Forrest Property Tax Rates, Payments & Assessor Contact

Forrest Property Tax rates in Forrest GA 2026 average about 0.84% of assessed value, and the Forrest County Tax Assessor office at 601 North Main Street, Hattishburg, MS, can confirm each parcel’s exact valuation through its public search portal at https://www.forrestcountymsproperty.com. Homeowners can pay their bill online via the county’s property tax payment portal, and the tax collector contact (601) 545‑6130 will answer questions about due dates, delinquency penalties, and special assessment fees. If you qualify, the homestead exemption application for Forrest is due by April 1, and seniors may request additional relief through the real estate tax relief programs offered by the assessor. Property owners facing a contested assessment can learn how to appeal property tax assessment in Forrest, while the calculator on the assessor’s site helps estimate taxes for commercial property, agricultural land, or residential parcels.

Forrest Property Tax bills include municipal tax levies, and any unpaid balance triggers delinquency penalties that the tax collector enforces. The county’s website lists the property tax bill due dates and provides a step‑by‑step guide for filing a property tax exemption or requesting a refund if you overpaid. Should a lien be placed, the property tax lien process in Forrest outlines the timeline for redemption and possible resale. For detailed questions about valuation methods, special assessments, or appeals, contact the Forrest County Tax Assessor office at (601) 545‑6130 or visit the office during business hours.

Search Forrest County Property Tax

Forrest County property tax records are available through the public search resources operated by the Forrest County Tax Assessor. Residents, property owners, investors, and real estate professionals can access parcel data, ownership history, assessed values, exemption status, and tax sale records directly from the official county website at https://forrestcountyms.us. The Tax Assessor’s office serves as the primary entry point for any search related to ad valorem taxation within the county boundaries, which include the City of Hattiesburg, the City of Petal, and surrounding unincorporated areas in south-central Mississippi.

To begin a search, visit the official Forrest County website and navigate to the Tax Assessor or public records section. The system accepts searches by parcel number, property address, owner name, or other identifying criteria. Once a record loads, the screen displays the current assessed value, classification code, millage rate applied, and any active exemptions tied to the parcel. Users can also view the payment history and any outstanding balance owed to the Forrest County Tax Collector.

Step-by-Step Searching Process

1. Open the official Forrest County portal at https://forrestcountyms.us using a current browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
2. Locate the Tax Assessor or public records section on the homepage and choose the preferred search type from the available options (parcel number, owner name, address, or subdivision).
3. Type the relevant query into the search field. For owner name searches, enter the last name first followed by the first name to narrow results quickly.
4. Click the “Search” button and wait for the system to load matching parcels from the county database.
5. Select the correct parcel from the result list to open the full property record page.
6. Review the assessed value, tax year, exemption details, levy distribution, and any special assessment notes listed on the parcel summary.
7. Print or download the record using the on-screen options if a hard copy is needed for personal records or an appeal package.

If the online system does not return the expected parcel, the Forrest County Tax Assessor can be reached by phone at (601) 545-6130 for in-person assistance or record lookup. The office is located on the second floor of the Jesse L. Brown Forrest County Tax Services Building at 601 North Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS.

Forrest County Property Tax Rates and Millage Structure

Forrest County property tax bills are calculated using the assessed value of a parcel multiplied by the total millage rate assigned to the tax district where the property sits. A mill represents one dollar of tax for every one thousand dollars of assessed value, and the rate combines countywide levies, school district levies, municipal levies, and any special district assessments. The total millage varies by location because city residents pay additional municipal mills compared to residents of unincorporated areas.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the Forrest County Board of Supervisors adopted a county ad valorem millage of 65.28 mills for residents living inside the City of Petal, a reduction from the prior year rate of 65.50 mills. City of Hattiesburg residents pay a different combined rate that includes municipal, school, and countywide millage components. Agricultural land, timber land, and historical properties may qualify for use-value assessment, which lowers the taxable value of the parcel before the millage rate is applied.

Key Millage Components Applied to a Typical Parcel

• Countywide general fund millage set by the Forrest County Board of Supervisors
• School district millage for the Hattiesburg Public School District or the Petal School District
• Municipal millage for properties located within Hattiesburg or Petal city limits
• Fire protection district millage for unincorporated areas served by volunteer fire departments
• Special assessment millage for lighting districts, garbage districts, and road maintenance districts
• Library, community college, and other voter-approved millage where applicable

Property Tax Payment Methods in Forrest County

Forrest County property tax payments are accepted through multiple channels managed by the Forrest County Tax Collector. Taxpayers can pay in person at the tax collector’s office on the first floor of the Jesse L. Brown Forrest County Tax Services Building, by mail using the remittance slip included with the annual tax bill, or through the online payment portal hosted on the official county website. Online payments accept major credit cards, debit cards, and electronic check transfers.

Payments are posted to the parcel record the same business day for in-person and online transactions when submitted before the published deadline. Mailed payments receive a postmark date as the official payment date, which is critical when the deadline falls near a weekend or holiday. Taxpayers who pay through a mortgage escrow account do not receive a personal bill from the county because the loan servicer remits payment directly to the collector on the homeowner’s behalf.

Payment Methods Accepted by the Tax Collector

• Online payment through the county’s property tax payment portal using a card or electronic check
• In-person payment at the counter located at 601 North Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS
• Mail-in payment sent to P.O. Box 1626, Hattiesburg, MS

Forrest County Property Tax Bill Due Dates and Deadlines

Forrest County property tax bills are mailed each year following the assessment roll certification by the Forrest County Tax Assessor. The county operates on a calendar-year tax cycle, and the annual bill becomes due once the collector mails the notice. Taxpayers should review their bill promptly upon receipt to verify the parcel number, exemption credit, and total amount due before submitting payment.

Tax Collector Zac Howell has publicly stated that the last day to pay the prior year’s property tax bill is typically late in the summer of the following year, after which the county must publish a list of delinquent parcels. Taxpayers who miss this date face interest accrual, penalty assessment, and eventual inclusion on the annual land sale list maintained by the Forrest County Chancery Clerk. Bills are considered timely paid when postmarked or paid online by the published deadline.

Critical Dates in the Annual Tax Cycle

• January 1 — Reference date used for the senior age-based exemption eligibility
• April 1 — Final deadline to file the homestead exemption application with the tax assessor
• First Monday in July — Deadline to file a property tax appeal with the Forrest County Board of Supervisors
• July 31 — Last day to pay property taxes before the county publishes the delinquent parcel list
• Following cycle — Land sale auction for parcels that remained unpaid through the prior cycle

Homestead Exemption Application in Forrest County

Forrest County homeowners who occupy their property as a primary residence may qualify for the Mississippi homestead exemption, which removes a portion of the assessed value from taxation. The exemption reduces the taxable base used to calculate the annual bill and applies automatically once the application is approved by the tax assessor. Mississippi law sets the standard homestead exemption at a fixed dollar amount that exempts that portion of the assessed value from county, school, and municipal levies.

According to reporting from WDAM 7 News, the Forrest County Tax Assessor’s Office has confirmed that homeowners have until April 1, 2026, to sign up for the homestead exemption for the current tax cycle. Applicants must file the homestead exemption application with the tax assessor and provide documentation such as a recorded deed, government-issued identification, and a vehicle registration that matches the property address. Applicants who file after the April 1 deadline may still apply for the next tax year, but they cannot retroactively claim the exemption for the prior cycle.

Documentation Required for the Homestead Exemption

• Recorded warranty deed, quitclaim deed, or life estate deed proving ownership of the property
• Mississippi driver’s license or state-issued identification card showing the property address
• Vehicle registration showing the property address as the owner’s legal residence
• Social Security number for each owner listed on the deed for state verification purposes
• Disabled veteran or surviving spouse documentation when requesting the extra disabled veteran exemption

Senior Property Tax Relief Programs in Forrest County

Forrest County homeowners who are age 65 or older qualify for layered property tax relief through both state and county programs. The additional homestead exemption for senior applicants increases the amount of assessed value that is shielded from taxation, and the local option senior exemption may further reduce the bill for residents of participating school districts. Filing the age-based exemption requires a separate application with the tax assessor, but the office frequently combines the senior request with the standard homestead application for convenience.

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs can apply for a full property tax exemption in Mississippi when the disability rating meets the state threshold. The application requires a recorded deed, VA disability certification, and proof of Mississippi residency. Surviving spouses of qualified disabled veterans may continue the exemption for the remainder of their lives as long as the property remains their primary residence and the deceased spouse met the eligibility criteria at the time of death.

Eligibility Criteria for Senior and Veteran Relief

• Age 65 or older on or before January 1 of the application year for the senior exemption
• Legal ownership of the property and use of the parcel as a primary residence
• Combined household income below the ceiling set by Mississippi law for income-based programs
• Service-connected disability rating for the disabled veteran exemption category
• Surviving spouse status with continued ownership and occupancy of the homestead

How to Appeal Property Tax Assessment in Forrest County

Forrest County property owners who believe the county tax assessor assigned an incorrect value to their parcel may file a formal appeal through the assessment appeal process. Mississippi law requires appeals to begin with the county tax assessor before they can advance to the Forrest County Board of Supervisors. Most appeals are resolved at the assessor level when the property owner provides supporting documentation that demonstrates the assessed value exceeds the market value of the parcel.

When the assessor denies the appeal, the property owner can escalate the case to the Forrest County Board of Supervisors for a hearing. The board functions as the county’s equalization authority and reviews evidence from both the property owner and the assessor before issuing a ruling. Appeals must be filed with the county Board of Supervisors by the first Monday in July for the current tax year, although specific dates should be confirmed with the assessor each spring.

Evidence That Strengthens an Assessment Appeal

• Recent arm’s-length sale of the subject property or comparable properties in the same neighborhood
• Independent appraisal report prepared by a licensed Mississippi real estate appraiser
• Photographs showing physical defects such as foundation damage, roof leaks, or flood issues
• Closing statements, HUD-1 forms, or sales contracts that document actual transaction values
• Income and expense statements for income-producing commercial property showing actual return on investment

Steps in the Formal Appeal Process

1. Review the assessment notice received from the tax assessor and confirm the parcel number and value
2. Gather comparable sales data, photographs, and any independent appraisal reports
3. Submit a written appeal to the tax assessor before the first-stage deadline
4. Attend the informal hearing scheduled by the assessor if requested
5. Receive the assessor’s written decision within the timeframe required by state law
6. File a written appeal with the Forrest County Board of Supervisors if the assessor denies the request
7. Attend the public hearing and present evidence to the board members in person

Forrest County Property Tax Delinquency and Lien Process

Forrest County property taxes become delinquent when the taxpayer fails to remit payment by the published deadline. The tax collector charges statutory interest on the unpaid balance, and the delinquent status is recorded against the parcel in the official land records maintained by the Forrest County Chancery Clerk. A courtesy letter is mailed to the property owner of record advising of the delinquent amount, interest, and the upcoming land sale date.

Delinquent parcels are advertised for sale and auctioned at the annual land sale held by the Forrest County Chancery Clerk. Property owners can redeem a delinquent parcel by paying the original tax amount, accumulated interest, penalties, and any fees before the land sale is finalized. Once a parcel sells at the land sale, the former owner typically has a redemption period during which they may buy back the property by paying the winning bid plus interest and costs.

Consequences of Tax Delinquency in Forrest County

• Statutory interest accrues on the unpaid tax amount at the rate set by Mississippi law
• A tax lien is recorded against the parcel in the public land records
• The parcel is added to the published delinquent list
• The delinquent parcel is exposed to sale at the annual county land sale auction
• Title transfer to the new owner occurs if no redemption takes place within the statutory window

Agricultural and Commercial Property Tax Assessment in Forrest County

Forrest County agricultural land receives a use-value assessment that reflects its productive value rather than its potential development value. The Mississippi State Tax Commission establishes use-value rates for Class II agricultural land, Class III timber land, and Class IV pasture land. Landowners who use the property for qualifying agricultural purposes for at least two years may apply for the agricultural use-value classification with the tax assessor and submit a forestry or agricultural productivity schedule as supporting documentation.

Commercial property in Forrest County is assessed at a higher ratio than residential property, and the tax assessor uses income capitalization, cost approach, and sales comparison methods to establish the market value of office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, and hospitality properties. The tax assessor is required to physically review and verify at least 25 percent of all personal property accounts each year, and an additional 25 percent is reviewed in each subsequent year under Rule 6, Section C of the Mississippi State Tax Commission personal property standards.

Common Property Classifications in Forrest County

• Class I — Single-family residential and qualified agricultural homestead property
• Class II — Other real property, including commercial buildings and rental residential
• Class III — Personal property used in a business, trade, or profession
• Class IV — Public utility property assessed by the Mississippi State Tax Commission
• Class V — Motor vehicles that receive a separate assessment under state law

Forrest County Tax Assessor Office and Local Details

The Forrest County Tax Assessor is the official government office responsible for locating, classifying, and appraising all taxable property within the county. The office maintains records on approximately 50,000 parcels of real property and oversees the homestead exemption, agricultural use-value, and disabled veteran exemption programs. The tax assessor also certifies the assessment roll each year and provides the millage rate schedule to the tax collector for billing purposes.

Both the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector offices are co-located inside the Jesse L. Brown Forrest County Tax Services Building. The Tax Assessor’s office occupies the upstairs section of the building, while the Tax Collector operates on the first floor. Taxpayers can walk in for in-person service during business hours, call the office phone number, or use the online portals to perform routine tasks without traveling to the courthouse.

For questions about a tax bill, a payment posting, a refund request, or a land redemption issue, contact the Forrest County Tax Collector through the Tax Services Building. For questions about an assessed value, an exemption application, a use-value classification, or an appeal filing, contact the Forrest County Tax Assessor at (601) 545-6130. For questions about a recorded deed, a land sale auction, a tax lien, or a property record search, contact the Forrest County Chancery Clerk at (601) 545-6040 or (601) 545-6041, or send an email to SBOUNDS@FORRESTCOUNTYMS.US or JFARRIS@FORRESTCOUNTYMS.US.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Forrest County Tax Assessor office handles property tax rates, exemptions, online payments, and appeals. Knowing how to navigate these services saves time and money. Below are quick answers to the most common questions from homeowners, investors, and real‑estate agents.

What is the current property tax rate in Forrest County and how is it calculated?

Forrest County applies a millage rate of about 84 mills (0.84 %). The assessor first determines the taxable value of a parcel, then multiplies that value by the millage rate. For example, a home assessed at $150,000 would owe $1,260 in county tax (150,000 × 0.0084). The rate covers schools, roads, and public safety. Check the latest rate on the assessor’s website before filing your payment.

How can I pay my Forrest County property tax online?

Visit the county’s payment portal at forrestcountyms.us. Click “Land Redemption/Delinquent Tax,” enter the PPIN from your tax bill, and follow the prompts. Payments accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. After payment, you receive an email receipt. If you encounter issues, call the Tax Collector at (601) 545‑6130 for help.

When is the deadline to apply for the homestead exemption in Forrest County?

Homeowners must submit the homestead exemption form by April 1 2026. The form is downloadable from the assessor’s website or can be picked up at the office on Main Street. Include proof of primary residence, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Approved exemptions reduce the taxable value by up to $75,000, lowering the final tax bill.

What steps should I follow to appeal my property assessment in Forrest County?

First, review your assessment notice for errors. Gather comparable sales, recent appraisals, or photographs that show differences. File an appeal online through the assessor’s portal before the first Monday in July. Attach supporting documents and a written statement. After submission, a hearing is scheduled with the Board of Supervisors. Attend the hearing, present your evidence, and await a written decision.

What penalties apply if I miss my Forrest County property tax payment?

If payment is late, a 5 % penalty is added to the overdue amount. Each month after the due date adds an extra 1 % interest. Continued delinquency may lead to a tax lien, which can affect your credit score and result in a tax sale. To avoid penalties, set up automatic reminders or use the online portal for timely payments.