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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Scott County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
18 mills (1.8%) base county rate, varies by district with additional assessments for school, ambulance, and municipal services
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Scott County, Mississippi operates on an ad valorem property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including county government operations, public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Scott County are assessed annually based on the appraised value of real estate and personal property, with the current tax rate set at 18 mills (1.8%) for the 2025 tax year.

The effective tax rate for property owners in Scott County can vary depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, ambulance districts, and other municipal service areas. While the base county rate remains consistent, additional assessments may apply based on the services provided in your area. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to potentially differ from the base 18-mill rate depending on these district-specific levies.

Property taxes in Scott County are collected annually with a due date of October 15th, and the revenue generated directly supports local infrastructure, public safety, educational facilities, and community services that benefit all residents and property owners throughout the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund18.0Base county operations, services, and administration
School District LevyVariesAdditional assessment based on local school district
Ambulance DistrictVariesEmergency medical services (if applicable to location)
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional services based on geographic location
Total Effective Rate18.0+ MillsCombined rate varies by special taxing districts

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. The base county rate of 18 mills has remained consistent from 2014-2025. Your actual total tax rate will depend on the specific special taxing districts that serve your property location within Scott County. Contact the Scott County Tax Assessor's office for the exact rate applicable to your specific address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Scott 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 Scott County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or improvements outside of the regular annual assessment cycle. The most common triggers for supplemental taxes include the sale or transfer of property to a new owner, completion of new construction or major renovations, and the addition of structures or improvements that increase the property's assessed value.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it is calculated based on the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property undergoes a major renovation completed in March that increases its assessed value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase at the current mill rate, but only for the remaining months of the tax year (April through December).

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from the annual property tax bill and typically have their own due dates. Property owners should budget for potential supplemental assessments when planning major improvements or purchasing property, as these taxes are due in addition to the regular annual property tax obligation.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (Market Value): $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied*: -$7,500 (assessment reduction)
  • Net Taxable Value: $292,500
  • Tax Rate: 18 mills (1.8%)
  • Annual Tax: $5,265
  • Monthly Escrow: $439

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (Market Value): $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied*: -$7,500 (assessment reduction)
  • Net Taxable Value: $592,500
  • Tax Rate: 18 mills (1.8%)
  • Annual Tax: $10,665
  • Monthly Escrow: $889

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (Market Value): $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied*: -$7,500 (assessment reduction)
  • Net Taxable Value: $992,500
  • Tax Rate: 18 mills (1.8%)
  • Annual Tax: $17,865
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,489

*Homestead credit requires annual application and is not automatic. Application must be filed between January 1st and April 1st at the Scott County Tax Office.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Scott County require property owners to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will collect a monthly escrow payment along with your mortgage payment, calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional buffer amount to ensure adequate funds are available.

Escrow payments are typically collected year-round and held in a separate account until your property taxes become due on October 15th. Your lender will then pay the Scott County Tax Collector directly from your escrow account. It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure your monthly payments are adequate to cover your tax obligation, especially if your property value or tax rate has changed.

Property owners should verify that their lender has paid the taxes on time and in full by checking with the Scott County Tax Collector's office or reviewing their tax record online. If you pay your own property taxes (without escrow), you are responsible for ensuring payment reaches the Tax Collector by the October 15th deadline to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Scott County for 2025? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due on October 15th. This due date applies to the current fiscal year assessment.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Scott County offers a homestead exemption that reduces your assessed value and caps annual assessment increases. This credit requires an application that must be filed between January 1st and April 1st each year. First-time applicants must apply in person at the Scott County Tax Office.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence and provides a reduction in assessed value. It does NOT reduce the market value of your home but rather caps how much your assessment can increase year-over-year. You must file an application annually during the January 1st to April 1st window.

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

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Scott County Tax Collector's office for specific penalty rates and procedures for late payments.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Scott County? A: Contact the Scott County Tax Assessor's office for information about the reassessment schedule and timeline for property value updates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Scott County Tax Assessor's office. Contact their office for specific deadlines, procedures, and required documentation for filing an appeal.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Scott County may be subject to additional taxes from special districts such as ambulance districts, school districts, or other municipal service areas. These can increase your effective tax rate above the base 18-mill county rate.

Q: Are military personnel eligible for any special tax considerations? A: Military personnel who own homes in Mississippi but are stationed outside the state may qualify for homestead exemption if they maintain Mississippi residency. Contact the Scott County Tax Assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Q: What documentation do I need for homestead exemption? A: Contact the Scott County Tax Assessor's office for a complete list of required documentation for homestead exemption applications. Generally, proof of residency and ownership are required.

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