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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cleveland County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
3.25% base rate plus additional district levies (varies by location within county)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cleveland County, Arkansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county. The county follows Arkansas state guidelines with a base assessment rate around 1% of market value, though actual tax rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts.

For the 2025 tax year, Cleveland County has established a base property tax rate of 3.250%, effective from January through March 2025. However, your actual tax rate may be higher when including additional levies from school districts, municipal bonds, fire districts, and other special assessments that vary by geographic location within the county. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact address, as rates can differ substantially between neighborhoods depending on which taxing districts serve that area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General3.250%Base county operations and services (FY 2025)
School DistrictVariesLocal school district levy (varies by district)
Municipal BondsVariesVoter-approved bond payments (if applicable)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (if applicable)
Road DistrictVariesRoad maintenance and improvement (if applicable)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (if applicable)

Note: The 3.250% rate shown applies to the FY 2025 levy year for the base county portion only. Your total effective tax rate will include additional assessments from school districts, municipalities, and special districts that serve your specific property location. Contact the Cleveland County Assessor's office with your complete address to determine your exact combined tax rate, as special district boundaries create significant rate variations throughout the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 property taxes in Cleveland County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification that occur after the annual assessment date. The most common triggers include the sale of property to a new owner, completion of new construction or major improvements, and changes in property use classification (such as converting agricultural land to residential use).

When a supplemental assessment is triggered, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to determine the additional tax owed. For example, if you purchase a home in Cleveland County mid-year that was previously assessed at $150,000 but sells for $200,000, a supplemental bill may be issued based on the increased assessed value from the date of ownership transfer through the end of the tax year. The new owner would be responsible for paying this supplemental amount in addition to any regular annual property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20% ratio): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $57,000
  • Annual Tax (3.250% base rate): $1,853
  • Monthly Payment: $154

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20% ratio): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $117,000
  • Annual Tax (3.250% base rate): $3,803
  • Monthly Payment: $317

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20% ratio): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $197,000
  • Annual Tax (3.250% base rate): $6,403
  • Monthly Payment: $534

Note: These calculations use the base county rate only. Actual taxes will be higher when school district and special district rates are included. Credits shown require separate application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cleveland County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion that goes into this escrow account, which the lender uses to pay your property taxes directly to the county when they become due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount to account for potential tax increases.

The lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis to review the account balance and adjust your monthly payment if necessary. If property taxes increase due to assessment changes or rate increases, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender is paying the correct amount by reviewing their annual tax statements from Cleveland County. If you pay your own taxes without escrow, payments are typically due in installments throughout the year, with specific due dates varying by the county's collection schedule.

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

Q: When are property taxes due in Cleveland County for FY 2025? A: Property tax payment schedules vary by county in Arkansas. Contact the Cleveland County Collector's office for specific due dates and installment options for the current tax year.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Arkansas offers a homestead tax credit that limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence. This credit must be applied for separately and is not automatic. Contact the Cleveland County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: Are there tax credits available for veterans or disabled persons? A: Arkansas provides various tax credits for qualifying veterans and disabled individuals. These credits reduce your tax bill but require separate application with documentation. Check with the Cleveland County Assessor for eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Q: How often is property reassessed in Cleveland County? A: Arkansas follows a state-mandated reassessment schedule. Contact the Cleveland County Assessor's office for information about the current assessment cycle and when your property was last reassessed.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates are set by state law and county policy. Contact the Cleveland County Collector's office for current penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many Arkansas counties offer online payment options. Check the Cleveland County Collector's website or call their office to confirm available payment methods including online, phone, and in-person options.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessed value can file an appeal with the Cleveland County Board of Equalization. Appeals must be filed within specific deadlines after assessment notices are mailed.

Q: Why did my tax bill change when I didn't make any improvements? A: Tax bills can change due to countywide reassessments, changes in tax rates voted by local districts, or removal of temporary exemptions. Your assessment notice will explain any changes to your property's assessed value or applicable tax rates.

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