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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Newton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Newton 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
Approximately 1.000% of assessed value (varies by taxing district and location within county)
1st Due
Oct 15
2nd Due
Apr 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Newton County, Arkansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with the tax year running from January 1st to December 31st. The property tax system serves as a primary funding mechanism for Newton County School District, municipal services, and various special improvement districts throughout the county.

The effective property tax rate in Newton County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, school districts, and special assessment areas. Based on current data, property owners can expect rates around 1.000% of assessed value, though this varies significantly depending on your specific location and applicable special districts. Property is assessed at its fair market value, and various tax credits may be available to qualifying property owners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy~0.400%General county operations, roads, courthouse
School District~0.500%Newton County School District operations
Municipal (if applicable)~0.100%City services (varies by municipality)
Total Estimated Rate~1.000%Combined rate for FY 2025

Note: These rates are estimates for the 2025 levy year and vary significantly by location within Newton County. Properties located in different school districts, municipalities, or special taxing districts will have different total rates. Contact the Newton County Assessor's office for your exact rate based on your property's specific tax code area.

Special districts that may apply additional assessments include fire protection districts, library districts, and improvement districts. These can add 0.1% to 0.3% to your total rate depending on location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Apr 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 Newton County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, improvements, or new construction during the tax year. The most common triggers include property sales that result in reassessment at current market value, completion of new construction or major improvements, and subdivision of land parcels.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $150,000 but sells for $250,000, the county may reassess the property at the higher value and issue a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment covering July through December. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: (New Assessment - Old Assessment) × Tax Rate × Months Remaining ÷ 12.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Annual Tax (1.000%): $2,988
  • Monthly Escrow: $249

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Annual Tax (1.000%): $5,988
  • Monthly Escrow: $499

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,800
  • Annual Tax (1.000%): $9,988
  • Monthly Escrow: $832

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by tax district location within Newton County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Newton County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will collect monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pay your property taxes directly to Newton County when they become due in October. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by taking your previous year's tax bill, adding an estimated increase, and dividing by 12 months.

Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account equal to 1-2 months of tax payments to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes are due. Each year, your lender will conduct an escrow analysis to determine if your monthly payment needs adjustment based on actual tax bills and account balance. You'll receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments made on your behalf, and any required changes to your monthly escrow contribution. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using an escrow account.

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 Newton County property taxes due for 2024? A: Property taxes for the 2024 tax year are due October 15, 2024. Payments can be made online, in person at the county courthouse, or by mail.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Newton County offers a Homestead Exemption that provides a credit against school district taxes for qualifying owner-occupied residences. This credit requires a separate application with the County Assessor's office and is not automatic. The homestead credit also caps annual assessment increases, helping provide property tax stability for long-term homeowners.

Q: Are there other tax credits available in Newton County? A: Additional credits may be available for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and disabled persons. All credits require separate applications with supporting documentation and are not automatically applied. Contact the Newton County Assessor's office for current programs and application requirements.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Arkansas law requires counties to conduct property reappraisal every three to five years. Newton County follows this schedule for comprehensive reassessment, though individual properties may be reassessed upon sale or significant improvement.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Newton County Board of Equalization by July 15th following the assessment. You'll need to provide evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value is incorrect, such as recent comparable sales or professional appraisal.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Arkansas law provides for penalty and interest charges on delinquent property taxes. After the October 15th due date, penalties and interest begin accruing monthly until the full amount is paid.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Newton County offers online property tax payment options. Check the county assessor's website for current online payment systems and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for fire protection, libraries, or improvements add separate line items to your tax bill. These rates vary significantly by location within Newton County, so your total rate depends on which special districts serve your property address.

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
Itemized Property Tax Information - Auditorauditor.newtoncounty56.us
02
JANUARY - MARCH 2025dfa.arkansas.gov
03
State
State of Arkansas Department of Finance and Administrationarkleg.state.ar.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Centerportal.arkansas.gov
05
Deadlines & Extensions – Arkansas Department of Finance ...dfa.arkansas.gov
06
County
Benton County Government Newsbentoncountyar.gov
07
County
NEWTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSnewtoncountyga.gov
08
Arkansasirs.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
10
Newton - Arkansas Department of Human Serviceshumanservices.arkansas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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