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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ouachita County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of market value (varies by taxing district location)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ouachita County, Arkansas operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes in Arkansas are based on assessed value rather than market value, with the state maintaining a base assessment rate of approximately 1% of market value. The effective tax rates in Ouachita County typically range from 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, depending on your specific location within the county.

Your actual property tax rate varies significantly based on the special taxing districts where your property is located. These districts may include school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and municipal improvement districts, each adding their own levy to your total tax bill. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate and applicable districts with the Ouachita County Assessor's office, as rates can differ substantially even between neighboring properties.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General$3.50-4.20Basic county operations, roads, courthouse
School District$25.00-35.00Local school funding (varies by district)
State Property Tax$0.65Arkansas state levy
Municipal (if applicable)$2.00-8.00City services for incorporated areas
Fire Protection District$1.50-3.00Rural fire protection services
Library District$0.75-1.25Public library funding
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure bonds, improvements

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2023-2024 levy year. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts within Ouachita County. Contact the County Assessor for your property's exact millage rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ouachita 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 Ouachita County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to your property's value or ownership outside the regular assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction, major renovations, additions that increase square footage, or ownership transfers that prompt reassessment. Unlike some states, Arkansas generally reassesses properties annually, so supplemental taxes are less common but can occur for mid-year improvements.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between your property's previous assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 addition in March that increases your assessed value by $5,000, you would owe additional taxes on that $5,000 for the remaining 9 months of the fiscal year. These supplemental bills are typically mailed separately from your regular property tax statement and have their own due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20% of market): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$500
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,500
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% effective rate): $595
  • Monthly Escrow: $49.58

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20% of market): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$500
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,500
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% effective rate): $1,195
  • Monthly Escrow: $99.58

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20% of market): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit: -$500
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,500
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% effective rate): $1,995
  • Monthly Escrow: $166.25

Note: Homestead Tax Credit requires annual application and is not automatic. Actual rates vary by taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ouachita County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon request. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Ouachita County when they become due in October.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, comparing actual tax bills to estimated amounts. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should review their annual escrow statements carefully and can request to pay taxes directly if they have sufficient equity and meet lender requirements. You can verify escrow payments were received by checking with the Ouachita County Collector's office or through their 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 Ouachita County? A: Property taxes for the 2023 tax year are due October 15, 2024. Taxes become delinquent if not paid by this date, and penalties begin accruing immediately.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Tax Credit up to $500 annually for owner-occupied homes. This requires filing an application with the County Assessor's office by December 31st of each year. Veterans with disabilities may qualify for additional credits requiring separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides up to $500 reduction in your actual tax bill (not assessed value) and helps limit assessment increases on your primary residence. You must file annually - it is not automatic and requires proof of occupancy.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Ouachita County conducts annual reassessments, with property values typically updated each January based on market conditions and property improvements from the previous year.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to tax lien sales if taxes remain unpaid for extended periods.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Ouachita County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay in person at the county courthouse or by mail to the County Collector's office.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts like fire protection, library, and school districts each levy their own taxes. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your property location, which is why rates vary significantly within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Board of Equalization by July 1st following the assessment. You'll need comparable property values and evidence supporting your claim that the assessment is incorrect.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Tax Centerportal.arkansas.gov
02
Arkansas Assessment Coordination Divisiondfa.arkansas.gov
03
Arkansas.govportal.arkansas.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
05
State
State of Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task ...arkleg.state.ar.us
06
Assessment coordination Division of Arkansas Department of ...dfa.arkansas.gov
07
County
Ouachita County, Arkansasarklegaudit.gov
08
Ouachita - Arkansas Department of Human Serviceshumanservices.arkansas.gov
09
County
Ouachita County, Arkansasarklegaudit.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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