July 1 brings changes to tags, vehicle taxes assessments in Mississippi

Tax Assessor-Collector Talina King Matthews told the Franklin County Board of Supervisors about recent changes regarding vehicle tags and other vehicle-related matters during the panel’s Tuesday, July 5 meeting.

“Great news — the legislative tag credit is going to increase to 8.75 percent,” Matthews said.

“This is a 2.25 percent increase from last year. So this is the amount that the Mississippi Legislature credits toward your tag. The actual amount you pay is not the full price of the tag.

“Last month, the Legislature’s credit was six-and-a-half percent, and as of Friday (July 1), it became 8.75 (percent). So the amount taxpayers spend on their tags is going to go down.”

While the amount paid for vehicle tags declined, the annual tax hybrid and electric vehicle owners pay — in addition to the cost of their tag — went up.

“Those fees were $75,” Matthews continued. “They’re going to split the fee up, so (starting) this month hybrid (vehicle owners) will pay $81 and electric car (owners) will pay $161.”

Matthews also informed the board of the availability of the new personalized blackout license plate, the proceeds from which will benefit the families of fallen police officers and firefighters.

The regular plate can hold up to seven characters on cars and trucks and is also available for motorcycles with up to four characters allowed on the tag.

She also noted Mississippi State University College World Series tags are not available due to insufficient presales, but those interested in purchasing this tag can contact MSU to help them reach the presale requirement of 300 tags.

Additionally, decals are available for communication impaired vehicle operators — alerting authorities the driver of the vehicle is physically incapable of verbally communicating with them.

Matthews also stated owners of vehicles manufactured from 2011 until now must provide odometer readings on all title transactions for 20 years after the manufacture date.

“This is a 10-year increase from the previous statute,” she said. “I suggest taking a picture of the odometer when you acquire a vehicle, just in case.

“If you have or will refinance your vehicle, call us and check on your registration because you’re losing money. The reason is, when I change lienholders, the only thing that’s supposed to change is the actual lienholder of the title.

“A lot of the finance companies are creating new accounts. Once that new account is created, that old tag is obsolete. But you don’t know because you haven’t been pulled over and we don’t get any notice.”

According to Matthews, when this happens the taxpayer loses money, and will not get it back unless they bring their tag in.

For more information about this or other tag and title issues, contact the Franklin County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office at 601-384-2359.