Forrest County Tax Collector: Pay Taxes, Car Tags, Hours, Address & Due Dates
If you searched for the Forrest County Tax Collector, you probably need to pay a property tax bill, renew a car tag, confirm the Hattiesburg office hours, change your mailing address, or check what happens before the August tax sale stage.
This guide gives you the official payment route, phone number, address, mailing details, property tax deadlines, motor vehicle registration rules, mobile-home tax basics, and the right office for assessment or homestead questions.
The Forrest County Tax Collector collects property taxes, motor vehicle registration taxes, mobile/manufactured home taxes, and related county tax payments. The official Tax Collector is Zac Howell. The office is located at 601 N Main St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, with listed hours of Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.
When Is Your
Next Tax Deadline?
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For payment or account help, call 601-582-8228 or email taxcollector@forrestcountyms.us. For mailed items, the official mailing address is P.O. Box 1689, Hattiesburg, MS 39403.
Property Tax Penalty & Interest Calculator
State-specific penalty rates • Interest accrual • Tax lien deadline • Cost-of-waiting breakdown
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Tax Lien Warning
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What Do You Need From the Forrest County Tax Collector Today?
Forrest County residents usually need one of five things: pay a property tax bill, renew a car tag, check a tax statement, handle a mobile-home tax question, or call the correct office for value and homestead issues.
Pay a property tax bill
Use the official Forrest County Tax Collector site or the county-linked Paystar portal. Match the taxpayer, property, year and amount before paying.
Go to payment stepsRenew a car tag
Forrest County is listed by Mississippi DOR as a county offering online tag renewal through its own website path.
Go to car tag helpCheck deadlines
Property taxes are due by February 1 to avoid penalty. Unpaid taxes can move toward the August tax-sale window.
Go to due datesFix a statement or owner-name issue
Statements are a courtesy, and the January 1 owner name may appear even after a recent purchase.
Go to statement helpNeed another Mississippi county?
If your property or tag belongs outside Forrest County, use the correct county guide before paying.
Hinds County tax collector guideNearby Gulf Coast guide
Use this related Mississippi guide if the tax or tag record belongs to Harrison County.
Harrison County tax collector guideBefore you start checklist
- Tax statement, parcel details, PPIN, address or taxpayer name.
- Mortgage company information if escrow should pay.
- Mailing address and mortgage-status details if they changed.
- Car tag renewal notice, license plate, VIN or registration receipt.
- Mobile/manufactured home purchase date, title and utility setup needs.
- Payment confirmation, receipt, canceled check or bank record if following up.
How to Pay Forrest County Property Taxes Online, by Mail or In Person
The safest payment route is to start from the official Tax Collector site, confirm the account, review any online payment fee at checkout, and save proof until the payment posts correctly.
Open the official Tax Collector site first
Use the official county Tax Collector page and the linked Pay Taxes Online button instead of a random search result.
Open official Tax Collector siteUse the county-linked payment/search portal
The Paystar portal is linked from the official Tax Collector site and is used for Forrest County online record search and payment functions.
Open Forrest County Paystar portalMatch the bill before submitting
Confirm the property, owner name, year, statement, PPIN or account information. Recent buyers may still see the prior owner name.
Review fees and payment method
The old official content does not publish one fixed fee table for every method. Check the final payment screen before submitting card, e-check or other online payment.
Save proof and re-check the account
Keep the confirmation page, receipt, tax year, amount, payment date and bank/card record until the official account reflects the payment.
Best online path
Use this for Forrest County property tax search, payment and related online record help.
Search / Pay OnlineOffice or mail path
Use office or mail when online payment is blocked, details do not match, or you need help with statements, tax sale, address or mortgage-status changes.
View office detailsForrest County Tax Collector Office Hours, Phone, Email, Address and Mailing Details
The office is in the Tax Services Building in downtown Hattiesburg. Call before visiting if you have a tax sale, expired tag, address change, mortgage-status change, mobile-home or payment-posting problem.
Tax Collector Office
Property tax, tags and mobile-home tax help
What to Have Ready Before Calling
Prepare details before 601-582-8228
- Property address, PPIN, name or tax statement.
- Vehicle plate, VIN or renewal notice for tag help.
- Mobile-home registration or purchase details.
- Mortgage company name if escrow changed.
- New mailing address if requesting address update.
- Payment confirmation if a payment is missing.
Forrest County Property Tax Due Dates, Statement Timing and Tax Sale Risk
Forrest County’s Tax Collector FAQ says property taxes are due by February 1 to avoid penalty, and taxpayers have until the last Friday in August to pay before taxes are sold in the tax sale.
| Timing | Official meaning | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Week before Thanksgiving | Tax statements are typically mailed. | If you do not receive one by December 15, search online or call. |
| January 1 | Property tax process references taxes as due each year. | Do not wait for paper mail if you know taxes are owed. |
| February 1 | Pay by this date to avoid penalty. | Resolve mortgage, address and account issues before this date. |
| Last Friday in August | Final timing before taxes are sold in the tax sale according to the FAQ. | Call before paying late; verify payoff, fees and sale status. |
Why waiting until August is risky
The tax sale window leaves little time to fix a mortgage escrow issue, wrong mailing address, old owner name, missing receipt or payment-posting problem. If the bill is unpaid after February 1, search the account and call before relying on an old balance.
Forrest County Car Tag Renewal, Mississippi Registration and Title Help
The Forrest County Tax Collector handles motor vehicle registrations, annual license plate renewals, Mississippi title applications and sales tax collection on casual vehicle purchases.
Online tag renewal
Mississippi DOR lists Forrest County as a county offering online tag renewal through its own website payment path.
Check MS online tag renewal listAnnual renewal
Mississippi DOR says vehicle registration must be renewed every year. A renewal notice is a courtesy, but you are still responsible if it does not arrive.
Read DOR renewal rulesExpired tag problem
The Tax Collector FAQ says after the 15th day of the following month of expiration passes, you cannot renew online and must call or come to the office.
What to bring for vehicle registration or title help
- Current registration, renewal notice, plate number or VIN.
- Mississippi title or out-of-state title documents.
- Valid identification.
- Proof of address or domicile if requested.
- Bill of sale or purchase documents for a newly purchased vehicle.
- Payment method for taxes, title fees, registration fees and any penalties.
New resident and purchased vehicle timing
Mississippi DOR says new residents have 30 days to register vehicles after moving to Mississippi if they have current registration from the prior state. DOR also says recently purchased vehicles must be registered within 30 business days. Check with the Forrest County Tax Collector if your title, lien, out-of-state purchase or expired tag creates a special case.
Forrest County Mobile and Manufactured Home Taxes
Mobile/manufactured home tax timing is not the same as ordinary real property timing. The Tax Collector site says a mobile home must be registered within seven days of purchase, taxes are due within 90 days, and later taxes are due February 1 each year.
| Mobile home issue | Official detail | Action step |
|---|---|---|
| New purchase | Register within seven days of purchase. | Call or visit early instead of waiting for a yearly tax statement. |
| Taxes after purchase | Taxes are due within 90 days. | Confirm payoff before utility setup or title work. |
| Annual taxes | Due February 1 each year after initial setup. | Use the same deadline planning as other property tax payments. |
| Real property declaration | The current Tax Collector site lists a $35.00 fee to declare a mobile home as real property. | Verify current fee and assessment handling before filing. |
Forrest County Tax Collector vs Tax Assessor: Which Office Fixes Your Problem?
The Tax Collector collects the approved taxes. The Tax Assessor locates, classes and assesses taxable property, maintains maps and handles value, homestead and assessment questions.
Use Tax Collector for
- Property tax payments.
- Tax statements and payment proof.
- Address or mortgage-status changes.
- Car tag renewal and vehicle registration.
- Mobile/manufactured home taxes.
- Tax sale timing and payoff questions.
Use Tax Assessor for
- Property value and assessments.
- Real property records and maps.
- Homestead exemption.
- Business personal property rendition.
- Ownership-map questions.
- Assessment protests and supporting documents.
Old owner name on bill?
The Tax Collector FAQ says the owner of record as of January 1 is the name shown on the tax statement. Forrest County also notes that deed information may take time to appear in mapping records. A prior owner name does not automatically mean the tax bill is invalid.
Forrest County Homestead Exemption, Business Personal Property and Assessor Deadlines
Homestead exemption and assessment questions belong with the Tax Assessor, not the payment counter. This matters because paying a tax bill does not fix a missing exemption or value problem.
Homestead exemption window
The county page states homestead exemption runs from January 2 through April 1.
Regular homestead
The county page describes regular homestead for applicants under age 65 and non-disabled, with a maximum credit against property taxes.
Special homestead
Applicants age 65+ or 100% disabled may qualify for special treatment on the first $7,500 of assessed value, according to the county page.
Business personal property reminder
Forrest County says business personal property includes tangible assets such as furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment and inventory. Renditions are due by April 1, and missing rendition reporting can create a penalty.
Official source: Forrest County Tax Office Assessor and Homestead sections.Forrest County Tax Statements, Mortgage Companies, Address Changes and Missing Notices
The Forrest County Tax Collector site says tax statements are a courtesy. That means a missing paper statement is not a safe reason to wait.
| Situation | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No statement received | Statements are usually mailed the week before Thanksgiving. | If none arrives by December 15, search online or call the office. |
| Mortgage company should pay | Statements may go to mortgage companies or individual taxpayers. | Verify the official account shows paid before the deadline. |
| Mailing address changed | The Tax Collector asks taxpayers to notify the office of address or mortgage-status changes. | Use the official address-change request or call the office. |
| Recent purchase | The January 1 owner may still appear on the statement. | Verify the parcel/account before paying and keep closing documents. |
Receipt and proof checklist
- Tax year and account/parcel details.
- Amount paid and payment date.
- Confirmation number or receipt number.
- Bank/card record or canceled check.
- Mortgage company proof if escrow was involved.
- Name of office staff if you called about a correction.
Common Forrest County Tax Bill, Car Tag and Payment Problems
Most problems come from waiting for a paper notice, using the wrong office, missing a tag deadline, or assuming an old owner name means the bill is wrong.
What if no tax statement arrives?
Check online or call after December 15. Do not wait until February if you know property taxes are due.
What if the payment did not post?
Collect the confirmation number, payment date, bank record and tax account details before calling 601-582-8228.
What if the property value is wrong?
Use the Tax Assessor, not the Tax Collector, because valuation and assessment are not fixed through the payment portal.
What if the tag is expired?
If the 15th day of the following month has passed, the official FAQ says online renewal is not available and you must call or come to the office.
What if taxes are near tax sale?
Call before paying late. Confirm the current payoff and status because August tax sale timing can create extra risk.
What if your county is Lauderdale?
Do not use Forrest County links if your record belongs to another Mississippi county.
Lauderdale County MS tax collector guideSenior-friendly call script
“Hello, I need help with a Forrest County tax or tag issue. I have my property details, PPIN or tag number, the tax year, payment proof if any, and my current mailing address. Can you confirm the account status, current balance, and whether this belongs with the Tax Collector or Tax Assessor?”
Helpful Video: Forrest County Property Tax Deadline Reminder
This video is included as a helpful public reference about Forrest County property tax deadline pressure. Always verify the current deadline, payoff and payment route with the official Tax Collector site before paying.
Forrest County Tax Collector Map: Hattiesburg Tax Services Building
The official office location is 601 N Main St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Use the map for directions only, then verify current office status before visiting.
Official Forrest County Tax Collector, Tax Office and Mississippi DOR Links
Use official sources first for payment, tag renewal, assessment, homestead, maps, title and mobile-home questions.
Forrest County Tax Collector FAQ: Payments, Car Tags, Hours, Due Dates and Mobile Homes
These answers focus on the real questions users ask before paying, renewing, calling or visiting the Hattiesburg Tax Services Building.
How do I pay Forrest County property taxes online?
Use the official Forrest County Tax Collector website and the linked Pay Taxes Online portal. Verify the property, taxpayer name, year and amount before submitting payment.
What is the Forrest County Tax Collector phone number?
The official Forrest County Tax Collector phone number is 601-582-8228.
Where is the Forrest County Tax Collector office?
The office is located at 601 N Main St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, in the Tax Services Building.
What are Forrest County Tax Collector office hours?
The official FAQ lists hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.
When are Forrest County property taxes due?
The Tax Collector FAQ says property taxes are due by February 1 to avoid penalty. The county tax process also references property taxes as due January 1 each year.
What if I do not receive my Forrest County tax statement?
Tax statements are a courtesy and are usually mailed the week before Thanksgiving. If you do not receive one by December 15, search online or call the office.
Can I renew my Forrest County car tag online?
Mississippi DOR lists Forrest County as offering online tag renewal through its own website. If the tag is too expired or the system blocks renewal, call or visit the Tax Collector office.
When does an expired Forrest County tag require office help?
The Tax Collector FAQ says once the 15th day of the following month of expiration has passed, you cannot renew online and must call or come to the office.
Who handles property value or homestead exemption questions?
The Forrest County Tax Assessor handles assessments, real property records, maps, homestead exemption and value questions. The Tax Collector handles bills, payments, tags and collections.
What are Forrest County mobile home tax rules?
The Tax Collector site says a mobile home must be registered within seven days of purchase, taxes are due within 90 days, and later taxes are due February 1 each year.
Best Way to Use This Forrest County Tax Collector Guide
Start with the official Forrest County Tax Collector site, then use the county-linked Pay Taxes Online portal. Match the tax account, property, vehicle or mobile-home details before paying, and keep your receipt until the official record updates.
Use the Tax Collector for payments, statements, address changes, mortgage-status changes, car tags, vehicle registration, mobile-home taxes and tax-sale payoff questions. Use the Tax Assessor for value, maps, real property records, business personal property, homestead exemption and assessment disputes.
This is an independent TaxCollectors.org guide. It is not the official Forrest County Tax Collector, Forrest County Tax Assessor, Mississippi Department of Revenue, Paystar, court, attorney, title company, lender or tax adviser. Verify current links, deadlines, fees, hours, payment totals, title requirements and tax sale rules directly with official sources before acting.