What is a Quitclaim Deed in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, a quitclaim deed is used to transfer property from an owner (“Grantor”) to a new owner (“Grantee”) without any promises or guarantees about the property’s title. Quitclaim deeds are a quick way to transfer property, but they offer the lowest security among real estate deeds in Arkansas.
What is the Difference Between a Quitclaim Deed and a Warranty Deed in Arkansas?
The main difference between quitclaim deeds and warranty deeds in Arkansas is that a quitclaim deed provides less security to the new owner.
A warranty deed provides stronger assurances about the title’s validity and the Grantor’s legal ownership. A quitclaim deed simply transfers the Grantor’s interest in the property without any guarantees.
The choice between the two types of deeds depends on the type of real estate transaction and the level of trust between the parties involved.
How Do Quitclaim Deeds Work in Arkansas?
Laws surrounding quitclaim deeds are found in Chapter 18 of the Arkansas Code titled Property.
In Arkansas, to transfer property using a quitclaim deed, there must be a statement indicating that the Grantor intends to “grant, convey, and quitclaim” the property to the Grantee. Words such as “sell” and “bargain” are considered to imply warranty, and are avoided in quitclaims in Arkansas.
Once prepared, the quitclaim deed must be recorded in the Office of the Circuit Clerk in the county where the property is located..
Can You Prepare Your Own Quitclaim Deed in Arkansas?
You can prepare your own quitclaim deed in Arkansas. A professional drafter is not legally required.
If a drafter prepares the deed, their name and address must be included on the first page of the deed.
Arkansas Quitclaim Deed Requirements
For the quitclaim deed to be legally valid in Arkansas, the deed must follow certain state-specific rules.
Formatting Requirements
Formatting requirements for quitclaim deeds in Arkansas include:
1. Paper size: 8.5 x 11 inches.
2. Margins:
- 2.5-inch top right
- 0.5-inch sides and bottoms on each page
- The last page must have a 2.5-inch bottom margin.
3. Include space for the recorder on the top right of the first page.
Content Requirements
Content requirements for quitclaim deeds in Arkansas include:
- Grantor’s name and address.
- Grantee’s name and address.
- Include the deed title “Quitclaim.”
- The preparer’s name and address must be on the first page.
- Return name and address.
- Consideration (the price paid) should be mentioned on the first page.
- Granting clause – a statement describing the transfer the parties have agreed to.
- The property’s address.
- Property’s legal description.
- Confirmation of tax payment.
The Grantee must confirm the tax status of the deed with one of the following:
- The deed includes the required amount in documentary stamps.
- The deed includes confirmation of tax paid.
- A statement confirming the basis of tax exemption.
Who Signs a Quitclaim Deed in Arkansas?
For a quitclaim deed to be legally valid in Arkansas, it must be signed by the Grantor.
If the Grantor is married and the property is a homestead, both spouses must sign the deed. Even if the property is owned only by one spouse, the non-owner spouse must waive their rights by signing a waiver.
A notary and two witnesses must authenticate the Grantor’s signature.
How to File a Quitclaim Deed in Arkansas
Here’s how to file a quitclaim deed in Arkansas:
- Prepare the quitclaim deed with the information required.
- Ensure all taxes and fees are paid; complete the transfer tax certification.
- The Grantee must sign and submit a Real Property Tax Affidavit of Compliance form when filing a deed with the county recorder.
- Ensure the Grantor signs the quitclaim deed in the presence of a notary and two disinterested witnesses.
- File the quitclaim deed at the Office of the Circuit Clerk in the county where the property is located.
How Much Does it Cost to File a Quitclaim Deed in Arkansas?
The fee structure to file a quitclaim deed in Arkansas is as follows:
- $15 for the first page, one side only (A two-sided printed deed counts as two pages).
- $5 for each additional page.
What Taxes Are Owed on Quitclaim Deeds in Arkansas?
The transfer of property through a quitclaim deed triggers the following tax in Arkansas: Real Property Transfer Tax.
- The tax rate is $3.30 per $1,000 of actual consideration for transactions that exceed $100.
- This tax applies to deeds, instruments, or writings that transfer or convey lands, tenements, or other real property.
In Arkansas, many transfers that are generally filed under quitclaim deeds are tax-exempt, including:
- Real estate transfers valued at less than $100
- Deeds for debt security.
- Corrective or replacement deeds.
- Leasehold interest transfer deeds.
- Divorce property division deeds.
- Business entity deeds (corporations, LLCs).
Federal tax rules may also apply to Arkansas quitclaim deeds.
How Long Does a Quitclaim Deed Take to be Recorded in Arkansas?
The length of time to record a quitclaim deed in Arkansas depends on the processes, procedures, and population of each county. It can range anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
What Happens After a Quitclaim Deed is Recorded in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, once the quitclaim deed is signed and filed, the county will process the document.
If the deed is clear of any previous filings, the transfer of the property’s ownership will be made public.
How Long Are Quitclaim Deeds Valid For in Arkansas?
There is no expiration for quitclaim deeds in Arkansas. However, the statute of limitations for breaching a written contract in Arkansas is 5 years.
Sources
- 1 Hill v. Gilliam, 284 Ark. 383, 682 S.W.2d 737 (Ark. 1985)
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“..A quit-claim deed conveys the interest of the grantor in the property described in the deed.. The intent of the parties is ascertained by looking to the deed and the context in which it was made.. The unlikeliness that the grantor of a quit-claim deed intended the reservation as notice to the grantee of a third party’s one-half interest in the minerals…”
Source Link - 2 Ark. Code § 18-12-102
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(b) The words, “grant, bargain and sell” shall be an express covenant to the grantee, his or her heirs, and assigns that the grantor is seized of an indefeasible estate in fee simple, free from encumbrance done or suffered from the grantor..
Source Link - 3 Ark. Code § 14-15-404
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Effect of recording instruments affecting title to property
(a) (1) Every deed, bond, or instrument of writing affecting the title.. shall be constructive notice to all persons from the time the instrument is filed for record in the office of the county recorder of the proper county.
Source Link - 4 Ark. Code § 14-15-403
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(a) No instrument by which the title to real estate or personal property, or any interest therein.. (1) The name and address of the person who, and the governmental agency, if any, which, prepared the instrument appears on the face of the first page thereof..
Source Link - 5 Ark. Code § 14-15-402
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b) (1) To be accepted by the county recorder for recording purposes, all documents shall: (A) Be on eight and one-half by eleven inch (8 1/2’x11′) paper;
(B) Have a two and one-half inch (2.5′) margin at the right top of the first page..
Source Link - 6 Ark. Code § 26-60-110
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(a) Before an instrument evidencing a transfer of real property is accepted by a county recorder for recordation, the grantee, buyer, or the agent of the grantee or buyer shall furnish proof of payment of tax or proof of an exemption from payment of the tax required in this chapter…
Source Link - 7 Ark. Code § 18-12-403
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No conveyance, mortgage, or other instrument affecting the homestead of any married person shall be of any validity, except for taxes, laborers’ and mechanics’ liens, and purchase money, unless his or her spouse joins in the execution of the instrument, or conveys by separate document, and acknowledges it.
Source Link - 8 Ark. Code § 18-12-201
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Proof or acknowledgment as prerequisite to recording real estate conveyances
All deeds and other instruments in writing for the conveyance of any real estate, or by which any real estate may be affected in law or equity, shall be proven or duly acknowledged in conformity with the provisions of this act before they or any of them shall be admitted to record.
Execution of deeds: Deeds and instruments of writing for the conveyance of real estate shall be executed in the presence of two (2) disinterested witnesses or, in default thereof, shall be acknowledged by the grantor in the presence of two (2) such witnesses…
Source Link - 9 Ark. Code § 26-60-107
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Real Property Transfer Tax Affidavit of Compliance form (a) (1) The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration shall design a “Real Property Transfer Tax Affidavit of Compliance” form..
Source Link - 10 Ark. Code § 21-6-306
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Recorders (a) (1) The uniform fees to be charged by the recorders in the various counties in this state shall be as follows: (A) For recording deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, release deeds, powers of attorney, plats, survey plats, notary bonds, foreign judgments, materialmen’s liens, and other recordable instruments, except as otherwise prescribed in this section, fifteen dollars ($15.00) for one (1) page, one (1) side only, and five dollars ($5.00) for each additional page;
Source Link - 11 Ark. Code § 26-60-105
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There is levied on each deed, instrument, or writing by which any lands, tenements.. or other realty conveyed exceeds one hundred dollars ($100), a tax at the rate of one dollar and ten cents ($1.10) for each one thousand dollars ($1,000) or fractional part thereof.
Source Link - 12 Ark. Code § 26-60-102
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The real property transfer tax imposed by this chapter shall not apply to a transfer of the following: .. (1) A transfer to or from the United States, the State of Arkansas, or any of the instrumentalities, agencies, or political subdivisions of the United States or the State of Arkansas; (2) Any instrument or writing given solely to secure a debt…
Source Link - 13 Ark. Code § 16-56-111
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a) Actions to enforce written obligations, duties, or rights, except those to which § 4-4-111 is applicable, shall be commenced within five (5) years after the cause of action shall accrue.
Source Link