AppealDesk

Dallas County Property Tax Appeal, Arkansas

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Dallas County is a small, rural county in south-central Arkansas with a population of approximately 6,482 as of the 2020 census, making it the fourth-least populous county in the state. The county seat is Fordyce, which is also the largest city with around 3,400 residents. Property tax appeals are particularly important here because even modest over-assessments can significantly impact homeowners in a county where the median household income is around $42,500. With a median home value of approximately $53,600 and an effective tax rate near 1.00%, Dallas County property owners pay substantially less than the national median, but ensuring accurate assessments remains critical for residents on fixed or limited incomes.

Notable cities: Fordyce, Carthage, Ivan

Median Home

$53,600

Tax Rate

1.00%

Annual Tax

$345

Population

6,482

On the typical Dallas County home, valued near $53,600 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.00%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: Third Monday in August (August 17, 2026)

Arkansas law requires property tax appeals to be filed with the County Board of Equalization on or before the third Monday in August each year. For 2026, this deadline falls on August 17. The appeal window runs from August 1 through October 31, 2026, though filing early in August is strongly recommended.

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House nestled in wooded Arkansas hills. Dallas County appeal guide.

How Dallas County Assesses Property

20%of market value

Assessed by: Dallas County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically April-May)

Arkansas uses a 20% assessment ratio for residential property, meaning your assessed value is calculated as 20% of your property's market value. For example, if your home's market value is $53,600 (the county median), your assessed value would be $10,720 ($53,600 × 0.20). At Dallas County's effective tax rate of approximately 1.00%, this would result in approximately $536 in annual property taxes before any exemptions or credits are applied.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Equalization Board. The County Equalization Board typically meets during August and September to hear appeals. Hearings are informal but fact-based, usually lasting 5-15 minutes, where you present your evidence and the Board asks questions before making a decision.

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Step 1: Review your assessment notice received in spring and gather evidence showing your property's market value is lower than assessed, including comparable sales data, photographs of property condition issues, and any independent appraisals.

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Step 2: Contact the Dallas County Assessor's Office at (870) 352-7983 for an informal discussion about your assessment. Many issues can be resolved at this stage without a formal appeal.

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Step 3: If the informal review doesn't resolve your concerns, file a written letter or petition with the County Board of Equalization before the third Monday in August (August 17, 2026). Include your property details, the reasons for your appeal, and supporting evidence.

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Step 4: The County Board of Equalization will schedule a hearing, typically in August or September. You'll be notified of the date, time, and location at least 10 business days in advance. Attend the hearing and present your evidence clearly and factually.

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Step 5: The Board will issue a written decision within 10 business days after the hearing. If you disagree with the Board's decision, you have the right to appeal to County Court by filing a petition with the County Clerk before the second Monday in October.

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Step 6: Further appeals from County Court can be made to Circuit Court and ultimately to the Arkansas Supreme Court, though most property owner appeals are resolved at the County Board of Equalization level.

Required form: Written letter of appeal or petition to the County Board of Equalization

Filing Methods

mail:Mail written appeal to: Dallas County Clerk, Third and Oak Streets, Fordyce, AR 71742
in-person:Submit appeal in person at the Dallas County Assessor's Office, 106 South Charlotte Street (Third and Oak Streets), Fordyce, AR 71742
phone:Call (870) 352-7983 to request appeal form and filing instructions

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from similar properties in your area that sold recentlyPhotographs showing property condition issues, damage, or needed repairsIndependent appraisal reports from licensed appraisersRepair estimates or contractor assessments for property defectsDocumentation of assessment errors or incorrect property characteristics

Dallas County Assessor Contact

Dallas County Assessor's Office

Website: https://www.arcountydata.com/county.asp?county=dallas

Tax Exemptions in Dallas County

Homestead Tax Credit

Up to $600 for 2026 tax bills (increased from $500)

Arkansas provides a tax credit applied directly to the property tax bill for owner-occupied primary residences.

Eligibility: Property owners who occupy the property as their principal residence. Must be the record owner, buyer under recorded sales contract, or hold a recorded life estate.Deadline: No specific deadline, but apply with the County Assessor as soon as possible after purchasing or establishing residency

Senior/Disabled Assessment Freeze

Freezes assessed value at current level (value of freeze varies by property)

Arkansas law allows counties to freeze the assessed value of homesteads for homeowners age 65 or older or those who are fully disabled, preventing future increases.

Eligibility: Homeowners age 65 or older, or those certified as fully disabled, on their primary residenceDeadline: Apply through the Dallas County Assessor's Office; no specific annual deadline

100% Disabled Veteran Exemption

Full exemption from property taxes

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive a full property tax exemption on their homestead. Surviving spouses and minor dependent children may also qualify.

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% VA service-connected disability rating on primary residence; surviving spouses if veteran was killed in action or died from service-connected disabilityDeadline: Apply with County Assessor with VA certification documentation

Assessment Increase Caps (Amendment 79)

Limits annual assessed value increase to 5% for homesteads

Arkansas Amendment 79 caps annual assessment increases at 5% for homestead properties and 10% for non-homestead properties, protecting homeowners from dramatic tax increases.

Eligibility: Automatically applies to all homestead properties; does not apply to new construction or newly discovered improvementsDeadline: Automatic for homestead properties; file homestead credit application to qualify

Dallas County Appeal Packet — $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Dallas County, Arkansas?
The deadline to file a property tax appeal in Dallas County is the third Monday in August each year. For 2026, this falls on August 17, 2026. While Arkansas law provides an appeal window extending through October 31, 2026, you must file your written appeal or petition with the County Board of Equalization by the third Monday in August to ensure your hearing is scheduled. Missing this deadline typically means waiting another full year to appeal your assessment, potentially costing you hundreds of dollars in overpaid taxes.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Dallas County?
To file a property tax appeal in Dallas County, you must submit a written letter or petition to the County Board of Equalization before the third Monday in August. Start by calling the Dallas County Assessor's Office at (870) 352-7983 to request an appeal form and discuss your concerns informally. If the informal review doesn't resolve your issue, submit your written appeal by mail to the Dallas County Clerk at Third and Oak Streets, Fordyce, AR 71742, or deliver it in person to the Assessor's Office at 106 South Charlotte Street. Include your property information, the reason for your appeal, and all supporting evidence such as comparable sales data and photographs.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Dallas County?
In Dallas County, the homestead tax credit is worth up to $600 for 2026 tax bills, an increase from the previous $500 amount. This is a direct credit applied to your property tax bill, not a reduction in assessed value. Additionally, homeowners may benefit from Amendment 79's 5% annual assessment increase cap, which can be even more valuable over time by preventing dramatic tax increases. To receive the homestead credit, you must apply with the Dallas County Assessor's Office at (870) 352-7983, and the property must be your primary residence where you actually live.
What happens at a County Board of Equalization hearing in Dallas County?
At a Dallas County Board of Equalization hearing, you will have approximately 5-15 minutes to present your case for why your property assessment should be reduced. The Board, consisting of local county residents, will review your evidence including comparable sales, photographs, and appraisals. The hearing is relatively informal but fact-based, focus on objective evidence showing your property's market value is lower than assessed. The Board may ask questions about your property and evidence. After the hearing, the Board will issue a written decision within 10 business days notifying you whether your appeal was approved and by how much your assessment was reduced.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Dallas County?
Savings from a successful property tax appeal in Dallas County depend on how much your assessment is reduced. For example, if you successfully argue that your home's market value should be $45,000 instead of $55,000, your assessed value would drop by $2,000 (from $11,000 to $9,000 at the 20% assessment ratio). At Dallas County's approximate 1.00% effective tax rate, this would save you about $100 per year in property taxes. Over a 10-year period, that's $1,000 in savings. The homestead credit of $600 annually provides additional relief, and the 5% assessment increase cap can save even more over time by preventing excessive valuation growth.
What evidence do I need for a Dallas County property tax appeal?
The most effective evidence for a Dallas County property tax appeal includes recent comparable sales data from similar homes in your area that sold for less than your assessed value suggests. Gather at least 3-5 comparable properties with similar square footage, age, and condition that sold within the past 6-12 months. Photographs documenting property condition issues, damage, or needed repairs are also valuable. If you have an independent appraisal from a licensed appraiser showing a lower market value, this carries significant weight. Additionally, contractor repair estimates, documentation of any assessment errors (wrong square footage, incorrect number of bedrooms), and evidence of unequal assessment compared to similar properties can support your case.
Can I appeal my Dallas County property taxes if I disagree with the Board of Equalization decision?
Yes, if you disagree with the Dallas County Board of Equalization's decision, you have the right to appeal to County Court by filing a petition with the Dallas County Clerk before the second Monday in October. The county judge sits as the county court for property assessment appeals. If you remain dissatisfied with the County Court's decision, you can further appeal to Circuit Court and ultimately to the Arkansas Supreme Court. However, most property owner appeals in Arkansas are resolved at the County Board of Equalization level, and fewer than 5% proceed to higher courts. Each level of appeal has strict filing deadlines that must be met.
Does Dallas County reassess property values every year?
Yes, the Dallas County Tax Assessor conducts annual property assessments based on the property's features and fair market value of comparable properties in the area. Assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring (April-May) each year. However, Arkansas Amendment 79 limits how much your assessed value can increase annually, only 5% for homestead properties and 10% for non-homestead properties, even if market values rise more dramatically. This protection doesn't apply to new construction or newly added improvements. If you receive your assessment notice and believe it's too high, you must file your appeal by the third Monday in August to challenge that year's valuation.

Official Resources

Dallas County Arkansas Property Data (ARCountyData.com) →

Official property records, assessment information, and county assessor resources for Dallas County.

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Property Tax Relief →

Information on Arkansas homestead tax credits, exemptions, and property tax relief programs.

Arkansas Assessment Coordination - Equalization Board Resources →

Forms, procedures, and guidance for County Equalization Board appeals in Arkansas.

Dallas County Arkansas Official Portal →

Contact information for Dallas County offices including the Assessor and Collector.

For state-wide appeal information including Arkansas's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Arkansas Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Arkansas Counties

Benton County (Bentonville)Pulaski County (Little Rock)
← All Arkansas property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.ownwell.com/trends/arkansas/dallas-county | https://www.arcountydata.com/county.asp?county=dallas | https://www.appealdesk.com/blog/how-to-appeal-property-taxes-in-arkansas | https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/arkansas-assessment-coordination-division/real-property/property-tax-relief/ | https://www.taxassessors.net/arkansas/dallascounty.htm | https://ballotpedia.org/Dallas_County,_Arkansas

Last verified: 2026-07-22