Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Franklin County

Franklin County, Arkansas assesses property taxes based on the fair market value of each taxable parcel as of the January 1st valuation date. The county assessor conducts an on‑site inspection or uses county‑wide data to determine this value, then applies the appropriate assessment ratio—typically 100 % for residential real estate and a reduced percentage for agricultural or commercial land. Once the assessed value is established, the county multiplies it by the combined millage rate, expressed in mills (one‑tenth of a cent). For fiscal year 2025‑26 the total millage rate for Franklin County is 37.45 mills, which includes the county road fund, school district, city or town levies, and any special district assessments. To calculate the tax bill, multiply the assessed value by the millage rate and divide by 1,000. For example, a home assessed at $120,000 would owe ($120,000 × 37.45) ÷ 1,000 = $4,494 in property taxes.

Available Exemptions

Arkansas offers several statutory exemptions that can lower the taxable portion of your property. The most common exemptions for Franklin County residents are:

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by up to $5,000. You must own and occupy the property as your principal dwelling.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Homeowners aged 65 or older may receive an additional $5,000 exemption, provided their total household income does not exceed the state‑defined threshold.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified disabled persons can claim a $5,000 exemption on the portion of the property used as a primary residence.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans, or the surviving spouse of a veteran killed in action, are eligible for a $5,000 exemption on their homestead.

To claim any exemption, submit the appropriate application to the Franklin County Assessor’s Office along with supporting documentation (e.g., proof of age, disability certification, or veteran discharge papers) by the March 31 deadline.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Franklin County follows Arkansas’s two‑installment payment schedule. The first half of the property tax bill is due on October 15; the second half is due on April 15 of the following year. Payments can be made online through the county’s e‑pay portal, by mailed check, or in person at the County Treasurer’s Office.

If you prefer a single payment, you may pay the full amount any time before the final April 15 deadline, and a 0.5 % discount may be applied for early payment before October 15. Late payments incur a 5 % penalty plus interest accruing at the rate of 0.5 % per month thereafter. Persistent delinquency can result in tax lien filing, foreclosure, or the loss of the homestead exemption.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, you have the right to appeal within 30 days of receiving the notice of assessment. Follow these steps:

• File a written appeal with the Franklin County Board of Equalization, either in person or via certified mail. Include the parcel number, your contact information, and a concise statement of why you contest the value.
• Attach all supporting evidence—recent comparable sales, independent appraisals, or photographs that demonstrate discrepancies.
• The Board will schedule a hearing, typically within 60 days of your filing. Attend the hearing prepared to present your evidence and answer any questions.
• After consideration, the Board issues a written decision. If the decision is unfavorable, you may further appeal to the Arkansas Board of Assessors and, ultimately, the state courts.

Timely, well‑documented appeals are the most effective way to secure a fair assessment and potentially reduce your property tax liability.