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- DeSoto County property assessments were updated to move them closer to fair market value.
- The change, mandated by the Mississippi Department of Revenue, will likely increase property taxes for many homeowners.
- Homeowners can dispute assessments until July 31 by contacting the Tax Assessor’s Office.
Many DeSoto County homeowners will likely see an increase in property taxes thanks to recently updated property assessments.
In mid-July, homeowners started receiving their updated assessments, which were mandated by the Mississippi Department of Revenue with the goal of moving them closer to fair market value.
The reassessment affects real property only, not land or personal property.
Here’s what you need to know about the updated reassessments in DeSoto County.
Why were property assessments updated in DeSoto County?
According to DeSoto County Tax Assessor Jeff Fitch, the changes are intended to reflect natural economic growth and real estate prices in the area. Fitch has followed the minimum allowed by the state, 85% of market value.
“The Mississippi Department of Revenue has mandated that we change our pricing manuals as well as change our index to get closer to the fair market value,” Fitch said during a Board of Supervisors meeting in July. “Where we were running 56% of market value before, they wanted us at least 85% of market value. So we had to make those changes for the 2025 tax year.”
DeSoto Supervisor Board President Mark Gardner stressed that county officials are not to blame for the increase.
“Our Tax Assessor is following state law,” Gardner said. “This is not something the Board of Supervisors requested or supported, but we are required to comply.”
How much will property taxes increase?
It depends on a number of factors including where you live, the millage rate of your municipality and your updated reassessment.
In a statement released July 18, the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors said they while they cannot legally reduce the millage rate enough to offset the tax increase, they are committed to “making these increases minimal while [still complying] with the state’s new tax mandate.”
For residents 65 and over or those with a disability exemption, property value is frozen, so the changes shouldn’t affect those residents. These two groups may even see a decrease in property tax when the changes go into effect, due to the reduced millage. Car tag costs will also decrease for the same reason.
Residents won’t know the exact amount taxes are changing until all disputes have been resolved.
Tax bills based on the new values will be issued in December 2025 and will be due by Feb. 1, 2026.
Can the updated property assessments be disputed?
Yes. If you have a legitimate concern that your property has been evaluated incorrectly, you have until July 31 to file an appeal with the Tax Assessor’s Office.
Compare the millage rates of other local authorities, including school districts and special districts, if applicable, to strengthen your case.
Where can homeowners find their updated assessment?
If you’re unsure of your current property assessment, visit this website and enter your name or address. If you feel something is off, file a complaint as soon as possible.
Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal covering DeSoto County, as well as Dining in the Memphis area. You can reach him at jacob.wilt@commercialappeal.com.
