Estimate the property tax on a Hot Springs home
Arkansas keeps property taxes low, but the exact bill depends on your city and school district. This estimator uses the state formula: assess the home at 20% of market value, apply your district's millage, and subtract the homestead credit if it's your primary residence. Put in your numbers for a close estimate, then confirm with the Garland County Assessor.
Garland County total millage typically runs about 40 to 55 mills depending on your city and school district. Get your exact rate from the county's 2025 millage report, and confirm the current homestead credit (raised to $600 by Act 330 of 2025 for 2026 bills). This is an estimate, not an official assessment.
How Arkansas property tax works
- Low by national standards. Arkansas has some of the country's lowest effective property-tax rates, which is part of the affordability story in Hot Springs.
- 20% assessment ratio. You're taxed on 20% of market value, not the full value, before millage is applied.
- Homestead credit and the 5% cap. Your primary residence gets the homestead credit off the bill, and Amendment 79 limits how fast its assessed value can climb to 5% per year.
- Short-term rentals are different. A property run as an STR may not get the homestead credit and carries lodging taxes on top. Check whether an address can even be an STR first with the eligibility checker.
Common questions
Where do I find my exact millage rate?
The Garland County Collector and the Arkansas DFA publish an annual millage report by city and school district. Your rate depends on where the property sits, so use the official report or ask the county assessor.
Does buying change my assessed value?
A sale can reset the Amendment 79 cap, so a new owner's assessed value may rise toward 20% of the new market value over time. Ask the assessor how a specific purchase would be assessed.
Do short-term rentals pay more?
They can lose the homestead credit and they collect lodging taxes (about 14.5% total) on stays under 30 days, remitted to the state and city. See our tax guide for the full picture.