Assessment Ratio
20%
Appeal Deadline
August 1, 2026 (or 3rd Monday of August)
Official Form
County Equalization Board form
Risk of Increase
Yes
How Assessment Works in Arkansas
Arkansas assesses property at 20% of true market value. Your assessed value should be 20% of what your home would sell for. If the county assessor's valuation implies a market value higher than comparable sales support, you have grounds to appeal.
Risk of Increase
In Arkansas, filing a appeal can result in your assessed value being increased. This is uncommon when you have strong evidence of over-assessment, but you should be aware of this possibility. ProtestMax only recommends filing when our analysis shows a clear case for reduction.
How to File in Arkansas
File an appeal with your county Equalization Board. The deadline is typically the third Monday of August. Contact your county assessor's office for specific procedures.
Step-by-Step
Arkansas Appeal Process
Review your property assessment on the county assessor's records.
Contact the county assessor's office to discuss the assessment informally.
File a written appeal with the county Equalization Board by the deadline.
Attend the Equalization Board hearing and present comparable sales evidence.
If denied, appeal to the County Court or circuit court.
FAQ
Arkansas Property Tax Appeal Questions
How does the 20% assessment ratio work in Arkansas?
If your home's market value is $250,000, the assessed value should be $50,000 (20%). Your tax bill is calculated on this assessed value. If the county values your home at $300,000, you pay taxes on $60,000 instead of $50,000.
Can my Arkansas assessment increase on appeal?
Yes. The Equalization Board can adjust your assessment in either direction. However, increases are uncommon when you present clear evidence of over-assessment.
How often are Arkansas properties reassessed?
Arkansas requires reassessment every 5 years, though some counties may reassess more frequently. Annual adjustments may be made based on market conditions.
What is the effective property tax rate in Arkansas?
Arkansas property tax rates vary by county, municipality, and school district, but the effective rate (annual tax paid divided by market value) typically ranges from about 0.5% to 2.5%. Because Arkansas assesses property at 20% of market value, your actual tax bill depends on both the assessed value and the local millage or mill levy applied on top of it. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales support, filing a appeal is one of the only ways to reduce your effective rate without waiting for a reassessment.
How long does a property tax appeal take in Arkansas?
Most Arkansas appeals take between 6 weeks and 6 months from filing to final decision. After you file County Equalization Board form, the assessor or review board schedules a hearing — typically within 30 to 90 days — and issues a written decision shortly after. Cases that settle informally resolve faster, while cases that advance to a formal hearing or court appeal can take several additional months. ProtestMax prepares your full evidence packet in minutes so you can file immediately and start the clock.
Can I appeal my property taxes every year in Arkansas?
Yes. In Arkansas, homeowners generally have the right to appeal their property tax assessment every year, as long as you file by the August 1, 2026 (or 3rd Monday of August) deadline. Even if you won a reduction last year, your assessor can revalue your property the following year, and you retain the right to challenge the new value. Annual appeals are especially important during years when market values are flat or falling but assessments keep rising.
What evidence is most persuasive in Arkansas hearings?
The strongest evidence in a Arkansas appeal hearing is recent comparable sales — homes similar to yours in size, age, condition, and location that sold for less than your assessed value within the last 6 to 12 months. Equity comparisons (similar homes assessed for less than yours) are also highly persuasive. Photos of deferred maintenance, structural issues, or negative location factors (busy roads, flood zones, power lines) strengthen your case further. ProtestMax assembles all of this evidence into a hearing-ready packet tailored to Arkansas's rules.