How to apply for Mississippi Homestead Exemption, with the larger exemption for homeowners 65 or older or totally disabled

Who it's for

Mississippi's homestead exemption lowers the property tax on the home you own and live in. Most homeowners under 65 can get a tax credit of up to $300 a year, based on the home's value. Homeowners who are at least 65, or totally disabled, by January 1 get a bigger break: no taxes on the first $7,500 of assessed value of the home, and after the first year the exemption can grow to cover most future increases in value. Some veterans with a total service-connected disability, honorably discharged veterans age 90 or older, and certain surviving spouses pay no property tax on the home at all. You must own and live in the home as your main home on January 1. Apply at the Tax Assessor's office in your county between January 1 and April 1. Once your application is approved, it carries over each year, but you must reapply when you turn 65 to get the larger exemption, and after changes like marriage, a death, or a new deed.

What you'll need

• Social Security numbers for all applicants
• Date of birth for all applicants
• Physical address of the property (not a P.O. box)
• Total purchase price and down payment of the property
• HUD closing statement or other transaction documents
• Current tag numbers for all vehicles you own or use
• If 65 or older: a driver's license or birth certificate
• If totally disabled: proof such as a Social Security disability award or letters from two doctors

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Check that you qualify. You must own and live in the home as your main home on January 1.
2. Gather your documents. Have Social Security numbers and dates of birth for all applicants, the property's physical address, the total purchase price and down payment, the HUD closing statement or other transaction documents, and current tag numbers for all vehicles you own or use.
3. Gather extra proof if it applies. If you are 65 or older, have a driver's license or birth certificate. If you are totally disabled, have proof such as a Social Security disability award or letters from two doctors.
4. Apply through your county Tax Assessor between January 1 and April 1. Applications are taken only at the county Tax Assessor's office during this time.
5. Complete the application carefully. Make sure the details match your records and include all required documents.
6. File your Mississippi income taxes on time and keep your vehicles registered. The exemption can be taken away and you may have to pay it back if these requirements are not met.

What to expect: After you apply, the county Tax Assessor makes the final decision. Processing times vary, so ask the office for an estimate if needed. Once approved, the exemption carries over each year unless something changes. You must reapply when you turn 65 to get the larger exemption, and after changes like marriage, a death, or a new deed.

Renewals

one-time (carries over each year unless something changes)