Tate County Tax Collector: payments, hours and office help
The Tate County Tax Assessor/Collector handles county property-tax collection and several motor-vehicle transactions from the office at 201 S. Ward Street in Senatobia. Donnie Ross is currently identified by Tate County as the county Assessor/Collector.
Use this page to find the correct office, check property records before paying, understand the February property-tax deadline, compare accepted payment methods and know where to turn for homestead, assessment or delinquent-tax questions.
Tate County Tax Assessor / Collector
Donnie Ross
201 S. Ward Street, Senatobia, MS 38668
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, except legal holidays
662-562-6011 ext. 2
Tate County Tax Collector office hours and address
Senatobia, MS 38668
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, except legal holidays.
Phone: 662-562-6011 ext. 2
Email: dross@tatecountyms.gov
Fax: 662-562-7422
What the combined Assessor/Collector office handles
Tate County uses a combined Tax Assessor/Collector office. The assessor side values taxable property, maintains assessment information and handles homestead-exemption applications. The collector side receives property taxes and also handles county motor-vehicle functions such as license-plate transactions.
This distinction matters when you have a problem. A question about the amount of a bill may involve both the assessed value and the tax collection record, while a deed or ownership-record issue may also require the Chancery Clerk.
How to pay Tate County property taxes
Start by identifying the correct Tate County property account and checking the balance before you submit a payment. This is especially important when a property recently changed owners, when an old tax remains unpaid or when the mailing name on the bill does not match the current owner.
Search Tate County property and tax records
Tate County’s official website links to Data Systems Management for property records and to a separate mapping service for Tate County parcel maps. These tools can help you confirm that you are working with the correct parcel before contacting the office about a bill or payment.
Use the county-linked Data Systems Management tax-record system to locate Tate County real-property information.
The county also links to Tate County mapping resources maintained through Tri-State Consulting Services.
Why the tax record may still show a former owner’s name
Tate County says a deed must be filed with the Chancery Clerk by December 31 of the previous year for the taxes to appear in the new owner’s name. The county also explains that property taxes are paid one year in arrears.
A recent closing therefore does not always mean the tax bill will immediately display the buyer’s name. If ownership has changed, compare the parcel information rather than relying on the name alone, and contact the Assessor/Collector when the record appears inconsistent.
When Tate County property taxes are due
Mississippi property taxes are generally due on or before February 1 for property assessed during the preceding year. Tate County likewise states that real and personal property taxes and applicable special assessments are due by February 1.
| Date or period | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Mississippi uses January 1 ownership information for property-tax assessment purposes. | Verify ownership and assessment records if a property recently transferred. |
| January 1-April 1 | Tate County’s filing period for homestead exemption applications. | Apply with the Tax Assessor if you qualify and need to file. |
| February 1 | Property taxes are generally due on or before this date. | Pay by the deadline or confirm the next-business-day rule when February 1 falls on a weekend or legal holiday. |
| August tax-sale period | Unpaid real-estate taxes can progress toward the county tax sale. | Contact the office promptly if taxes remain unpaid. |
What happens if Tate County property taxes are unpaid
Do not wait for a tax-sale notice before resolving a late balance. Tate County says delinquent taxes must be paid before the office will accept current taxes, so an older unpaid year can affect your attempt to pay the newest bill.
The county currently states that a monthly charge begins after the February 1 due date and that unpaid property can proceed to the annual tax sale. Because the exact amount due changes as penalties, interest or other charges accrue, request an up-to-date payoff from the Tax Collector rather than calculating a delinquent balance yourself.
Tate County tax sale
Tate County currently conducts its tax sale online through GovEase. The county’s tax-sale information page directs prospective bidders to the GovEase system for registration and bidder training.
If the property has already been sold for taxes
The collection office, Chancery Clerk and Mississippi tax-sale rules may all become relevant after a sale. Ask the county which office currently holds the record and what redemption information applies to the specific parcel. Do not rely on a generic online calculator for a redemption amount.
Homestead exemption in Tate County
Eligible homeowners apply for Mississippi homestead exemption through the county Tax Assessor where the home is located. Tate County states that applications are accepted from January 1 through April 1.
Do not assume an exemption transfers automatically because the previous owner received one. If you bought the home recently, changed ownership or have another eligibility change, confirm your filing requirement with the Tate County Assessor.
If you disagree with the property’s assessed value
A payment dispute and an assessment dispute are not the same problem. The Tax Collector collects the tax calculated from the approved tax roll, while an objection to the property’s valuation follows the assessment and appeal process.
Mississippi Department of Revenue guidance says a property owner who disagrees with the valuation may request a hearing with the county Board of Supervisors. The Department notes that an appeal normally must be filed by the first Monday in August preceding the tax due date, and it directs taxpayers to the county Chancery Clerk for more information about the appeal process.
Vehicle tags and title services at the Tate County office
The Tate County Tax Assessor/Collector also handles county motor-vehicle transactions. The office says license-plate renewals may be completed in person or mailed with payment.
The county says taxpayers may renew at the office or mail the renewal with payment.
Tate County states that new Mississippi residents generally have 30 days after establishing residency to retitle and purchase a Mississippi license plate.
The county FAQ states that buyers generally have seven working days, beginning with the day after purchase, before a late penalty starts.
Moving to Tate County from another state
The county says requirements vary depending on whether you own the vehicle outright, have a lienholder or lease the vehicle. Documents may include the out-of-state title or registration, proof of Tate County residency, lienholder information and the previous license plate.
Because vehicle documentation changes with ownership and financing status, contact the office before visiting if the title is held by a lender, the vehicle is leased or the names on the title have changed.
Common Tate County tax problems and the next step
| Problem | Possible explanation | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| Tax bill shows the former owner | The deed may not have been reflected on the tax roll for that tax year. | Verify the deed with the Chancery Clerk and parcel information with the Assessor. |
| Current tax payment is refused | An older delinquent balance may still be outstanding. | Ask the Tax Collector for all unpaid years and the current payoff. |
| Tax bill increased | Possible causes listed by Tate County include millage changes, reappraisal, loss of homestead, improvements or a special assessment. | Review the assessment and exemption status before assuming the payment record is wrong. |
| Cannot find the property online | Search terms may not match the tax-record format or a recent ownership change may not yet display as expected. | Use parcel information if available or call the office for help identifying the account. |
| Need an exact delinquent balance | The amount can change as statutory charges accrue. | Request a current payoff directly from the Tax Collector. |
Tate County Tax Collector frequently asked questions
Where is the Tate County Tax Collector located?
The Tate County Tax Assessor/Collector office is at 201 S. Ward Street, Senatobia, Mississippi 38668.
What are the Tate County Tax Collector office hours?
The county lists regular office hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except legal holidays.
Who is the Tate County Tax Assessor/Collector?
Tate County currently identifies Donnie Ross as the Tate County Assessor/Collector.
When are Tate County property taxes due?
Property taxes are generally due on or before February 1 for property assessed during the preceding year. Mississippi guidance provides a next-business-day rule when February 1 falls on a weekend or legal holiday.
What payment methods does the Tate County office accept?
The county FAQ lists cash, checks, money orders and debit or credit cards. It currently states that card payments are subject to a 2.35% convenience fee. Confirm the applicable fee before making your specific transaction.
Can I pay current property taxes if older taxes are delinquent?
Tate County states that delinquent taxes must be paid before current taxes will be accepted. Contact the Tax Collector for the correct payoff when more than one tax year is involved.
When can I file for homestead exemption?
Tate County lists January 1 through April 1 as the filing period for homestead exemption applications with the Tax Assessor.
Why is my property still listed under the previous owner’s name?
Tate County explains that the deed must be filed with the Chancery Clerk by December 31 of the previous year for the taxes to be listed in the new owner’s name. Verify the parcel and recorded deed if a recent purchase is not reflected as expected.
Verify Tate County tax information before acting
Tax balances, deadlines, tax-sale status and office procedures can change. Use the county and state resources below for the current record rather than relying on an old bill, search-result snippet or third-party directory.
Office information, FAQs, property-record links and local tax guidance.
Statewide guidance for property taxes, appraisal, homestead exemption and motor vehicles.
The TaxCollectors.org Editorial Team researches and reviews U.S. tax collector offices, property tax procedures, payment resources, deadlines, and official government links. TaxCollectors.org is an independent information publication operated by Quarks Systems Global Solutions.