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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jefferson Davis County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district, typically 50-80 mills (5.0%-8.0%) total rate including school, county, and municipal taxes
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county operations, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety. Property taxes are levied on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county boundaries. The county follows Mississippi's standard assessment practices, with residential properties typically assessed at 10% of market value and commercial properties at 15%.

The effective tax rate in Jefferson Davis County varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, school district boundaries, and municipal service areas. Property owners can expect rates to fluctuate based on their specific geographic location and the various taxing authorities that serve their area. The county allows property tax payments to be made in two installments, with the first payment due by February 1st and the second by October 1st, providing flexibility for property owners in managing their tax obligations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (mills)Description
Jefferson Davis County Schools51.42School district operations and debt service
County General FundVariesCounty operations, roads, public safety
Municipal DistrictsVariesCity services (where applicable)
Special Assessment DistrictsVariesDrainage, fire protection, other special services

Note: Rates shown are based on most recent available data. The 2025 tax rates will be set by the Board of Supervisors and may vary from previous years. School district rates may fluctuate based on budget requirements and bond obligations. Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Jefferson Davis County depending on which special taxing districts serve each property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jefferson Davis 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 Jefferson Davis County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or corrections to assessments during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that prompt reassessment, and discovery of previously unassessed improvements. When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if a property undergoes a major renovation that increases its assessed value from $30,000 to $45,000 (10% of market value), and the improvement is completed halfway through the tax year, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $15,000 increase in assessed value for the remaining six months of the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have the same payment options as regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$30,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 55 mills): $1,650
  • Monthly Escrow: $138

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$60,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 55 mills): $3,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $275

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$100,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 55 mills): $5,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $458

Note: Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location and taxing districts. Examples use estimated combined millage rates.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jefferson Davis County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly tax payments along with principal and interest, depositing these funds into an escrow account. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the annual tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount allowed by federal regulations. Property taxes are paid directly by the lender to Jefferson Davis County when due dates arrive in February and October.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after reassessments or when tax credits are applied or removed. The county provides tax information directly to mortgage servicers, but property owners should monitor their escrow statements for accuracy. If escrow payments are insufficient due to tax increases, lenders will either increase monthly payments or require a lump sum payment to cover the shortage.

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 Jefferson Davis County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - the first payment (at least half of total taxes due) by February 1st, and the second payment by October 1st. You may also pay the full amount by February 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead exemption is available for owner-occupied residences and must be applied for through the County Assessor's office. Additional credits may be available for elderly, disabled, or veteran property owners. All credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead exemption in Mississippi typically caps the annual increase in assessed value for taxation purposes, rather than reducing the property's market value. You must apply with the County Assessor and meet residency requirements.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Mississippi law requires periodic reappraisal of all property. Contact the Jefferson Davis County Assessor's office for the current reappraisal schedule and to appeal assessments if you believe they are incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to interest and penalties as specified in Mississippi statutes. Contact the Tax Collector's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Jefferson Davis County Tax Collector's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if I didn't make improvements? A: Tax bills can increase due to county-wide reassessments, changes in millage rates set by various taxing authorities, or expiration of temporary tax credits that required renewal applications.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes from school districts, drainage districts, fire districts, or other special taxing authorities depending on location. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary by district.

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