Lowndes County; ad valorem tax for county purposes; provide homestead exemption

Property tax relief for Lowndes County seniors

The law creates a senior homestead tax break, subject to local voter approval during the 2026 general primary. Approval requires more than half of the votes cast. With that approval, the exemption starts with taxable years beginning January 1, 2027. Qualifying Lowndes County residents age 65 or older get $40,000 of assessed home value exempt from eligible county property taxes. Residents age 70 or older get a $50,000 exemption instead. Age is measured on or before January 1 of the application year, and the home must qualify as their homestead. These amounts reduce taxable assessed value; they are not dollar-for-dollar tax savings. Home value above the exemption remains taxable. The break excludes state, school, municipal, and county bonded-debt taxes. It replaces, rather than adds to, other Lowndes County exemptions for county purposes. Residents age 65 or older receiving the prior $10,000 exemption automatically receive the $40,000 exemption without applying. Other qualifying residents must apply to the county tax commissioner, who provides the forms. The exemption renews automatically while recipients occupy the homestead, without yearly applications. Recipients must report when they no longer qualify. Lowndes County pays election costs, and the election superintendent must certify the result to the Secretary of State. Without approval, or if the election is not held, the exemption does not take effect. The act then automatically repeals on the 365th calendar day after the scheduled election date.