Frequently Asked Questions |
Frequently Asked Questions |
|
How much is sales tax?
The state levies a 7% sales tax, 2% of which is returned to the municipality on all sales within the corporate limits of the municipality. Additionally, the city has a 2% food and beverage tax and a 2% hotel/motel tax. What is a privilege license?A Privilege license allows a person to do business in Winston County for a profit. For more information, please contact the Tax Assessor / Collector's office at 662-773-3694 Where can I find out about property taxes?Property tax facts, as well as information on Homestead and other exemptions, may be obtained from the Tax Office. Where do I get a car tag? Residential Mississippi license plates may be obtained throughout the year from the Tax Office in the Winston County Courthouse. Residents have 30 days after establishing residency to secure car tags. How long do I have to purchase a license plate for a new or used vehicle purchased from a dealer before penalty applies?
You have thirty (30)) working days beginning with the next day after purchase. Thereafter, a 5% penalty will apply per month up to 25%. How do I get a credit slip for my license plate if I sell my vehicle? Credit slips are issued on license plates brought to the office of the Tax Collector for a vehicle that has been sold. There must be time remaining on the plate and the original credit slip may be used towards the purchase of another license plate. How do I title my vehicle if I am a new resident? New residents must retitle their vehicles in the State of Mississippi. If you own your vehicle outright with no lienholder, you will need your title from the other state, your registration from the other state, proof of residency in Winston County, and your out-of-state license plate. Whoever is listed on the front of the out-of-state title as the owner must appear the first time to apply for a Mississippi title. If you have a lien holder, you will need the current full name and address of your lien holder, proof of residency in Winston County, and the out-of-state license plate. If you have a leased vehicle, you will need a POA from the Lease Company along with the license plate and registration from the other state. How do I transfer my title between individuals? You will need the ordinal title signed by the seller or sellers as shown on the front of the title. The buyer or buyers must be present the first time to apply for a Mississippi title. Will the same criteria apply to a vehicle bought and sold between individuals? Yes. The difference would be the application of sales tax at the rate of 5% on vehicles less than ten years old. How is the cost of a license plate computed? The VIN or Vehicle Identification Number from your vehicle is entered into the state/county computer, which pulls a value acquired by the State Tax Commission from R. L. Polk Black Book, a supplier of the Manufacture's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). This amount is multiplied times the millage rate for the area in which you reside, less the tag credit you receive in Mississippi when you purchase or renew your plate on time, plus any penalty if applicable. What is Use / Tax and when do I pay it? Use / tax is the same as sales tax, but is charged on vehicles purchased out of state from a dealer at the rate of 5% on the purchase price less the trade-in. What is the greatest amount of penalty you may receive on the purchase or renewal of a license plate? The greatest amount is 25% with no legislative tag credit. What is Legislative Tag Credit? This is a percentage credit granted by the Mississippi Legislature in 1994 towards the purchase price of your license plate. The percentage is set each year by the Mississippi State Tax Commission. You receive the reduction on passenger vehicles and trucks, when you purchase your plate at the proper time. If I move to Mississippi, how long do I have to purchase a license plate? New residents of the State have thirty (30) days after the establishment of residency in which to retitle and purchase a license plate. How long do I have to renew my license plate? You have until the 15th day of the following month to renew your plate. When are renewal notices mailed to taxpayers? Renewal notices are mailed on the last working day of the month preceding the renewal date of your plate. Should you not receive your notice through the mail at this time. It is your responsibility as a taxpayer to renew your plate. How do I acquire a license plate or placard for handicapped persons? The license plate and / or placards are available through an application file signed by your physician. What are the cost and requirements for an antique license plate? If the vehicle has a current plate, there is a one time cost of $28.50 The vehicle must be 25 years old. When and where do I file for homestead exemption? From January 1 through April 1, in the Homestead Office: Winston County Courthouse 16540 W. Main Street Louisville, MS 39339 What is the age limit for a taxpayer to receive special homestead credit? If you are 65 on or before January 1, you qualify for the additional exemption. What you will need to bring with you to file for the homestead exemption for the first time? You will need:
How does the disability qualification work?
Total disability qualifies for a special homestead exemption. You must be 100% disabled and bring proof that shows disability from the Social Security office form (TPQY). When are my property taxes due? Property taxes (Real or Personal) and other special assessments are due and payable by February 1, of each year. Thereafter, a penalty of 1% per month accrues on any unpaid taxes until the tax sale in August of that same year. As a courtesy of this office, your tax collector notifies the land and business owners in Winston County that their taxes are due and payable. How and where may I pay my taxes? Your taxes may be paid at the Winston County Court House. You may also pay your taxes by mail, using a check. May I pay my taxes in installments?Yes, but you must follow these guidelines: Pay 1/2 of the total before February 1. Pay 1/4 by May 1, with appropriate interest on the part you pay. Pay 1/4 by July 1, with appropriate interest on the part you pay. If I have protested the taxes assessed on my property, must I still pay the amount due? Payment for your taxes is still due as shown on your notice. If the assessment on your property is reduced or changed and you have overpaid, a refund will be issued. If I have delinquent taxes due on my property, may I pay my current taxes first? Delinquent taxes must be paid first before current taxes will be accepted. Why are my taxes not listed in my name? Your deed must be filed in the Chancery Clerk's Office by December 31st of the previous year for your taxes to be listed in your name. Property taxes are paid one year in arrears. The property will appear in your name on the land roll following the year your deed was filed. Why was my bill sent to the previous owner? Property taxes are paid one year in arrears. Your deed may not have been filed within the proper time frame for the Tax Assessor to pick up on your deed for that particular land roll. May I pay my taxes early? We will begin accepting tax payments the 1st day of November. Why do my taxes increase?Your taxes may increase because of:
Do I lose my property if taxes are not paid on time?A property owner has two years from the date of that years tax sale in which to redeem their property before a tax deed may be issued. Are you able to tell me who paid my taxes?
You or anyone may pay your taxes, Records are not kept of who paid your taxes. When is the tax sale held? The sale is held on the last Monday in August each year and begins at 9 am. Where or how is the tax sale held? In Winston County, the tax sale is held online with GOVEASE - contact our office for more info. Do I have to register for tax sale? Yes. However, anyone may obtain a registration form from the tax office. How do I vote absentee? You can request a ballot up to 45 days in advance through the mail, or you can visit the Circuit Clerk's office. How do I obtain a marriage license? The Circuit Clerk's office issues marriage licenses. You must bring a blood test receipt dated within the last 30 days, a picture id, and if you are under 21, you must obtain your parent's signature on the registration form. How do I obtain a passport? You can visit the Circuit Clerk's office and bring 2 passport photos, a birth certificate with a seal, and a picture id. It takes about six weeks to receive your passport. How do I register to vote? In order to register, go to the Circuit Clerk's office. It is helpful to know your 911 address and social security number. The minimum voting age is 18. You must register at least 30 days prior to any election to be entitled to vote in that election. How do I ask questions about jury duty?
You should call the Circuit Clerk's office Why are my delinquent taxes higher than what I originally owed? There are fees and interest that accrue monthly. It is to your advantage to pay your taxes on time in the Tax Assessor's Office. When do I need to sign a new Homestead Exemption application? You must sign a new Homestead Exemption application when there is any change in your deed. You may sign a new application in the Tax Assessor's office. How do I file for homestead exemption? Visit the Tax Collector's office between January 2 and April 1. What do I need to bring to file for homestead exemption? You will need to bring in: 1. Recorded warrant deed. 2. Cost of house and down payment if you had one. 3. If you are 65 or disabled, you will need to bring proof. 4. Your social security number and if married your spouse social security number. 5. Tag numbers on all vehicles. You can call 662-773-3694 for additional questions on filing homestead. Do I need a license or a permit to open a business? Yes. If the business is located inside the city limits, a license will be issued by the city. If the business is outside of the city limits and inside the county, the county Tax Collector will issue your license. When I sell my car, do I keep the tag / license plate? Yes. You may also be eligible for a credit against future taxes. If the tag has not expired, take the tag and your original receipt to the tax collector for a credit voucher. Where do I buy a car tag / license plate?
Car and truck tags are issued by the Tax Collector. You have 7 working days from the date of purchase to register your vehicle. Vehicles purchased outside of the county must be registered in 9 days. New residents moving from another state have 30 days to obtain a new plate. It is helpful to bring your automobile registration and/or title. New residents from another county in Mississippi can wait until their next renewal to change plates. Tags are usually valid for one year from the date they are issued. May I sign my deed over to someone else? No. You must have an attorney prepare a new deed. Why am I receiving a chargeback from the Department of Revenue? The chargeback letters are mailed once a year from the DOR to the Chancery Clerk's office. The Chancery Clerk, in turn, mails these out to the taxpayers. There are several reasons for receiving a Homestead Chargeback: (1). Income taxes are owed. (2). A new application was not submitted when a spouse died or when a person remarried. (3). The Social Security number is incorrect. etc How can I lease 16th Section Land? The Louisville Municipal School District leases 16th Section property. You will need to contact the LMSD Central office for information on 16th Section leases. Please keep in mind that if you lease 16th Section property you are responsible for paying the lease and taxes on the property. Are land records open to the public? Yes, land records are available for public inspection at the Chancery Clerk's office from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Where do I file a land deed?
Land deeds are filed in the Chancery Clerk's office. Where and When do I go to renew or get my drivers license? Licenses may be renewed online under most circumstances at https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/ Drivers license locations can be found at https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/Drivers/Driver_License_Locations How do I obtain a 911 address? New 911 addresses are assigned through the 911 office located behind the Louisville Police Department at 202-a South Church Street. 662-773-7470 or fax at 662-773-2427 Why can't I purchase my car tag if my solid waste bill is not paid. What does solid waste have to do with my tags?
Solid waste bills that are more than one year delinquent result in a lien placed on the real estate associated with the bill. If that is the same address listed for your car tag, the solid waste bill must be paid in full before the county can issue a new tag. |