Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Stone County

Property taxes in Stone County are calculated based on the assessed value of your real property and the local millage rate. The assessment process begins with the Stone County Tax Assessor, who determines the "true value" of your property. By law, residential property is assessed at 10% of its fair market value, while commercial property is assessed at 15%. Once the assessed value is established, it is multiplied by the total millage rate—a combination of levies set by the Stone County Board of Supervisors, the local school district, and any applicable municipal authorities. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. These funds are essential for maintaining public schools, county infrastructure, emergency services, and administrative operations.

Available Exemptions

Mississippi offers several property tax exemptions designed to reduce the financial burden on homeowners. To qualify, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year.

• Homestead Exemption: Available to all eligible primary residents, this reduces the tax burden on a portion of the home’s assessed value.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Homeowners aged 65 or older may qualify for an additional exemption, often shielding the first $75,000 of the home's true value from certain school taxes.
• Disability Exemption: Individuals who are totally and permanently disabled may be eligible for expanded homestead benefits.
• Veteran Exemption: Veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled are generally exempt from all ad valorem taxes on their primary residence.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Stone County are typically mailed in the fall and are due by February 1 of the following year. While taxpayers are encouraged to pay in full, Mississippi law allows for installment payments: one-half of the taxes may be paid by February 1, one-fourth by May 1, and the final one-fourth by August 1. Failure to pay by the statutory deadlines will result in interest charges and penalties. If taxes remain unpaid, the property may be subject to a tax sale, where the state sells the tax lien to an investor, potentially leading to the loss of property ownership if the debt is not redeemed within the designated period.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been overvalued, you have the right to appeal your assessment. The process begins with the Stone County Board of Supervisors, which sits as a Board of Review. You must file a formal protest within the time frame specified in the annual assessment notice, typically during the designated review period. It is recommended that you gather evidence to support your claim, such as recent appraisals, photographs of property conditions, or data regarding comparable sales in your neighborhood. If you are dissatisfied with the Board of Supervisors' decision, you may further appeal to the Stone County Circuit Court.