Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Bolivar County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Bolivar County

Property taxes in Bolivar County are determined by the assessed value of your property multiplied by the local millage rate. The process begins with the County Tax Assessor, who determines the "true value" of your real estate. Under Mississippi law, property is assessed at a specific percentage of its true value based on its classification: Class I (primary residences) are assessed at 10%, while Class II (business property) and Class III (non-primary residential) are assessed at 15%. The resulting figure is your "assessed value." This value is then multiplied by the millage rate—the tax rate per dollar of assessed value—which is set annually by the Bolivar County Board of Supervisors and local municipal authorities to fund schools, roads, and emergency services.

Available Exemptions

Mississippi offers several exemptions to reduce the tax burden on qualified residents. These must be filed annually with the Bolivar County Tax Assessor’s office.

• Homestead Exemption: Available to individuals who own and occupy their primary residence as of January 1st. This provides significant relief on the first $7,500 of assessed value.
• Senior Citizens: Homeowners aged 65 or older may qualify for an additional exemption on the assessed value of their primary residence.
• Disability Exemptions: Residents who are 100% disabled due to service-connected or non-service-connected causes may be eligible for total or partial exemption from ad valorem taxes.
• Veteran Exemptions: Certain disabled veterans or their unremarried surviving spouses may qualify for specific exemptions as provided by state statutes.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Bolivar County are billed annually. Tax bills are typically mailed in the fall and are due by February 1st of the following year. While the full amount is due by this deadline, taxpayers may opt to pay in three installments: the first by February 1st, the second by May 1st, and the final payment by July 1st. It is critical to adhere to these dates; failure to pay by the statutory deadlines results in the accrual of interest and penalties. Delinquent taxes may eventually lead to the property being sold at a tax sale, which can place a lien on your home and jeopardize your ownership rights.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been overvalued or incorrectly classified, you have the right to appeal. The assessment roll is open for public inspection during the first week of August each year. During this window, you may file a written objection with the Bolivar County Board of Supervisors. You will be scheduled for a hearing where you must provide evidence, such as recent appraisals, comparable sales, or photographs, to support your claim that the assessment does not reflect the fair market value of the property. Following the board’s decision, if you remain dissatisfied, further appeals may be directed to the Mississippi State Tax Commission or the local Circuit Court.