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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lawrence County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$3.15 per $1,000 of assessed value (may vary by taxing district)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lawrence County, Mississippi operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county. The tax rate for 2025 is $3.15 per $1,000 of assessed value, which raised approximately $1.28 million in property tax revenue for the county.

Property tax rates can vary by location within Lawrence County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district overlays. The Mississippi Department of Revenue oversees the assessment process, while the Lawrence County Tax Assessor's office, located in Courthouse Room 249, handles local administration. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate and any applicable special district assessments based on their property's exact location within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General Fund$3.15Base county operations, services, and administration
School DistrictVariesAdditional levy varies by school district boundaries
MunicipalVariesOnly applies to properties within city limits
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, drainage districts, or other special assessments

Levy Year: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year. The total effective rate depends on your property's location within Lawrence County and which special taxing districts apply. Properties in incorporated areas may have additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may have different special district assessments. Contact the Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency for your specific rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lawrence 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 property taxes in Lawrence County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or substantial improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When these changes happen, the county calculates a prorated tax bill for the remainder of the tax year based on the new assessed value or ownership change date.

For example, if you purchase a home in Lawrence County mid-year that was previously exempt or had a lower assessment, you may receive a supplemental tax bill covering the period from your ownership date through the end of the current tax year. New construction is assessed once improvements are substantially complete, and supplemental taxes are calculated from the date of completion through the end of the tax year at the current $3.15 per $1,000 rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$7,500 (typical Mississippi homestead credit, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $292,500
  • Annual Tax ($3.15 per $1,000): $921.38
  • Monthly Escrow: $76.78

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$7,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $592,500
  • Annual Tax ($3.15 per $1,000): $1,866.38
  • Monthly Escrow: $155.53

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$7,500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $992,500
  • Annual Tax ($3.15 per $1,000): $3,126.38
  • Monthly Escrow: $260.53

Note: All tax credits require separate application and approval. Rates may vary based on special district taxes in your area.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lawrence County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to Lawrence County when due. Tax bills are mailed out by March 1st annually, and your lender should receive these notices automatically.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has the correct tax amount and payment schedule. Since Lawrence County taxes are due by October 15th each year, lenders typically pay during this period. If you receive a tax bill despite having an escrow account, forward it to your lender immediately. You can verify payments were made by contacting the Lawrence County Tax Assessor's office or checking online payment records if available.

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 Lawrence County property taxes due? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due by October 15, 2025. Tax bills are mailed out by March 1st each year, and early payment discounts may be available.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Mississippi offers a homestead exemption that must be applied for with the Lawrence County Tax Assessor's office. This credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. You must complete an application and cannot claim residency in another jurisdiction for income tax purposes.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, credits may be available for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and other qualifying groups. All credits require separate applications filed with the county assessor. Contact the assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps annual assessment increases (typically to 10%) rather than reducing your property's market value. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic. Military personnel stationed outside Mississippi can qualify if they maintain Mississippi residency.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Mississippi conducts property assessments on a regular cycle. Contact the Lawrence County Tax Assessor for current assessment schedules and appeal deadlines for your property.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments after October 15th incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the tax assessor's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

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

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes for school districts, fire districts, or other special assessments depending on location. Your total rate may differ from the base $3.15 county rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Lawrence County Tax Assessor's office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation to challenge your property's assessed value.

Q: What if my spouse and I file separate tax returns? A: For homestead exemption eligibility, neither spouse can claim residency in another jurisdiction for Mississippi income tax purposes, regardless of filing status.

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