Property tax in Mississippi

“TIER 1: Regular Exemption – This exemption tier is available to qualified applicants under 65 years of age that do not qualify for a disability exemption under the next two tiers. Eligible applicants can receive a tax credit of up to $300 (based on property value) against taxes due on the property. … Homestead Exemption Applications are only accepted in the county Tax Assessor’s office during normal business hours between January 1 and April 1 of each year. … Applicants must own and occupy their home as their primary residence on January 1 of any year in which they seek homestead exemption. Ownership must be established prior to January 1st, and the ownership instrument filed with the Chancery Clerk’s office prior to January 7th, for any year in which exemption is sought. … Once an applicant has a valid, allowed homestead application on file, the applicant is credited with that exemption each year without the need to refile unless: … There has been a change in property description, ownership, use or occupancy since January 1 of the preceding year.”

“TIER 2: Age/Disability Exemption – This exemption tier is for qualified applicants who are at least 65 years of age, or totally disabled, by January 1 of the year in which exemption is sought. Applicants in this tier are exempt from taxes on the first $7,500 of assessed value of their homestead. After the first year, the exemption can increase to include most future increases in value. Applicants in this tier must provide proof of age (driver’s license or birth certificate) or proof of total disability. … For instance, when a homestead applicant turns 65 years old, they will need to reapply during the next filing period to avail themselves of the increased exemption tier.”

“This exemption tier is for qualified applicants who are at least 65 years of age, or totally disabled, by January 1 of the year in which exemption is sought. … Acceptable proof of total disability includes: Classification as totally disabled under the federal Social Security Act (42 USCS Section 416(i)), the Railroad Retirement Act, or any other federal act approved by the Department of Revenue. Classification as totally disabled under the provisions of a retirement plan that is qualified under the United States Internal Revenue Code. Internal Revenue Service Schedule 3 and Schedule R. Detailed letter from two physicians outlining the disability and expected duration.”

“TIER 3: Total Exemption – As defined below, qualified applicants under this tier are exempt from all property taxes on their qualifying homesteads. Applicants classified as service-connected, total disability as an American veteran who has been honorably discharged from military service and their unremarried surviving spouses. Applicants who are honorably discharged American veterans at least 90 years old on or before January 1 of the year in which exemption is claimed, and their unremarried surviving spouses. Applicants who are the unremarried surviving spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces who was killed or died on active duty. … Homestead Exemption Applications are only accepted in the county Tax Assessor’s office during normal business hours between January 1 and April 1 of each year.”