File MS Taxes with MS Department of Revenue
State income taxes in Mississippi currently use a flat rate of 4.7% for the 2024 tax year, with the first $10,000 of taxable income exempt from taxation.
Major Tax Changes Coming to Mississippi
Mississippi has enacted historic tax reform that will significantly change the state's tax structure. The Build-Up Mississippi Act, signed into law in March 2025, phases out the individual income tax entirely over the coming years:
- 2025-2026: Rate drops to 4.4%
- 2027: Rate drops to 3.75%
- 2028: Rate drops to 3.5%
- 2029: Rate drops to 3.25%
- 2030: Rate drops to 3%
- 2031 and beyond: Further reductions toward complete elimination, based on revenue triggers
The legislation also reduces sales tax on groceries from 7% to 5% effective July 1, 2025.
The state generated $1.9 billion in revenue from state income taxes in a recent fiscal year. This represents about 25% of the state's $7.24 billion total in tax collections. Compared to most states, it receives a lower share of its total tax revenue from income taxes, however, the ratio is similar to other southern states.
Filing Requirements
Individuals must file a MS tax return if they have had any state taxes withheld from their wages. Nonresidents and partial-year residents must file state taxes if they have income that was taxed by the state. In addition, residents who work out of state must file a return and report their gross income, no matter the source.
Mississippi requires filing if your gross income exceeds:
- Single residents: Over $8,300 plus $1,500 for each dependent
- Married residents filing jointly: Over $16,600 combined, plus $1,500 for each dependent
The easiest way to track a tax refund is to use the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) portal on the Department of Revenue website.
Residency Status and Tax Impact
Your residency status determines how Mississippi taxes your income:
- Residents: All income is taxed by Mississippi.
- Part-year residents: Income earned while living in Mississippi is taxed, plus any Mississippi-source income earned while a nonresident.
- 2030: Rate drops to 3%
- Nonresidents: Only Mississippi-source income is taxed.
Special Income Considerations
Mississippi offers favorable treatment for several types of income:
- Social Security benefits: Not taxable.
- Military retirement pay: Not taxable.
- Railroad retirement benefits: Not taxable.
- Veterans' benefits: Not taxable.
- Qualified retirement income: Tax-free if retirement plan requirements are met.
- Investment income: Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income.
Extensions and Amendments
Those who receive additional tax information or discover an error after filing a return should complete either the Amended Resident Return Form 80-170 or the Amended Non-Resident/partial-year Return Form 80-270. These forms must be filed within three years of the original due date including extensions. If money is owed to the taxpayer, individuals can expect to get a refund within six to 10 months.
Those who owe tax payments and cannot meet the filing deadline qualify for an automatic six-month extension. Individuals will need to attach a copy of the federal extension along with their state return when submitting to the MS Department of Revenue. This does not extend the time to make any tax payments. Individuals who owe more than 20% of their tax liability must pay 1% interest on the underpayment until it is paid.
Creating a TAP Account for Quarterly Payments
Taxable income that isn't subject to withholdings, such as self-employment earnings, alimony, or rent, may be subject to quarterly estimated tax payments. Residents can make estimated payments online by creating a TAP account on the Department of Revenue (DOR) website. Individuals can also send payments to the Department of Revenue at: P.O. Box 23075, Jackson, MS 39225.
Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Amended tax returns can be tracked via the TAP portal. State tax refunds can be tracked by visiting the DOR website and selecting "Individual Income" from the left hand navigation area. When you get to the correct page you will see a question, "Where’s my Refund?" Click to the right of this question to track your refund.
Available Tax Credits
Mississippi offers several tax credits to help reduce your tax liability:
- Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) Credit: Up to $1,200 for individuals; $2,400 for married filing jointly.
- Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization (QFCCO) Credit: Up to $1,500 for individuals; $3,000 for married filing jointly.
- Eligible Transitional Home Organization (ETHO) Credit: Up to 50% of tax liability.
- Eligible Health Care Organization (EHCO) Credit: Up to 50% of tax liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I move to or from Mississippi during the tax year?
You would file as a part-year resident, reporting income earned while living in Mississippi plus any Mississippi-source income earned while a nonresident.
Note: States & U.S. territories may make changes to their tax laws with little notice. We do our best to keep this information up-to-date, but it is provided on an "AS IS" basis. For more see our terms.