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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Stone County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base rate 55.08 mills (5.508%), varies by taxing district with additional assessments
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Stone County, Mississippi operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are administered by the County Tax Assessor's office for assessment and the Tax Collector's office for collection. The county uses a millage-based system where property is assessed at its fair market value, and taxes are calculated using mill rates applied to the assessed value.

The effective property tax rate in Stone County varies by location within the county due to different taxing districts and special assessments. For the 2025 tax year, the base millage rate is 55.08 mills, though property owners may pay additional mills depending on their specific taxing district, including school district levies, municipal taxes, and special district assessments. This means actual tax rates can differ significantly between properties in different areas of Stone County.

Property owners should note that Mississippi does not have an assessment cap, meaning property values can increase without statutory limits. However, various tax credits may be available to eligible property owners, though these require proper application and approval through the appropriate county offices.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariableBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVariableLocal school district funding
Total Base Rate55.08Combined millage rate for FY 2025
Special DistrictsVariableFire districts, drainage, other special assessments
MunicipalVariableCity taxes (if applicable within city limits)

Note: The 55.08 mill rate applies to the 2025 levy year ending December 31, 2025. Actual rates vary by specific location within Stone County based on which taxing districts serve each property. Property owners should verify their specific millage rate with the Stone County Tax Assessor's office, as rates can differ based on school district boundaries, fire protection districts, and other special taxing authorities.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Stone 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 Stone County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchasing property (change of ownership), completing new construction or major improvements, adding structures like pools or outbuildings, or corrections to previous assessments. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference in assessed value, multiplying by the applicable mill rate, and prorating based on the number of months remaining in the tax year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in July, and the improvement increases the assessed value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be: $50,000 × 0.05508 (55.08 mills) × 6/12 months = $1,377 for the remaining six months of the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed separately from regular tax bills and have their own due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (example assumes no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 0.05508 = $1,652
  • Monthly Payment: $137.67

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (example assumes no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 0.05508 = $3,305
  • Monthly Payment: $275.42

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0 (example assumes no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.05508 = $5,508
  • Monthly Payment: $459.00

Note: These calculations use the base 55.08 mill rate and do not include potential tax credits that require separate application. Actual taxes may vary based on specific taxing districts and any approved credits. Property owners should apply for available credits through the Stone County Tax Assessor's office.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Stone County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pays property taxes directly to Stone County when due.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. Since Stone County property taxes are due February 1st with a final payment deadline of July 31st, lenders usually pay the taxes by the February 1st due date. Property owners should receive annual escrow statements showing tax payments made on their behalf and any adjustments to monthly escrow amounts.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current mailing address information with the Stone County Tax Collector's office. Even with escrow accounts, property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time. It's recommended to monitor that lenders make timely payments and to maintain copies of tax payment records.

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 Stone County property taxes due for the current tax year? A: Property taxes are due February 1st for the current tax year. The final deadline to pay without additional penalties or publication costs is July 31st.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Mississippi offers a homestead exemption that caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing the base value. This credit requires application with the Stone County Tax Assessor's office and is NOT automatic. Eligible homeowners must complete the application and maintain Mississippi residency.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual increases in assessed value rather than reducing the market value assessment. It requires annual application and approval. Property owners and their spouse must claim Mississippi residency and cannot claim residency elsewhere for income tax purposes.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Stone County? A: Mississippi requires property reassessment cycles, but specific timing varies by county. Contact the Stone County Tax Assessor's office for current reassessment schedules and appeal deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties not paid by July 31st may be subject to tax sale proceedings and additional publication costs.

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

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts for fire protection, drainage, or other services may levy additional mills beyond the base county rate. These vary by property location within Stone County.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners may appeal assessments through the Stone County Tax Assessor's office. Specific deadlines and procedures apply, so contact the assessor's office promptly if you believe your assessment is incorrect.

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