Notice of Mississippi Homestead Exemption Rights

What is Homestead Exemption?

Homestead exemption was first established in Mississippi during the Special Legislative Session of 1938. At the time the purpose of providing homestead exemption benefits was "to recognize and give effect to the principal of tax-free homes as public policy in Mississippi, to encourage home building and ownership, and give additional security to family groups."

Homestead exemption benefits are available to any property owner who meets the requirements of the homestead exemption laws of Mississippi and the rules and regulations of the Mississippi State Tax Commission. Applying got and being eligible to receive homestead exemption benefits entitles the property owner to receive an exemption from all ad valorem taxes assessed to the property, limited to the first $7,500.00 of assessed value, and limited to $300.00 of actual exempted tax dollars.

The property owner who applies for and is eligible to receive homestead exemption benefits, and who is also over sixty-five years of age or 100% disabled, also received the exemption from all ad valorem taxes assessed to the property, limited to the first $7,500.00 of assessed value of the property. However, there is no dollar limit placed on the actual exempted dollars.

Requirements for Eligibility

Must be in compliance with all of the following as of January 1 of the year application is made:

1. Applicant must be considered head of a family.
2. Applicant must own the property and reside on the property on January 1 of the year the application is made.
3. Property must be the primary residence of the applicant(s).
4. Applicant, applicant's spouse, and any joint owners must be bona fide residents of the state.
5. Applicant(s) must be in compliance with the Mississippi income tax requirements.
6. All vehicles owned by or in possession of the applicant(s) must have Mississippi license plates.
7. Applicant(s) can file for homestead exemption on only ONE residence in the state.

First-Time Filing

Application for homestead exemption benefits must be filed between January 1 and April 31. You must go in person to the Tax Assessor's office the first time you file for homestead exemption benefits. Each year after that your homestead exemption benefits are automatically renewed unless there has been a change in your filing status.

Changes in Homestead Exemption Status

If any of the following changes occur, you must file a new application in the Tax Assessor's Office:

1. Marriage, divorce, separation, or death of spouse or joint owner.
2. Change in ownership, use or occupancy
3. Acquisition of new property or change in property description
4. First time to apply for being over sixty-five years of age or 100% disabled.

If you no longer qualify for homestead exemption benefits, you must notify the assessor's office.

Failure to notify the tax assessor's office of changes in the status of the homestead may result in a fine up to $5,000.00 or two years imprisonment, or both.