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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Stone County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.500% effective rate (varies by special taxing districts including school, fire, and municipal improvement districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Stone County, Arkansas operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Stone County are collected annually and are based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county boundaries.

The effective property tax rate in Stone County for the 2025 tax year is 1.500%, though actual rates can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal improvement districts. Property owners should be aware that their total tax bill may include additional assessments from these special districts, which can increase the overall effective rate. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration oversees the general framework, while the Stone County Assessor determines individual property assessments at 20% of true market value for residential properties.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General0.450%County operations, roads, public safety
School District0.850%Local school district funding (varies by district)
State Property Tax0.200%State-mandated levy
Total Base Rate1.500%Effective rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (FY 2025-2026) effective July 1, 2020. Additional special district assessments may apply depending on property location, including fire district levies, municipal improvement districts, or special school bond issues. Contact the Stone County Assessor's office at (870) 269-3271 for specific rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Stone 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 Stone County are triggered by specific events that change property ownership or value during the tax year. The most common triggers include ownership transfers through sale or deed, new construction completion, major renovations that increase assessed value, and property splits or combinations. When these events occur, the county calculates the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessment, then prorates the additional tax owed based on the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Stone County in March that was previously assessed at $150,000 but now has a market value of $200,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the difference in assessed values ($40,000 - $30,000 = $10,000 difference) multiplied by the 1.500% tax rate, then prorated for the 7 remaining months of the fiscal year. This would result in a supplemental bill of approximately $87.50 ($150 × 7/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $60,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $59,500
  • Annual Tax (1.500%): $892.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $74.38

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $120,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $119,500
  • Annual Tax (1.500%): $1,792.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $149.38

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (20%): $200,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $199,500
  • Annual Tax (1.500%): $2,992.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $249.38

Note: Homestead credit requires annual application and may have income limitations. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, or disabled persons.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Stone County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax bill and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment, which is collected along with your principal and interest payment. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-3 months of payments in the account to ensure adequate funds are available.

Property taxes in Stone County are due October 15th annually, and your lender will make the payment directly to the Stone County Collector's office on your behalf. You should receive an escrow analysis statement annually showing the account activity, and your monthly payment may be adjusted if taxes increase or decrease significantly. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, you're responsible for ensuring property taxes continue to be paid directly to avoid penalties and potential tax lien issues.

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 Stone County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due October 15, 2025. Payments can be made online, in person at the Stone County Courthouse, or by mail.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Arkansas Homestead Credit of up to $500 annually, which requires application with the Stone County Assessor's office. Additional credits may be available for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and disabled persons, all requiring separate applications and documentation.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides up to $500 in tax credit (not exemption) and helps cap assessment increases on your primary residence. You must file an application with the assessor's office and reapply annually. This is a credit that reduces your tax bill, not your assessed value.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Stone County? A: Arkansas conducts property reappraisals every 3-5 years. Stone County typically follows the state schedule. You can appeal your assessment within 30 days of receiving your notice by contacting the Stone County Board of Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur a 10% penalty plus interest charges. After one year of delinquency, properties may be subject to tax lien sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Stone County offers online payment options through the county collector's website. Credit card and electronic check payments are typically accepted, though convenience fees may apply.

Q: Why is my tax bill different from my neighbor's on a similar home? A: Tax bills can vary due to different assessed values, eligibility for different credits or exemptions, and location within different special taxing districts such as school districts or municipal improvement districts.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Special districts like fire districts, school districts, or improvement districts can add additional millage to your tax bill. The 1.500% base rate may be higher depending on which districts serve your property location.

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