Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Little River County

In Little River County, property taxes are the primary source of funding for schools, roads, public safety, and other local services. The process begins with an annual assessment conducted by the County Assessor’s Office. Assessors determine the market value of each parcel of real and personal property as of January 1 of the tax year, using comparable sales, income approaches (for rental properties), and cost approaches (for new construction). This assessed value is then multiplied by the applicable millage rates to calculate the tax bill.

Millage rates are expressed in mills, where one mill equals one‑tenth of one percent (0.001) of assessed value. Little River County’s total tax rate is a combination of several components:

• County General Millage: Funds county‑wide services such as the sheriff’s office and road maintenance.
• School District Millage: The primary source of revenue for public schools, often the largest portion of the bill.
• Special District Millages: May include fire protection, water & sewer, or municipal services if the property lies within a city or special district.
• State/County Levies: Additional levies approved by voters for specific projects.

Every July, the County Assessor sends a notice of assessed value to each property owner. The tax bill is then prepared by the County Treasurer’s Office and mailed in October, with the amount due determined by the total millage rate applied to the assessed value.

Available Exemptions

Arkansas offers a range of exemptions that can reduce the taxable portion of your property’s assessed value. Eligibility varies by age, income, disability status, and military service.

• Homestead Exemption: Applies to owner‑occupied residential property. The exemption amount is $2,500 of assessed value, plus an additional $2,500 for one qualifying dependent.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents aged 65 or older may receive a $6,000 exemption on the first $150,000 of assessed value, provided their household income does not exceed state‑specified limits.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability can claim a $4,000 exemption on the first $150,000 of assessed value.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans and surviving spouses are eligible for a $3,000 exemption on the first $150,000 of assessed value. Additional benefits may apply for disabled veterans.

To claim any exemption, owners must submit the appropriate application to the Little River County Assessor’s Office by March 1 each year. Supporting documentation (proof of age, disability, military service, or income) must accompany the request.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Little River County are due in two installments:

• First Installment: Due November 1. If paid by this date, the amount is 50 % of the total bill.
• Second Installment: Due March 1 of the following year. The remaining balance must be paid in full.

Late payments incur a penalty of 1 % per month (or fraction thereof) on the overdue amount, plus interest at the state‑mandated rate. If either installment is not paid by the deadline, the County Treasurer may issue a tax lien, which can lead to foreclosure after a series of legal notices.

For owners unable to pay the full amount, the Treasurer’s Office offers a payment plan, allowing up to twelve monthly installments. Applications must be submitted in writing before the first installment deadline, and approval is at the Treasurer’s discretion.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑ or under‑assessed, you have the right to appeal the valuation. The appeal process in Little River County follows these steps:

• Notice of Appeal: File a written appeal with the County Assessor’s Office within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.
• Informal Review: The Assessor may schedule a meeting to discuss evidence such as recent sales, appraisals, or property condition.
• Formal Hearing: If the dispute is not resolved informally, a hearing before the Little River County Assessment Review Board is scheduled. You may present testimony, documents, and expert testimony.
• Decision: The Board issues a written decision within 30 days of the hearing. If you disagree with the outcome, you may further appeal to the Arkansas Board of Assessment Review.

Throughout the process, maintain copies of all correspondence, appraisal reports, and any supporting documents. Engaging a qualified real estate attorney or certified appraiser can improve the likelihood of a favorable adjustment.