Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Copiah County

In Copiah County, property taxes are calculated based on your property's assessed value and the local millage rate. The Copiah County Tax Assessor determines the "true value" (market value) of your property. For residential, owner-occupied properties (classified as Class I), the assessed value is established at 10% of this true value. For other real property, such as commercial buildings or non-owner-occupied homes (Class II), the assessment ratio is 15%.

The Copiah County Board of Supervisors, local school districts, and municipal authorities set millage rates annually to fund public services. A mill represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. To estimate your annual tax, multiply your property's assessed value by the total local millage rate applicable to your tax district.

Available Exemptions

Mississippi offers several property tax exemptions that can significantly lower your tax liability in Copiah County. Eligible homeowners must apply in person at the Tax Assessor's office between January 1 and April 1 to receive these benefits:

• Regular Homestead Exemption: Homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence are eligible for a tax credit of up to $290, depending on the assessed value of the property.
• Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons: Homeowners who are 65 years of age or older, or who are 100% permanently disabled, qualify for a complete exemption on the first $7,500 of their property's assessed value. This often eliminates the county property tax entirely for moderately valued homes.
• Disabled Veterans: Mississippi provides a complete property tax exemption on the primary residence of veterans who have a 100% service-connected, permanent disability.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Copiah County are mailed out in December of each year. To avoid penalties, taxpayers must adhere to the following schedule:

• Payment Deadline: All property taxes must be paid in full by February 1 of the year following the tax assessment.
• Late Penalties: Unpaid property taxes accrue interest at a rate of 1% per month starting February 2. Late fees and advertising costs will also be added to delinquent accounts.
• Tax Sale: If property taxes remain unpaid by the end of August, the county is legally required to sell the tax lien on the property at the annual public tax sale.

Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at the Copiah County Tax Collector's office located in the courthouse in Hazlehurst.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value of your property is higher than its actual market value, or if there is a factual error in your property record, you have the right to appeal. The assessment rolls are opened for public inspection each year in July.

To appeal, you should first contact the Copiah County Tax Assessor’s office for an informal review. If you cannot reach an agreement, you must file a formal, written objection with the Copiah County Board of Supervisors. This written appeal must be submitted by the first Monday in August. You will then be scheduled to present supporting evidence, such as a recent independent appraisal or sales data of comparable homes in your neighborhood, to the Board.