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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lauderdale County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location - base county millage plus school district and municipal levies (typically 80-120 mills total)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lauderdale County, Mississippi operates under a property tax system that funds essential county services including public safety, road maintenance, judicial operations, and general government functions. The county works in conjunction with state-assessed utilities and local municipalities to provide comprehensive public services to residents. Property taxes in Lauderdale County are assessed annually based on market value, with the tax year running concurrent with the calendar year.

The effective property tax rate in Lauderdale County varies significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district overlays. While the base county millage provides a foundation, property owners may also be subject to additional levies from school districts, municipal governments, and special assessment districts. The total effective rate typically ranges from approximately 54-70 mills depending on your specific location and applicable special districts.

Your actual tax rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property location. Rural properties may have different rate structures than those within city limits, and properties in certain special improvement districts may face additional assessments for infrastructure or public improvements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund25.18Basic county operations, public safety, roads
County Road & Bridge8.50Road maintenance and infrastructure
County Debt Service3.00Bond payments for county projects
School District Base18.00Local school district operations*
Total Base Rate54.68FY 2024-2025 base millage

*School district rates vary by district within Lauderdale County. Municipal residents may have additional city/town millage ranging from 15-35 mills. Special assessment districts for drainage, lighting, or other improvements may add 2-10 mills. Properties within the City of Meridian or other municipalities will have different total effective rates due to city millage and potentially different school district rates.

Note: These rates apply to the 2024-2025 fiscal year and are subject to annual adjustment by the Board of Supervisors. Contact the Lauderdale County Tax Assessor for your specific total rate based on your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County are additional assessments that may be levied for specific purposes beyond the standard annual property tax. These typically include special improvement district assessments, hotel/motel occupancy taxes on commercial properties, and bond assessments for infrastructure projects. When properties undergo significant improvements or ownership changes, they may trigger reassessment that results in supplemental billing.

The most common supplemental tax scenario occurs when new construction is completed or major improvements are made to existing properties. The Tax Assessor's office conducts periodic reviews and may issue supplemental assessments when the property value has increased substantially due to improvements. These supplemental bills are calculated using the same millage rate as the regular tax bill but apply only to the increased assessed value.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition, and your total effective tax rate is 60 mills, you could expect a supplemental tax bill of approximately $300 ($50,000 × 0.10 assessment ratio × 60 mills). Supplemental taxes are due within 30 days of the bill date and follow the same penalty structure as regular property taxes if paid late.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$7,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $22,500
  • Tax Rate: 54.68 mills
  • Annual Tax: $1,230
  • Monthly (Escrow): $103

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$7,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $52,500
  • Tax Rate: 54.68 mills
  • Annual Tax: $2,871
  • Monthly (Escrow): $239

Example 3: $1,000,000 Commercial Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (15% commercial): $150,000
  • Credits Applied: None available
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Tax Rate: 54.68 mills
  • Annual Tax: $8,202
  • Monthly (Escrow): $684

*Note: Homestead credit eligibility requires annual application and Mississippi residency. Rates may vary by specific location within county due to special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lauderdale County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due on November 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted upward. If taxes decrease or the account has excess funds, you may receive a refund or reduced monthly payments. Mississippi law requires lenders to maintain escrow balances within specific limits and provide detailed annual statements to borrowers.

Property owners should verify that their lender has the correct tax bill amount and payment information. Contact the Lauderdale County Tax Collector's office if you believe your lender has made an error in payment or if you need to update the mailing address for tax bills. Even with an escrow account, you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid timely and accurately.

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 Lauderdale County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due November 15th annually. For FY 2024-2025, the deadline is November 15, 2024.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit reduces your taxable assessed value and caps annual assessment increases. You must apply annually with the Tax Assessor's office by filing the homestead exemption application. This is not automatic and requires Mississippi residency.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence and provides a reduction in taxable value. It does not reduce the market value but caps how much your assessment can increase year-over-year, providing tax relief for long-term residents.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Lauderdale County conducts property assessments on a cyclical basis. Residential properties are typically reassessed every 4-6 years, while commercial properties may be assessed more frequently.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Board of Supervisors within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. You must provide evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. Contact the Tax Collector's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you cannot pay by the November 15th deadline.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Lauderdale County Tax Collector's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Lauderdale County based on special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, school districts, and special assessments that may apply to your specific property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
SB3272 (As Sent to Governor) - 2025 Regular Sessionbillstatus.ls.state.ms.us
02
County
Lauderdale County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
03
County
2014-2025 County and City Millage Ratesdor.ms.gov
04
CENTRALLY-ASSESSED PROPERTIESdor.ms.gov
05
2025 - Mississippi Department of Revenue - | MS.GOVdor.ms.gov
06
Homestead Exemptiondor.ms.gov
07
House Ways and Means Committeebillstatus.ls.state.ms.us
08
Daily Action Report for 03/16/00billstatus.ls.state.ms.us
09
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2024 Bybillstatus.ls.state.ms.us
10
County
LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPIosa.ms.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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