University Suing County Over Property Taxes

The University of Arkansas has filed a lawsuit against Washington County over property taxes paid since 2010.

The lawsuit, filed Jan. 18 with the Washington County Circuit Clerk, seeks tax refunds for all personal property taxes paid by the university in 2010 and 2011, according to documents from the Circuit Clerk.

Administrators believe several parcels of land owned by the university should be exempt from property taxes, according to the lawsuit.

“In April and May 2011, the…Washington County Assessor distributed Commercial Personal Property Assessment forms to various locations on the university campus,” the suit states. “These forms covered university-owned personal property that had previously never been assessed by the Washington County Assessor.”

Following a dispute over which UA parcels of land were exempt from taxes, the university submitted tax payments in protest and notified of the county of their intent to seek an appeal.

Disputed parcels of land include several student rental properties, green spaces and student eateries.