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 Lee County Tax Assessor (Mark Weathers) and Tax Collector (Crystal Heatherly).
Relief programs
The filing guidance for this county is: January 1–April 1, 2026; Lee County says the application is filed with the Tax Assessor and April 1 is the deadline. Use the official form or application channel, provide the residence and ownership documentation requested, and keep a copy of the submission.
Open homestead applicationMississippi DOR Tier 2: a qualified homeowner age 65 or older or totally disabled by January 1, 2026 may exempt the first $7,500 of assessed homestead value, with proof of age/disability. Qualifying service-connected totally disabled veterans and eligible unmarried surviving spouses may receive the applicable full homestead exemption under Tier 3.
Mississippi has no individual parcel annual valuation cap verified in official sources. The local ad valorem levy is generally subject to a 10% cap on receipts, with statutory exclusions; assessment ratios are Class I 10%, Classes II–III 15%, and Classes IV–V 30%.
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, Mississippi DOR normally requires a local valuation appeal by the first Monday in August preceding the tax due date: August 3, 2026; request a hearing with the county Board of Supervisors and contact the county Chancery Clerk for filing/agenda procedure. If the language is not a specific calendar date, contact the office promptly for the current notice and board-review schedule.