Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Madison County

Madison County determines property taxes based on two primary components: the assessed value of the real‑estate and the applicable millage rates set by local taxing authorities. Each year the County Assessor’s Office conducts a systematic assessment of every taxable parcel, establishing a market value that reflects what the property would likely sell for in an open market. This assessed value is then multiplied by a uniform “assessment ratio” of 10 % (the standard ratio for residential real property in Arkansas), resulting in the taxable value used for calculation.

Once the taxable value is known, the total tax bill is computed by applying the cumulative millage rate, which is expressed in dollars per $1,000 of taxable value. In Madison County, the 2024‑2025 combined millage rate is approximately 36.5 mills, composed of:

• Madison County government – 12.0 mills
• Madison County School District – 18.0 mills
• City of Huntsville (if applicable) – 4.5 mills
• Special districts (e.g., fire, road, water) – variable, typically 1.0–2.0 mills

To estimate your tax obligation, divide the taxable value by 1,000 and multiply by the total millage rate. For example, a home assessed at $150,000 (taxable value $15,000) would owe $15,000 ÷ 1,000 × 36.5 = $547.50 before any exemptions or credits are applied.

Available Exemptions

Arkansas offers several statutory exemptions that can reduce the taxable portion of your property. Madison County adheres to the state’s exemption guidelines, and qualified homeowners may claim one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption: Up to $2,500 off the assessed value for owners who occupy the property as a primary residence.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents aged 65 or older may receive an additional $5,000 reduction if they meet income limits set by the state.
• Disability Exemption: Disabled persons (or their legally authorized representatives) can claim a $5,000 exemption, provided the disability is documented and the property is the primary residence.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorable veterans who are totally or permanently disabled, or who have served at least 90 days of active duty, qualify for a $5,000 exemption.

All exemptions are applied to the assessed value before the millage rate calculation, effectively lowering the taxable base. Applicants must file a completed exemption form with the Madison County Assessor’s Office by March 1 of the tax year in which the exemption is sought.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Madison County property taxes are due in two installments:

• First Installment: Due by November 1. Payments made after this date but before December 31 incur a 5 % penalty on the unpaid balance.
• Second Installment: Due by March 1 of the following year. Late payments after March 1 are subject to a 10 % penalty and an additional 1 % interest per month on the delinquent amount.

Taxpayers may pay electronically via the county’s online portal, by mailed check, or in person at the County Treasurer’s Office. Some lenders will escrow property taxes with your mortgage, sending the funds to the county on your behalf. If you qualify for exemptions, ensure the corrected assessment is processed before the first installment to avoid overpayment.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, Madison County provides a formal appeals process:

• Step 1 – Request an Informal Review: Contact the Assessor’s Office within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice. Provide evidence such as recent sales of comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or documented property defects.
• Step 2 – File a Formal Appeal: If the informal review does not resolve the issue, submit a written appeal to the Madison County Board of Equalization within 45 days of the notice date. Include all supporting documentation and a clear statement of the desired adjustment.
• Step 3 – Board Hearing: The Board will schedule a hearing, typically within 60 days of the appeal filing. You may present testimony, witnesses, and additional evidence. A decision is rendered in writing and mailed to you.
• Step 4 – Further Review (Optional): If dissatisfied with the Board’s decision, you may appeal to the Arkansas State Board of Assessment Appeals within 30 days of the Board’s final order.

All appeals are free of charge, but timely filing and thorough documentation are crucial for a successful outcome.