Tax bills go out across the Coast this week. Here’s why many will have to pay more.
Those considering a big splurge on Christmas gifts this year may want to check the mail first.
It’s that time of year when property tax bills show up with Christmas cards in the mailbox, and this year homeowners in South Mississippi should be prepared for their tax bill to rise.
All three Coast counties had a reappraisal this year, said Paula Ladner, Harrison County Tax Assessor, and some taxes will increase.
“The bills are going out this week,” she said.
Homeowners shouldn’t blame their local tax assessor for any increase, Ladner said.
“This is not something we’re doing randomly. The state requires us to do this every four years,” she said.
Ladner said she expects “phones to ring off the hook” after bills are sent out.
COVID delays the process a year
Harrison County was scheduled to do a reappraisal last year, she said, but chose with Hancock and Jackson counties to wait until this year and not add to the financial brunt many people experienced during the pandemic.
Not everyone will see an increase, Ladner said.
How much tax bill increases depends on the area. For homes in a subdivision or area where houses are selling quickly and at higher values, “We’re going to have to make an adjustment,” she said.
It’s not random, she said, and Mississippi Department of Revenue audits her department every year to make sure the process is carried out evenly and correctly.
For those whose taxes are paid by their mortgage company, she said the company typically will contact their customers and adjust the escrow account to reflect the new tax rate.
Taxes frozen for some residents
Coast residents over age 65 or disabled get a special homestead rate and won’t get a tax increase.
A state law passed about three years benefits residents over 65 or disabled with special homestead exemption.
“Their values froze,” said Jimmie Ladner, Hancock County Tax Assessor, and these people will not see a tax increase unless made they made improvements to their property that increases the value.
Some cities give a break
Residents generally don’t understand the jobs of the tax assessor and tax collector, Ladner said.
“I don’t set the millage rates,” she said. “The cities determine their budget by the assessed values.”
School and municipal taxes are included in one bill in Harrison County. Once the reappraisal is complete, the supervisors and other local officials know what the estimated tax revenue will be per mill.
Most municipalities and school districts in Harrison County held their rates or lowered millage, she said. While they didn’t raise taxes, they will see an increase in revenue because of the higher home values.
Biloxi’s previous millage rate was 109.89. That was reduced to 109.77.
Gulfport’s millage rate stayed the same at 135.27.
“Bay St. Louis, Hancock County and the schools all cut millage rates as much as they could,” said Jimmie Ladner.
Jackson County reduced their millage by a mill, said Jackson County Tax Assessor Nick Elmore. The cities kept millage the same and a couple of the school districts reduced the millage slightly.
This reappraisal is not a secret, Jimmie Ladner said. His staff spoke to groups in the community and the cities and county held public hearings on the budget.
But not many people attend budget meetings on the Coast and some residents will be surprised when they receive their bills.
If they think it’s not fair, Jackson County homeowners should supply documentation to support their claim to his office, Elmore said.
Paula Ladner said if a homeowner’s new tax bill seems completely wrong, contact tax assessor’s office and a review may be initiated.
