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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cross County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cross 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
3.000% general rate, varies by taxing districts including school, fire, and municipal improvement districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cross County, Arkansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property owners in Cross County face a general property tax rate of 3.000% for the 2025 tax year, though actual tax bills vary significantly based on location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal improvement districts.

The effective tax rate you pay depends on your property's assessed value and the specific combination of taxing districts where your property is located. Arkansas assesses residential property at 20% of its appraised market value, meaning a home valued at $300,000 would have an assessed value of $60,000 before any applicable tax credits. Property owners should note that most tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
General County Levy3.000%Base county operations and services
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district millage (varies by district)
Municipal DistrictsVariesCity/town taxes (if applicable)
Fire DistrictsVariesLocal fire protection services
Special AssessmentsVariesDrainage, road, or improvement districts

Levy Year: FY 2025-2026

Note: The 3.000% general rate applies countywide, but total effective rates typically range from 8-15 mills depending on your property's location within various special taxing districts. School district taxes often represent the largest component of your total property tax bill.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cross 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 Cross County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values, then applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental tax amount.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March, the assessor will calculate the increased assessed value ($10,000 at 20% assessment ratio) and apply the applicable tax rate. If your total tax rate is 12 mills, you would owe an additional $120 in supplemental taxes prorated from the completion date through the end of the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued separately from regular annual tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$500 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,500
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 12 mills
  • Annual Tax: $714
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $59.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$500 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,500
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 12 mills
  • Annual Tax: $1,434
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $119.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$500 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,500
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 12 mills
  • Annual Tax: $2,394
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $199.50

Note: Homestead credit requires annual application and caps assessment increases, not market value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cross County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes and insurance. Lenders collect monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual tax bill, plus a cushion typically not exceeding two months of payments. Since Cross County property taxes are due October 15th annually, lenders usually make the payment on your behalf in early October.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing collected funds, disbursements, and any shortage or surplus. Because property values and tax rates can change, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted annually. Property owners should verify that their lender has current exemption and credit information to ensure accurate tax calculations, as most tax credits require property owner application and are not automatically applied.

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 Cross County property taxes due? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due October 15, 2025. Late payments incur a 10% penalty fee.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Arkansas offers a homestead property tax credit up to $500 annually, but you must apply with the county assessor's office. The homestead credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Most credits are NOT automatic and require annual application.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits assessment increases and provides up to $500 in tax credit annually for owner-occupied homes. You must file an application with the Cross County Assessor's office, and it's not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Arkansas conducts property reappraisals every three to five years. Cross County follows the state schedule for reassessment cycles.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Cross County Board of Equalization, typically by July 31st following the assessment notice.

Q: What's the penalty for late tax payments? A: Late payments incur a 10% penalty after the October 15th due date, with additional interest accruing monthly.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Cross County typically offers online payment options through the county collector's office website.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Cross County? A: Different areas fall within various special taxing districts (school, fire, municipal) that each levy their own rates in addition to the base county rate.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Property ownership changes, new construction, or significant improvements during the tax year can generate supplemental tax bills for the increased assessed value.

Q: When can I apply for the homestead credit for next year's taxes? A: Applications are typically accepted starting January 1st for the following tax year. Contact the Cross County Assessor's office for specific deadlines and forms.

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
Tax Doc
Local Sales & Use Tax Rate Changesdfa.arkansas.gov
03
2024 millage reportdfa.arkansas.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Centerportal.arkansas.gov
05
suggested procedures for thearklegaudit.gov
06
Arkansas.govportal.arkansas.gov
07
State
State of Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task ...arkleg.state.ar.us
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
09
County
FAQ | Washington County, ARwashingtoncountyar.gov
10
County
Cross County, Arkansasarklegaudit.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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