everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

Republican Sponsorship
Taxes & Budget

HB1715

To Limit The Increase In The Assessed Value Of Real Property After A Sale Or Other Transfer Of Real Property.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1715 proposes to amend Arkansas property tax law by placing caps on the increase of assessed property values following a sale or transfer. Under this legislation, the assessed value of a property for the first assessment after a transfer would be capped at a 5% increase for primary homesteads and a 10% increase for non-homestead properties. The taxable value used for this calculation is defined as the assessed value at the time of the sale or transfer. The bill is intended to provide predictability for property owners regarding their tax obligations after acquiring new real estate. The provisions of this act are scheduled to take effect for assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are individuals and entities purchasing real estate, as the bill limits the sudden increase in property tax assessments that often follows a property transfer. Homeowners using the property as their principal residence benefit the most, as they receive a lower 5% cap, while commercial investors and owners of secondary properties benefit from the 10% cap compared to potentially higher market-based reassessments.

Who Might Suffer?

The primary entities negatively impacted are local government units, such as counties, cities, and school districts, that rely on property tax revenue to fund public services. By capping the assessed value increase, these jurisdictions may experience a reduction in anticipated tax revenue growth following property sales, which could necessitate adjustments to millage rates or a reduction in budget allocations for public services.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us