General Questions

1. How do I change my address on the tax roll?

a.) Call the Tax Assessor’s Office (601-859-1921, 601-856 -1796) with your parcel number(s), your current address and your new address,

b.) Or mail same information, plus a daytime phone number, to ‘Madison County Tax Assessor’s Office, PO Box 292, Canton, MS 39046’,

c.) Or click on ‘Contact Us’ on the right side of this page to send an email. Be sure to include the 18-character parcel number and a daytime phone number.

2. How do I formally appeal my tax value?

The Equalization Rolls are published on our website and on paper in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room (125 W North St., Canton) at their first meeting in July. 

If you feel that the values are incorrect, and you can provide supporting evidence, you may call 601-859-1921 for real property, or 601-856-1796 for personal property). A request for review should be filled out and signed by July 15 in order for our office to inspect the property before the final hearings. 

Real Property Request for Review
Personal Property Request for Review
If not satisfied with our reply, a formal Appeal for Real Property, or Personal Property should be filed in writing with the Chancery Clerk’s Office by the first Monday in August.

3. How may I request a review of my property records after the official protest period is over?

In certain situations (described in MS Code sec 27-35-143) the Tax Assessor and the Board of Supervisors may consider errors to the current tax roll. 

For personal property requests, complete the Personal Property Request for Review and mail, fax (601-859-2899) or deliver to Madison County Tax Assessor, Personal Property Division, P O Box 292, Canton, MS 39046. Call 601-856-1796 if you have any questions. 

For real property requests, complete the Real Property Request for Review and mail, fax (601-859-2899) or deliver to Madison County Tax Assessor, Real Property Division, P O Box 292, Canton, MS 39046. Call 601-859-1921 if you have any questions.

Real Property & Homestead Questions

Real Property Deadlines for Filing:

Builder's Affidavit (include a certificate of occupancy) April 1
Agricultural Use Application April 1
Homestead Exemption Application April 1
Industrial Exemption (27-31-101 new industry) *March 1 (in Chancery Clerk's Office)
Industrial Exemption (27-31-105 existing industry with additions/improvements) *March 1 (in Chancery Clerk's Office)
*Board of Supervisor Policy  

1. How can I get an estimate of real property taxes?

Click here. Special assessments for fire districts, PID’s, etc. are not included.

2. Who qualifies for the homestead exemption and how do I apply.

Click here for a list of requirements and here for a worksheet. Fill out as much of the worksheet as you can before you come into the office. This will speed the application process.

3. What is the special or over-65 exemption and who qualifies?

The special or over-65 exemption is for homeowners who became disabled or turned 65 years old during the prior year. It exempts the first 75,000.00 of true value from taxation. 
See items 8 – 10 on the homestead list of requirements.

Personal Property Questions

Personal Property Deadlines for Filing:

Rendition April 1 (Form) **Delivered to TA Office or USPS Postmark Date
Industrial Exemption (27-31-101 new industry) *March 1 (in Chancery Clerk's Office)
Industrial Exemption (27-31-105 existing industry with additions/improvements) *March 1 (in Chancery Clerk's Office)
Freeport Warehouse Application March 31 ($10.00 fee required)
Freeport Warehouse Valuations March 31
*Board of Supervisors' Policy  

1. What is the deadline for filing a manufacturer’s exemption?

The application must be filed by March 1st, in the Madison County Chancery Clerk’s office and in the city where the business is located.

2. What is the tax lien date?

The tax lien date is the assessable date for business personal property which is January 1st for existing businesses, or Jan 1st up to March 1st for a new business. There is no proration of value if a business closes after January 1st.

3. How do I obtain a detailed listing of my Personal Property Record?

Fax (601-856-1855) or mail (171 Cobblestone Dr., Madison MS 39110) a copy of your authorization along with a request letter to the attention of the Personal Property Department.

4. What is required to be sent with the personal property rendition form?

A detailed fixed asset schedule including description, age or year bought (new or used) and cost.
The cost of inventory as of Jan 1st or a twelve-month average if all 12 months are reported.
Disposals must be clearly noted as such. 

Click here to download the rendition form.

5. What is the penalty for not returning a rendition form by April 1?

The assessed value is automatically increased by 10%.

6. What is the duty of the assessor and the district attorney in case a taxpayer refuses to return a rendition?

According to MS Code Section 27-35-43, all persons who willfully neglect or refuse, the District Attorney shall present the matter to the Grand Jury with potential penalties of (97-7-1 ) five years imprisonment and 10,000 fine or 3 months in the county jail and a 500.00 fine.