MS HB249

Expands homestead property tax exemption for service-connected, totally disabled American veterans who have been honorably discharged from military service to include an exemption from all ad valorem taxes on the assessed value of homestead property (previously limited to $6,000-$7,500 depending on county valuation status).

Extends the full homestead tax exemption to unremarried surviving spouses of service-connected, totally disabled veterans, effective January 1, 2011.

Modifies Section 27-33-75 to increase the maximum homestead exemption from $6,000 to $7,500 assessed value for qualified homeowners in counties that have completed property valuations as of January 1, 2001.

Amends Section 27-33-67 to clarify that unremarried surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans qualify for disability-based homestead exemptions under the same conditions as the veteran.

Makes the exemption applicable to claims filed in the 2011 calendar year and thereafter, with reimbursement beginning in the 2012 calendar year.