Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Independence County

In Independence County, Arkansas, property taxes are based on the taxable value of real estate and personal property that is subject to assessment. The county assessor first determines the market value of a property as of January 1 each year. This market value is then reduced by any applicable exemptions to arrive at the “taxable value.” The taxable value is multiplied by the combined millage rate—expressed in mills, where one mill equals one‑tenth of a cent per dollar of taxable value. For 2024 the average combined millage rate for Independence County is approximately 64 mills, but rates can vary by city, school district, and special tax districts.

Example: A home with a taxable value of $120,000 and a combined millage rate of 64 mills would owe $7,680 in property tax for the year (120,000 × 0.064).

Available Exemptions

Arkansas offers several exemptions that can lower the taxable value of your property. In Independence County you may qualify for one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the taxable value of a primary residence by up to $5,000.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents aged 65 or older may receive an additional $5,000 reduction, plus a possible surcharge reduction on the millage rate.
• Disability Exemption: Qualifying disabled persons can claim a $5,000 exemption; some counties also allow a supplemental exemption for certain veterans with disabilities.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans or surviving spouses may receive a $5,000 exemption; disabled veterans may receive an extra $5,000.

Exemptions are not cumulative; you can generally claim only the highest‑value exemption that applies to you. Applications are filed with the Independence County Assessor’s Office usually by March 31 of the assessment year.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Independence County are payable in two installments:

• First installment: Due November 15. This covers the first half of the annual tax bill.
• Second installment: Due March 15 of the following year. This settles the remaining balance.

Taxpayers may choose to pay the full amount early without penalty, which can be done online, by mail, or in person at the County Treasurer’s Office. If you miss an installment deadline, a 10 % late fee is added to the overdue portion, and interest accrues at the state‑mandated rate of 1 % per month until the balance is paid. Persistent delinquency may result in tax lien filing, and ultimately a tax sale of the property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, you have the right to appeal to the Independence County Board of Review. Follow these steps:

• File a Notice of Appeal: Submit the form to the Assessor’s Office within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.
• Gather Evidence: Compile comparable sales, recent appraisals, or photographs that support your claim of a lower market value.
• Schedule a Hearing: The Board of Review will set a date, typically within 60 days of filing.
• Present Your Case: Attend the hearing and present your evidence; the board may adjust the assessment on the spot or issue a written decision.

Decisions of the Board of Review can be further appealed to the Arkansas Board of Assessment Review and, if necessary, to the Arkansas Court of Appeals. Keeping records organized and meeting all filing deadlines are essential to a successful appeal.