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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Crawford County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Crawford 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 rate (varies significantly by district due to additional levies for schools, fire, municipal improvements)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Crawford County, Arkansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values, which are determined by the County Assessor and reassessed periodically. The county's base tax rate is approximately 1.250% as of January 1, 2024, though this rate is subject to increase for 2025.

It's important to understand that actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Crawford County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, municipal improvement districts, and fire protection districts. These additional levies can substantially impact your total property tax bill. The county uses a millage-based system where rates are expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value), and property owners receive bills covering the period from March 1 through October 15th annually.

Property assessments in Arkansas are based on market value, with residential properties typically assessed at 20% of their appraised market value. The county's effective tax rates generally range from 1.0% to 1.5% of market value, depending on your specific location and applicable special district taxes.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General~0.400%Basic county services, roads, administration
School District~0.600%Local school funding (varies by district)
Municipal/City~0.250%City services (if within city limits)
Base Total~1.250%Combined rate as of January 1, 2024
Fire ProtectionVariesAdditional levy for fire districts
Special ImprovementVariesBonds, infrastructure improvements
Library DistrictVariesPublic library funding

Note: These rates apply to the current levy year and are subject to change for 2025. Rates shown are approximate and vary by specific location within Crawford County due to different combinations of special taxing districts. School district rates can vary significantly between Van Buren, Alma, Cedarville, and other districts within the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Crawford 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 Crawford County are additional tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership or improvements that affect the assessed value. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers, or significant improvements that increase the property's assessed value during the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated on a pro-rated basis for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a new home is completed and occupied in July, the supplemental tax would cover July through the end of the tax year (typically December). The calculation uses the same millage rates as regular property taxes but applies only to the increased assessed value and remaining time period.

Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have the same payment terms as regular property taxes. Property owners should budget for these potential additional costs when making improvements or purchasing property mid-year, as they represent real tax liability that cannot be appealed based solely on timing.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$375 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,625
  • Annual Tax (1.250%): $745
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$62

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
  • Annual Tax (1.250%): $1,494
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$125

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
  • Annual Tax (1.250%): $2,494
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$208

Note: All credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates may vary based on your specific special taxing districts. Beginning with 2026 tax bills, Arkansas homeowners may receive up to $500 in homestead credit.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Crawford County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until tax bills are due. The escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional cushion for potential increases.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their lender has current tax information, especially after successful appeals or when credits are applied.

For properties without escrow accounts, taxes are due directly to Crawford County between March 1 and October 15th each year. The County Collector's office accepts payments in person, by mail, or online. Property owners should verify that payments are received by the October 15th deadline to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Crawford County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due by October 15th annually, with the payment period running from March 1 through October 15th.

Q: What homestead tax credit is available and how do I apply? A: Arkansas homeowners may receive up to $500 annually in homestead credit starting with 2026 tax bills. You must apply with the County Assessor's office - this credit is not automatic and requires annual application.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your tax bill (not your assessed value) and helps limit assessment increases over time. Contact the Crawford County Assessor's office to apply.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments after October 15th incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the County Collector's office for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Crawford County accepts online property tax payments. Visit the County Collector's website or office for payment portal access and accepted payment methods.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Crawford County? A: Arkansas law requires periodic reassessment of all properties. Contact the County Assessor's office for the current reassessment schedule and appeal procedures.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if I didn't make improvements? A: Tax increases can result from market value increases during reassessment, new or increased special district levies, school bond measures, or loss of previously applied credits.

Q: What special districts might affect my property tax rate? A: Common special districts include school districts (Van Buren, Alma, etc.), fire protection districts, library districts, and municipal improvement districts. Your specific combination determines your total tax rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Crawford County Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines. Appeals typically must be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are mailed.

Q: Do I need to reapply for tax credits annually? A: Most tax credits, including homestead credits, require annual application with the County Assessor's office. These are not automatically renewed and applications have specific deadlines.

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
SB500 as engrossed on 04-07-2025 16:39:38arkleg.state.ar.us
03
County
Taxable Valuations By Levy Authority & Countycrawfordcounty.iowa.gov
04
Collectorcrawfordcountyar.gov
05
County
Crawford County, Arkansas: Welcomecrawfordcountyar.gov
06
Assessorcrawfordcountyar.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
08
Arkansasirs.gov
09
County
Crawford County, Arkansasarklegaudit.gov
10
House Bills Assigned to the Joint Budget Committeearkleg.state.ar.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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