MS HB716

Amends Section 27-33-75, Mississippi Code of 1972, to make homestead exemptions for honorably discharged American veterans with service-connected total disabilities retroactive to the year of application for disability to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Requires taxing authorities to refund any paid ad valorem taxes, waive outstanding ad valorem taxes, and void any tax sales of property when proper proof of veteran disability status is submitted, with the retroactive exemption applied from the year of initial application.

Maintains existing homestead exemption provisions for qualified homeowners, with one-half of the exemption credited to school district taxes and one-half to county general fund taxes.

Exempts honorably discharged veterans with service-connected total disabilities from all ad valorem taxes on their homestead property value, with additional exemptions for increases in property value after January 1, 2018 (excluding renovations beyond energy efficiency, safety, or accessibility improvements).

Takes effect January 1, 2020.