Arkansas Property Tax Payment important date

Property taxes in Arkansas are due in two installments each year: the first half is due by March 15, and the second half is due by September 15. If you miss either important date, you will owe a penalty of 1 percent per month on the unpaid amount, plus interest that compounds monthly. The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31, and your county assessor's office sends bills in the fall for the taxes owed in the following year.

Payment goes to your county collector, not to a state office. Each of Arkansas's 75 counties runs its own tax collection, so the exact payment methods and mailing addresses vary by location. Your tax bill will show your collector's office address and any payment options they offer—some accept online payments, some take checks by mail, and most accept in-person payments at their office.

Key Takeaways

  • Property taxes in Arkansas split into two payments: March 15 for the first half and September 15 for the second half of the tax year.
  • Missing a important date triggers a 1 percent monthly penalty plus monthly interest, so paying on time saves money even if you have to borrow to do it.
  • Your county collector's office handles payment, and each county offers different payment methods, so check your bill or call your collector to learn what they accept.
  • Tax bills arrive in the fall and cover taxes owed in the following calendar year, so a bill you receive in November 2024 covers 2025 taxes.
  • If you own property in more than one county, each county sends a separate bill with its own important date and collector's office.

How the Arkansas Tax Year and Bill Cycle Work

Arkansas property taxes follow a calendar year: January 1 through December 31. However, the bill you receive does not cover the year you are in—it covers the year ahead. If you buy a house in January 2025, you will receive your first tax bill in the fall of 2024, and that bill covers taxes owed during 2025. This timing can confuse new homeowners because the bill arrives before the tax year it covers has begun.

The county assessor determines the assessed value of your property, usually by visiting it every few years or when you make major improvements. The county then multiplies that assessed value by the millage rate set by your county and any school districts that serve your property. The result is your annual tax bill, which the collector splits into two halves for payment in March and September.

Payment Methods and Where to Send Your Check

Your property tax bill lists your county collector's mailing address and office location. Most collectors accept checks or money orders by mail, and many now accept online payments through their county website or a third-party payment processor. Some collectors accept credit cards, though they may charge a processing fee. A few counties offer automatic bank draft, where the collector withdraws your payment directly on or before the due date.

If you pay by mail, send your check at least one week before the important date to account for mail delays. The postmark date does not count—the collector's office must receive the payment by the important date. If you are cutting it close, pay in person at the collector's office or use an online payment method that processes when ready. Never assume your bank's bill-pay service will arrive on time; banks often mail checks several days after you schedule them.

To find your specific collector's office and payment options, search online for "[Your County Name] Arkansas tax collector" or call your county assessor's office. They can tell you the exact address, phone number, and whether online payment is available in your county.

Penalties and Interest for Late Payment

If your payment arrives after the important date, the collector adds a penalty of 1 percent of the unpaid tax for each month the payment is late, starting the day after the important date. Interest also accrues at a rate set by state law, compounding monthly. For example, if you owe $1,200 and pay 30 days late, you will owe the $1,200 plus a 1 percent penalty ($12) plus interest for one month. If you pay 60 days late, the penalty grows to 2 percent ($24) plus two months of interest.

These penalties add up quickly, so even a small delay costs real money. If you cannot pay the full amount by the important date, contact your collector's office to ask about payment plans. Some counties will work with you to avoid the penalty if you set up a plan before the important date passes. Do not ignore the bill—if taxes go unpaid for several years, the county can place a lien on your property or eventually foreclose and sell it to recover the debt.

What Happens If You Own Property in Multiple Counties

If you own property in more than one Arkansas county, each county sends a separate tax bill with its own collector's office and its own March 15 and September 15 important date. You must track multiple bills and make sure each one is paid on time. Set reminders for both March and September, or ask each collector whether they offer automatic draft so you do not have to remember to pay.

Some people own property in one county but live in another. Your residence does not matter—the bill goes to the address listed on the deed, which is usually the property address itself. If you have moved and the collector is mailing bills to an old address, contact the assessor's office to update your mailing address so you do not miss a important date.

Homestead Property Tax Relief and Exemptions

Arkansas offers a homestead property tax relief program that reduces the tax bill for homeowners who meet income and age requirements. The program is not automatic—you must file a form with your county assessor to claim it. The relief amount varies by county and by your income level, but it can reduce your bill by several hundred dollars per year if you may have access to.

To learn whether you may have access to and how much relief you might receive, contact your county assessor's office. They can tell you the income limits for your county and provide the form you need to file. The form is usually filed once, and the relief applies to future bills unless your income changes or you move. Veterans, disabled persons, and elderly homeowners may also be may have access to to additional exemptions—ask your assessor what programs exist in your county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I pay one installment late but the other on time?

Each installment is treated separately. If you pay the March 15 installment late, you owe a penalty and interest on that half only. The September 15 payment is not affected. However, if either payment is more than a few months late, the county may begin collection action, so contact your collector as soon as you know you will be late.

Do I have to pay property taxes if I am paying off a mortgage?

Yes. Your mortgage lender may collect property taxes as part of your monthly payment and hold them in an escrow account, then pay the collector on your behalf. Check your mortgage statement to see whether taxes are included. If they are not, you are responsible for paying the collector directly by the important date.

Can I get an extension if I cannot pay by the important date?

Arkansas law does not provide an automatic extension, but some collectors will work with you if you contact them before the important date and explain your situation. Call your collector's office to ask whether a payment plan is available. Waiting until after the important date to ask usually results in penalties being applied.

What if my tax bill seems too high?

You can request that your county assessor review the assessed value of your property. File a written appeal with the assessor's office, usually within a set time frame after you receive your bill. The assessor will review your property's value and may adjust it if they find an error. This process takes time, so do not skip payment while waiting for a decision.

Where do I find my collector's office if I just moved to Arkansas?

Search online for "[County name] Arkansas tax collector" or call your county assessor's office. The assessor can give you the collector's phone number, mailing address, and website. You can also find a list of all 75 county collectors on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website.