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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kemper County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Kemper 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 - Kemper County Schools: 34.73 mills (2024) plus county and municipal rates
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Kemper County, Mississippi serve as a primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. The county operates under Mississippi's property tax system where real property is assessed at its true market value, with taxes calculated based on millage rates set by various taxing authorities.

Property tax rates in Kemper County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. The total effective tax rate is determined by combining the county's base millage rate with additional assessments from entities such as Kemper County Schools, which had a millage rate of 34.73 mills in 2024. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which taxing districts serve their property location, making it important to verify the exact combination of rates that apply to your specific address.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Kemper County Schools34.73Funding for local school district operations and facilities
County General FundVariesCounty government operations, roads, and services
Municipal TaxesVariesCity/town services (if applicable to property location)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, drainage districts, or other special assessments

Note: Rates shown are from 2024 data. The 2025 property tax rates have not yet been finalized. Actual total millage rates vary significantly by location within Kemper County based on which combination of taxing districts serve each property. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Contact the Kemper County Tax Assessor for your property's specific rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kemper 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 Kemper County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the tax year. Common triggers include property sales, completion of new construction projects, additions to existing structures, or corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it represents the difference between the taxes already assessed for the year and what should have been assessed based on the property changes. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the additional taxes owed from the completion date through the end of the current tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rate to the increased assessed value, then prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase capped (requires application)
  • Estimated Total Millage Rate: ~40 mills
  • Annual Tax: $1,200
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $100

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Over-65/Disability Credit: $75,000 exemption (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $525,000 (with credit)
  • Estimated Total Millage Rate: ~40 mills
  • Annual Tax: $2,100
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $175

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: Varies by eligibility and application
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Estimated Total Millage Rate: ~40 mills
  • Annual Tax: $4,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $333

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kemper County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender estimates your annual property tax liability and divides it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment, which is collected along with your principal and interest payment. The lender typically maintains a cushion of 1-2 months of payments in the account to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes come due.

Property taxes in Kemper County can be paid in installments, with the first payment due by February 1st (at least half of the total tax bill), a second installment due by July 1st, and the final payment due by November 1st. Your lender will make these payments directly from your escrow account. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your payments were used and whether any adjustments to your monthly payment are needed. It's important to review your tax bills even when escrowed to ensure your lender is paying the correct amounts and to verify your property information is accurate.

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 Kemper County property taxes due for the current tax year? A: Property taxes can be paid in installments with the first payment (minimum 50% of total) due February 1st, second installment due July 1st, and final payment due November 1st.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption helps limit assessment increases for owner-occupied homes. Additionally, homeowners who are over 65 or disabled may qualify for an exemption on the first $75,000 of assessed value. Both require application through the County Assessor's office and are not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value, helping provide stability in tax bills for owner-occupied residences. You must apply for this credit - it's not automatically granted when you purchase a home.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Kemper County? A: Mississippi law requires properties to be assessed annually at true market value. If you disagree with your assessment, you can appeal to the County Board of Supervisors, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Kemper County Tax Collector for current penalty rates and to discuss payment arrangements if you're unable to meet the due dates.

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

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Kemper County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (fire districts, school districts, municipalities), each with their own millage rates, creating location-specific total tax rates.

Q: What documentation do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Requirements vary by credit type, but typically include proof of ownership, residency documentation, and for age/disability credits, appropriate verification documents. Contact the County Assessor for specific application requirements and deadlines.

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