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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.000% effective rate (base county rate varies by special taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Arkansas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property owners in Franklin County face an effective tax rate of approximately 2.000% of assessed value for the 2025 tax year, though this represents the base county rate and actual rates vary significantly by location within the county.

Your specific property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other municipal services. These additional levies are added to the base county rate, meaning properties in different areas of Franklin County will have different total tax rates. The county assesses all real property at its fair market value, and taxes become due annually on October 15th, with collection beginning the first business day of March the following year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy2.000%Core county services, administration, roads
School District LevyVariesLocal school district operations and debt service
Municipal LevyVariesCity services (if within city limits)
Fire District LevyVariesFire protection and emergency services
Library District LevyVariesPublic library services
Special AssessmentsVariesDrainage, lighting, other local improvements

Note: The 2.000% rate shown is for Franklin County's base levy for FY 2025-2026. Your total effective rate will be higher due to overlapping special taxing districts. Contact the Franklin County Assessor's Office for your specific address rate, as rates can vary significantly between different areas of the county based on which combination of special districts serve your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Franklin 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 Franklin County are triggered when there are changes to property ownership or significant improvements that alter the assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include property sales, new construction, completion of major renovations, or additions that increase the property's assessed value. The Arkansas property tax system allows for mid-year assessments when these qualifying changes occur.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by your property's total tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if new construction adds $100,000 to your assessed value in July, and your total tax rate is 2.5%, you would owe an additional $625 in supplemental taxes for the remaining 9 months of that tax year ($100,000 × 0.025 × 9/12 = $1,875). Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from your regular annual property tax bill and have their own due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Tax After Credits: $5,500
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$458

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Tax After Credits: $11,500
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$958

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Tax After Credits: $19,500
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,625

Calculations assume 2.0% total effective rate. Actual rates vary by special taxing districts. Homestead credit requires annual application and limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Franklin County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will collect monthly escrow payments equal to approximately 1/12th of your annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion for potential increases. These funds are held in a separate account and the lender pays your property taxes directly to Franklin County when they become due on October 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You'll receive an escrow disclosure statement showing the analysis and any changes to your monthly payment. Property owners can verify that their lender has paid their taxes by checking with the Franklin County Collector's Office or reviewing their annual mortgage statement. If you pay your own property taxes, remember that while taxes are collectible beginning the first business day of March, they're not considered delinquent until after October 15th.

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 Franklin County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due annually on October 15, 2025. If October 15 falls on a weekend, payment is due the next business day. Taxes become collectible starting the first business day of March 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: The primary credit is the Arkansas Homestead Tax Credit of up to $500 annually for owner-occupied properties. This credit requires a separate application and is NOT automatic. Veterans may qualify for additional disability-related credits. All credits require annual applications through the County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Arkansas Homestead Credit provides up to $500 in tax reduction annually and helps limit assessment increases for your primary residence. It does NOT reduce your home's market value but rather caps how much your assessment can increase year-over-year. You must file an application with the Franklin County Assessor to receive this credit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Franklin County? A: Arkansas requires property reassessment every 3-5 years, though the County Assessor may conduct annual reviews. The personal property assessment deadline is May 31st each year. Property owners can appeal assessments through the County Board of Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Properties become delinquent after October 15th, and penalties and interest begin accruing. Continued non-payment can result in tax lien certificates being sold, potentially leading to loss of property ownership.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Franklin County Collector's Office at 801 Locust Ave, Conway, AR 72034 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods for tax statements.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Franklin County based on special taxing districts that serve your property. Different combinations of school districts, fire districts, municipal boundaries, and other special assessments create varying total tax rates across the county.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide specific services like fire protection, libraries, or drainage and levy their own taxes in addition to the base county rate. These are added to your total tax bill and the combination of districts serving your property determines your final tax rate.

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