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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Searcy County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Searcy 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
Varies by district - countywide base rate plus additional millage for school districts, municipalities, and special districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Searcy County, Arkansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including 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 county follows Arkansas state guidelines for property assessment and taxation procedures.

Property tax rates in Searcy County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts, including school districts, municipal areas, and special assessment districts. The countywide base rate structure provides funding for core county services, while additional millage may apply depending on your specific location within special taxing districts. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their precise address and the local taxing jurisdictions that serve their area.

The county assessor determines property values based on market conditions and state assessment guidelines, with most residential property assessed at 20% of its appraised market value. Property tax bills are typically issued in late summer or early fall, with payment due by October 15th of each year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate1.500%Core county services and operations (FY 2025-2026)
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district millage (varies by district)
Municipal TaxesVariesCity/town taxes where applicable
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, other special assessments

Note: The 1.500% rate shown applies to the base county levy for FY 2025-2026 effective October 1, 2025. Your total effective tax rate will depend on your specific location within Searcy County and which school district, municipal area, and special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Searcy County Assessor's office for the complete tax rate breakdown specific to your address.

Total effective rates typically range from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% depending on your location and applicable district taxes.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Searcy 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 property taxes in Searcy County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements, or changes in property classification. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally assessed and billed versus the new assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference in assessed value and applying the applicable tax rate, then prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a new home is completed and receives its occupancy permit in June, the supplemental tax would cover July through December of that tax year.

Example: A property originally assessed at $200,000 receives $100,000 in improvements completed in August. The supplemental assessment would be $100,000 × 20% (assessment ratio) = $20,000 additional assessed value. At a 2.0% tax rate, this creates $400 in additional annual tax, prorated for 5 months (August-December) = $167 supplemental tax bill.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$500 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,500
  • Annual Tax (at 2.0% effective rate): $1,190
  • Monthly Escrow: $99

Property Value: $600,000

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$500 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,500
  • Annual Tax (at 2.0% effective rate): $2,390
  • Monthly Escrow: $199

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$500 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,500
  • Annual Tax (at 2.0% effective rate): $3,990
  • Monthly Escrow: $333

Note: Homestead credit requires annual application and is not automatically applied. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Searcy County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. The lender is responsible for paying your property taxes directly to Searcy County when they become due in October.

Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, you may see an increase in your monthly mortgage payment. Conversely, if an escrow analysis shows excess funds, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that payments have been made correctly by checking with the Searcy County Collector's office, especially after moving or refinancing. You remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services, and should monitor your annual escrow statements for accuracy.

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 Searcy County? A: Property taxes are due October 15th each year for the current tax year. For 2024, taxes are due October 15, 2024.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Arkansas offers a homestead property tax credit of up to $500 annually for qualifying homeowners. This credit requires application with the county assessor's office and is not automatic. Beginning with 2026 tax bills, enhanced homestead provisions may be available as authorized by the general assembly.

Q: Is the homestead credit automatic? A: No, homestead credits require annual application through the Searcy County Assessor's office. You must file the appropriate forms to receive this credit - it will not be applied automatically.

Q: When does property become delinquent? A: Property taxes are considered delinquent if not paid by the due date of October 15th. Delinquent taxes become collectible beginning the first business day of March of the subsequent year.

Q: How can I pay my property taxes? A: Property taxes can be paid online, in person at the county courthouse, or by mail to the Searcy County Collector's office.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Arkansas law requires property to be appraised periodically, though the specific cycle may vary. Contact the Searcy County Assessor's office for current assessment schedules and appeal procedures.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners have the right to appeal their assessment through the county equalization board. Specific deadlines and procedures are available through the Searcy County Assessor's office.

Q: Do I pay different rates depending on where I live in the county? A: Yes, your total tax rate depends on your specific location within school districts, municipal boundaries, and special taxing districts. The base county rate is consistent, but additional district taxes vary by location.

Q: What are special district taxes? A: Special districts may include fire protection districts, library districts, or other local improvement districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and fund specific local services.

Q: Are there penalties for late payment? A: Yes, penalties and interest accrue on delinquent property taxes. Contact the Searcy County Collector's office for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent accounts.

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
Local Sales & Use Tax Rate Changesdfa.arkansas.gov
03
2024 millage reportdfa.arkansas.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Centerportal.arkansas.gov
05
County
Searcy County, Arkansasarklegaudit.gov
06
Arkansasirs.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief – Arkansas Department of Finance and ...dfa.arkansas.gov
08
01/27/2026 - Rules (9:00 AMflsenate.gov
09
State
State of Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task ...arkleg.state.ar.us
10
House Billsarkleg.state.ar.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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