Arkansas consistently ranks among the states with the lowest property tax rates in the United States. The effective property tax rate in Arkansas averages approximately 0.6% of market value — compared to Texas at 1.7-2.5%, Florida at 1.0-1.5%, and Georgia at 0.9-1.2%. This low rate sometimes leads Arkansas homeowners to conclude that protesting their assessment is not worth the effort. That conclusion is wrong for two reasons: the dollar impact of an over-assessment is real even at a low rate, and establishing a lower baseline value means paying less every year indefinitely.
Property Tax Rate Comparison: Arkansas vs. Major States
Arkansas's low property tax rate is a genuine advantage for homeowners — but it does not mean over-assessments are costless. Here is how the states compare.
- ✓Arkansas: Effective rate approximately 0.5-0.8% — among lowest in the nation
- ✓Georgia: Effective rate approximately 0.9-1.2% — moderate for the Southeast
- ✓Florida: Effective rate approximately 1.0-1.5% — varies significantly by county
- ✓Texas: Effective rate approximately 1.7-2.5% — among the highest in the nation (no income tax)
- ✓US median: Approximately 1.0-1.1% effective rate
Why Arkansas Appeals Are Still Worth Filing
Even at a 0.6% effective rate, a $50,000 over-assessment costs $300 per year. Over 10 years of ownership, that is $3,000 in unnecessary taxes paid. More importantly, the assessed value established in an appeal year becomes the baseline for all future years — the savings compound. And TaxAppeal's $89 flat fee pays for itself on any over-assessment above $14,833 (at 0.6% effective rate). Most NWA properties are over-assessed by far more than that.
- ✓$50,000 over-assessment at 0.6% rate: $300/year extra taxes — $3,000 over 10 years
- ✓$100,000 over-assessment at 0.6% rate: $600/year extra taxes — $6,000 over 10 years
- ✓NWA properties: High values mean absolute dollar reductions are large even at low rates
- ✓$89 break-even: Any over-assessment above ~$14,800 at 0.6% rate makes TaxAppeal worthwhile
- ✓Baseline effect: Lower assessed value this year compounds in savings every future year
Arkansas's Unique 20% Assessment Ratio
Arkansas is one of a handful of states that use a fractional assessment ratio — assessed value is set at 20% of market value. This means your tax bill is calculated on 20% of what your home is worth, multiplied by a higher millage rate. When comparing tax bills across states, make sure you are comparing effective rates (taxes paid as a percentage of market value) rather than nominal rates, which differ dramatically.
TaxAppeal USA Serves All Four States
TaxAppeal USA files property tax appeals in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Arkansas for a flat $89 per property. Whether you are in Bentonville, Little Rock, Atlanta, Tampa, or Houston, the process is the same: enter your address, we analyze your property, generate a professional appeal letter, and file via certified mail before your state's deadline. No percentage fees in any state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Arkansas's property tax rate compare to Texas? ▾
Arkansas's effective rate of approximately 0.6% is dramatically lower than Texas's 1.7-2.5%. However, Texas also has no state income tax, while Arkansas does, making the overall tax burden comparison more complex.
Is it worth appealing Arkansas property taxes at such a low rate? ▾
Yes. Even at 0.6%, over-assessments cost real money that compounds over years of ownership. The $89 TaxAppeal fee pays for itself on any over-assessment above about $14,800 in appraised value.
Does Arkansas have a homestead exemption? ▾
Yes. Arkansas offers a homestead property tax credit of $375 per year for qualifying homestead properties. This credit is separate from the appeal process and should be applied for independently.
What is Arkansas's $375 homestead credit? ▾
Arkansas homestead property owners who occupy their home as their primary residence receive a $375 property tax credit. Apply through your county assessor. This reduces your actual tax bill by $375 per year.
How does Arkansas's appeal deadline compare to other states? ▾
Arkansas's August 17 postmark deadline falls between Texas's May 15 protest deadline and Florida's September TRIM deadline. Georgia's deadlines vary by county but typically fall in May-July.
Can TaxAppeal file in all four states? ▾
Yes. TaxAppeal USA currently serves Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Arkansas. Each state has its own deadline and process, and TaxAppeal handles all of them for $89 flat per property.