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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Harrison County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Harrison County, MS. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% of assessed value, varies by special taxing districts and municipalities within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Harrison County, Mississippi operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property taxes are based on assessed values determined by the Harrison County Tax Assessor's office, with tax rates varying by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, municipal service areas, and special improvement districts.

The effective tax rate in Harrison County typically ranges around 1% of assessed value, though this can vary significantly based on your specific location and applicable special district taxes. Property is assessed at its fair market value, and various tax credits may be available to qualifying property owners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied. The county's property tax system operates on a fiscal year basis, with regular assessment cycles and established payment schedules administered through the Tax Collector's office.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General FundVaries by districtBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school district funding
Municipal ServicesVaries by areaCity/town services where applicable
Special AssessmentsUp to 1 millDiscretionary levy by Board of Supervisors
Debt ServiceVariesBond payments for infrastructure projects

Note: The 2025 property tax rates for Harrison County have not yet been finalized. Rates shown are estimates based on 2024 data. Actual rates vary significantly by special taxing district within the county. Contact the Tax Assessor's office for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

Levy Year: Rates apply to the current assessment period and are subject to annual adjustment by local governing bodies.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Harrison County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Harrison County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that affect the property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current property values and ownership throughout the entire tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the applicable tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from the date of the change. For example, if a property improvement increases the assessed value by $50,000 in July, and the tax rate is 1%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $250 (($50,000 × 0.01) × 6/12 months remaining).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $3,000
  • Monthly Payment: $250

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $6,000
  • Monthly Payment: $500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $10,000
  • Monthly Payment: $833

Note: Tax credits shown require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by special district location within Harrison County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Harrison County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest to ensure timely tax payments. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount as allowed by federal regulations.

Property tax bills in Harrison County are typically issued annually, and lenders receive these bills directly to make payments on behalf of property owners. It's important for homeowners to review their annual escrow analysis statements and property tax bills to ensure accuracy. If you believe your property taxes are incorrect or if your escrow payments seem too high or low, contact your lender and verify the information with the Harrison County Tax Collector's office.

For current payment information, tax bill verification, and online payment options, visit the Harrison County Tax Collector at: https://www.harrisonco.org/tax-collector/

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Harrison County? A: Property tax due dates vary by district within Harrison County. Contact the Tax Collector's office for specific due dates applicable to your property location.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Harrison County offers various tax credits including homestead credits and veterans' disability credits. All credits require separate applications through the Tax Assessor's office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must file an application with the Tax Assessor's office to qualify, and the credit is not automatic.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Harrison County conducts regular property assessments. Contact the Tax Assessor's office at https://www.harrisonco.org/tax-assessor/ for current assessment schedules.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed within specific deadlines with the Harrison County Tax Assessor's office. Visit https://www.harrisonco.org/tax-assessor/ for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates are established by county ordinance. Contact the Tax Collector's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Harrison County offers online payment options through the Tax Collector's website at https://www.harrisonco.org/tax-collector/

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Harrison County? A: Property tax rates vary based on special taxing districts including school districts, municipal service areas, and special improvement districts. Your specific location determines which districts apply to your property.

Q: What is the 100% disabled veteran exemption? A: Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings may qualify for total property tax exemption. This requires application and proof of disability status through the Tax Assessor's office.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts may levy additional taxes up to certain limits (such as the 1 mill discretionary levy) for specific purposes. These taxes appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by location within the county.

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