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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Baxter County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Baxter County, AR. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.250% base county rate, varies significantly by district due to school, fire, library, and municipal improvement districts
1st Due
Oct 15
2nd Due
Mar 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Baxter County, Arkansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property owners in Baxter County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and reassessed periodically. The county's property tax rate for 2025 is expected to remain at approximately 1.250%, though this represents just the base county rate.

Actual property tax rates vary significantly by location within Baxter County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipal improvement districts. Property owners may pay anywhere from the base county rate to significantly higher combined rates depending on which special districts serve their property. Arkansas law requires property to be assessed at 20% of its appraised market value for residential property, with the resulting assessed value then subject to the applicable tax rates for your specific location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy1.250%Core county services and operations (FY 2025)
School DistrictVariesLocal school district millage (varies by district)
Municipal/CityVariesCity taxes if within municipal boundaries
Fire DistrictsVariesRural fire protection districts where applicable
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library funding districts
Special AssessmentsVariesImprovement districts, drainage, etc.

Note: The total effective rate depends on your property's location within Baxter County. Rates shown apply to the current levy year and may change annually. Contact the Baxter County Assessor's office to determine the exact rate for your specific address, as special taxing districts create significant variation across the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Baxter County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Mar 15
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Baxter County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that remove exemptions, or corrections to assessments discovered after the regular tax roll is finalized. These taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year the change was in effect.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June, and your area's total tax rate is 1.5%, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately $300 (($100,000 × 20% assessment ratio × 1.5% rate) × 4/12 months remaining in the tax year). Supplemental bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have the same payment terms as regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,500
  • Annual Tax (1.25% base rate): $744
  • Monthly Escrow: $62

$600,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $120,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,500
  • Annual Tax (1.25% base rate): $1,494
  • Monthly Escrow: $125

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $200,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$500 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,500
  • Annual Tax (1.25% base rate): $2,494
  • Monthly Escrow: $208

Note: These calculations use the base county rate only. Actual taxes will be higher due to school district and other special district taxes. All credits require separate application and approval.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Baxter County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculated as your annual tax bill divided by 12, plus a cushion amount. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow analysis statements showing projected taxes, payments made, and any shortage or surplus adjustments.

Property taxes in Baxter County are due by October 15th each year, and lenders typically pay from escrow accounts in late October or early November. If you have an escrow account, verify that your lender has the correct tax amount, as special district taxes or assessment changes might not be immediately reflected in their records. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow accounts, so review your annual tax statement and escrow analysis carefully.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

When are property taxes due in Baxter County? Property taxes are due by October 15th each year (FY 2025). If this date falls on a weekend, payment is due the next business day. Installment payments are accepted beginning the first business day in March through the October 15th deadline.

What homestead tax credits are available? Arkansas offers a homestead property tax credit of up to $500 annually for qualifying homeowners. This credit requires application and reduces your tax bill, not your assessed value. Beginning with 2026 tax bills, expanded homestead programs may be available. Contact the Baxter County Assessor to apply.

Is the homestead credit automatic? No, the homestead credit requires a separate application filed with the county assessor's office. The credit is not automatically applied and must be renewed according to county procedures.

How often is property reassessed? Arkansas law requires periodic reassessment, though the specific schedule varies by county. Contact the Baxter County Assessor's office for the current reassessment cycle and your property's last assessment date.

What are the penalties for late payment? Late payments incur penalties and interest as specified by Arkansas law. Contact the Baxter County Tax Collector for current penalty rates and payment options if your taxes are overdue.

Can I pay property taxes online? Yes, Baxter County offers online property tax payment options. Visit the county's official website or contact the Tax Collector's office for secure payment portal information and accepted payment methods.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Baxter County Board of Equalization within specified deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the county assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Why did my tax bill increase when property values dropped? Tax bills can increase even when property values decline if tax rates increase to maintain revenue levels for local services. Additionally, special district taxes, bond payments, or the loss of tax credits can cause bill increases independent of property values.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
JANUARY - MARCH 2025dfa.arkansas.gov
02
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
03
Tax Doc
Local Sales & Use Tax Rate Changesdfa.arkansas.gov
04
County
Office Of County Collectorbaxtercountyar.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Centerportal.arkansas.gov
06
State
Residential Real Estate – Arkansas Department of Finance ...dfa.arkansas.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
08
State
State of Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task ...arkleg.state.ar.us
09
County
Baxter County - Artrans Mass Enthusiasmartransparency.gov
10
Baxter - Arkansas Department of Human Serviceshumanservices.arkansas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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