Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Lincoln County

Property taxes in Lincoln County, Mississippi, are determined by a formula involving the assessed value of your property and the local millage rate. The process begins with the County Tax Assessor, who determines the "true value" of your real and personal property. Once the true value is established, it is multiplied by an assessment ratio—15% for residential property—to arrive at the "assessed value." Your final tax bill is calculated by multiplying this assessed value by the total millage rate, which is the sum of levies set by the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors, the local school district, and any applicable municipal authorities. Millage rates fluctuate annually based on the budgetary needs of these local government entities.

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 Lincoln County Tax Assessor’s office.

• Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence. This exemption may reduce the tax liability on the first $7,500 of the assessed value.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Homeowners aged 65 or older as of January 1st of the tax year may qualify for additional protection, including a freeze on the valuation of their primary residence.
• Disability Exemption: Individuals who are 100% disabled due to service-connected or non-service-connected causes may be eligible for significant tax relief.
• Veteran Exemption: Certain honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for specific exemptions as defined by Mississippi state statutes.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Lincoln County are typically mailed in late autumn and are due by February 1st of the following year. To remain in good standing, taxpayers must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Full Payment: The total amount due must be paid on or before February 1st.
• Installment Options: While full payment is standard, taxpayers should contact the Lincoln County Tax Collector to inquire about specific partial payment programs or state-sanctioned installment plans if they are experiencing financial hardship.
• Late Consequences: Payments not received by the deadline are considered delinquent. Interest and penalties accrue monthly on unpaid balances. Failure to pay property taxes can eventually lead to the property being sold at a tax sale to satisfy the debt.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value of your property is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The process begins with an informal review with the Lincoln County Tax Assessor’s office to discuss the valuation data. If the dispute is not resolved, you may formally appeal to the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors during their designated equalization sessions, typically held in the summer. It is recommended that you provide supporting documentation, such as recent appraisals, photographs of property conditions, or sales data for comparable homes in your neighborhood, to justify your requested adjustment.