Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in St. Francis County

In St. Francis County, property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a parcel by the total millage rate levied by local taxing authorities. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) performs a uniform appraisal of all real and personal property every three years (the “assessment cycle”). After the DFA issues the market value, the County Assessor applies an assessment ratio—typically 10 % for residential property and 20 % for commercial property—to determine the taxable value.

The resulting taxable value is then multiplied by the combined millage rate expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of taxable value). St. Francis County’s millage is a blend of:

• County road and bridge maintenance (≈ 2.00 mills)
• St. Francis County School District (≈ 14.50 mills)
• City or town levies (vary by municipality, e.g., Forrest City ≈ 3.75 mills)
• Special districts such as fire, water, or sewer (typically 0.50‑2.00 mills each)

Summing these components yields the total millage rate for a specific parcel. For example, a residential home with a taxable value of $30,000 and a total millage of 20.75 mills would owe $621.00 in annual property tax (30,000 ÷ 1,000 × 20.75).

Available Exemptions

Arkansas offers several exemptions that can reduce the taxable portion of your property. In St. Francis County you may qualify for any of the following:

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the taxable value by $5,000 for owner‑occupied residential property. If the homeowner is 62 years or older, the exemption increases to $9,000.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 62 or older may receive an additional $10,000 exemption on the taxable value, provided they meet income limits set by the state.
• Disability Exemption: Individuals with a qualifying disability (as defined by the Arkansas Department of Human Services) are eligible for a $5,000 exemption, plus the senior exemption if applicable.
• Veteran Exemption: Armed forces veterans, their surviving spouses, or children of veterans who died in service may claim a $5,000 exemption for each eligible owner‑occupied residence. Disabled veterans receive an extra $5,000.

All exemptions must be applied for through the St. Francis County Assessor’s Office by the annual filing deadline (typically March 15). Required documentation includes proof of residence, age, income, disability status, or military service.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in St. Francis County are issued in early March and are payable in two installments:

• First installment: Due by June 30. Payments made after this date incur a 5 % penalty plus interest.
• Second installment: Due by October 31. Late payment after October 31 results in a 10 % penalty and accruing interest at 1 % per month.

Taxpayers may choose to pay the full amount by the June deadline to avoid any penalties. Payments can be made online through the county’s secure portal, by mail using the provided voucher, or in person at the County Treasurer’s Office. Installment plans beyond the two‑payment schedule are not typically offered; however, hardship waivers may be requested with documented financial need.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value of your property is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal:

• File a written appeal: Submit a Petition for Assessment Review to the St. Francis County Assessor’s Office no later than 30 days after the assessment notice is mailed.
• Gather evidence: Include recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or documentation of property damage that may affect value.
• Board of Review hearing: The County Board of Review will schedule a hearing, generally within 60 days of receiving the petition. You may present your evidence in person or via written testimony.
• Decision: The Board issues a written decision. If the decision is unfavorable, you may appeal to the Arkansas Board of Assessment Review within 30 days of the Board’s ruling.

Timeliness is crucial—missed deadlines can forfeit your right to contest the assessment for that tax year. For assistance, contact the St. Francis County Assessor’s Office or consult a qualified property tax attorney.