2026 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION GUIDE
WHAT IS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IN MISSISSIPPI?
Homestead Exemption is a Mississippi property tax program that lowers your annual property tax bill on your primary residence. Depending on your situation, the savings can range from a few hundred dollars to significantly more for seniors, disabled homeowners, and qualifying veterans.
WHO SHOULD FILE OR RE-FILE?
You may need to file (or update your exemption) if any of the following apply:
- You purchased a home and have never filed
- You turned 65 and have never filed
- Your marital status changed (marriage, divorce, or death)
- You became disabled
- Your deed or ownership changed
- You inherited property
IMPORTANT FILING DATES
January 2 – April 1, 2026
If you miss the deadline, the exemption cannot be applied for the 2026 tax year.
WHERE TO FILE (DESOTO COUNTY)
365 Losher Street, Suite 100
Hernando, MS 38632
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
WHAT TO BRING
To avoid multiple trips, you will need to bring the following:
- Copy of your Warranty Deed
- Your Mississippi vehicle tag number
- Social Security numbers and birth dates for you & your spouse
- Your closing or settlement statement
- Proof of disability (if applying for disability exemption)
- Proof of age (if 65+ by January 1, 2026)
- Military discharge paperwork (for veteran exemptions)
New construction buyers: Ask the clerk at the Tax Assessor's office to calculate an estimated tax bill using the homestead exemption rate. This can be very helpful if you're escrowing taxes with your lender.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Homestead Exemption is one of the most underutilized tax savings programs available to Mississippi homeowners. With rising property values across DeSoto County and North Mississippi, making sure your exemption is filed correctly can lead to meaningful savings.
If you have questions about whether this applies to you or need help preparing before you go, please feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to be a resource.
DeSoto County Tax Assessor information confirmed via official county sources.
|
 |
