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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lawrence County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lawrence 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
Effective rate ~2.500%, varies significantly by school district and municipal boundaries
1st Due
Oct 15
2nd Due
Mar 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lawrence County, Arkansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county government operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county. The effective tax rate in Lawrence County is approximately 2.500% as of the 2025 tax year, though this represents a base rate that can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county.

Actual property tax rates vary throughout Lawrence County due to special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners may pay different rates depending on whether they're located within city limits, specific school districts, or special assessment areas for infrastructure improvements. The county follows Arkansas state law requiring property to be assessed at 20% of its appraised market value, with taxes calculated on this assessed value rather than the full market value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General5.5Basic county operations and services
County Road3.0Road maintenance and infrastructure
School District15.0-18.0Varies by district (Lawrence County, Walnut Ridge, etc.)
State Required25.0Constitutional minimum millage
Library District2.0Where applicable
Fire District1.0-3.0Varies by district coverage area
Total Base Rate~51.5-56.5Equivalent to ~5.15-5.65%

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 tax year. Actual rates vary by location within Lawrence County based on school district boundaries, municipal limits, and special taxing districts. The 25.0 mill constitutional minimum was established by Amendment 74 to the Arkansas Constitution.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Mar 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 property taxes in Lawrence County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or substantial improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these changes occur after the annual assessment date (January 1), a supplemental tax bill is issued to capture the additional tax liability for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in June that wasn't on the previous January assessment roll, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering June through December. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the new assessed value, subtracting any previous assessment, applying the current tax rate, and prorating it for the remaining months of the tax year. Supplemental taxes follow the same payment schedule and penalty structure as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$500 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,500
  • Annual Tax (5.5% avg rate): $3,272
  • Monthly Escrow: $273

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$500 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,500
  • Annual Tax (5.5% avg rate): $6,572
  • Monthly Escrow: $548

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$500 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,500
  • Annual Tax (5.5% avg rate): $10,972
  • Monthly Escrow: $914

Note: Homestead Tax Credit requires annual application and is not automatic. Rates used are estimates and vary by specific location within Lawrence County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lawrence County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects a monthly amount equal to your estimated annual property tax divided by 12, plus a small cushion typically not exceeding two months of payments. Since Lawrence County property taxes are due by March 1st annually, lenders typically make payments on your behalf in February to avoid late penalties.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has made the payment by checking with the Lawrence County Collector's office, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid 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 Lawrence County? A: Property taxes are due by March 1st annually for the current tax year. Tax bills are mailed out by March 1st each year, and early payment discounts may be available for payments made on or before the specified early payment date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit available is the Homestead Tax Credit of up to $500 annually, but it requires application - it is not automatic. Beginning with 2026 tax bills, this credit may be expanded. Veterans with disabilities may qualify for additional credits. All credits require separate applications filed with the county assessor.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Arkansas Homestead Tax Credit provides up to $500 in tax credit (reduces your tax bill, not assessed value) for owner-occupied residences. You must apply annually with the Lawrence County Assessor's office. This is a credit against taxes owed, not an exemption that reduces assessed value.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Arkansas law requires property to be appraised every three to five years. Lawrence County typically follows a cyclical reassessment schedule. Property owners receive notification of assessment changes and have appeal rights through the county equalization board.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges as specified by Arkansas state law. Unpaid taxes can result in tax liens and eventual tax sale proceedings. Contact the Lawrence County Collector's office for specific penalty rates and procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Lawrence County Collector's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Arkansas counties now offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Lawrence County? A: Property tax rates vary based on your location within different taxing districts, including school districts (Lawrence County School District, Walnut Ridge, etc.), fire districts, library districts, and municipal boundaries. Each district sets its own millage rate for services provided.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments through the Lawrence County Board of Equalization. Appeals must typically be filed within 30 days of receiving assessment notices. Contact the county assessor's office for specific procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Lawrence County School Districtarklegaudit.gov
02
JANUARY - MARCH 2025dfa.arkansas.gov
03
3810000 Annual Statistical Report (ASR) - Supplement 2025bobcats.k12.ar.us
04
County
Lawrence County - Tax Due Dateslawrencecountypa.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Centerportal.arkansas.gov
06
Tax Doc
Sanders Signs an Executive Order to Extend the Tax Filing ...governor.arkansas.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
08
State
State of Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task ...arkleg.state.ar.us
09
november-2019-990-index.csvirs.gov
10
County
Lawrence County, Arkansasarklegaudit.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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