Selling inherited land in Arkansas
You can sell inherited land in Arkansas once the right person has authority to sign the deed. Whether that takes full probate depends on Arkansas's rules, the will, and the size of the estate.
Request an offerArkansas's small estate rules
In Arkansas, the simplified small estate process can be used for real estate in some cases.
The threshold: Distributee affidavit if the estate is $100,000 or less (less encumbrances, excluding homestead and spousal/minor-child allowances), 45 days after death, no administration pending.
If the estate contains real property, the distributee must publish notice within 30 days after filing the affidavit. The notice lets claims be made (3-month claims period).
Law: Ark. Code Ann. 28-41-101. Confirm current figures with the probate court.
Steps to sell inherited land in Arkansas
- Find the will, if there is one, and the deed or tax bill showing the parcel.
- Ask the probate court or an attorney which path applies: full probate, a small estate process, or another filing.
- Get written proof of who can sign, such as letters from the court. The title company will ask for it.
- If several heirs inherited the land, agree on the sale and the split in writing. See selling land owned by several heirs.
- Ask for a cash offer and compare it with a listing. Taxes and loans are paid from the sale at closing.
Taxes when you sell
Inherited land usually gets a stepped-up basis: its value on the date of death. If you sell close to that value, the taxable gain may be small. Our capital gains guide explains it. Ask a CPA about your numbers.
Arkansas land at a glance
- Average farm real estate value: $4,350 per acre (2026, USDA).
- Average property tax on farmland: about $8.55 per acre per year (2022 Census of Agriculture).
- Transfer tax: $3.30 per $1,000 of actual consideration (0.33%) on deeds where consideration exceeds $100.
- Seller disclosure: Arkansas has no statute requiring a private seller to deliver a property condition disclosure. Disclosure is left to the contract and licensee duties.
These are statewide averages, not an appraisal. See selling land in Arkansas for county values, or try the land value estimator.
How a cash sale handles this
Liberty Acres is a family-owned cash land buyer. We buy land anywhere in the US, in any condition, including land with back taxes, inherited land and land with no road access. We pay back taxes and all closing costs, use no agents and charge no commissions, and close through a title company, escrow company or real estate attorney who pays you by wire or check.
Common questions
Do I need probate to sell inherited land in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the simplified small estate process can be used for real estate in some cases. If the estate contains real property, the distributee must publish notice within 30 days after filing the affidavit. The notice lets claims be made (3-month claims period).
Who signs the deed when inherited land in Arkansas is sold?
The person with legal authority: usually the personal representative named by the court, or the heirs once title has passed to them. The title company confirms who must sign.
Do I pay tax when I sell inherited land?
Possibly, on gain above the stepped-up basis, which is generally the value on the date of death. See our capital gains guide and ask a CPA.
Sources
- Arkansas small estate law: Ark. Code Ann. 28-41-101
- USDA NASS Land Values 2026 and 2022 Census of Agriculture
State rules last checked 2026-10-10. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state, so talk to a local attorney or CPA about your situation.