Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Rankin County

In Rankin County, property taxes are determined by a calculation 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 the state-mandated assessment ratio—typically 10% for residential homes—to reach the "assessed value."

The total tax bill is then calculated by applying the millage rate (tax rate) to the assessed value. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. These rates are set annually by the Rankin County Board of Supervisors, municipalities, and local school districts to fund essential public services, including infrastructure, public safety, and education.

Available Exemptions

Mississippi offers several exemptions to help reduce the tax burden for eligible residents. To qualify, you must file an application with the Rankin County Tax Assessor’s office.

• Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners who occupy their primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. This reduces the taxable value of your home.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Taxpayers aged 65 or older may qualify for an additional exemption on their primary residence, often resulting in a complete exemption from school district taxes on a portion of the home’s value.
• Disability Exemption: Homeowners who are 100% disabled due to a service-connected injury or a total non-service-connected disability may be eligible for significant tax relief.
• Veteran Exemption: Disabled American Veterans may receive specific exemptions based on the percentage of disability and state guidelines.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Rankin County are due annually. The tax collection period typically begins in October, and the deadline for payment is February 1 of the following year. It is important to note the following regarding payments:

• Full Payment: Taxes must be paid in full by the February 1 deadline to avoid penalties.
• Installment Options: While Rankin County expects timely payment, residents should contact the Tax Collector’s office to verify if specific installment plans are currently offered for their account.
• Late Consequences: Payments received after February 1 are considered delinquent. Interest and penalties will accrue monthly on the unpaid balance, and continued failure to pay can eventually lead to the property being sold at a tax sale.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value of your property is inaccurate or higher than the fair market value, you have the right to appeal. The process begins with the Rankin County Board of Supervisors during their equalization hearings. You must file a formal objection, providing evidence such as recent appraisals, sales data of comparable properties in your neighborhood, or documentation of structural issues. It is recommended to contact the Tax Assessor’s office early in the year to discuss your valuation before the formal appeal deadline, which typically occurs during the board’s summer sessions.