Due to an error in the tax office, some Lincoln County residents have not received property tax notices this year.

Lincoln County Tax Assessor Blake Pickering said he’s still unsure what caused the error, but people are still required to pay their taxes.

“We’re trying to make people aware that they’re still responsible for their taxes by Feb. 1,” Pickering said. “After Feb. 1, they will incur a 1 percent penalty. If they need to know anything they can call us. The number is 835-3427. If they haven’t paid their taxes this year, they do need to check on them  — either come see us or call us.”

Feb. 1 is Monday.

This is Pickering’s first term as tax assessor. He defeated incumbent Rita Goss in November. He took office in January.

Property tax, or ad valorem tax, is a tax imposed on the ownership or possession of property and is generally based on the value of the property.  In Mississippi, all property is subject to a property tax unless it is exempt by law.

For the most part, household personal property belonging to individuals is exempt from property tax. Individuals pay property taxes on motor vehicles when they register their vehicle. Personal property such as inventory, furniture and fixtures, and machinery and equipment used in trade or manufacture are subject to property tax, according to the Department of Revenue.

Property tax revenues are used to support county and city governments, and local school districts.  A significant portion of Lincoln County’s revenue is derived from property tax.

Homestead exemption deadline is April 1

Qualified homeowners are allowed an exemption from certain ad valorem taxes based on the assessed value of their home, according to DOR. The amount of exemption is determined from tables that are provided by law.

Those who are 65 years of age and older or who are disabled, upon application and proof of eligibility, are exempt from all ad valorem taxes up to $7,500 of assessed value.

The application for exemption must be filed with Lincoln County on or before April 1.