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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Monroe County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district - base county rate plus school district, municipal, and special district taxes significantly increase total burden
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Monroe County, Arkansas operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and various special districts. Property taxes are based on assessed values determined by the Monroe County Assessor, with tax rates set by multiple taxing entities including the county, school districts, cities, and special improvement districts.

The effective property tax rate in Monroe County varies significantly by location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions and special districts. While the base county rate may appear minimal, property owners typically pay additional taxes to school districts, municipalities, and special service districts that can substantially increase the total tax burden. Arkansas assesses real property at approximately 20% of market value for residential properties, and Monroe County follows the state's standard assessment practices.

Property tax rates and assessments can vary considerably between different areas of Monroe County depending on which school district, city limits, and special taxing districts apply to your specific property location. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate combination with the Monroe County Collector's office.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.000%Base county operations and services
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations (rates vary by district)
MunicipalVariesCity/town services (if within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, drainage, library, or other special services
Total Effective RateVaries by LocationCombined rate depends on property's taxing districts

Note: These rates apply to the current tax levy year. The actual tax rate for any specific property depends on which combination of taxing districts serve that location within Monroe County. Contact the Monroe County Collector at (870) 747-3632 for your property's exact tax rate breakdown.

Special taxing districts within Monroe County can include fire protection districts, drainage districts, and other special service areas that add to the base tax rate. Properties in incorporated cities will have additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may have different special district taxes.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Monroe 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 Monroe County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the change occurs.

The most common trigger for supplemental taxes is the completion of new construction or major improvements after the January 1st assessment date. For example, if you complete a home addition in June that adds $50,000 to your property's assessed value, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional taxes owed from June through December of that tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated using the same tax rate as your regular property tax bill, applied to the increase in assessed value, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. These bills are separate from your regular annual property tax bill and typically have their own due dates, usually 30 days from the date of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Available Tax Credits Applied: -$350 (Homestead Credit, if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,650
  • Annual Tax (assuming 1.2% total rate): $716
  • Monthly Escrow: $60

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $120,000
  • Available Tax Credits Applied: -$350 (Homestead Credit, if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,650
  • Annual Tax (assuming 1.2% total rate): $1,436
  • Monthly Escrow: $120

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $200,000
  • Available Tax Credits Applied: -$350 (Homestead Credit, if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,650
  • Annual Tax (assuming 1.2% total rate): $2,396
  • Monthly Escrow: $200

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and approval. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Monroe County. Examples use estimated combined tax rates for illustration purposes.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Monroe County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to the Monroe County Collector when they become due.

Escrow accounts are typically reviewed annually, and your monthly payment may be adjusted based on changes in your property tax bill. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will increase accordingly. Conversely, if taxes decrease, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments.

Property owners should verify that their lender pays taxes on time and in full. You can check payment status through the Monroe County Collector's office or online payment system. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, ensure you meet all due dates to avoid penalties and potential tax lien issues.

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 Monroe County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due October 15th annually. Contact the Monroe County Collector at (870) 747-3632 to confirm current year due dates and payment options.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Arkansas offers various tax credits including Homestead Credit for primary residences, disabled veteran credits, and senior citizen credits. Most credits require annual application through the Monroe County Assessor's office and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides tax relief for owner-occupied primary residences and must be applied for annually. It functions as a tax credit that reduces your final tax bill, not an exemption that reduces assessed value. You must file an application with the Monroe County Assessor.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Monroe County? A: Arkansas requires property reassessment every three to five years. Monroe County follows the state-mandated reappraisal schedule. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights during specified time periods.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may be subject to tax lien sales. Contact the Monroe County Collector for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay Monroe County property taxes online? A: Check with the Monroe County Collector's office at (870) 747-3632 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Arkansas counties now offer online payment systems.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Monroe County? A: Properties are taxed by multiple entities including the county, school districts, cities, and special districts. Your total tax rate depends on which combination of these taxing entities serve your property's location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Monroe County Board of Equalization within specified time limits after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Monroe County Assessor's office for appeal forms and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I disagree with special district taxes on my bill? A: Special district taxes are levied by independent taxing entities like fire districts or drainage districts. Contact the specific district directly to address concerns about their portion of your tax bill.

Q: Do I need to reapply for tax credits each year? A: Yes, most tax credits including Homestead Credit require annual application. Missing the application deadline means losing the credit for that tax year, even if you qualified in previous years.

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