info on our Assessor Directory.
What If I Have a Mortgage?
If your mortgage has an escrow account your lender pays property taxes on your behalf from monthly escrow collections Howeveryou are ultimately responsibleverify your lender is paying on time and that the amount is correct
Already Delinquent?
- Contact your county collector immediatelythey can tell you the exact amount owed.
- Check the COSL website(cosl.org) if your property has been transferred to the state.
- Act quicklypenalties and fees grow over time The sooner you pay the less you owe.
For payment work flow details read how to pay Arkansas property taxes online. For vehicle and other personal property timing see the personal property assessment deadline guide.
Know Your Bill Before It Arrives
Use our free calculator to estimate what you'll owe this October no surprises
Calculate My Tax →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Arkansas property taxesearly?
Yes Once bills are mailed September October you can pay immediately There's no benefit to waiting
Is there a discount for early payment?
Generally no Arkansas doesn't offer early payment discounts The incentive is avoiding the 10% late penalty.
Can I setup a payment plan?
Arkansas law does not mandate payment plans Some county collectors may offer informal arrangements for delinquent taxpayers contact your county collector to ask
What if October 15is a weekend?
If the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday the deadline extends to the next business day Verify with your county collector if unsure