Q: When will I find out how much I owe in property taxes?

A: The Lincoln County Tax Collector’s office mailed out more than 18,000 tax notices this week, said Blake Pickering, the elected official who serves as both tax assessor and collector for Lincoln County.

The tax notices show how much is owed to the county for each parcel of property someone owns.

“Anybody with property that is not escrowed should get one. If your property is escrowed, your bank will receive it,” he said. “If you do not get a tax notice and you’re supposed to, that doesn’t mean you don’t owe taxes. Please contact us and see if there’s a problem.”

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.

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.

Pickering said his office has been busy this week as property owners rushed in to pay their taxes as soon as they received their notices.

Feb. 1 is the deadline to pay without a penalty and payment plans are available, he said.

The first payment — half of the total due — must be received in the tax office by Feb. 1. The second payment — half of the remaining balance — is due by May 1 and the final payment of the remaining balance is due by July 1.

Pickering said property owners shouldn’t be surprised by their tax bills.

“There was not a major change this year,” he said.

However, some may receive more than one bill for the same property. Not to worry, though. Pickering has a plan.

“If they received a duplicate bill, they did not get charged twice. Just pay it once. But check the PPIN number to see if it matches,” he said.

Anyone with questions or concerns should call the tax office at 601-823-9347.

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 the state Department of Revenue. 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.