April 1 is homestead exemption application deadline

March 8, 2022 Bob Bakken

Desoto County supervisors and residents were reminded by County Administrator Vanessa Lynchard during the board meeting on Monday morning that the Homestead Exemption deadline is April 1 at 5 p.m.

The County Tax Assessor’s office in Hernando is currently taking applications for homestead exemptions. It is a special provision in the state’s tax laws that reduces the property taxes people have to pay on their primary home. However, homeowners have to apply for exemption and it’s not necessary to reapply unless some changes in your situation have taken place in the past year.

To apply for a homestead exemption the first time, the following information must be provided:

A copy of your recorded Warranty Deed
Your Mississippi car and/or truck tag numbers
Social Security Numbers for You and Your Spouse if You Are Married
Birth dates for you and your spouse or all parties applying for homestead
Your closing or settlement statement
If you are over 65 years of age by Jan. 1st of the filing year, bring proof of your birthday to qualify for additional tax exemption.
100% Disabled individuals qualify for additional tax exemption, you will need to bring proof of disability from Veterans Administration or the Social Security Administration.
If you need further information, please call 662-469-8029.

If the following events or changes in your situation have taken place in the past year, you’ll have to reapply for a homestead exemption:

Did you get a divorce/separated recently? (Must bring Divorce Decree)
Did you get married? (Need copy of Marriage License)
Did you receive a property through a will or court order? (Must bring copy of will or court order)
Did you add, remove or change a name on your deed? If so, this becomes a change in ownership. Law states that if there is a change in ownership you must re-file your homestead to reflect this change. MS Code 27-33-31
Has the property (legal) description changed? Law states that you must re-file reflecting this change. MS Code 27-33-3
Has the occupancy of the homesteaded property changed? (you must re-file reflecting this change) MS Code 27-33-31
Are you a 100 percent disabled American veteran? (This disability must be service related and you must bring paperwork that states this)
Death of a Spouse? (You do not have to resign a new application, but, you do have to verify with the Chancery Clerk’s office that you qualify for the same exemption that the deceased spouse was receiving at time of death. Please provide a death certificate of the deceased spouse, proof of age if you are over 65, and or disability paperwork if you are declared disabled. This information helps us determine if you still qualify for the same exemption to keep you from having to sign a new application.) MS Code 27-33-3

Below are some reasons your homestead will be denied by the Department of Revenue. If your homestead is denied you will be charged back the amount of credit you received and will be billed separately the following year.

Cannot owe MS income tax
Cannot have homestead on any other property in county or any other states; you must live full time on property receiving homestead
Claiming to be a resident of another state when assessed with income tax.

If you have any questions, call the Tax Assessor’s office at 662-468-8029.

Click these links for more information on the Homestead Exemption:

Mississippi Exemption Rules and Regulations

Homestead Exemption Information