Arkansas property owners have the legal right to challenge their county assessor's valuation each year through the Board of Equalization process. Unlike Texas's May protest season or Florida's September TRIM season, Arkansas runs its appeal window from approximately June 1 through August 17. The process is straightforward, free to file, and can produce real savings for homeowners whose properties are assessed above fair market value. This guide covers every step of the Arkansas property tax appeal process in plain English.
How Arkansas Property Taxes Work
Arkansas levies property taxes based on assessed value — which is set at 20% of appraised value ('true market value') by state law. So if your property's appraised market value is $300,000, your assessed value is $60,000 (20%), and your tax bill is calculated by multiplying that $60,000 by the applicable millage rate. When you appeal in Arkansas, you are challenging the appraised market value — the number from which the 20% assessment is derived.
- ✓Appraised value (market value): What the county assessor believes your property is worth
- ✓Assessed value: 20% of appraised value — this is what your millage rate is applied to
- ✓Millage rate: The tax rate expressed in mills (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value)
- ✓Example: $300,000 appraised value × 20% = $60,000 assessed × 40 mills = $2,400 tax bill
- ✓Appealing reduces appraised value — which proportionally reduces your tax bill
Step 1: Check Your Assessment
Each county assessor mails assessment notices in the spring. You can also look up your current assessed value on your county assessor's website at any time. Compare your appraised market value to recent sale prices of similar homes in your neighborhood — Zillow and county recorder records are good sources. If your appraised value appears to exceed what comparable homes are selling for, you have grounds to appeal.
Step 2: File Your Appeal Before August 17
Arkansas property owners must file their appeal with the county Board of Equalization by August 17. Arkansas uses a postmark deadline — your appeal must be postmarked by August 17, not necessarily received by that date. Unlike Florida, you do not need physical receipt by the deadline. There is no filing fee in Arkansas. TaxAppeal USA prepares your formal appeal letter citing Arkansas Code §26-27-317 and files via USPS certified mail well before August 17.
- ✓Deadline: August 17, 2026 — postmark deadline
- ✓File with: Your county's Board of Equalization (contact through your county assessor's office)
- ✓No filing fee: Arkansas BOE appeals are free
- ✓Evidence to include: Comparable sales, condition documentation, property record errors
- ✓TaxAppeal USA handles: Letter preparation, evidence analysis, certified mail filing
Step 3: The Board of Equalization Hearing
After your appeal is filed, the county Board of Equalization schedules a hearing. The board is a panel of county-appointed citizens who review evidence from property owners and the county assessor. You present your comparable sales evidence and any condition documentation. The board reviews both sides and issues a determination. If they agree with your evidence, they can reduce your appraised value. If not, you can appeal further to the Arkansas Assessment Coordination Division or circuit court.
TaxAppeal USA: $89 Flat for All Arkansas Counties
TaxAppeal USA files Arkansas property tax appeals for $89 flat. We pull your county assessor data, analyze comparable sales in your specific neighborhood, generate a formal appeal letter citing Arkansas Code §26-27-317, and file via USPS certified mail before August 17. No percentage fees. No filing fee passed through (Arkansas has none). Flat $89.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Arkansas property tax appeal deadline? ▾
August 17, 2026. Arkansas uses a postmark deadline — your appeal must be postmarked by August 17.
How does Arkansas's 20% assessment ratio work? ▾
Arkansas law requires assessed value to be set at 20% of market (appraised) value. Your tax bill is calculated on the assessed value — not the full market value. Reducing market value proportionally reduces assessed value and taxes.
Is there a filing fee to appeal Arkansas property taxes? ▾
No. Appeals to the county Board of Equalization are free. TaxAppeal USA charges $89 for its service — no additional filing fee.
Can my Arkansas assessment go up if I appeal? ▾
The BOE's authority is limited to the assessment under appeal. With good comparable evidence supporting a lower value, the risk of an increase is minimal. Unlike Georgia or Washington, Arkansas boards rarely raise values unprompted.
What counties does TaxAppeal USA serve in Arkansas? ▾
TaxAppeal USA serves all Arkansas counties. We file via certified mail to each county's Board of Equalization. All 75 Arkansas counties are covered.
What is Arkansas's effective property tax rate? ▾
Arkansas has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the nation, typically 0.5-0.8% of market value. Despite the low rate, appeals are still valuable because they establish a lower baseline that carries forward indefinitely.