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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Craighead County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Craighead 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
1.6 mills base county rate plus varying city, school district, and special district taxes
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Craighead County, Arkansas, fund essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. The county follows Arkansas state law requiring properties to be assessed at 20% of fair market value for residential properties and varying percentages for other property types. Property owners pay taxes based on this assessed value multiplied by the applicable millage rate.

The effective tax rate in Craighead County varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of city, school district, and special taxing districts. While the base county millage rate for 2025 is set at 1.6 mills, property owners may face additional taxes from school districts, municipalities, fire districts, library districts, and other special assessments. This means total effective rates can range from approximately 40 mills to over 80 mills depending on your specific location and the taxing districts that serve your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County Base Levy1.6FY 2025 Craighead County general operations
School Districts25-45Varies by district (Jonesboro, Nettleton, etc.)
City Taxes3-8Municipal services (varies by city)
Fire Districts2-5Rural fire protection services
Library Districts1-3Public library funding
Special AssessmentsVariableRoad improvements, drainage, bonds

Note: The rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026 tax year. Your actual total millage rate depends on your specific location and which taxing districts serve your property. Special district boundaries and rates can change annually. Contact the Craighead County Assessor's Office for the exact millage rate applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Craighead 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 taxes in Craighead County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification that occur after the annual assessment roll is completed. The most common triggers include new construction or improvements completed after January 1st of the assessment year, changes in property use or classification, and corrections to assessments due to appeals or errors.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, and your total millage rate is 60 mills, the additional assessed value would be $20,000 (20% of $100,000), resulting in $1,200 in additional annual taxes ($20,000 × 0.060), prorated from July through the end of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$375 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,625
  • Tax Rate (estimated 60 mills): $59,625 × 0.060 = $3,578
  • Annual Tax: $3,578 | Monthly: $298

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $120,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (maximum, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,500
  • Tax Rate (estimated 65 mills): $119,500 × 0.065 = $7,768
  • Annual Tax: $7,768 | Monthly: $647

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $200,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (maximum, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,500
  • Tax Rate (estimated 70 mills): $199,500 × 0.070 = $13,965
  • Annual Tax: $13,965 | Monthly: $1,164

Note: Homestead credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific location and taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Craighead County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or those who request this service. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and holds these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Craighead County when they become due on October 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, comparing the actual tax bills to their estimates. If taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase. Conversely, if taxes decrease or the account has excess funds, you may receive a refund. Property owners should verify that their lender pays taxes on time and in full, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow services.

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 Craighead County? A: Property taxes are due annually on October 15th. For the current tax year, 2024 property taxes were due October 15, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit available is the Arkansas Homestead Tax Credit, providing up to $500 annually for owner-occupied homes. This credit requires an annual application and is not automatic. Contact the Craighead County Assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your home's market value. Instead, it provides a credit against your tax bill of up to $500 per year for owner-occupied residences. You must file an application annually to receive this credit, and it applies only to your primary residence.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Arkansas requires property reassessment every three to five years. Personal property must be assessed annually with forms due by May 31st each year. Real property reassessment schedules vary by township within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Craighead County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with unpaid taxes may eventually be subject to tax lien sales. Contact the Craighead County Collector's office for specific penalty rates and procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Craighead County typically offers online payment options. Check the Craighead County Collector's website for available online payment systems and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase when my neighbors didn't? A: Tax bills can vary due to individual property improvements, reassessment timing, different special taxing districts, or changes in applied credits. Special districts like fire districts or improvement districts may only affect certain areas within the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
appropriation ordinance no. 2024craigheadcountyar.gov
02
JANUARY - MARCH 2025dfa.arkansas.gov
03
County
Welcome - Craighead County Arkansas Assessor's Officezipleaf.us
04
Tax Doc
Taxescraigheadcountyar.gov
05
County
Tax Collector's Office - Craighead Countycraigheadcountyar.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
07
Tax Doc
Arkansas Property Tax Overviewarkleg.state.ar.us
08
2024-15 An Ordinance providing for the establishment of a ...craigheadcountyar.gov
09
County
Craighead County Arkansas › Governmentcraigheadcountyar.gov
10
2026 Budgetcraigheadcountyar.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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