Phillips County Public Records Search
Phillips County public records are maintained by several offices in Helena, Arkansas. The county clerk, circuit clerk, assessor, collector, and sheriff each keep distinct sets of documents covering court cases, land records, vital records, property data, and arrest logs. This page explains what each Phillips County office holds, how to reach them, and how to search or request records in person, by mail, or online.
Phillips County Records Overview
Phillips County Circuit Clerk Court Records
Circuit Clerk Tamekia Franklin is at 620 Cherry Street, Suite 212, Helena, AR 72342. Mailing address: P.O. Box 744, Helena, AR 72342. Phone: (870) 338-5515. Fax: (870) 338-5566. Email: circuitclerk@pccca.net. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. More information is available at phillipscounty.arkansas.gov.
The Phillips County Circuit Clerk is the clerk of the civil, criminal, domestic relations, and juvenile courts, and the ex-officio recorder for land documents. Court records here include civil case filings, criminal case histories, divorce records, child support files, and juvenile court documents. Land documents recorded here include deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. Recording fees are $15.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page. The Real Property Transfer Tax is $3.30 per $1,000 of consideration on transactions over $100.
Court filing fees include: $165.00 for new civil or domestic cases, $2.50 per person for summons and subpoenas, $150.00 for district court criminal appeals, $50.00 to reopen a case, $140.00 for a process server application (renewal is $50.00), $20.00 for writs, and $5.00 per document for certified copies plus $1.00 per page. For free statewide court case searches, use Arkansas CourtConnect, where you can look up cases by name or case number.
Note: Under Arkansas Code 25-19-105, all government agencies must respond to public records requests within three business days.
Phillips County Clerk: Vital Records and Probate
County Clerk Shakira Winfield is at 620 Cherry Street, Suite 202, Helena, AR 72342. Mailing address: P.O. Box 741, Helena, AR 72342. Phone: (870) 338-5505. Fax: (870) 338-5530. Email: phillipsclerk@sbcglobal.net. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. See phillipscounty.arkansas.gov for more.
The County Clerk holds marriage licenses, probate court records, voter registration, county court records, DBA/Assumed Business Name filings ($25.00), and minister credentials. Marriage licenses cost $60.00 cash only. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID. If under 21, a birth certificate is required. If previously married, a certified divorce decree or death certificate is needed. No blood test is required. No waiting period for adults 18 and older. Licenses are valid for 60 days.
Probate records cover decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. Adoption records are sealed by law. Probate case filing fees are approximately $165.00. Copy fees are $1.00 per page, plus $5.00 for certification. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by money order.
Phillips County Assessor and Property Data
County Assessor Jackie Hall is at 620 Cherry Street, Suite 205, Helena, AR 72342. Phone: (870) 338-5535. Fax: (870) 338-5540. Email: phillipsassessor@sbcglobal.net. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. See phillipscounty.arkansas.gov for more. The Assessor values all real and personal property in Phillips County at 20% of current market value.
Real property is assessed from January 1 through July 1 each year. Personal property must be assessed by May 31. Late filings carry a 10% penalty. The Assessor handles homestead exemption applications ($350 tax credit for primary residences) and disabled veteran exemption applications. Property owners can search Phillips County property data for free at actDataScout.com. The portal lets you search by owner name, property address, parcel number, or legal description. It shows property values, assessments, ownership history, and tax status.
The screenshot below is from the Arkansas CourtConnect public access portal, the free statewide court search tool used to find Phillips County circuit court records.
CourtConnect is free to use with no login required for basic case searches. It covers all Arkansas circuit courts including Phillips County.
Phillips County Sheriff and Arrest Records
Sheriff Neal Byrd is at 619 Perry Street, Helena, AR 72342. Phone: (870) 338-5550. Fax: (870) 338-5555. For emergencies dial 911. The Sheriff maintains arrest records, booking logs, incident reports, and the county jail roster for Phillips County. These are public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
To get arrest records or incident reports from the Phillips County Sheriff, submit a request in person at 619 Perry Street or by written mail. For statewide criminal history requests, contact the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC). The Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search covers individuals held in state prison. The Sheriff's Office also handles civil process service and warrant enforcement throughout the county.
Phillips County Collector and Tax Records
County Collector Kim Ivy is at 620 Cherry Street, Suite 206, Helena, AR 72342. Phone: (870) 338-5545. Fax: (870) 338-5546. Email: phillipscollector@sbcglobal.net. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. More info at phillipscounty.arkansas.gov. Property taxes are due from March 1 through October 15. Late payments carry a 10% penalty. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and online through taxpayment.countyservice.net using County Code PHILTAX.
County Treasurer Cynthia Sanders manages county funds at 620 Cherry Street, Helena, AR 72342. Phone: (870) 338-5525. Property tax records, payment histories, and delinquent tax lists are public records in Arkansas. For birth and death certificates, contact the Arkansas Department of Health, which maintains those statewide.
Note: Phillips County property owners who miss the October 15 tax deadline face a 10% penalty. Delinquent properties may eventually be sold at a tax sale. Check current tax status through the county collector before closing on any real estate in Helena-West Helena or surrounding areas.
Arkansas FOIA and Phillips County Records Requests
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act applies to all Phillips County government offices. Any person can request records. You do not need to state a reason or be an Arkansas resident. Requests must be submitted in writing, either in person or by mail. The agency has three business days to respond.
Most routine requests for court records, property records, arrest records, and government documents are fulfilled without issue. If a request is denied, the agency must cite the specific legal exemption. County offices can charge reasonable copying fees but cannot charge for time spent searching. The Arkansas Crime Information Center handles formal statewide criminal history requests. Business entity records are searchable at the Arkansas Secretary of State website for free.
Nearby County Records
Phillips County is in the Arkansas delta region and borders several other counties, each with its own records offices.