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.