HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION INFORMATION

What is the Homestead Exemption?

A homestead exemption gives you a tax credit on property that you use as your permanent residence. The amount of credit allowed depends on the total value of your property.  Property that qualifies for homestead credit will receive a 10% assessment of the true value; all other property is assessed at 15%.  You will then receive a tax credit of $6.00 to $300.00 depending on the assessed value of your property.  The maximum amount of assessed value allowed under homestead is $7500.00 or approximately $75,000.00 true value.  

Who May File?  

Every person who has legal or equitable title to real property in Mississippi and who has recorded the title instrument in the public records of the county where application is made. The applicant must reside on the property as of January 1st and must in good faith, make it their permanent residence to be eligible. For example, if you were residing in your permanent residence on January 1, 2004, then you are eligible for a 2004 homestead exemption.

When to File?   

Exemption applications must be made between January 1st and April 1st for the tax year eligible. For example, if you are living in your permanent home on January 1st, 2004 then you have until the close of business of April 1, 2004 to file your homestead exemption for that year.

Where to Apply? 

Tax Assessor's Office, 100 Court St, Mendenhall, Ms. 39114

First Time Applicants.

First-time applicants must come in person to file their application. Only one signature is required for joint owners who are married with the same last name; however, all documentation listed below must be provided. All signatures are necessary if owners who occupy the home have different last names.

The Following Information Is Required.

1. Recorded Warranty Deed or last tax bill.
2. Mississippi Driver License reflecting current residential address:
3. Mississippi Vehicle Registrations reflecting current residential address. All vehicles owned by the applicants must have resident Mississippi registrations. This also applies to military personnel. Leased vehicles and nonresident registrations CANNOT be accepted.

4. Social Security Numbers. Social Security numbers are required for all owners listed on the deed or application.

Renewal. 

The Tax Assessor�s will automatically renew your homestead application as long as there has been no changes in title, marital status, or change of address.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If I buy a property, which currently has a homestead exemption, do I get the benefit of that

exemption for the remainder of the year?
If the seller had homestead exemption, the buyer may have the advantage of the seller's homestead exemption for the remainder of the sale year. However, the ''carried over'' homestead exemption will be removed as of December 31st of the sale year. The new owner must apply by the deadline for homestead exemption in their name for the following year. For example, if you purchase a homesteaded home in June of 2004, you will get the benefit of the previous owner's homestead exemption until December 31, 2004. For 2005, you must file an original homestead exemption application by April 1, 2005.

If I buy a new home, may I transfer my homestead exemption?
If you currently have a homestead exemption and purchased a new home the homestead credit will not be transferred to the new home.  The property will be assessed to the titled owner as of January 1^st and the taxes should be pro-rated between the buyer and seller at the time of closing for taxes coming due.

Do I have to be a citizen to qualify?
Citizenship is not a requirement to file for homestead exemption. However, an applicant who is not a U.S. citizen must prove that they have permanent residency status when they apply and a social security number.

What if the property is in a trust?
The applicant must furnish this office with a copy of the trust agreement. Mississippi law specifies those situations under which the resident may obtain homestead exemption. The Mississippi Constitution requires that the homestead claimant have legal title or beneficial title in equity to the property.

Can I get a homestead exemption on a mobile home?
Yes, if you possess a mobile home Real Property Certification and own the land. When applying, you must bring in the title or registration to the mobile home.

Who may Apply?

Mississippi residents who have a homestead exemption may qualify for an additional benefit of homestead exemption if they meet the following criteria:
1. Be at least 65 years of age as of January the 1st of the year they want to file.
2. Make an application between January 1^st and April 1^st of that year

This benefit will exempt property with an assessed value of $7500.00 or less.  If your property is assessed over $7500.00, you pay taxes only on the amount over the $7500.00. For example, if your property is appraised at $100,000.00 true value the assessed value will be $10,000.00.  Subtract the $7500.00 special homestead value, which leaves $2500.00 assessed value that the tax levy will be applied.  If the tax levy is 80 mills the taxes owed will be $200.00.