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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Phillips County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Phillips 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
0.44% effective rate countywide, varies by special districts and location within county
1st Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Phillips County, Arkansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and various special districts. The county's effective property tax rate is approximately 0.44% for 2025, which is below the Arkansas state average of around 1%. This relatively low rate reflects the county's rural character and local fiscal policies.

Property tax rates in Phillips County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other municipal service areas. Your actual tax rate depends on which special districts serve your specific property location. The county assessor determines assessed values, while various taxing entities set their individual millage rates that combine to create your total property tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General~0.15%Basic county services, roads, courthouse operations
School District~0.20%Local school district operations (varies by district)
State Required~0.05%State-mandated assessments
Special Districts~0.04%Fire protection, library, drainage districts (location-dependent)
Total Estimated~0.44%Combined rate for Levy Year 2025

Note: These rates are estimates for Levy Year 2025 and vary significantly based on your property's location within Phillips County. Properties may be served by different school districts (Helena-West Helena, Barton-Lexa, or Marvell-Elaine) and various combinations of special districts, resulting in different total tax rates. Contact the Phillips County Assessor's office for your exact rate based on your specific address and taxing district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Dec 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 Phillips County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates additional taxes based on the increased assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Phillips County in January that was previously assessed at a lower value due to different ownership circumstances, or if you complete a major renovation that increases your home's assessed value by $50,000, you may receive a supplemental tax bill. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the increase in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. If the assessment increase occurs in January with 9 months remaining in the tax year, you would pay 9/12ths of the annual tax on the increased value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20% of market): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $57,000
  • Annual Tax (0.44% rate): $251
  • Monthly Escrow: $21

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20% of market): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $117,000
  • Annual Tax (0.44% rate): $515
  • Monthly Escrow: $43

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20% of market): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$3,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $197,000
  • Annual Tax (0.44% rate): $867
  • Monthly Escrow: $72

Note: Tax credits shown require application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific location within Phillips County based on special district combinations. Veterans with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for additional tax credits requiring separate application.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Phillips County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the down payment is less than 20%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Phillips County when they become due on October 15th.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus. Arkansas law allows you to request escrow account elimination once you have at least 20% equity and a good payment history, though lenders may have additional requirements.

To verify your escrow payments are accurate, compare your annual property tax bill from Phillips County with the amount your lender is collecting. Contact your lender immediately if you notice discrepancies, as under-collection can result in substantial escrow shortages requiring large catch-up payments.

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 Phillips County property taxes due? A: Property taxes for fiscal year 2025 are due October 15, 2024. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Homestead Tax Credit and Veterans Disability Tax Credits are available but require annual application through the Phillips County Assessor's office. These are NOT automatic and must be filed by specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Tax Credit limits annual assessment increases to protect homeowners from rapid property value growth. It requires application and only applies to your primary residence. This caps assessment growth rather than reducing market value.

Q: When does Phillips County reassess properties? A: Phillips County conducts property reappraisals on a regular cycle. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring, with appeal deadlines in August (third Monday of the month).

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Properties can eventually face tax lien sales if taxes remain unpaid for extended periods.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Phillips County offers online property tax payments through their official website, as well as in-person payments at the courthouse and mail-in options.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Your total tax rate includes charges from all special districts serving your property location, such as school districts, fire protection districts, and library districts. These vary by geographic location within the county.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments through the Phillips County Board of Equalization. Appeals must be filed by the third Monday in August, with specific documentation requirements for the appeal process.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
JANUARY - MARCH 2025dfa.arkansas.gov
02
Tax Doc
Arkansas Tax Ratenacdashboard.nara.gov
03
Tax Doc
Local Sales & Use Tax Rate Changesdfa.arkansas.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Centerportal.arkansas.gov
05
Arkansas Assessment Coordination Divisiondfa.arkansas.gov
06
State
Residential Real Estate – Arkansas Department of Finance ...dfa.arkansas.gov
07
Arkansasirs.gov
08
State
State of Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task ...arkleg.state.ar.us
09
County
Phillips County 2024 Audit Reportphillipscounty.colorado.gov
10
County
Phillips County, Arkansas Financial and Compliance Reportarklegaudit.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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