Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Chicot County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Chicot County

In Chicot County, the property tax system begins with an annual assessment conducted by the Chicot County Assessor’s Office. All real property, whether residential, commercial, or agricultural, is evaluated on January 1 each year. The assessor determines an “assessed value” based on the current market value of the property, adjusted by the county’s assessment formula that typically uses a percentage of the market value. The assessed value is then multiplied by the county’s millage rate to calculate the annual tax due.

The total millage rate is a composite of several components: the county’s own rate, the district school board’s rate, any city or township rates that apply to the property, and special district rates such as library, park, or fire district levies. In Chicot County, the combined residential millage rate generally falls between 1,200 and 1,300 mills (or 1.2%–1.3% of the assessed value). All rates are posted on the Chicot County Treasurer’s website and are reviewed annually.

Once the assessed value and millage rate are determined, the county issues a tax bill that lists the amount due for each tax tranche (see the Payment Schedule section). The assessor’s office maintains a public database where you can view your property’s assessed value, the applied millage rates, and the resulting tax bill.

Available Exemptions

Arkansas offers several exemptions that can lower your taxable value. Chicot County residents should review each eligibility requirement carefully:

• Homestead Exemption: Provides a $2,000 valuation reduction on primary residences, effectively lowering the taxable value by 60% of the exemption amount.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents 65 or older who meet income limits can receive a $20,000 exemption on a primary residence or $12,000 on secondary properties.
• Disability Exemption: Fully disabled individuals may claim a $30,000 exemption on the primary residence.
• Veteran Exemption: Eligible veterans or surviving spouses can receive a $10,000 exemption; spouses of combat veterans can claim $30,000.

To qualify, applicants must complete the county’s exemption application form, provide proof of residency, age, disability status, or veteran records, and submit it by the deadline established by the Chicot County Treasurer’s office. Exemptions are applied before the millage rate calculation, reducing the assessed value on which taxes are levied.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

The Chicot County Treasurer’s office offers a two‑installment payment schedule designed to ease cash flow for taxpayers:

• First installment: Due on April 20th.  This payment covers taxes for the first two months of the fiscal year and is typically 45% of the total tax bill.
• Second installment: Due on July 5th.  This covers the remaining 55% of the bill.

Taxpayers who cannot meet the schedule may request a payment plan in writing, which often allows spreading payments across more months, but approval is discretionary. If neither installment is paid by the specified date, the county imposes a 20% interest surcharge on the overdue amount, and the property can eventually be seized under the county’s tax lien authority. Late payments are also reported to credit bureaus, potentially affecting credit scores.

Appealing Your Assessment

Should you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal the Chicot County Assessor’s Office within 45 days of receiving the official assessment notice.

1. File a written objection: Include a detailed explanation of why the value is incorrect, supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales or appraisals.
2. Attend the appeal hearing: The assessor schedules a public hearing; you can appear in person or via a representative.
3. Receive the decision: The assessor may uphold, increase, or reduce your assessment. If you disagree, a second appeal can be made to the Chicot County QRC (Qualified Review Committee) within 90 days.

During the appeal process, your new assessment will suspend tax liability until a final decision is made. Ensure all documentation is submitted on time and keep copies for your records. The county’s website provides downloadable objection forms and a timeline for each appeal step.