DeSoto County · Mississippi · Tax Savings
DeSoto County Homestead Exemptions: How to Lower Your Property Taxes
Mississippi's homestead exemption program can save DeSoto County homeowners hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars per year. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, and how much you can save.
If you own and live in your home in DeSoto County, you may be leaving money on the table. Mississippi's homestead exemption program reduces property taxes for eligible homeowners — and the savings can be substantial, especially for seniors and disabled residents.
This guide covers the three tiers of Mississippi homestead exemption, who qualifies, how to apply, what documents you need, and how much you can save. All rules are sourced from the Mississippi Department of Revenue and the DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Office.
For the full property tax guide — millage rates, assessment rules, and homeowner examples — see our DeSoto County Property Taxes: What Homeowners Actually Pay.
Mississippi Homestead Exemption Tiers
Mississippi offers three tiers of homestead exemption. Every eligible homeowner should apply — the application is free and the savings are permanent as long as you maintain eligibility.
Tier 1 — Regular Exemption
Eligibility: Homeowners under 65 who do not qualify for a disability exemption. Must own and occupy the home as their primary residence on January 1.
Benefit: Tax credit of up to $300 against property taxes owed. The credit is split across taxing jurisdictions (e.g., $150 county + $150 school). The credit applies to the first $7,500 of assessed value.
Reapplication: No annual reapplication required unless your status changes (marriage, divorce, ownership change, move, etc.).
Tier 2 — Age / Disability Exemption
Eligibility: Homeowners who are at least 65 years old by January 1 of the tax year, OR who are totally disabled. Must provide proof of age (driver's license or birth certificate) or proof of total disability.
Benefit: Exempt from property taxes on the first $75,000 of true value. At the 10% assessment ratio, this exempts $7,500 of assessed value from all property taxes (county, school, and city).
Reapplication: Must reapply during the next filing period after turning 65 or becoming disabled to move to this higher tier.
Tier 3 — Veterans & Surviving Spouses
Eligibility: Honorably discharged American veterans age 90+ by January 1; unremarried surviving spouses of U.S. Armed Forces members killed or died on active duty; unremarried surviving spouses of reserve/National Guard members killed or died on active duty for training.
Benefit: Same $75,000 true-value exemption as Tier 2.
Reapplication: Contact the Tax Assessor's office for specific requirements.
Source: Mississippi Dept. of Revenue (dor.ms.gov/county-services/homestead-exemption); MSU Extension Service.
How Much Can You Save?
The table below shows the estimated annual savings for a $300,000 owner-occupied home in unincorporated DeSoto County (80.74 mills). These are examples, not individual tax bills — your actual savings depend on your home's value, your taxing district, and your exemption tier.
| Scenario | Annual Tax | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No homestead exemption | $2,422 | — |
| Regular exemption (under 65) | $2,122 | −$300 |
| Senior / disability exemption (65+) | $1,817 | −$606 |
Based on a $300,000 home in unincorporated DeSoto County at 80.74 mills. The regular exemption saves up to $300/year. The senior/disability exemption exempts the first $75,000 of true value — saving significantly more. Actual savings vary by location and home value.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for any tier of Mississippi homestead exemption, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Own the home. You must hold title to the property.
- Occupy it as your primary residence on January 1 of the tax year for which you seek the exemption.
- File before the deadline. Applications must be submitted between January 1 and April 1.
- Comply with Mississippi tax laws. You and your spouse must comply with Mississippi Income Tax laws and Mississippi Road and Bridge Privilege Tax laws. You cannot claim residency in another state.
For the senior/disability tier, you must additionally:
- Be at least 65 years old by January 1 of the tax year, OR be totally disabled.
- Provide proof of age (driver's license or birth certificate) or proof of total disability.
Military personnel stationed outside Mississippi can qualify if they claim Mississippi residency and maintain compliance with all applicable state laws.
How to Apply
Where to Apply
DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Office
DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Office, 365 Losher St, Suite 130, Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: 662-469-8000
Filing Period: January 1 – April 1 (annually)
Required Documents
Bring the following when you apply for the first time:
- Date of birth for all applicants
- Physical address of the property (P.O. Box numbers cannot be used)
- Total purchase price of the property
- Amount of down payment
- Current automobile tag numbers of all vehicles owned by you or in your possession, including company vehicles
What Can Cause You to Lose Your Exemption
You do not need to reapply every year, but you must reapply if your status changes. Failing to reapply after a qualifying change can result in losing your exemption and owing back taxes.
If you are unsure whether a life event requires reapplication, contact the DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Office at 662-469-8000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the homestead exemption filing deadline in DeSoto County?
The filing period runs from January 1 to April 1 each year. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM on April 1 at the DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Office.
How much is the regular homestead exemption in Mississippi?
The regular homestead exemption provides a tax credit of up to $300 against property taxes owed. The credit is split across taxing jurisdictions (e.g., $150 county + $150 school) and applies to the first $7,500 of assessed value.
How much is the senior homestead exemption in Mississippi?
Homeowners 65 or older (or totally disabled) are exempt from property taxes on the first $75,000 of true value. At the 10% assessment ratio, this exempts $7,500 of assessed value from all property taxes — county, school, and city.
Do I need to reapply for homestead exemption every year?
No. Once approved, you do not need to reapply each year unless your status changes — such as marriage, divorce, a change in property ownership, moving out of the home, or turning 65 (which moves you to a higher exemption tier).
Where do I apply for homestead exemption in DeSoto County?
Apply at the DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Office, 365 Losher St, Suite 130, Hernando, MS 38632. Phone: 662-469-8000. The filing period is January 1 through April 1.
Official Sources & Methodology
All homestead exemption rules, eligibility requirements, and filing procedures are sourced from the Mississippi Department of Revenue and the DeSoto County Tax Assessor's Office. Savings examples are calculated by WorthFighting using the official Mississippi property tax formula and verified millage rates.
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