Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Leake County

Property taxes in Leake County are calculated based on the assessed value of your real property and the local millage rate. The process begins with the County Tax Assessor, who determines the "true value" of your property. For tax purposes, property is categorized into classes, with residential property typically assessed at 10% of its fair market value. Once the assessed value is determined, the tax amount is calculated by multiplying that value by the total millage rate—a combination of levies from the county, school districts, and any applicable municipal entities. One mill is equal to one dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. These rates are adjusted annually to meet the budgetary requirements of local government services, including public schools, law enforcement, and infrastructure maintenance.

Available Exemptions

Mississippi law provides several exemptions to help reduce the tax burden for qualifying homeowners. These exemptions must be applied for annually through the Leake County Tax Assessor’s office:

• Homestead Exemption: Available to legal residents who occupy their home as their primary residence. This exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of the property, providing significant savings on county and school district taxes.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Homeowners aged 65 and older may qualify for an additional exemption on the assessed value of their primary residence, effectively shielding a larger portion of their home’s value from taxation.
• Disability Exemption: Individuals who are 100% disabled due to service-connected or non-service-connected factors may be eligible for total or partial tax exemptions depending on their specific classification.
• Veteran Exemption: Certain disabled veterans or their surviving spouses may qualify for specific exemptions as provided under state statutes.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Leake County are due annually. Tax bills are typically mailed in late autumn, and the deadline for payment is February 1st of the following year. While the county generally requires payment in full, it is essential to review your statement for any specific local policies regarding partial payments. Failure to pay by the February 1st deadline results in the property becoming delinquent. Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties monthly. If taxes remain unpaid, the property may be subject to a tax sale, where a tax lien is sold to cover the outstanding balance, potentially putting your ownership status at risk.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been overvalued, you have the right to appeal your assessment. The appeals process begins by contacting the Leake County Tax Assessor’s office during the designated review period, which typically occurs after the assessment rolls are open for public inspection. You must provide documentation to support your claim, such as recent appraisals, sales data of comparable properties in your neighborhood, or evidence of structural damage that may diminish property value. If you are dissatisfied with the Assessor’s decision, you may further appeal to the Leake County Board of Supervisors, which serves as the final local authority on assessment disputes.