Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Pontotoc County

Property taxes in Pontotoc County are determined by a combination of 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. Under Mississippi law, property is assessed at a specific percentage of its true value: 15% for residential property and 30% for commercial property. This result is your "assessed value."

The total tax bill is calculated by multiplying your assessed value by the local millage rate. A mill represents one dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. The total millage rate is a combination of levies set by the Pontotoc County Board of Supervisors, the local school district, and any applicable municipal authorities. These rates are adjusted annually to meet budgetary requirements for public services, including road maintenance, law enforcement, and education.

Available Exemptions

Mississippi offers several exemptions to reduce the tax burden on qualifying homeowners. It is important to file for these exemptions with the Tax Assessor’s office by the annual April 1st deadline.

• Homestead Exemption: Available to individuals who own and occupy their primary residence as of January 1st. This exemption helps reduce the school tax portion of your bill.
• Senior Citizens: Homeowners aged 65 or older may qualify for an additional homestead exemption, which can further shield the assessed value of their primary residence from taxation.
• Disability Exemptions: Residents who are 100% disabled due to service-connected or non-service-connected causes may qualify for total or partial exemptions on their primary residence.
• Veteran Exemptions: Certain disabled veterans or their unremarried surviving spouses may be eligible for specific exemptions as provided by state statutes.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax payments in Pontotoc County are due annually. While the tax year runs from January 1st to December 31st, bills are typically mailed in the fall. The deadline for payment is February 1st of the following year. If payment is not received by this date, the taxes are considered delinquent.

Failure to pay by the deadline results in the accrual of interest and potential penalties. If taxes remain unpaid, the property may be subject to the annual tax sale, where the county auctions the right to collect the delinquent taxes. It is highly recommended to pay promptly to avoid these legal and financial complications.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been overvalued, you have the right to appeal your assessment. The process begins with the Pontotoc County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Board of Review. You must file a formal written objection regarding your property’s valuation within the timeframe specified by the county’s public notice, typically during the summer months. Be prepared to provide evidence, such as recent appraisals or sales data of comparable properties, to support your claim. If you are dissatisfied with the Board’s decision, further appeals may be directed to the Mississippi State Tax Commission or the local circuit court.