HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pontotoc County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
55.2 mills (5.52%) county-wide rate for 2024-2025, varies by location due to special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Pontotoc County, Mississippi operates under a property tax system that funds essential county services including schools, infrastructure, public safety, and local government operations. Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for these vital community services. The county follows Mississippi's assessment practices where property is assessed at a percentage of its market value, with different rates applying to different property types.

The effective tax rate in Pontotoc County varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, but the county-wide millage rate is 55.2 mills (5.52%) for fiscal year 2024-2025. This means property owners pay approximately $5.52 per $100 of assessed value. Your actual tax bill will depend on your property's assessed value, any applicable tax credits you've applied for and received approval for, and the specific taxing districts where your property is located. It's important to note that most tax credits require a formal application process and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General55.2Pontotoc County operations and services
School DistrictIncluded in 55.2Pontotoc County Schools funding
Total Base Rate55.2Base millage rate for FY 2024-2025

Note: These rates apply to fiscal year 2024-2025. Additional special district assessments may apply depending on your property location within Pontotoc County. The 55.2 mills rate represents the combined county and school district levy. Properties in different areas of the county may be subject to additional special district taxes not reflected in this base rate. Contact the Pontotoc County Tax Assessor's office to determine the exact rate applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Pontotoc 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 Pontotoc County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or usage during the tax year. These taxes are collected by the county tax collector at the same time as regular property taxes. Common triggers for supplemental taxes include new construction, major improvements, changes in property classification, or corrections to assessments discovered after the initial tax roll is prepared.

When a supplemental tax is assessed, it is 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 you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and the supplemental assessment is processed in March, you would owe taxes on that additional $50,000 in assessed value for the remaining months of the fiscal year. The county will issue a separate supplemental tax bill that follows the same payment schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $30,000 (10% assessment ratio for residential)
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$7,500 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $22,500
  • Annual Tax: $22,500 × 0.0552 = $1,242
  • Monthly Escrow: $103.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $60,000 (10% assessment ratio for residential)
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$7,500 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $52,500
  • Annual Tax: $52,500 × 0.0552 = $2,898
  • Monthly Escrow: $241.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $100,000 (10% assessment ratio for residential)
  • Less: Homestead Credit: -$7,500 (if applied for and approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $92,500
  • Annual Tax: $92,500 × 0.0552 = $5,106
  • Monthly Escrow: $425.50

Note: These examples assume qualification for homestead credit, which requires a separate application to the Tax Assessor's office and is not automatically applied.

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 Pontotoc County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity in their homes. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, holding these funds in an escrow account to pay your taxes when due. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 1-2 months of tax payments in the account to ensure sufficient funds are available.

Property tax bills in Pontotoc County are typically due by February 1st, though the 2026 deadline has been extended to March 3rd due to a gubernatorial proclamation. Your lender will pay these taxes directly from your escrow account. Each year, your lender must provide an escrow analysis showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase significantly, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. You can verify your property's assessed value and tax amount with the Pontotoc County Tax Assessor's office to ensure your lender has accurate information for escrow calculations.

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 Pontotoc County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due by February 1st. However, for 2026, Governor Tate Reeves signed a proclamation extending the deadline to March 3, 2026, for impacted counties including Pontotoc County. There is an automatic 14-day grace period for car tags.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Eligible homeowners can apply for homestead exemption, which helps limit assessment increases on your primary residence. You must complete an application with the Pontotoc County Tax Assessor's office. This is not automatic - you must apply. You cannot claim residency in another state for income tax purposes while claiming homestead exemption in Mississippi.

Q: Does the homestead credit reduce my property's market value? A: No, the homestead credit is applied to your assessed value for tax calculation purposes and helps limit assessment increases over time. It does not change your property's actual market value or assessed value for other purposes.

Q: Are there other tax credits I can apply for? A: Contact the Pontotoc County Tax Assessor's office directly to inquire about available tax credits for your specific situation, such as senior citizen, disability, or veteran credits. All credits require formal application and approval.

Q: How often is property reassessed in Pontotoc County? A: Mississippi law requires counties to conduct property reappraisals periodically. Contact the Pontotoc County Tax Assessor's office for the current reappraisal schedule and to understand when your property was last assessed.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: If you believe your property is overassessed, you can appeal to the Pontotoc County Board of Supervisors. There are specific deadlines and procedures for appeals, so contact the Tax Assessor's office promptly for guidance on the appeals process.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to property taxes paid after the due date. Contact the Pontotoc County Tax Collector's office for specific penalty rates and interest charges that apply to delinquent payments.

**Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?**A: Check with the Pontotoc County Tax Collector's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Mississippi counties offer online payment systems for taxpayer convenience.

Q: Why does my neighbor pay different taxes on a similar home? A: Tax amounts vary based on assessed value, applicable tax credits (which require individual applications), and special taxing districts. Different areas within Pontotoc County may have different total tax rates due to special district assessments.

Q: Do I need to reapply for tax credits each year? A: Requirements vary by credit type. Contact the Pontotoc County Tax Assessor's office to understand renewal requirements for any tax credits you currently receive or wish to apply for.

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

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate