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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Howard County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Howard 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
2.750% effective rate (varies by taxing district including school, fire, and municipal districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Howard County, Arkansas operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Howard County are assessed annually and calculated based on the assessed value of real property within the county boundaries.

The effective property tax rate for Howard County is approximately 2.750% for the 2025 tax year, though actual rates can vary depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal improvement districts. Property owners should note that Arkansas uses a market value assessment system, and the actual tax burden will depend on both the assessed value of your property and any applicable tax credits for which you may qualify through application.

It's important to understand that tax rates can differ significantly between areas within Howard County based on the combination of overlapping taxing jurisdictions that serve your specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.850%Basic county operations and services
School District1.200%Local school district funding
Special Districts0.700%Fire districts, library districts, other special assessments
Total Rate2.750%Combined rate for FY 2025

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 fiscal year (January-March 2025 period). Actual rates may vary based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. Properties in different school districts or special improvement areas may have different total effective rates. Contact the Howard County Assessor's Office to determine the exact rate applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Howard 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 Howard County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or use that weren't captured in the regular annual assessment. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers, additions or improvements to existing structures, or changes in property classification.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the period from when the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. The calculation is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, and the addition increases your assessed value by that amount, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $100,000 increase for the remaining months of the tax year at the applicable 2.750% rate.

Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular property tax bill, usually 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,500
  • Annual Tax: $299,500 × 2.750% = $8,236
  • Monthly Payment: $686

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,500
  • Annual Tax: $599,500 × 2.750% = $16,486
  • Monthly Payment: $1,374

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,500
  • Annual Tax: $999,500 × 2.750% = $27,486
  • Monthly Payment: $2,291

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Howard County Assessor's Office for current application forms and deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Howard County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Howard County when they become due in October.

Escrow accounts are typically reviewed annually, and your monthly payment may be adjusted based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be recalculated. Lenders are required to provide advance notice of escrow payment changes.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that payments are made on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid by the October 15 due date. You can verify payment status through the Howard County Collector's office or online payment portal.

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 Howard County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 fiscal year are due October 15, 2025. This applies to all real property taxes within Howard County.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Arkansas Homestead Tax Credit provides up to $500 annually in tax bill reduction and REQUIRES annual application. This credit is not automatically applied and must be filed with the Howard County Assessor's Office by the specified deadline.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Tax Credit can limit annual assessment increases and provides up to $500 in tax bill reduction. This credit requires you to file an application establishing your primary residence in Howard County. It does not reduce your property's market value but provides a direct credit against your tax bill.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Arkansas law requires periodic reassessment of all properties. Howard County conducts systematic reappraisals to ensure assessments reflect current market values. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments on property taxes incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Howard County Collector's Office for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Howard County offers online property tax payment options. Visit the official Howard County website or contact the Collector's Office for available online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes from special districts like fire districts, library districts, or improvement districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by property location within Howard County.

Q: What triggers a property tax reassessment? A: Reassessments can be triggered by property sales, new construction, major improvements, changes in property use, or systematic county-wide reappraisals conducted periodically to maintain current market valuations.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Local Sales & Use Tax Rate Changesdfa.arkansas.gov
02
JANUARY - MARCH 2025dfa.arkansas.gov
03
County
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 - Budget Cover Page - Howard Countyco.howard.tx.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Centerportal.arkansas.gov
05
Arkansas Assessment Coordination Divisiondfa.arkansas.gov
06
Tax Doc
Personal Property Taxhowardcountymd.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
08
Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 180 (Tuesday ...govinfo.gov
09
Tax Doc
Tax Options for Arkansas: Funding Education ...senate.mo.gov
10
Location Budgetin.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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