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relocation information: About Columbus
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ESTABLISHING A RESIDENCE
DRIVER'S LICENSES
New residents are required to secure a regular driver's license within 60 days after establishing residency in Mississippi. Applicants are required to take a written and eye examination given by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Your social security number will be required. The license will be issued for a four-year period at a nominal cost. CDL are also available. Applicants for a driver's license must be at least sixteen years of age. Applicants under seventeen years of age must have an application signed and verified by both parents before being issued a permit.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Driver’s License Division
Lowndes County Administration Building
17 Airline Road
Columbus, MS 39702
Tel: 662-327-1833
Mississippi Highway Patrol
Tel: 662-327-1833
Highway Patrol - Driver Services
VISIT THEIR WEBSITE
VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Lowndes County Tax Office
515 2nd Ave. North
P.O. Box 1077
Columbus, MS 39703
Tel: 662-329-5700
CURRENT RESIDENTS
Current residents have 7 working days to register a vehicle. After 7 working days, the following penalties will occur:
5% penalty – first 15 days
10% penalty – next 30 days
15% penalty – next 30 days
20% penalty – next 30 days
25% penalty – maximum
New Residents have 30 days to register a vehicle. After 30 days, the penalty will be $250.
TAG CREDIT
If you have disposed of an old vehicle, a credit is given for the remaining life of the old tag against the new tag purchase. No cash refunds are given. For more information, contact the Lowndes County Tax Assessor’s office at (662) 329-5700 or visit their website at www.lowndesassessor.com.
MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION
An annual motor vehicle inspection is required for all automobiles operating on any public road in Mississippi. State approved license garages and service stations make the inspections and a minimum fee is charged after which a windshield sticker is provided by the inspector. For further information, contact the Mississippi Highway Patrol at (662) 327-1833.
TAX INFORMATION
Personal Taxes State, county and municipal ad valorem taxes, except on motor vehicles, must be paid by February 1 of each year. County and city tax millage rates are set prior to October 1 of each year.
PROPERTY TAXES
Inside Columbus
| County |
.04293 |
| Municipal |
.03458 |
| City Schools |
.06439 |
| Total inside Columbus mileage |
.1419 |
Columbus Sep School District
| County |
.04343 |
| City Schools |
.06439 |
| Total Columbus Sep School District |
.10782 |
County
| County |
.04343 |
| County Schools |
.04723 |
| Total County |
.09066 |
For more information on property tax, please visit www.lowndesassessor.com.
PLACE TO PAY TAXES
Municipal taxes are to be paid at the Columbus City Hall. County taxes and state ad valorem taxes are payable to the Lowndes County Tax Collector located in the Courthouse (662/329-5700). State income tax is payable to the State Tax Commission by April 15 of each year. There is a branch office in Columbus (662/328-3271). The Internal Revenue Service office is located at 2209 5th Street North, Columbus.
HOUSING COSTS
Although many variables enter into this, here are the average median prices for a new 1,800 square foot house with siding, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, on a half-acre lot in Columbus and the surrounding area:
| City of Columbus |
$180,000 |
| Lowndes County |
$183,600 |
| City of Starkville |
$192,500 |
| Oktibbeha County |
$189,000 |
| City of West Point & Clay County |
$160,200 |
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
People wishing to file for homestead exemption for the first time must be legal residents of the state, be living in a home by January 1, pay state income tax, and have a Lowndes County license plate. The deadline for filing is April 1. For more information contact the following office:
Lowndes County Tax Office
515 2nd Ave. North
Columbus, MS 39703
Tel: 662-329-5700
VOTER REGISTRATION
Mississippi has a “One Stop” registration program. Register once to vote in all elections at the following office:
Lowndes County Circuit Clerk’s Office
505 2nd Ave. North, Rm. 264
Columbus, MS 39703
Tel: 662-329-5900 |
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content by Mariana Natcheva & website by Christina Riddle |
Century 21© Doris Hardy & Associates, LLC | 3600 Bluecutt Rd., Suite 1 | Columbus, MS 39705
© 2008 All Rights Reserved
Each office is independently owned and operated
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