Mississippi is home to more than 220,000 veterans — a proud military state anchored by Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Columbus Air Force Base, and Camp Shelby, one of the nation's largest National Guard training installations. The Magnolia State delivers a strong portfolio of veterans benefits built around two pillars that matter most: a complete homestead property tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-33-67, and a full exemption of military retirement income from state taxes. Stack in the Mississippi GI Bill (§ 37-21-1), comprehensive services through the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board (§ 35-1-19), four state veterans homes, employment preference, and free hunting and fishing licenses — and Mississippi becomes one of the most financially rewarding states in the South for veterans who have pursued their full federal ratings.
Mississippi's military communities are concentrated along the Gulf Coast and throughout the central and northern parts of the state. Keesler AFB in Biloxi is a major training hub for the Air Force, while Columbus AFB hosts undergraduate pilot training. Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg is one of the nation's premier National Guard and Reserve training centers — activated during major deployments including both Gulf Wars and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This deep military tradition has produced a legislature committed to providing meaningful, lasting financial relief for those who served.
Mississippi's benefit structure is especially strong in two areas that matter most to veterans: property taxes and income taxes. A 100% service-connected veteran in Mississippi pays no property tax on their homestead (§ 27-33-67) and no state income tax on military retirement pay — a combination that can translate to thousands of dollars in annual savings. Layer in the Mississippi GI Bill, the four state veterans homes, and statewide MSVAB Veterans Service Officers, and the full package makes Mississippi a genuinely veteran-friendly state beyond the bumper sticker.
| Benefit | Who Qualifies | Mississippi Law |
|---|---|---|
| Full homestead property tax exemption | 100% SC disabled veterans | Miss. Code § 27-33-67 |
| Military retirement income tax exemption | All Mississippi military retirees | Miss. Code § 27-7-15 |
| Mississippi GI Bill tuition assistance | Eligible MS veterans at state colleges | Miss. Code § 37-21-1 |
| MSVAB services & VSO assistance | All Mississippi veterans | Miss. Code § 35-1-19 |
| Employment preference points | Veterans with honorable discharge; +10 pts if SC disabled | Miss. Code § 25-9-19 |
| Free hunting & fishing license | 100% SC disabled veterans | MDWFP regulations |
| 4 state veterans homes | Eligible veterans, some spouses | MSVAB / DVA certifications |
| State veterans cemetery | All honorably discharged veterans & dependents | MSVAB / Newton, MS |
Mississippi's homestead property tax exemption for disabled veterans is one of the strongest in the South — and one of the most straightforward to claim. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-33-67, veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability rating receive a complete exemption from ad valorem (property) taxes on their homestead property. There is no dollar cap, no income test, and no phase-in period: if you are 100% service-connected and own your primary residence in Mississippi, your entire property tax bill on that home is eliminated.
This is distinct from Mississippi's standard homestead exemption available to all homeowners. The disabled veteran exemption under § 27-33-67 goes further, eliminating the full ad valorem levy rather than simply reducing assessed value. For veterans living in the Jackson metro area, the Gulf Coast, or other markets where property values and millage rates are higher, this can mean $3,000–$8,000 or more in annual tax relief.
Ad valorem is Latin for "according to value." Mississippi's ad valorem tax is the local property tax assessed annually by county tax assessors based on the fair market value of real property. For most Mississippi homeowners, this is their largest annual tax obligation after income taxes. A full exemption under § 27-33-67 means a 100% SC disabled veteran pays $0 in property tax on their home.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| VA disability rating | 100% service-connected (schedular or TDIU) |
| Property type | Homestead — primary residence only |
| Exemption scope | Full ad valorem tax elimination on the homestead |
| Dollar cap | None — full exemption regardless of home value |
| Income test | None |
| Surviving spouse | Eligible — must remain in home, not remarry |
| Mississippi Code | Miss. Code Ann. § 27-33-67 |
| Where to apply | County Tax Assessor's office |
Veterans rated for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) receive VA compensation at the 100% rate even though their combined schedular rating may be below 100%. Most Mississippi county assessors treat TDIU veterans equivalently to 100% schedular-rated veterans for homestead exemption purposes under § 27-33-67. However, because individual county interpretations can vary, TDIU veterans should bring their TDIU determination letter alongside their regular rating decision when visiting the county assessor.
If a 100% service-connected veteran who was receiving the § 27-33-67 homestead exemption passes away, the surviving spouse may continue to receive the exemption. To maintain eligibility, the surviving spouse must: (1) continue to occupy the property as their primary residence, (2) not remarry, and (3) maintain the homestead registration on the property. This protection ensures that surviving family members are not forced to sell their homes due to sudden property tax obligations following the veteran's death.
To claim the Mississippi homestead property tax exemption for disabled veterans, visit your county tax assessor's office and bring:
Mississippi homestead exemption applications are typically filed between January 1 and April 1 of the tax year. Contact your county assessor early — deadlines are strictly enforced and missing the window means waiting until the following year. Once approved, the exemption under Miss. Code § 27-33-67 carries forward annually as long as your VA rating and homestead status remain the same; you typically do not need to reapply unless those change.
Veterans at 90% combined ratings who believe their conditions warrant a higher rating should prioritize getting to 100% — not just for the federal compensation increase, but because crossing the 100% threshold (or qualifying for TDIU) unlocks the full § 27-33-67 homestead exemption. The combined annual value of that threshold crossing — federal pay increase plus property tax savings — routinely exceeds $20,000 per year. Use claim.vet's disability calculator to estimate your current combined rating.
Mississippi fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax. This is a complete, across-the-board exemption with no dollar cap and no phase-in schedule — 100% of military retirement income received by Mississippi residents is excluded from state taxable income. Mississippi's standard income tax rate is 5% for income over $10,000 (phasing to 4% for the 2026 tax year as part of Mississippi's tax reform). For a military retiree receiving $40,000 per year in retirement pay, this exemption saves $1,600–$2,000 per year in state income taxes; senior officers with higher retirement amounts save proportionally more.
This exemption covers all components of military retirement pay, including:
VA disability compensation is separately exempt from both federal and Mississippi state income taxes under federal law (26 U.S.C. § 104). Combined with Mississippi's full military retirement exemption, a retired Mississippi veteran receiving both military retirement and VA disability compensation pays zero Mississippi state income tax on either income stream. This dual exemption is a powerful financial advantage that makes Mississippi one of the most tax-efficient states in the nation for military retirees.
Unlike some states that phase in military retirement exemptions over several years, Mississippi's exemption is immediate and complete from your first day as a Mississippi resident. There is no residency waiting period and no minimum service length requirement for tax purposes — if you are a military retiree living in Mississippi, your retirement pay is fully exempt.
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Get Free Claim Help →Mississippi veterans and their dependents have access to a combination of state-funded and federal education programs. The centerpiece of state-level education assistance is the Mississippi GI Bill, codified at Miss. Code Ann. § 37-21-1 et seq., which provides tuition assistance and supplemental education benefits through the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board for eligible Mississippi veterans attending state institutions.
The Mississippi GI Bill authorizes MSVAB to administer tuition assistance programs for eligible Mississippi veterans at Mississippi public colleges and universities. The program is designed to work in coordination with federal GI Bill benefits (Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill), covering tuition and fee gaps that federal benefits may not fully address at certain institutions. Eligibility and funding levels can vary by legislative appropriation cycle — veterans should contact MSVAB directly at 601-576-4850 to obtain current program availability, benefit amounts, and application procedures for the current academic year.
To qualify for the Mississippi GI Bill under § 37-21-1, veterans generally must:
The Mississippi GI Bill (§ 37-21-1) is a state-administered program separate from federal VA education benefits. Federal Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits remain the primary education benefit for most post-9/11 veterans, covering up to 100% of tuition at Mississippi public schools. The Mississippi GI Bill may provide supplemental assistance or benefit veterans who have exhausted federal GI Bill entitlement. Always use your federal GI Bill first — then explore state supplemental assistance through MSVAB.
Active Mississippi National Guard members enrolled in undergraduate programs at Mississippi public colleges may qualify for the Mississippi National Guard Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance at eligible state institutions. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and remain in good standing with their Guard unit. The scholarship is administered through the Mississippi Military Department and is distinct from both federal GI Bill and ROTC programs. Current Guard members should contact their unit education officer or the Mississippi Military Department's Education Services office for application details.
Several Mississippi institutions have earned recognition for veteran student support:
Mississippi veterans qualify for the full range of federal VA education benefits. Mississippi's in-state tuition rates at public institutions — among the lowest in the Southeast — mean that Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits often cover the entire cost of attendance, leaving the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payment as direct take-home income for veteran students. Key federal programs available in Mississippi include:
The Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board (MSVAB), established and governed under Miss. Code Ann. § 35-1-19, serves as the state's primary veterans services agency. MSVAB coordinates benefits access, veterans housing, state cemetery administration, and advocacy programs across Mississippi. It is the organizational hub through which most Mississippi state veterans benefits are delivered.
MSVAB maintains accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) throughout Mississippi who provide free assistance with VA disability claims, benefits navigation, appeals, and coordination with federal VA programs. MSVAB VSOs are trained and accredited to represent veterans before the VA — they can help draft Notices of Disagreement, prepare C&P exam strategies, gather buddy statements, and file claims through the Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board of Veterans' Appeals lanes. All MSVAB VSO services are free of charge to veterans.
MSVAB VSOs work in coordination with county veteran service organizations and national VSO partners including the American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. To locate your nearest MSVAB VSO, contact MSVAB directly or visit your county courthouse, where many VSOs maintain regular office hours.
Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board
3466 Highway 80 East, Pearl, MS 39208
Phone: 601-576-4850
MSVAB can connect you with VSOs, Mississippi GI Bill assistance, veterans home admission applications, home purchase programs, and state cemetery pre-enrollment.
The Mississippi Veterans Home Purchase Board (VHPB) provides mortgage assistance to eligible Mississippi veterans through state-funded home loan programs. The VHPB can help veterans access below-market interest rates, down payment assistance, and financing for primary residence purchases in Mississippi. VHPB programs are distinct from the federal VA home loan guaranty — they may stack with VA loan benefits to improve overall financing terms. Contact MSVAB for current program availability, funding status, and eligibility requirements.
The Mississippi State Veterans Cemetery in Newton, Mississippi, provides no-cost burial services for eligible veterans, their spouses, and qualifying dependents. Services include the grave site, grave liner, opening and closing of the grave, and a government grave marker or headstone — at zero cost to eligible families. Veterans who wish to pre-register should contact MSVAB. The Newton cemetery is in addition to federal National Cemetery System eligibility; Mississippi veterans may be interred at either the state cemetery or the closest national cemetery based on family preference.
Mississippi operates four state veterans homes providing long-term care, skilled nursing, and in some cases assisted living services for eligible veterans and, in certain circumstances, their spouses. All four facilities are VA-certified, which allows the VA to contribute per-diem payments toward the cost of care for eligible veterans with service-connected conditions, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Collins, Mississippi. Located in Covington County, serving veterans in south-central Mississippi. Contact MSVAB for current bed availability and admission criteria.
Jackson, Mississippi. Located in the state capital, serving veterans throughout the central Mississippi region including Rankin and Madison counties.
Kosciusko, Mississippi. Located in Attala County, serving veterans in north-central Mississippi. Convenient for veterans in the Yazoo City and Grenada corridors.
Oxford, Mississippi. Located in Lafayette County, serving veterans in north Mississippi including the Oxford-Tupelo corridor and the University of Mississippi area.
Admission priority at Mississippi Veterans Homes is given to veterans with service-connected conditions and those with the greatest financial need. Veterans and families should apply through MSVAB well in advance — facilities may maintain waiting lists depending on current occupancy. The VA's Aid & Attendance benefit may also supplement care costs at these facilities for qualifying veterans.
Because all four Mississippi Veterans Homes are VA-certified, the VA may pay a per-diem contribution toward the daily cost of care for veterans whose admission is related to a service-connected condition. This can substantially reduce what veterans or their families pay out of pocket. Ask MSVAB admission staff about VA per-diem eligibility when applying.
Mississippi provides meaningful veterans' preference points in state civil service employment under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-9-19. The preference is applied to competitive examination scores and directly benefits veterans competing for state government positions.
| Veteran Category | Preference Points Added |
|---|---|
| Veteran with honorable discharge | 5 points added to passing exam score |
| Veteran with service-connected disability | 10 points added to passing exam score |
| Surviving spouse of veteran (died in service or from SC condition) | Points vary — contact MSPB |
Veterans preference under § 25-9-19 applies to scored examinations for positions subject to Mississippi State Personnel Board (MSPB) rules. The preference provides a meaningful competitive advantage in state hiring and applies to initial appointment decisions. Mississippi state agencies are required to honor veterans preference in their hiring processes.
Mississippi's American Job Centers — operating under the Mississippi Works network — provide priority employment services to veterans, including dedicated veteran employment specialists, résumé development, job placement services, and connections to employers participating in veteran hiring programs. The state participates in the federal Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG), which funds:
Veterans leaving active duty, transitioning from Guard or Reserve service, or re-entering the civilian workforce should visit their nearest Mississippi Works American Job Center to access these priority services. DVOP and LVER services are free and available statewide.
Mississippi law provides certain licensing fee waivers and expedited processing for veterans seeking state occupational licenses. Veterans with military occupational specialties (MOS) that align with state-licensed professions — including healthcare, construction trades, transportation, and security — may receive credit toward licensing requirements without repeating civilian training. Contact the specific Mississippi licensing board (e.g., State Board of Contractors, State Board of Nursing) for current expedited licensing programs applicable to your military specialty.
Mississippi provides free annual hunting and fishing licenses to veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability rating. This is an unrestricted license — it covers standard hunting and fishing privileges throughout Mississippi, making the state's extensive outdoor recreation resources accessible at no cost to veterans who have sacrificed the most.
To obtain the free license, eligible veterans should present their VA rating letter or VA-issued ID card confirming 100% service-connected disability at any Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) license issuer. The free license typically covers statewide freshwater and saltwater fishing, small game, and big game hunting privileges — but veterans should confirm current species-specific license inclusions with MDWFP, as some specialized licenses (alligator, commercial quantities) may be handled separately.
Veterans rated at TDIU — who receive VA compensation at the 100% rate — should inquire directly with MDWFP regarding eligibility, as they are generally treated equivalently to 100% schedular-rated veterans for most state benefits. Bring both your regular combined rating decision and your TDIU determination letter when making the request.
Mississippi offers specialty license plate options for veterans including disabled veteran plates, Purple Heart plates, POW/MIA plates, combat service plates, and branch-of-service plates. Disabled veteran specialty plates may be issued at reduced fees or at no charge for 100% SC disabled veterans — contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue or your county tax collector for current plate options, eligibility requirements, and fee schedules.
Certain vehicle registration fee waivers or reductions may also apply for 100% SC disabled veterans. Mississippi law provides some relief from standard vehicle registration fees; contact your county tax collector for current provisions applicable to your disability rating.
Active-duty military pay earned by Mississippi residents while serving outside Mississippi may be excluded from Mississippi taxable income. For reservists and Guard members, pay received during federal active-duty orders may be similarly treated. Consult the Mississippi Department of Revenue's guidance on military pay treatment or a tax professional familiar with Mississippi military tax rules to ensure you are capturing all available exemptions.
Camp Shelby, located near Hattiesburg in Forrest and Perry counties, is one of the largest National Guard training facilities in the continental United States — activated for every major deployment since World War I. Veterans in the Hattiesburg-Laurel corridor have access to a dense network of support resources including VA healthcare through the Gulf Coast VA Health Care System (Biloxi), National Guard Family Assistance Centers, and major VSO chapters. The University of Southern Mississippi's Veterans Resource Center serves both student veterans and the wider Hattiesburg veteran community.
Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi anchors the state's largest veteran concentration along the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System — headquartered at the Biloxi VA Medical Center — provides comprehensive VA healthcare including primary care, mental health, specialty care, telehealth, and rehabilitation services across the Gulf Coast. Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Hattiesburg, Jackson, and other Mississippi cities extend VA healthcare access across the state for veterans who cannot easily reach Biloxi. Veterans can enroll at VA.gov or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
The Mississippi National Guard operates Family Assistance Centers (FACs) that support not just Guard members but also veteran families navigating post-deployment benefits, mental health resources, and financial counseling. Guard members and their families who need help accessing VA benefits, state benefits, or crisis support can contact the Mississippi Military Department's Family Programs office for coordination and referral services.
State benefits in Mississippi are significant, but the federal VA disability compensation system remains the largest financial benefit available to most veterans. The combination of federal and state benefits in Mississippi creates a powerful financial foundation — but only for veterans who have pursued their full federal rating.
Consider a 100% P&T service-connected disabled Mississippi veteran who is also a military retiree:
| Benefit | Approximate Annual Value | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|
| VA disability pay — 100% with no dependents (2026) | $47,263/yr ($3,938.58/mo) | Federal & MS state tax-exempt |
| Military retirement pay (example: $2,500/mo) | $30,000/yr | MS state income tax-exempt |
| Homestead property tax savings (§ 27-33-67) | $2,000–$8,000+/yr | N/A — bill eliminated |
| State income tax savings on retirement | $1,200–$3,000+/yr | N/A — exempted |
| Free VA healthcare (Priority Group 1) | $3,000–$15,000+/yr value | N/A — no copays |
| Combined annual financial benefit | $83,000+/yr potential | Largely tax-free |
Many Mississippi veterans are leaving significant benefits on the table. The most common gaps:
Moving from 90% combined to 100% — or qualifying for TDIU — unlocks Mississippi's full § 27-33-67 homestead exemption. The combined annual financial impact of that threshold crossing, factoring in increased federal compensation plus property tax savings, typically exceeds $15,000–$25,000 per year. That's a substantial return on the investment of a properly prepared claim.
Editorial Standards: This article was written by Marcus Webb, a veterans benefits researcher and writer specializing in state-level VA benefit programs. Content is verified against current 38 CFR regulations, Miss. Code Ann. § 27-33-67, § 37-21-1, and § 35-1-19, and VA.gov guidance. Last reviewed: June 2026. Not legal advice — for representation on your specific claim, talk to a VA-accredited attorney.
Yes. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 27-33-67, veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability rating receive a complete exemption from ad valorem property taxes on their homestead. There is no dollar cap — the entire tax bill is eliminated. Surviving spouses may continue the exemption as long as they remain in the home and do not remarry. Apply at your county Tax Assessor's office between January 1 and April 1.
No. Mississippi fully exempts all military retirement pay from state income tax — no cap, no phase-in. Combined with the federal exemption of VA disability compensation, a Mississippi military retiree with VA compensation pays zero state income tax on both income streams.
The Mississippi GI Bill (Miss. Code Ann. § 37-21-1) provides tuition assistance through MSVAB for eligible Mississippi veterans attending state colleges and universities. It coordinates with federal GI Bill benefits to cover remaining gaps. Contact MSVAB at 601-576-4850 for current funding availability and eligibility requirements.
Mississippi operates four state veterans homes: Collins Veterans Home (Collins), Jackson Veterans Home (Jackson), Kosciusko Veterans Home (Kosciusko), and Oxford Veterans Home (Oxford). All are VA-certified. Contact MSVAB to begin the admission process and check current availability.
Yes. Veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability rating receive free annual hunting and fishing licenses from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP). Present your VA rating letter or VA ID at any MDWFP license issuer. TDIU veterans should inquire directly with MDWFP.
Under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-9-19, veterans receive preference on state civil service exams: 5 points for veterans with honorable discharges; 10 points for veterans with service-connected disabilities. This preference applies to initial appointment decisions for positions subject to Mississippi State Personnel Board rules.
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