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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sebastian County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% base county levy + additional district assessments (varies by location)
1st Due
Mar 1
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sebastian County, Arkansas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, municipal services, and various special districts. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with taxes becoming due March 1st through October 15th each year.

The effective property tax rate in Sebastian County is approximately 1.0% for the base county levy, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to additional assessments from school districts, municipal levies, and special taxing districts. Property owners may be subject to different combinations of these taxes depending on their specific address and the services provided in their area. The county uses a market value assessment system, with property values reassessed periodically to reflect current market conditions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy1.000%Core county services and operations
School District LevyVariesLocal school district funding (varies by district)
Municipal LevyVariesCity services (applies within city limits only)
Special District AssessmentsVariesFire districts, improvement districts, bonds

Rates shown are for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The total effective rate ranges from approximately 1.0% to 4.0% depending on your property's location and applicable special taxing districts. Contact the Sebastian County Assessor's Office at 479-784-1516 for your specific tax rate based on your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Mar 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 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 property taxes in Sebastian County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county calculates additional taxes based on the increased assessment for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Sebastian County in July that was previously assessed at a lower value, or if you complete a major renovation that increases your property's assessed value, you may receive a supplemental tax bill. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplying by the applicable tax rate, and prorating for the months remaining in the tax year. These supplemental taxes follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes and are due by October 15th of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$375 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Tax Owed: $2,625 (1.0% base rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $219

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$375 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Tax Owed: $5,625 (1.0% base rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $469

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Credit: -$375 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Tax Owed: $9,625 (1.0% base rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $802

Examples use base 1.0% rate only. Actual rates may be higher due to school district and special assessments. Homestead Credit requires annual application and is not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Sebastian County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Sebastian County when they become due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus a small cushion to account for potential increases.

Property taxes in Sebastian County are due from March 1st through October 15th annually. Lenders usually make payments in late summer or early fall to ensure taxes are paid before the October 15th deadline. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify tax payments have been made by checking with the Sebastian County Collector's office or accessing online tax records.

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 Sebastian County for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are due March 1st through October 15th each year. Taxes become delinquent after October 15th with penalties and interest applied starting October 16th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit available is the Homestead Credit worth up to $375 annually. This credit requires a separate application and is NOT automatically applied. Applications must be submitted by October 15th annually. Call 479-784-1516 to request an application.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides up to $375 off your annual tax bill if you own and occupy the home as your principal residence. You must apply annually by October 15th - it is not automatic and does not reduce your assessed value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Sebastian County conducts periodic reassessments to ensure properties reflect current market values. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have the right to appeal valuations through the county's appeal process.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Unpaid taxes after October 15th are considered delinquent. Penalties and interest begin accruing on October 16th and continue until taxes are paid in full.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Sebastian County Collector's office at 479-784-1516 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Sebastian County based on your property's location and applicable special taxing districts, including school districts, municipal boundaries, and special assessment districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Sebastian County Board of Equalization. Contact the Assessor's office at 479-784-1516 for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: Are there other exemptions available besides the Homestead Credit? A: Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, or veterans. Contact the Sebastian County Assessor's office at 479-784-1516 to inquire about specific exemptions and application requirements.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my property taxes? A: Delinquent properties may be subject to tax lien procedures and eventual tax sale. It's important to contact the Collector's office immediately if you're unable to pay by the October 15th deadline to discuss payment options.

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