How to not pay property tax in Arkansas?

Asked by: Marielle Gleason  |  Last update: June 3, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (73 votes)

In Arkansas, avoiding property tax is generally limited to specific exemptions like 100% disabled veterans, or tax relief for homeowners aged 65+ or disabled (under 65), which can freeze taxable value or provide credits up to $350-$600. Exemptions apply to churches, cemeteries, and public charity, rather than personal residential property.

Who is exempt from property taxes in Arkansas?

Property owned by the federal, state, county, or municipal government is generally not subject to taxation. Ark. Code Ann. § 26-3-306 exempts homestead and personal property taxes for 100% totally and permanently disabled veterans, as determined by the VA on an annual basis.

Can I avoid property taxes?

Most states have a homestead property tax exemption that allows you to protect a certain amount of your primary property's value from taxes. You can structure the exemption to either exclude a flat amount or a percentage of your taxable value.

How do I become tax exempt in Arkansas?

Apply by submitting a copy of the IRS Determination Letter, the first two pages of IRS Form 1023, and a statement declaring exemption under ACA 26-51-303 or ACA 26-51-309. Organizations without an IRS Determination Letter should submit Form AR1023CT, a copy of the articles of incorporation, and a copy of the bylaws.

How long can property taxes go unpaid in Arkansas?

What happens if I do not pay my REAL ESTATE property taxes? By law, if real estate taxes are not paid for two years, it will be certified to the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands to be sold for taxes.

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What exemptions can lower my tax bill?

You can deduct these expenses whether you take the standard deduction or itemize:

  • Alimony payments.
  • Business use of your car.
  • Business use of your home.
  • Money you put in an IRA.
  • Money you put in health savings accounts.
  • Penalties on early withdrawals from savings.
  • Student loan interest.
  • Teacher expenses.

What is the 6000 exemption in Arkansas?

Arkansas allows you take a subtraction for your pension income for up to $6,000 on your state return. If you are filing as married filing jointly and your spouse receives a pension as well, you are both entitled to a $6,000 exemption on your Arkansas return for your pension income.

What is a $12000 property tax exemption?

Veterans with a 100% disability rating are fully exempt from property taxes. 70% to 99% may receive a $12,000 exemption from their property's taxable value.

How to legally be exempt from taxes?

You generally don't have to pay taxes if your income is less than the standard deduction or the total of your itemized deductions, if you have a certain number of dependents, if you work abroad and are below the required thresholds, or if you're a qualifying non-profit organization.

Is eliminating property tax a good idea?

Key Findings. Property taxes currently generate 70 percent of all local tax. revenue, some or all of which would have to be replaced with other taxes under property tax. Property taxes are the single largest source of state and local revenue in the U.S. and help fund schools, roads, police, and other services.

What states do you not need to pay property taxes?

Sadly for investors, the answer is no, there are no states without property tax. This is because property tax is a useful way for local governments to fund public services such as schools, fire and police departments, infrastructure and libraries.

Are property taxes deductible for IRS?

State and local real property taxes are generally deductible. Deductible real property taxes include any state or local taxes based on the value of the real property and levied for the general public welfare.

What age do you stop paying personal property taxes in Arkansas?

Age 65 or Disabled Homeowner Property Tax Relief.

At what age do you stop paying taxes in Arkansas?

The Freeze does not freeze your taxes, it freezes your Taxable Value. When you reach the age of 65 (or if you are older) you qualify for a Freeze. This also applies if you are on Social Security Disability.

How to avoid high property taxes?

Review your property tax card for errors, since inaccurate details can raise your bill, and file an appeal if the assessment seems too high. Check for local or state exemptions that might lower your costs, and avoid major improvements before an assessment so your home's value doesn't rise unnecessarily.

What is the $500 K exemption?

The $250,000/$500,000 home sale tax exclusion - If you have a capital gain from the sale of your main home, you may qualify to exclude up to $250,000 of that gain from your income, or up to $500,000 of that gain if you file a joint return with your spouse.

What is the maximum I can deduct for property taxes?

The total amount of deductible state and local income taxes, including property taxes, is limited to $40,000 for tax years 2025 through 2028, but is subject to reduction depending on your income level. For tax years 2019 through 2024, the deduction is limited to $10,000.

How to avoid property tax in Arkansas?

Property Tax Exemption

  1. Public property used exclusively for public purposes.
  2. Churches, used as such.
  3. Cemeteries, used exclusively as such.
  4. School buildings and apparatus.
  5. Libraries and grounds used exclusively for school purposes.
  6. Buildings, grounds, and materials used exclusively for public charity.

Can you refuse to pay state taxes?

State tax penalties can be just as harsh as those imposed by the IRS. In the most severe cases, the state can even prosecute you for a crime if it believes that your failure to file tax returns was part of a fraudulent scheme. Just like other crimes, the punishment can include time in jail.

What is the 183 day rule in Arkansas?

If you have a permanent residence in Arkansas and spend more than six months (183 days) in the state, you will be considered a resident. Temporary stays don't count as a permanent place of abode.

What is the $1000 instant tax deduction?

What it really is, is a tax deduction you can claim instead of your actual expenses. The $1000 deduction equates to less than $300 in tax refund dollars for an average Australian worker who clicks to claim this deduction. However, for many people, claiming the $1000 instant deduction could mean a smaller tax refund.