Residents urged to pay property taxes by Oct. 15

Commissioner of State Lands John Thurston has issued an annual public reminder of the upcoming deadline to pay personal and real property taxes.

“We encourage all Arkansas property owners to avoid having delinquent property taxes,” Thurston said. “The deadline to pay personal property or real estate taxes in Arkansas is Oct. 15 each year, and we hope everyone will meet that deadline by paying before that deadline.”

Since Oct. 15 is a Sunday this year, the deadline is extended to Monday, Oct. 16.

Thurston encouraged property owners to save time by paying remotely.

“It’s easy to avoid waiting in line by mailing the correct payment to the county tax collector’s office, and many counties accept payments online, too,” he said.

Property taxes help fund public schools, libraries and emergency services that are essential to Arkansas counties. Failure to pay those taxes on time will result in additional costs.

“These taxes are vital to the counties across this state, and without your tax dollars, your communities will suffer,” Thurston said.

If taxes are not paid within the following year, real estate taxes may be certified to the Commissioner of State Lands office for collection.

“Contact your county collector’s office for their hours on the deadline day. Several counties offer online payment options; you may contact the collector’s office to see what options are available in your area,” Thurston said.

“If your taxes are delinquent, the commissioner’s office will accept payment in office until 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16. Please contact us at 501-683-3053 for information on how to redeem delinquent real estate taxes,” he said.