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Assessor How Do I / FAQ

The duties of the Assessor are established by the Arkansas Constitution,
the Arkansas Code and decision of the Arkansas Supreme Court.

HOW DO I

GET THE HOMESTEAD CREDIT AND TAX FREEZE?

The Homestead Credit: The Homestead Credit gives up to $350 off your real estate taxes if you qualify. To qualify you need to own a home and it must be your principal place of residence. You are allowed only one homestead credit per family. Example: your home is valued at $50,000. The assessment is 20% of the appraisal ($50,000 x 20% = $10,000). The $10,000 is multiplied by the millage rate (determined by the school district where the home is ($10,000 x .0525 = $525) making your tax bill $525. You then deduct $350 from that ($525 - $350 = $175) making your tax bill $175. If your home is valued at $25,000, assessed at $5,000 x .0525 your tax bill would be $262.50 (minus the homestead credit allowed to you = $262.50). You would then have no tax bill, the difference is not distributed to you .

You may call or come by the office and fill out an application and we will apply the credit to your home. If you live on acreage, the credit only applies to your home and the acre your home sits on.

Homestead Application Form


The Tax Freeze: 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. Simply supply us with a copy of your driver’s license or birth certificate for verification of age. If you are disabled, a copy of your Medicare card or Award letter from Social Security will work as verification. You will not lose the Freeze unless you add on to your home. At that point the Freeze will be removed and reapplied at the new value. The taxable value will be frozen but if the millage rate changes your taxes can also change.

Real Estate Department: 479-271-1037, ask for Cheryl or Sandy.
215 E Central Ave, Bentonville AR 72712

FAQ

 

What gives the assessor the authority to come on to someone’s property?  ^

  Arkansas law makes it the assessor’s responsibility to physically inspect property to determine what is there that gives the value. A.C.A. 26-26-91(b)(1) states: “For the purpose of enabling the assessor to determine just and equitable values of property, he is authorized, and it shall be his duty, to enter upon and make such personal inspections thereof as he shall deem necessary.”
  Do I have to let the appraiser in my house?  ^
  No. Interior inspections of residences are not required.
  Why did the appraiser measure that old barn at the back of my property when it’s not worth anything?  ^
  The ACD Rules and Regulations require all real estate improvements to be listed on the property record card. That includes any improvements that are deemed to have no contributory value. Dimensional elements of NCV (no contributory value) improvements are optional.
  I bought my house from my father-in-law for $20,000 last year. Why is it appraised for $80,000?  ^
  The appraised value of your property for ad valorem tax purposes is based upon current market value. Market value is the most probable price that a property would bring if exposed to the open market for a reasonable period of time. It is the price that a willing buyer and a willing seller would agree upon under usual and ordinary circumstances in the open market.
  Where are the values for personal property derived?  ^
  Values are based on market research by the state of Arkansas.
  When is the deadline for assessing personal property?  ^
  The deadline for assessing all types of personal property; including exempt property is May 31st. Assessments filed after this date will include a 10% penalty.
  How can I appeal my assessment?  ^
  Click on Appeals Process.
  What are the requirements for a taxpayer to receive a $350 homestead tax credit on his/her property taxes?  ^
  The property has to be the principal place of residence for the taxpayer. He must be either an owner, purchaser under a recorded contract to purchase, holder of a recorded life estate, or a person who has formed a revocable trust that owns the property. If you meet these requirements you will find more information on the forms page.
  Are disabled veterans required to pay property taxes on their real or personal property?  ^
  In some cases the answer would be no, in addition, surviving spouses and minor dependents of disabled veterans may not be required to pay those property taxes. For more information contact the County Collector’s Office.
  Who do I contact about property that has been taken by the state for back taxes?  ^
  Contact the State Land Commissioner’s office at (501) 324-9222 or on the web at www.state.ar.us/land/land.html
  Who do I call about:   ^
  • Receiving my tax bill?
  • Proof of payment of my taxes?
  • Checking my personal property assessment?
  • Checking my real estate assessment?
 
  • Receiving your tax bill – Benton County Collector – (479)271-1040
  • Proof of payment of your taxes – Benton County Collector – (479) 271-1040
  • Checking your personal property assessment – Benton County Assessor’s Personal Property Division (479) 271-1033
  • Checking your real estate assessment – Benton County Assessor’s Real Estate Division (479) 271-1037
  The property taxes on my home are $325; will the state send me $25 so I get the full credit?  ^
  No. Amendment 79 provides that the tax credit will be for up to $350. If your taxes are lower than $350, the credit pays your full tax bill, but nothing more.
  A homeowner asks, “I’m turning 65 in July, does that mean that my property taxes won’t go up this year?  ^
  Amendment 79 caps the assessment on a person’s principle place of residence once he or she is 65 years of age. It does not cap taxes. Even if someone's assessment does not increase, his or her taxes will if there is a millage rate increase in the city, county, or school district where he or she resides. Instructions are on the Homestead Application. All applications must be filled out, signed and mailed into the Assessor’s Office.

Assessor
Bear Chaney
215 E. Central Ave.
Bentonville, AR 72712

Ph. (479) 271-1037