Mississippi Property Tax Exemptions 2026: Homestead, Senior, Veteran & Disability
Mississippi (MS) homeowners have several ways to legally reduce their property tax bill — homestead reductions, senior credits, veteran exemptions, and disability programs. This page lists every Mississippi property tax exemption available in 2026, who qualifies, dollar amounts, and how to apply.
Quick answer: The most common Mississippi property tax exemption is the general homestead reduction for owner-occupied primary residences. Additional savings stack on top for residents who are age 65+, disabled, a disabled veteran, or a surviving spouse. Most Mississippi exemptions require a one-time application with the local county assessor; some need annual income recertification.
How much can a Mississippi homeowner save with the homestead exemption?
For a median Mississippi home valued at $161,400 (current annual tax $1,189), the general homestead reduction alone is worth roughly:
All Mississippi property tax exemptions at a glance
| Exemption | Who qualifies | Benefit | Typical savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead (general) | Owner-occupied primary residence | ~$7,500 value reduction | $55/yr est. |
| Senior / Age 65+ | Owner-occupied; age 65+; often income-capped | Additional reduction or freeze | $200 – $2,000/yr |
| Disabled veteran | Service-connected disability rating | Up to 100% exemption in many states | $1,000 – full bill |
| Disability (non-veteran) | Permanent total disability | Reduction + sometimes freeze | $200 – $1,500/yr |
| Surviving spouse | Of veteran, first responder, or senior | Continuation of decedent's exemption | Same as deceased's benefit |
| Agricultural / farm | Active agricultural use | Use-value assessment instead of market | 30% – 80% lower bill |
Estimated savings use Mississippi's effective property tax rate of 0.74% on the median home value of $161,400. Your actual savings depend on your county assessor's millage and how exemptions are applied to assessed (vs. market) value.
Homestead Exemption — Basic and Senior
Basic Homestead Exemption
Up to $7,500 of assessed value exempt for owner-occupied primary residences. Produces up to $300 credit against property tax.
Senior Exemption (NEW for 2026)
Starting January 1, 2026: homeowners age 65+ exempt from ad valorem taxes on up to $12,500 of assessed value (up from $7,500 prior).
Disabled Additional Exemption
100% disabled individuals (documented by VA or SSA) qualify for additional tax exemption.
Application window
Homestead Exemption Applications accepted only during normal business hours between January 1 and April 1 each year. Missing this window forfeits the exemption for that tax year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mississippi's homestead exemption in 2026?
Basic exemption: $7,500 of assessed value (up to $300 tax credit). Starting January 1, 2026, homeowners age 65+ receive an expanded exemption covering $12,500 of assessed value (up from $7,500 prior). File during the January 1 - April 1 window with the county tax assessor.
Now check your county's actual rate
Exemptions reduce the taxable amount — but the millage your county charges is what determines the bill. See the 2026 effective rate for every Mississippi county.
Browse Mississippi Counties → Read the full Mississippi guideMississippi DOR — Homestead Exemption · DeSoto County — Tax Savings Programs (Homestead) · Harrison County — Homestead Exemptions · Mississippi Code Title 27 (Taxation). Exemption amounts and filing deadlines verified against the 2025-2026 legislative sessions and official state publications. Always verify with your local assessor before filing — programs change annually. This page is informational and is not tax or legal advice.