County News
Lafayette County Tax Collector/Assessor Rocky Kennedy gives residents advice to help prepare them for tax season.
Tax Day is approaching, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the filing process, you’re not alone. The good news? Help is available right here in Lafayette County.
Lafayette County Tax Collector/Assessor Rocky Kennedy and his team are committed to making tax season less stressful by providing guidance and resources to residents.
“We know taxes can be overwhelming,” Kennedy says. “That’s why we encourage people to reach out—call us, come in, ask questions. We’re genuinely here to help, and we’ll walk you through the process.”
Know Your Property Tax Deadline
Lafayette County property taxes were due on February 1, but if you missed the deadline, you still have options.
“After February 1, you start incurring an interest fee for not paying on time,” Kennedy explains. “It’s a half percent interest per month, and if taxes remain unpaid, the property can eventually go to the land sale in August.”
Make Small Payments to Avoid Bigger Penalties
Kennedy and his team understand that times are tough for many residents. “We know that money is tight,” he says. If you can’t pay in full, partial payments are allowed leading up to August. “The key is to make progress and avoid penalties from accumulating,” he says. “Even small payments—$15, $25—can make a difference over time.”
“The most important thing is to not ignore it. Come in, talk to us, and we’ll try to help however we can.”
Understand City vs. County Property Taxes
Another piece of property tax advice: if you’re an Oxford resident, you may owe both city and county property taxes. “The City of Oxford bills and collects its own property taxes separately from the county,” Kennedy explains.
Residents can verify their tax status by searching on the county’s personal property or real property tax system or by calling the office for assistance.
Check Your Tax Status Early
One of the biggest issues the tax office sees is residents not verifying that their taxes have been paid—especially those with escrowed mortgage payments.
“Most homeowners assume their mortgage company handles their tax payment,” Kennedy says. “But mistakes happen. Mortgage companies request thousands of payments at once, and sometimes they accidentally pay the wrong parcel. We’ve had cases where someone’s mortgage company paid the neighbor’s tax bill instead of theirs.”
He recommends checking your property tax status online via the Lafayette County website or calling his office to confirm payment.
Another common issue is returned tax notices. “We had thousands of returned tax notices this year—even for valid addresses,” says Kennedy. “The post office is overwhelmed, and mail is getting delayed.”
If you didn’t receive a tax notice, you can check your tax status online or call the office.
Missed a Payment? Here’s What to Do
If you miss the property tax deadline, penalties will begin accruing. If that happens, Kennedy asks that residents give his office a call.
“The best thing to do is to contact us if you’re behind,” he says. “If you can’t pay the full amount, we’ll work with you on partial payments to help avoid the worst-case scenario— they’ll go to the land sale.”
At the annual land sale in August, unpaid tax debts are auctioned off. “If that happens, other people can bid on your taxes, and you end up with even more fees and penalties,” he warns. “A $500 tax bill can turn into $700 or more. That’s why it’s so important to pay in full before August.”
The Tax Office Is Your Resource
“We understand that taxes can be intimidating,” Kennedy says. “We can explain your tax bill, help you understand what’s due, and even provide estimates for mortgage companies.”
His best advice? Ask questions.
“If you don’t understand something, don’t wait—just call us or come by the office. The sooner you reach out, the better,” he says. “We want to help.”