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Updated 2025 Tax Year

St. Francis County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.875% effective rate (varies by municipality and special districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

St. Francis County, Arkansas operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county operations, municipal services, and various special districts. Property owners in St. Francis County face an effective tax rate of approximately 2.875% for the 2025 levy year, though this rate represents only the base county assessment and does not include additional levies from municipalities, school districts, or special taxing districts that may apply to specific properties.

The actual property tax rate you pay will vary significantly depending on your property's location within St. Francis County, as different areas fall under various special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district jurisdictions. These additional assessments can include city taxes, school bonds, library districts, fire protection districts, and other local improvement assessments. Property taxes in Arkansas are assessed at approximately 20% of market value for residential properties, with the state maintaining no assessment cap on annual increases.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
St. Francis County Base Levy2.875%County operations, road maintenance, law enforcement, courts (FY 2025)
Municipal TaxesVariesCity/town services where applicable (contact local municipality)
School District LeviesVariesPublic education funding, school bonds, facilities
Special Assessment DistrictsVariesFire protection, drainage, library, emergency services
Total Effective Rate Range2.875% - 4.5%+Actual rate depends on property location and applicable districts

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Special taxing districts within St. Francis County create significant variation in total tax burden. Contact the St. Francis County Assessor's Office at (870) 261-1744 for your property's specific rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in St. Francis 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 St. Francis County are additional assessments levied when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year from the date the change occurred.

For example, if you purchase a home in St. Francis County in March and the new assessment is $20,000 higher than the previous assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased value covering March through the end of the tax year. The calculation would be: ($20,000 × 0.20 assessment ratio × 2.875% base rate) × (10 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $95.83 supplemental tax due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$350
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,650
  • Annual Tax (2.875%): $1,715
  • Monthly Escrow: $143

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $120,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$350
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,650
  • Annual Tax (2.875%): $3,440
  • Monthly Escrow: $287

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $200,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): -$350
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,650
  • Annual Tax (2.875%): $5,740
  • Monthly Escrow: $478

Note: These examples use the base county rate only. Actual taxes will be higher due to additional district levies. Tax credits require annual application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in St. Francis County require property tax escrow accounts for loans exceeding 80% loan-to-value ratio. Your lender will collect monthly payments equal to your estimated annual property tax divided by 12, plus a cushion amount (typically 2 months of payments). These funds are held in a non-interest-bearing escrow account and paid directly to the St. Francis County Collector when taxes become due on November 15th each year.

Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You have the right to request escrow account statements and challenge any errors. Property owners without escrow accounts are responsible for making direct payments to the St. Francis County Collector's Office by the November 15th deadline to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in St. Francis County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for the 2025 levy year are due by November 15, 2025. Online payments are accepted through the St. Francis County Collector's website.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax credit available is the Homestead Tax Credit, which provides up to $350 in tax reduction for owner-occupied residences. This credit requires annual application with the County Assessor's Office and is NOT automatic. Additional credits may be available for disabled veterans, elderly residents, or agricultural use.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Tax Credit in Arkansas provides a direct reduction of your tax bill (up to $350) and also limits assessment increases on your primary residence. You must file an application with the St. Francis County Assessor by December 31st each year, and the property must be your primary residence as of January 1st.

Q: When are properties reassessed and how can I appeal? A: St. Francis County conducts property reassessments on a regular cycle. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal to the County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Assessor's Office at (870) 261-1744 for current appeal deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges. After November 15th, a 10% penalty is added, plus 1% interest per month. Properties with delinquent taxes exceeding one year may be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, St. Francis County offers online payment options through the County Collector's website. There may be convenience fees for credit card payments. Contact the Collector's Office at (870) 261-1040 for current payment options.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for fire protection, drainage, libraries, and municipal services add additional millage to your base county rate. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your property location. The Assessor's Office can provide a breakdown of all applicable rates for your specific address.

Q: Are there property tax exemptions for seniors or disabled persons? A: Arkansas offers various tax relief programs for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals, but these typically require application and income verification. Contact the St. Francis County Assessor's Office to determine eligibility and application requirements for your specific situation.

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