Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Marion County

Marion County follows Arkansas’ statewide assessment system. Each year the County Assessor determines the **market value** of every parcel by reviewing recent sales of comparable properties, improvements, and land characteristics. The market value is then converted to a **taxable value** (often the same amount unless a special exemption applies).

The taxable value is multiplied by the **combined millage rate** to calculate the annual tax bill. A millage is one‑tenth of a cent per dollar of assessed value (1 mill = $1 of tax per $1,000 of value). In Marion County, the combined millage rate typically includes:

• Marion County government millage
• City or town millage (if applicable)
• School district millage
• Special districts (e.g., fire, water, or road districts)
• Any voter‑approved bonds or levies

The exact rate varies each fiscal year based on budget approvals and voter referenda. The County Assessor’s office posts the current combined millage on its website and on the annual tax statement.

Available Exemptions

Arkansas law provides several exemptions that reduce the taxable value of a home. Eligible homeowners should submit the appropriate application to the Marion County Assessor before the deadline (usually March 1).

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the taxable value by up to $2,500 for owner‑occupied primary residences.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 65 or older may receive up to $3,500 off the taxable value; additional reductions are possible for low‑income seniors.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified individuals with a permanent physical or mental disability can claim a $2,000 reduction.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans, and in some cases their surviving spouses, are eligible for a $1,500 reduction; disabled veterans may qualify for an additional $2,500.

All exemptions are applied **before** the millage calculation, so the tax savings are proportional to the prevailing mill rate.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Marion County property taxes are normally due in two installments:

• First installment: Due March 30. This covers the portion of the fiscal year that runs from July 1 to December 31.
• Second installment: Due October 31. This pays the remaining balance for the fiscal year ending June 30.

If you miss the March deadline, you can still pay the full amount by the October due date, but a **late‑payment surcharge** (typically 15 % of the unpaid balance) will be assessed. Payments made after October 31 accrue additional interest and may result in a tax lien being placed on the property.

Marion County offers several payment options, including online credit‑card or ACH transfers, mailed checks, and in‑person payments at the County Treasurer’s office. Installment plans beyond the standard two‑payment schedule are available only in cases of financial hardship and must be approved by the Treasurer.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s market value is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal:

• Deadline: File a written appeal with the Marion County Board of Equalization by the **15th day of the month following the mailing of your assessment notice** (usually early April).
• Process: Submit a formal appeal form, supporting evidence (e.g., recent comparable sales, independent appraisal, photographs), and any applicable exemption documentation.
• Hearing: The Board will schedule a hearing where you may present your case in person or via remote video conference.
• Decision: The Board issues a written decision within 30 days of the hearing. If you disagree with the outcome, you can petition the Arkansas Supreme Court or a district court for a judicial review.

Proactive communication with the County Assessor’s office often resolves discrepancies before a formal appeal is necessary, so consider a preliminary informal review if you notice a clear error.