When Are Arkansas Property Taxes Due? 2026 Guide to Dates, Rates & Exemptions

Arkansas homeowners need to mark their calendars for October 15–16 each year—that's when annual property taxes are due statewide. With an effective tax rate of 0.62%, Arkansas ranks among the more affordable states for property owners, but missing the deadline can trigger penalties of 1–2% per month plus potential tax liens.

When Are Arkansas Property Taxes Due?

Arkansas property taxes are due October 15–16 annually. This is a firm statewide deadline, though individual county treasurers may have slight variations in processing times. You should confirm the exact due date with your county treasurer's office to avoid any surprises.

Property taxes in Arkansas are assessed on the tax year that runs January 1 through December 31. Counties bill property owners once yearly, with payment due in mid-October. If your property is financed, your mortgage servicer may collect property taxes monthly through an escrow account and pay them on your behalf—but you remain legally responsible if they fail to do so.

Schedule	Due Date	Notes
Annual property tax payment	Oct 15–16	Confirm with your county treasurer

Arkansas Property Tax Rates

Arkansas's effective property tax rate is 0.62%, one of the lowest in the nation. This statewide average masks significant variation between counties; rural areas often have lower rates than urban centers like Pulaski County (Little Rock).

To calculate what you'll owe, multiply your property's assessed value by your county's millage rate. For example, a $260,000 home (the state median) in a county with a 0.62% rate would generate approximately $1,612 in annual property taxes. Your county assessor determines assessed value, which is typically 20% of fair market value in Arkansas.

Most counties reassess property values every 5 years, though you can request a reassessment if values have changed significantly. Property tax bills are mailed in September; review yours for calculation errors and appeal if needed.

Arkansas Property Tax Exemptions

Arkansas offers homestead, senior, and veteran exemptions that vary by county—contact your county assessor to learn what you qualify for. The homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of your primary residence, lowering your annual tax bill.

Senior citizens (typically age 65+) and disabled persons often receive additional exemptions or deferrals. Military veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for veteran exemptions. Each county administers these programs differently, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

To claim an exemption, file an application with your county assessor before the tax year begins. Visit the property tax exemptions guide for detailed state-level exemption information and application deadlines.

How to Pay Arkansas Property Taxes

Pay your property taxes directly to your county treasurer or assessor's office. Most counties accept payments in person, by mail, or online through their websites. A few larger counties also accept credit cards, though fees typically apply.

If you have a mortgage, your monthly payment likely includes a property tax portion held in escrow. Your servicer forwards that money to the county on your behalf. Always verify that payments have been received; late payments can damage your credit and trigger tax liens.

Before finalizing a home purchase, use our Arkansas mortgage calculator to estimate your total monthly payment, including property taxes, insurance, and interest.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Missing the October 15–16 deadline triggers a late penalty of typically 1–2% per month, compounded. After extended delinquency, the county may file a tax lien against your property, allowing the government to foreclose and sell your home to recover unpaid taxes.

A tax lien clouds your title and makes refinancing or selling nearly impossible. If you're struggling to pay, contact your county treasurer immediately to discuss payment plans or hardship deferrals. Many counties offer extensions or installment arrangements for property owners facing temporary financial hardship.

Paying late also damages your credit score and can increase your mortgage interest rate if you refinance. The longer you wait, the higher the total cost of delinquency.

Property Taxes and Your Mortgage Payment

Most mortgage lenders require borrowers to escrow property taxes and homeowners insurance as part of the monthly payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays them on your behalf, protecting their investment in the home.

Escrow accounts simplify budgeting since you pay taxes monthly rather than in a lump sum. However, escrow accounts are not free—lenders may charge fees for administration. If your escrow balance falls short, your monthly payment increases; if it overfunds, you may receive a refund.

To estimate your total monthly mortgage payment in Arkansas, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI), try our Arkansas mortgage calculator. For more details on how property taxes fit into your mortgage, see our guide to property taxes and homeownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I pay Arkansas property taxes online?
Yes, most Arkansas counties accept online payments through their treasurer or assessor websites. Some charge a convenience fee for credit card payments. Contact your county office to confirm online options and to receive your payment confirmation number for your records.

2. What if I disagree with my property tax assessment?
You have the right to appeal your assessment if you believe the assessed value is incorrect. File a notice of appeal with your county assessor within 30 days of receiving your tax bill. Include comparable sales or appraisals supporting a lower value, and attend the informal hearing if requested.

3. Do Arkansas property taxes increase every year?
Not automatically. Your tax bill changes only if (1) your county reassesses property values, (2) the millage rate rises, or (3) exemptions expire. Counties reassess every 5 years on average, though the timing varies by location.

4. What's the difference between assessed value and fair market value?
Fair market value is what your home would sell for today. Assessed value is typically 20% of fair market value and is used to calculate property taxes. A $260,000 home might have an assessed value of $52,000, on which the tax is calculated.

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Key Takeaways for Arkansas Homeowners:

• Property taxes are due October 15–16 each year
• Arkansas's effective tax rate is 0.62%, among the nation's lowest
• Homestead, senior, and veteran exemptions are available—verify eligibility with your county assessor
• Missing the deadline incurs 1–2% monthly penalties and risks tax liens
• Pay through your county treasurer; if you have a mortgage, taxes are likely escrowed monthly