Tax relief and valuation review
A homestead exemption, senior-relief program, or valuation protest can change the amount a homeowner owes—but only if the filing reaches the right local office in the correct window. Use the verified county guidance below as your working checklist, then confirm the current form and deadline with Forrest County Tax Assessor (Mary Ann Palmer) and Tax Collector (Zac Howell).
Relief programs
The filing guidance for this county is: January 2 through April 1, 2026; Forrest County states the homestead exemption filing period is January 2–April 1 and applies to a qualifying owner-occupied home as of January 1. Use the official form or application channel, provide the residence and ownership documentation requested, and keep a copy of the submission.
Open homestead applicationForrest County’s published guidance: regular homestead is up to a $300 credit; special homestead for owners age 65+ or 100% disabled exempts the first $7,500 of assessed value; qualifying 100% service-connected disabled veterans may receive full relief.
no general countywide annual valuation cap was verified. Mississippi instead requires regular reappraisal at least once every four years and applies statutory assessment ratios (10% for Class I owner-occupied residential real property; 15% for Class II/III; 30% for Class IV/V); local millage rates may change annually.
Appealing an assessment
Use the valuation notice and the county’s published protest guidance to determine the last day to file. Do not assume the payment deadline controls the appeal.
Gather comparable sales, photographs, repair records, appraisal evidence, property characteristics, and any documentation that explains why the assessed value is incorrect.
Submit through the official channel, save the confirmation, and attend the board or review hearing if one is scheduled. An appraiser or attorney can help evaluate evidence when the value or stakes are substantial.
The verified protest guidance for this county is: For 2026 assessments, file an appeal with the county Board of Supervisors by the first Monday in August (August 3, 2026), before the February 1, 2027 tax due date; exact county hearing dates were not otherwise published by the official source reviewed. If the language is not a specific calendar date, contact the office promptly for the current notice and board-review schedule.