FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do my property taxes go?  The property tax is a local tax.  County government administers it.  It supports schools (75%), counties (16%), cities (8%), and some community colleges (less than 1%).

When and where can I pay my taxes?  Taxes may be paid by mail or in person to you local county collector and are due by the 10th day of October.

How can I appeal my assessment?  Call your county assessor's office first for an informal appeal.  If you are not satisified with the results then call your county real estate assessor's office (479) 271-1037 and schedule an appointment with the County Equalization Board.  It is too late to appeal after you have received your tax bill, but the assessments for the next tax bill may be appealed.

How do I calculate my tax bill?  The market value of all taxable property (as established by the county assessor) is multiplied by 20% (the assessment level applied in Arkansas).  Multiply this assessed value times the millage rate established for your jurisdiction (school district).

How are millage rates established?  School millage is set by election each September.  The governing bodies establish county general, county road and city general millage in November.

Why did my property tax increase this year?  Your property value increased or the millage rate levied in your jurisdiction was increased?

Tax rates aare state in mills, what is a mill?  A mill is one tenth of a percent.  On your calculator use .001

Does the millage rate apply to the full value of my property?  No. Your property is the first assessed at 20% of its full value by law.  Then the assessed value is multiplied by the millage to determine the property tax.

How much will a one mill increase cost the average taxpayer in taxes?  To calculate the tax, take a value, $75000 for example, and multiply this value by 20%, which is the assessment level.  In this case it would be $15000.  Multiply the $15000 times one mill or .001, which is $15.  It can be stated that a one mill increase on $75000 will cost the taxpayer an additional $15 a year in taxes.

What are the requirements for a taxpayer to receive a $300 homestead tax credit on his/her property taxes?  The property has to be the principal place of residence for the taxpayer.  He must be either an owner, purchaser under a recorded contract to purchase, holder of a recorded life estate, or a person that has formed a revocable trust that owns the property.

The property taxes on my home are $275; will the state send me $25 so I get the full credit?  No.  Amendment 79 provides that the tax credit will be for up to $300.  If your taxes are lower than $300 the credit pays your full tax bill, but nothing more.

Are disabled veterans required to pay property taxes on their homestead or personal property?  No.  In addition surviving spouses and minor dependents of disabled veterans are not required to pay those property taxes.

Do disabled veterans receive a $300 tax credit on their homesteads?  No. Disabled veterans who are service connected 100% totally and permanently disabled do no pay property taxes on their homesteads so there is no tax to credit against.

Is there any relief available on property taxes for a home owner who is not a disabled veteran?  Yes.  Any increase in assessment will be capped at 5% except for new construction or newly discovered property.

A homeowner asks, "I'm turning 65 in July, does that mean that my property taxes won't go up this year?  Amendment 79 caps the assessment on a person's principle place of residence once he or she is 65 years of age.  Amendment 79 does not cap taxes.  Even if someone's assessment does not increase, his or her taxes will if there is a millage rate increase in the city, county or school district where he or she resides.  The timing of someone's 65th birthday is important becuse it is his or her age on January 1 that determine whether he or she is eligible for a capped assessment.

What gives the assessor the authority to come on to someone's property?  Arkansas law makes it the assessor's responsibility to physically inspect property to determine what is there that gives it value

I bought my house from my father-in-law for $20,000 last year.  Why is it appraised at $80,000?  The appraised value of your property for ad valorem tax purposes is based upon market value.  Market value is the most probably price that a property would bring if exposed to the open market for a reasonable period of time.  It is the price that a willing buyer and a willing seller would agree upon under usual and ordinary circumstances.

Why did the appraiser measure that old barn at the back of my property when it's not worth anything?  The ACD Rules and Regulations require that all real estate improvements to be listed on the property record card.  That includes any improvements that are deemed to have no contributory value.  Dimensional elements of NCV (no contributory value) improvements are optional.

Do I have to let the appraiser in my house?  No. Interior inspections of residences are not required.

Where are values for personal property derived?  Values are based on market research.

When is the deadline for assessing personal property?  The deadline for assessing all types of personal property is May 31.  Assessments filed after this date will include a 10% penalty.

Who do I contact about property that has been taken by the state for back taxes?  Contact the State Land Commissioners office.  The number is 501-324-9222 and the web site is www.state.ar.us/land.html.

Who do I call about:

Receiving my tax bill?  Benton County Collector 479-271-1040

Proof of payment of my taxes? Benton County Collector 479-271-1040

Checking my personal property assessment? Benton Co. Personal Prop. Assessor 479-271-1033

Checking my real estate assessment? Benton Co. Real Estate Assessor 479-271-1037