Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Lawrence County

Property taxes in Lawrence County are determined by a combination of your property’s assessed value and the local millage rate. The process begins with the County Tax Assessor, who determines the "true value" of your real and personal property. In Mississippi, residential property is assessed at 10% of its fair market value. Once this assessed value is established, it is multiplied by the total millage rate—a tax rate set by the Board of Supervisors, the local school district, and municipal authorities. One mill is equal to one-tenth of one cent ($0.001) per dollar of assessed value. Your final tax bill represents the cumulative funding required for essential local services, including public schools, law enforcement, road maintenance, and emergency services.

Available Exemptions

Mississippi offers several exemptions designed to reduce the tax burden for qualified homeowners. These must be filed annually with the Lawrence County Tax Assessor’s office.

• Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence. This exemption reduces the assessed value subject to taxation, specifically shielding a portion of the property's value from school district taxes.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Homeowners aged 65 or older may qualify for an additional exemption, often providing total relief from school district taxes on the first $75,000 of the home's assessed value.
• Disability Exemption: Individuals who are 100% permanently disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration or other qualifying agencies may be eligible for significant tax reductions.
• Veteran Exemption: Veterans with a service-connected total disability may qualify for specific exemptions, including full or partial exemptions on the primary residence depending on the nature of the disability rating.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Tax bills are typically mailed by the Lawrence County Tax Collector in late fall. Property taxes for the current year are due in full by February 1 of the following year. While the county prefers full payment, you may opt to pay in three installments: the first half is due by February 1, the second quarter by May 1, and the final balance by August 1. Failure to pay by these deadlines results in interest charges and penalties. If taxes remain unpaid after the annual land sale, which typically occurs in late August, your property may be subject to a tax lien sale, potentially leading to the loss of the property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value of your property is inaccurate or exceeds its fair market value, you have the legal right to appeal. The process begins by contacting the Lawrence County Tax Assessor’s office during the designated assessment review period, which usually occurs in the summer months. You will be required to provide evidence supporting your claim, such as recent appraisals, sales data of comparable properties, or documentation of property damage. If the issue is not resolved informally with the Assessor, you may present your case to the Lawrence County Board of Supervisors, who act as the final local authority on assessment disputes.