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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jones County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Jones 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 - base county rate plus school district and special assessments
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jones County, Mississippi operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and updated annually with assessments issued each October.

The effective tax rate in Jones County varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. Property owners in areas served by Jones County Schools face different rates than those in municipal school districts. Additionally, special assessment districts for services like fire protection or drainage can create rate variations across different areas of the county. The county follows Mississippi's standard assessment practices, with most residential property assessed at 10% of market value.

Property tax bills in Jones County directly support vital community services, with the largest portion typically going to fund local schools, followed by county general operations, and various special district services depending on your property's location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General37.39Basic county services, law enforcement, infrastructure
Jones County Schools63.70-65.45Public school operations and facilities
Municipal RatesVariesAdditional rates for properties within city limits
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, drainage, other local services
Total Estimated Range101.09-102.84Combined rate before special districts

Note: These rates reflect available data and may vary by specific location within Jones County. Rates are subject to annual adjustment and 2025 rates have not been officially released. Properties within different school districts, municipalities (such as Ellisville), or special taxing districts will have different total rates. Contact the Jones County Tax Assessor for current rates specific to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jones 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 Jones County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the annual assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements, property transfers, or assessment appeals that result in higher values.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the difference between the old and new tax amounts for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in January, and the annual assessment was already completed in October, you'll receive a supplemental bill for the additional taxes on that $50,000 improvement for the remaining months of the tax year.

Jones County typically allows 2-4 weeks for payment of supplemental tax bills, though extensions may be available upon request. These bills are separate from your regular annual property tax bill and must be paid according to the specific due date listed on the supplemental notice.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: $30,000 (example with qualification)
  • Net Taxable Value: $30,000
  • Annual Tax (102 mills): $3,060
  • Monthly Equivalent: $255

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: $60,000 (where applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $60,000
  • Annual Tax (102 mills): $6,120
  • Monthly Equivalent: $510

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: $100,000 (where applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $100,000
  • Annual Tax (102 mills): $10,200
  • Monthly Equivalent: $850

Note: Homestead exemption requires application and qualification. Actual rates vary by location within Jones County. Examples use estimated combined rate and may not reflect special district assessments in your area.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jones County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly tax payments are collected along with your mortgage payment and held until tax bills are due. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to Jones County when due in April.

Since Jones County property taxes are due April 1st annually (with extension to May 1st), lenders typically collect 1/12 of your estimated annual tax bill each month. When your tax bill changes due to reassessment or rate adjustments, your lender will adjust your escrow payment accordingly, which may result in an escrow shortage or surplus that affects your monthly payment.

It's important to verify that your lender has paid your taxes on time and in full. You can check payment status through the Jones County Tax Collector's office. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for ensuring timely payment to avoid penalties and potential tax lien issues.

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 Jones County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due April 1st annually, with an approved extension until May 1st. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and how do I apply? A: Mississippi offers homestead exemption for primary residences. You must apply through the Jones County Tax Assessor's office. This exemption limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Applications have specific deadlines - contact the assessor's office for current requirements.

Q: Do I get exemptions automatically? A: No, most tax credits and exemptions require application. Homestead exemption, military exemptions, and other credits are not automatic and must be filed with the Tax Assessor's office.

Q: When are property assessments conducted? A: Tax assessments are issued annually in October. If you disagree with your assessment, you have specific appeal deadlines and procedures through the county appeals process.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments after May 1st are subject to penalties and interest charges. Continued non-payment can result in tax liens and potential property seizure.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Contact the Jones County Tax Collector's office for current online payment options and accepted methods. Payment methods and online availability may vary.

Q: Why did my tax bill change from last year? A: Tax bills can change due to property value reassessment, tax rate adjustments by various taxing authorities, changes in exemptions, or completion of new construction/improvements.

**Q: What if I'm in a special taxing district?**A: Properties in fire districts, drainage districts, or municipal boundaries have additional taxes beyond basic county rates. Your specific rate depends on your exact property location and which districts serve your area.

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