Mississippi Tax Guide
Explore Mississippi's state tax rates for income, sales, property, retirement, and more. Learn how Mississippi compares nationwide.
Navigating the complexities of state taxes can be daunting, but understanding Mississippi's tax landscape is essential for residents and newcomers alike.
In this guide, we'll explore key components of The Magnolia State's tax system, from income and sales taxes to property taxes and retirement benefits.
Mississippi state tax: Overview
If you're thinking about settling down in Mississippi, especially in retirement, you might be happy to know the state keeps property taxes relatively low.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Mississippi homeowners here pay less in property taxes than the national average. And most retirement income is tax-free, which can make a difference when budgeting for retirement.
That said, the state does lean a bit heavier on sales taxes.
Mississippi is one of the few places that still taxes groceries, which can catch some newcomers off guard. But local governments typically don’t pile on extra sales tax, so what you see at the register is usually what you get.
[Data for this state tax guide was gathered from a number of sources including the Census Bureau, the state’s government website, the Sales Tax Handbook, and the Tax Foundation. Property taxes are cited as a rate percentage rather than the assessed value.]
Mississippi income tax rate
Mississippi has a flat 4.4% individual income tax rate.
Mississippi retirement taxes
Retirement income is exempt in Mississippi, but other types of income (including early withdrawals from retirement accounts) are still taxable. However, the income tax rate on taxable income is low, and it is set to decrease in the coming years.
- Social Security: Not taxable
- Pensions: Not taxable
- 401(k) and IRA Distributions: Not taxable
Mississippi sales tax
The sales tax rate in Mississippi is 7% according to the Tax Foundation. Some localities make for an average combined sales tax rate of 7.06%.
- Groceries: Taxable
- Clothing: Taxable
- Motor Vehicles: Taxable (5%)
- Prescription Drugs: Taxable
However, Mississippi holds two sales tax holidays every year, one of which focuses on back-to-school essentials. For more information, check out Kiplinger's report, Mississippi Tax-Free Weekend 2025.
Property taxes in Mississippi
In Mississippi, the property tax rate paid is 0.70% of assessed home value.
For homeowners age 65 and older or who are totally disabled, there is a property tax homestead exemption on the first $7,500 of assessed value.
Mississippi gas tax
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Gasoline | $0.18 per gallon |
Diesel | $0.18 per gallon |
Mississippi taxes on alcohol and tobacco
Mississippi tobacco taxes
Product | Amount |
|---|---|
Cigarettes | $0.68 per pack of 20 |
Other Tobacco Products | 15% of the manufacturer's list price |
Mississippi alcohol taxes
Product | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
Beer | $0.43 per gallon |
Wine | $0.35 per gallon |
Liquor | State controlled |
Source: The Sales Tax Handbook
Mississippi estate and inheritance taxes
Mississippi does not have estate or inheritance tax.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Kelley R. Taylor is the senior tax editor at Kiplinger.com, where she breaks down federal and state tax rules and news to help readers navigate their finances with confidence. A corporate attorney and business journalist with more than 20 years of experience, Kelley has helped taxpayers make sense of shifting U.S. tax law and policy from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), to SECURE 2.0, the Inflation Reduction Act, and most recently, the 2025 “Big, Beautiful Bill.” She has covered issues ranging from partnerships, carried interest, compensation and benefits, and tax‑exempt organizations to RMDs, capital gains taxes, and energy tax credits. Her award‑winning work has been featured in numerous national and specialty publications.
-
Oregon Tax Kicker in 2026: What's Your Refund?State Tax The Oregon kicker for 2025 state income taxes is coming. Here's how to calculate your credit and the eligibility rules.
-
Will IRS Budget Cuts Disrupt Tax Season? What You Need to KnowTaxes The 2026 tax season could be an unprecedented one for the IRS. Here’s how you can be proactive to keep up with the status of your return.
-
The 1-Month Rule for Setting Your Car Insurance DeductibleThe ideal car insurance deductible balances risk and savings. Here's how to find it.
-
Oregon Tax Kicker in 2026: What's Your Refund?State Tax The Oregon kicker for 2025 state income taxes is coming. Here's how to calculate your credit and the eligibility rules.
-
3 Retirement Changes to Watch in 2026: Tax EditionRetirement Taxes Between the Social Security "senior bonus" phaseout and changes to Roth tax rules, your 2026 retirement plan may need an update. Here's what to know.
-
Tax Season 2026 Is Open: 8 Big Tax Changes to Know Before You FileTax Season Due to several major tax rule changes, your 2025 return might feel unfamiliar even if your income looks the same.
-
Do You Pay Property Taxes in Tennessee? What You Need to Know in 2026Property Taxes State lawmakers are moving to ban state property taxes, but can they stop the local rate spike? Here's how 2026 could lower your Tennessee property tax bill.
-
12 Tax Strategies Every Self-Employed Worker Needs in 2026Your Business Navigating the seas of self-employment can be rough. We've got answers to common questions so you can have smoother sailing.
-
New California Wealth Tax for 2026? Here's What's Happening NowState Taxes California has considered taxing wealth before, but the latest proposal seems to be different.
-
A Free Tax Filing Option Has Disappeared for 2026: Here's What That Means for YouTax Filing Tax season officially opens on January 26. But you'll have one less way to submit your tax return for free. Here's what you need to know.
-
Georgia Tax Rebate And Income Elimination? What 2026 Could Mean For YouState Tax We break down how lawmakers aim to axe the state income tax and how much you could get in a Georgia tax refund in 2026.