Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Nevada County

Every year Nevada County determines the taxable value of each parcel of real property based on its “assessed value.” The process begins with the County Assessor’s office conducting a market‑value appraisal that reflects what the property would sell for on the open market as of the assessment date (January 1). The assessed value is then calculated by applying the state‑mandated assessment ratio of 20 % to that market value, unless a specific statutory exception applies.

Once the assessed value is established, the county multiplies it by the local millage rates to calculate the annual tax bill. A “mill” represents one‑tenth of a cent ($0.001) and is expressed as dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. Nevada County’s overall millage includes the following components (as of the 2024 fiscal year):

• General County Services: 12.5 mills
• School District (Nevada County School District): 30.0 mills
• Road and Bridge Maintenance: 5.0 mills
• Fire Protection District: 3.0 mills
• Library & Community Services: 1.2 mills

These rates are set by the County Board of Supervisors, the School Board, and other local taxing authorities. The total combined millage for most residential parcels is typically around 51.7 mills, meaning a home assessed at $100,000 would generate approximately $5,170 in property taxes for that year.

Available Exemptions

Arkansas law provides several exemptions that can lower the assessed value before the millage is applied. Nevada County administers the following key exemptions:

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the assessed value by $5,000 for owners who occupy the property as their primary residence.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 65 or older may qualify for an additional $5,000 exemption, provided the homeowner’s total income does not exceed the state‑defined threshold.
• Disability Exemption: Individuals with qualifying disabilities can receive a $6,000 exemption (or $12,000 for married couples) when the disability prevents them from working.
• Veteran Exemption: honorably discharged veterans, as well as surviving spouses of veterans killed in action, are eligible for a $6,000 exemption; disabled veterans may receive a higher reduction based on their service‑connected disability rating.

To claim any exemption, applicants must submit the appropriate form to the Nevada County Assessor’s Office by the March 15 deadline each year, along with supporting documentation (e.g., proof of age, disability certification, DD‑214 for veterans).

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Nevada County are due in two installments:

• First Installment: Due October 15 for the current fiscal year.
• Second Installment: Due March 15 of the following year.

Taxpayers may also elect to pay the full amount in a single lump sum by the October deadline, which can qualify for a modest discount if the county offers an early‑payment incentive. Payments can be made online through the county’s e‑Tax portal, by mailed check, or in person at the Treasurer’s office.

Late payments incur a penalty of 5 % of the unpaid balance plus interest at the statutory rate of 10 % per annum, compounded monthly. If a payment remains delinquent after 60 days, the county may place a tax lien on the property and, ultimately, initiate a tax‑sale proceeding.

Appealing Your Assessment

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

• Step 1 – Informal Review: Contact the Assessor’s Office within 30 days of receiving your notice of assessment. You may request a face‑to‑face meeting to discuss evidence such as recent comparable sales.
• Step 2 – Formal Appeal: If the informal review does not resolve the issue, file a written appeal with the County Board of Assessors before the statutory deadline (typically 30 days after the informal review denial).
• Step 3 – Hearing: The Board will schedule a hearing where you can present testimony, appraisals, and other documentation. An independent hearing officer may be assigned to ensure impartiality.
• Step 4 – Decision: The Board issues a written decision within 15 days of the hearing. If you disagree, you may further appeal to the Arkansas Board of Assessment Review within 30 days of the Board’s decision.

Throughout the process, maintain copies of all correspondence, photographs, and valuation reports. Engaging a qualified local appraiser or attorney familiar with Arkansas property‑tax law can improve the likelihood of a successful adjustment.