HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lafayette County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.25% base county rate, varies by location due to special taxing districts
1st Due
Oct 15
2nd Due
Feb 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lafayette County, Arkansas operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for these local government functions, with tax bills reflecting both county-wide levies and additional assessments from special taxing districts within your specific area.

The effective property tax rate in Lafayette County varies by location due to different combinations of special taxing districts, but the base county rate is 2.250% as of the 2025 tax year. Your actual rate may be higher depending on school district bonds, fire districts, and other special assessments in your area. Property is assessed annually, with tax bills typically issued in late fall based on January 1st property values and ownership.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate2.250%Core county services and operations (FY 2025)
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding, varies by district
MunicipalVariesCity services (if within city limits)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services by district
Special DistrictsVariesLibrary, improvement, other local districts

Note: The total rate varies significantly by location within Lafayette County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Lafayette County Assessor's office for your specific combined rate. These rates apply to the 2025 levy year with taxes due in 2025-2026.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lafayette County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 15
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Lafayette County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, completion of new construction, or other assessable improvements. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing home additions or improvements, or splitting/combining parcels. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment covering July through the following February (prorated for the remaining 8 months of the tax year). The supplemental tax is calculated using the same tax rate as your regular property tax bill.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,500
  • Tax Rate: 2.250%
  • Annual Tax: $6,739
  • Monthly Escrow: $562

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,500
  • Tax Rate: 2.250%
  • Annual Tax: $13,489
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,124

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,500
  • Tax Rate: 2.250%
  • Annual Tax: $22,489
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,874

Note: These examples use the base county rate. Your actual rate may vary based on special districts in your area. All credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lafayette County collect property taxes through monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment. Your lender will analyze your annual tax bill and divide it by 12 months, often adding a cushion for potential increases. The escrow account ensures taxes are paid on time when due in September and February.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills received. If your account has a shortage due to tax increases, you may need to make up the difference or accept higher monthly payments. Property owners should verify that their lender receives and pays tax bills promptly, as you remain ultimately responsible for timely payment even when using escrow services.

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 Lafayette County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due in two installments: first installment due September 1, 2025, and second installment due February 1, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Arkansas offers a Homestead Property Tax Credit up to $500 annually for owner-occupied homes. This credit requires a separate application and is not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides up to $500 reduction in your annual tax bill (not a reduction in assessed value). You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic and must be renewed periodically.

Q: Are there property tax benefits for veterans or seniors? A: Arkansas provides various disability and veteran exemptions. Contact the Lafayette County Assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures, as these require separate applications.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Arkansas conducts property reappraisals on rotating cycles. Contact the Lafayette County Assessor for the current reappraisal schedule and your property's last assessment date.

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

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late property tax payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Lafayette County Collector's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Lafayette County Collector's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for current tax bills.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to higher tax rates from the county, school districts, or special taxing districts, even when assessed values remain unchanged.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Special districts (fire, library, improvement districts) add to your base county tax rate. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location within Lafayette County.

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate