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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Prairie County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.50% combined rate for 2025, varies by special districts within Prairie County
1st Due
Oct 15
2nd Due
Feb 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Prairie County, Arkansas operates under a property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and various special districts. The county's property tax rate for 2025 is 1.50%, which applies to the assessed value of real estate as of April 1, 2025. This rate represents the combined levy from multiple taxing entities within the county.

Property owners should note that actual tax rates can vary by location within Prairie County due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal improvement districts. The effective tax rate on market value is generally lower than the stated rate due to Arkansas's assessment methodology and available tax credits. Property taxes are due annually on October 15th, and the county offers multiple payment options including online payments, in-person payments at the courthouse, and mail-in payments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Prairie County Base Levy1.50%Combined county, school district, and state levies for FY 2025-2026
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments for fire districts, drainage districts, or municipal services
School District BondsVaries by DistrictDebt service for local school construction and improvements
Road/Bridge DistrictsVariesLocal transportation infrastructure funding

Note: The 1.50% rate is the base county rate effective April 1, 2025. Your actual tax rate may be higher due to special taxing districts in your specific location within Prairie County. Contact the Prairie County Assessor's office for your exact rate based on your property's location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 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 Prairie County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use between regular assessment periods. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase assessed value, or changes in property classification (such as converting agricultural land to residential use).

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the increased assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January and the county assesses it in March, you would owe supplemental taxes on that additional assessed value from March through the end of the tax year at the applicable 1.50% rate (plus any special district rates).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20% assessment ratio): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$350
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,650
  • Annual Tax (1.50% rate): $895
  • Monthly Escrow: $75

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20% assessment ratio): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$350
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,650
  • Annual Tax (1.50% rate): $1,795
  • Monthly Escrow: $149

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20% assessment ratio): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$350
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,650
  • Annual Tax (1.50% rate): $2,995
  • Monthly Escrow: $249

Note: Tax credits shown require separate application and are not automatically applied. Additional special district taxes may apply based on property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Prairie County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or by borrower choice. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Prairie County when they become due on October 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected based on current tax assessments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments made on your behalf. Property owners are responsible for verifying that their lender has paid the correct amount and on time, as the property owner remains ultimately liable for any unpaid taxes or penalties.

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 Prairie County property taxes due? A: Property taxes for the current tax year are due October 15th annually. For 2025, taxes will be due October 15, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Arkansas offers various tax credits including homestead credits for primary residences and veterans' disability credits. Most credits require separate application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must file an application with the county assessor to qualify, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Prairie County? A: Arkansas law requires property reassessment every three to five years, though the county assessor may conduct more frequent reassessments for properties that have changed significantly.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur interest and penalty charges. Contact the Prairie County Collector's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Prairie County accepts online property tax payments. You can also pay in person at the county courthouse or by mail.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Prairie County based on special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal improvement districts that serve your specific area.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Prairie County Assessor's office to discuss your assessment. Formal appeals must typically be filed within specific deadlines following reassessment notices.

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