HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jefferson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1% base assessment rate plus local district additions, varies by location within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jefferson County, Mississippi operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Jefferson County are levied based on assessed valuations determined by the county assessor, with Mississippi's statewide base assessment rate of approximately 1% of market value serving as the foundation for local tax calculations.

The effective tax rate in Jefferson County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners may encounter different total tax rates depending on whether their property falls within specific service districts such as ambulance districts, hospital districts, or special improvement zones. The county follows Mississippi's standard property tax calendar, with taxes becoming due February 1st annually, and offers installment payment options for qualifying taxpayers who make their first payment by the February deadline.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county operations, road maintenance, administration
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and facilities
Municipal (if applicable)VariesCity/town services for incorporated areas
Ambulance DistrictVariesEmergency medical services
Hospital DistrictVariesPublic hospital support (if applicable)
Debt ServiceVariesBond payments for infrastructure projects

Note: Specific rates for FY 2025-2026 are set annually by local authorities and were not yet determined at the time of this guide. Tax rates vary significantly by location within Jefferson County based on which special taxing districts serve each property. Contact the Jefferson County Tax Assessor's office for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jefferson 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 County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, improvements, or assessed value during the tax year. These taxes are triggered by events such as new construction, completion of building permits, property transfers, or corrections to assessments discovered after the regular tax roll is completed.

Supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in June, they would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December (6 months) based on the increased assessed value of the addition. The county tax collector handles the collection of these supplemental assessments using the same tax rates that apply to regular property taxes for that location.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $30,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 20 mills): $600
  • Monthly Escrow: $50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $60,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 20 mills): $1,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $100

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $100,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 20 mills): $2,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $167

Note: Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location within Jefferson County.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jefferson 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 annual property tax bill each month and pay the county directly when taxes become due on February 1st. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information and is collecting adequate funds, as assessment changes or tax rate increases may require escrow adjustments.

When property taxes are paid through escrow, the mortgage servicer receives the tax bill and handles payment to Jefferson County. Property owners can monitor their escrow account through annual escrow analysis statements provided by their lender. If choosing to pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, property owners must ensure payment reaches the county tax collector by February 1st to avoid penalties, or make the first installment payment of at least half the total amount due by that date.

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 County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due February 1st annually. Mississippi statute allows installment payments if the first payment of at least one-half the total amount is made by February 1st.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead exemption may be available to qualifying homeowners, which exempts a portion of assessed value from taxation. This requires a separate application filed with the county assessor's office and is not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead exemption reduces the assessed value subject to taxation rather than limiting assessment increases. Eligible homeowners must apply through the county assessor to receive this benefit.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Jefferson County? A: Mississippi law requires periodic reappraisal of all property. Contact the Jefferson County Assessor's office for the current assessment schedule and appeal deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Jefferson County Tax Collector for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Jefferson County Tax Collector's office to inquire about available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Jefferson County based on special taxing districts such as school districts, ambulance districts, and municipal boundaries that serve different areas.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the county assessor within specified deadlines. Contact the Jefferson County Assessor's office for current appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
02
County
2014-2025 County and City Millage Ratesdor.ms.gov
03
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX DATA | Mississippi Department of Revenuedor.ms.gov
04
County
Tax Collector - Jefferson Davis County - Mississippico.jefferson-davis.ms.us
05
County
Treasurer Property Records Search - Jefferson Countytreasurerpropertysearch.jeffco.us
06
Tax Doc
Property Taxesharrisoncountyms.gov
07
County
Tax Assessor - Jefferson Davis County - Mississippico.jefferson-davis.ms.us
08
State
State Tax Classjeffco.us
09
All Measures | MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE - | MS.GOVlegislature.ms.gov
10
HB1630 (As Passed the House) - 2025 Regular Sessionbillstatus.ls.state.ms.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate