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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hot Spring County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.500% base rate (varies by district with additional school, municipal, and special district assessments)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hot Spring County, Arkansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, and various special districts. Property taxes are levied based on assessed values determined by the County Assessor, with the current county-wide base rate set at 1.500% effective January 1, 2025. However, your actual property tax rate will vary depending on your specific location within Hot Spring County due to additional assessments from school districts, municipal boundaries, and special taxing districts such as fire districts, library districts, and improvement districts.

The Arkansas property tax system assesses real property at 20% of its appraised market value for residential properties. Hot Spring County reassesses properties on a regular cycle, and property owners receive annual tax bills that reflect both county-level taxes and any applicable special district assessments. Most tax credits and exemptions require formal application and are not automatically applied to your property tax bill, so it's important to contact the Hot Spring County Assessor's office to determine what benefits you may be eligible to receive.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County Base Rate1.500%Hot Spring County general operations, effective January 1, 2025
School DistrictVariesRate depends on specific school district boundaries
MunicipalVariesApplied only to properties within city/town limits
Fire DistrictsVariesSpecial fire protection district assessments where applicable
Library DistrictVariesCounty library system funding where applicable
Other Special DistrictsVariesImprovement districts, drainage districts, etc.

Total Effective Rate Range: Typically 1.500% to 3.000% depending on location and applicable districts.

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year. Your specific rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions your property falls within. Contact the Hot Spring County Assessor at the county courthouse for your exact rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hot Spring 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 Hot Spring County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are mid-year changes to your property's assessed value. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments. Unlike annual property taxes, supplemental taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from when the change became effective.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, and your property tax rate is 2.0%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as follows: $50,000 (improvement value) × 20% (assessment ratio) × 2.0% (tax rate) × 6/12 months (July through December) = $100 supplemental tax bill. This supplemental bill is separate from your regular annual property tax bill and typically has its own payment due date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$350 (example, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,650
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $1,312
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $109

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $120,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$350 (example, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,650
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $2,632
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $219

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $200,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$350 (example, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,650
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $4,392
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $366

Note: Tax credits shown require formal application and approval. Rates are estimated and vary by location within Hot Spring County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hot Spring County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion that goes into this escrow account, which your lender uses to pay your annual property tax bill on your behalf. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax each month, plus an additional cushion amount allowed by federal regulations.

Property tax bills in Hot Spring County are typically mailed in late summer or early fall, with payment due dates varying but commonly falling in October. Your lender will receive a copy of the tax bill and pay it from your escrow account before the due date. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement from your lender showing how your escrow funds were used and whether any adjustment to your monthly payment is needed. It's important to review your property tax bills even when paid through escrow to ensure accuracy and to verify that any credits you've applied for are being properly applied.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Hot Spring County for 2025? A: Property tax due dates vary, but typically fall in October. Contact the Hot Spring County Collector's office for specific due dates for the current tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Hot Spring County offers various tax credits including homestead credits for primary residences, disabled veteran credits, and elderly/disabled credits. All credits require formal application through the County Assessor's office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Arkansas Homestead Credit typically caps the annual increase in assessed value for your primary residence rather than reducing the market value. You must apply for this credit through the County Assessor - it is not automatic and must be renewed as required.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Hot Spring County? A: Arkansas law requires property reassessment every three to five years. The Hot Spring County Assessor conducts regular reappraisals to ensure assessments reflect current market values.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to overdue property taxes. Contact the Hot Spring County Collector's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many Arkansas counties offer online payment options. Check with the Hot Spring County Collector's office or visit the county website for available online payment services.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Hot Spring County Equalization Board within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase even though tax rates stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to rising property values, completion of improvements, reassessment, or changes in special district assessments. Your property may also have lost eligibility for previously applied credits.

Q: What special districts might affect my property tax rate? A: Hot Spring County properties may be subject to additional taxes from school districts, fire districts, library districts, and various improvement or utility districts depending on your property's location.

Q: Do I need to reapply for tax credits each year? A: Some credits require annual renewal while others remain in effect until circumstances change. Contact the Hot Spring County Assessor's office to understand the renewal requirements for any credits you receive.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
JANUARY - MARCH 2025dfa.arkansas.gov
02
County
Washington County, Arkansas Tax Collector Searchwashingtoncountyar.gov
03
Tax Doc
Local Sales & Use Tax Rate Changesdfa.arkansas.gov
04
Arkansasirs.gov
05
State
State of Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task ...arkleg.state.ar.us
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
07
County
Hot Spring County, Arkansas - Regulatory Basis Financial ...arklegaudit.gov
08
Hot Spring - Arkansas Department of Human Serviceshumanservices.arkansas.gov
09
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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