Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Lincoln County

Lincoln County property taxes are based on the “assessed value” of real‑estate, which the County Assessor determines each year on January 1. The assessor first calculates the market value of a parcel, then applies the state‑mandated assessment ratio of 20 percent (for residential property) to derive the taxable value. For commercial and agricultural land different ratios may apply. Once the taxable value is set, the County multiplies it by the combined millage rate (expressed in mills, or thousandths of a dollar) approved by the County Board of Assessors, the school district, and other special districts. For 2024 the typical combined rate is approximately 34 mills (3.4 %). That means a home assessed at $150,000 would generate a tax bill of $5,100 (150,000 × 0.20 × 0.034).

Available Exemptions

Arkansas law offers several exemptions that can reduce the taxable value before the millage rate is applied. In Lincoln County you may qualify for one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption: Up to $5,000 off the assessed value for owner‑occupied residential property.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 65 or older may receive an additional $5,000 exemption, plus a possible discount on the millage rate if the total taxable value after exemptions is below $20,000.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified persons with a permanent disability can claim a $5,000 reduction, similar to the senior exemption.
• Veteran Exemption: Armed forces veterans who are honorably discharged receive a $5,000 exemption; surviving spouses of veterans killed in action may claim the same benefit.
• Other Special Exemptions: Agricultural, timber, and historic property exemptions are also available but require separate applications and documentation.

All exemptions must be applied for on the annual property tax worksheet submitted to the Lincoln County Assessor’s Office by March 1.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Lincoln County follows the statewide two‑installment schedule. The key dates are:

• First Installment – September 1: 50 % of the total tax bill is due.
• Second Installment – December 15: The remaining 50 % is due.
• Late Payments: A 10 % penalty plus interest accrues on any amount not paid by the due date. Interest rates are set annually by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
• Payment Options: Taxes can be paid online through the County’s e‑Tax portal, by mailed check, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office. Some lenders may escrow the taxes and remit them on your behalf.

Missing a deadline does not automatically result in a tax lien, but continued delinquency can lead to a lien, tax sale, or foreclosure.

Appealing Your Assessment

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

• File a Notice of Appeal: Submit the form to the Assessor’s Office no later than May 15 (the deadline is typically 30 days after the assessment notice is mailed).
• Gather Evidence: Provide recent sales data of comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or photographs that demonstrate condition or improvements.
• Attend the Hearing: A hearing is scheduled within 60 days of filing. You may represent yourself or hire a qualified appraiser or attorney.
• Decision: The Board issues a written decision within 30 days of the hearing. If you disagree with the Board’s ruling, you may appeal to the Arkansas State Board of Equalization.

Timely filing and thorough documentation are essential; once the deadline passes, the assessment becomes final for that tax year.