Arkansas Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans 2026
Arkansas Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans: Complete 2026 Guide
If you’re a veteran buying a home in Central Arkansas, you may qualify for property tax savings that most buyers never think to ask about. Arkansas has some of the most veteran-friendly property tax laws in the South — and understanding them can save you thousands of dollars every year.
100% Property Tax Exemption for Totally Disabled Veterans
Arkansas law (A.C.A. § 26-3-306) provides a complete property tax exemption on the homestead of any veteran who has been rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This is one of the most generous veteran property tax benefits in the country.
Who Qualifies for the 100% Exemption?
- Veterans with a VA disability rating of 100% Permanent and Total (P&T)
- Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans (in many cases)
- The property must be your primary residence (homestead)
- You must be an Arkansas resident
How Much Can You Save?
In Central Arkansas, property taxes on a median-priced home ($230,000–$280,000) typically run $1,500–$3,500 per year. A 100% P&T veteran could save that entire amount every single year — that’s $45,000–$105,000 over a 30-year mortgage. This dramatically improves long-term affordability.
Partial Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans
Veterans with service-connected disability ratings below 100% may still qualify for property tax relief under Arkansas’s Homestead Tax Credit and county-level exemption programs:
| Disability Rating | Benefit | Approx. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 100% P&T | Full exemption on homestead | $1,500–$4,000+ |
| 50%–99% | Partial exemption (varies by county) | $400–$1,200 |
| Any rating | Standard Homestead Tax Credit ($375) | $375/year |
| Active duty / surviving spouse | Homestead Credit + possible county exemption | Varies |
Property Tax Rates by County in Central Arkansas
Understanding the base tax rate in each county helps you calculate your actual savings:
| County | Cities | Approx. Tax Rate | Tax on $250K Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lonoke County | Cabot, Jacksonville, Lonoke | ~0.55–0.65% | ~$1,375–$1,625/yr |
| Pulaski County | Little Rock, Maumelle, Alexander | ~0.65–0.80% | ~$1,625–$2,000/yr |
| Faulkner County | Conway, Vilonia, Greenbrier | ~0.55–0.70% | ~$1,375–$1,750/yr |
| Saline County | Benton, Bryant, Sheridan | ~0.50–0.65% | ~$1,250–$1,625/yr |
Arkansas assesses property at 20% of market value, then applies the millage rate. The effective rates above already reflect this assessment method.
How to Apply for Your Veteran Property Tax Exemption
The application process is handled at the county level through the county assessor’s office. Here’s what you need:
- Obtain your VA disability rating letter — Download from VA.gov or request from your regional VA office
- File for homestead exemption — Contact your county assessor’s office (see contacts below)
- Submit required documents: DD-214, VA rating letter, proof of residency, photo ID
- Deadline: Most counties require filing by October 15 of the tax year
- One-time application — Once approved, the exemption renews automatically as long as you remain in the home
County Assessor Contacts for Central Arkansas
- Lonoke County Assessor: (501) 676-6938 | lonokecounty.org
- Pulaski County Assessor: (501) 340-6170 | pulaskicountyar.net
- Faulkner County Assessor: (501) 450-4905 | faulknercounty.org
- Saline County Assessor: (501) 303-5625 | salinecounty.org
Property Tax Exemption + VA Loan = Maximum Savings
Combining a VA loan (no down payment, no PMI) with an Arkansas property tax exemption creates some of the most affordable homeownership conditions in the country for qualifying veterans. Consider this example:
VA Loan (no down payment) → $0 down
No PMI → saves ~$130/month ($1,560/year)
Property tax exemption → saves ~$1,495/year
Total annual savings vs. conventional buyer: ~$3,055/year
Additional Arkansas Veteran Benefits
- Arkansas Veterans Income Tax Exemption: Military retirement pay is fully exempt from Arkansas state income tax
- Arkansas Veterans Home: State-operated long-term care facilities for qualifying veterans
- Free State Park Access: Disabled veterans get free or reduced admission to Arkansas State Parks
- Vehicle Registration Discount: 100% P&T veterans pay no personal property tax on vehicles
- Education Benefits: Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship available to children of veterans
Work With a VA-Savvy Realtor Who Knows These Benefits
Most real estate agents don’t know the details of Arkansas veteran property tax exemptions — or how to factor them into affordability calculations. Ashley Watters is a military spouse and VA loan specialist who helps veterans maximize every available benefit when buying in Central Arkansas.
Call or text Ashley: (501) 951-9200
She’ll show you exactly what your payment looks like with VA loan + tax exemption combined.