Mississippi’s straightforward 4.7% state income tax rate for the 2024 tax year (the taxes you file in 2025) offers simplicity for taxpayers, especially compared to states that use multiple income tax brackets. With this flat tax rate, Magnolia State taxpayers pay the same percentage regardless of income. This makes calculating your taxes and filing them more predictable.
Whether you live in The Magnolia state or earn income there, the state’s uniform tax rate streamlines the process and eliminates tax preparation guesswork.
Here’s what you need to know about filing taxes in Mississippi in 2025.
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How much is Mississippi state income tax?Who has to file Mississippi state income tax?Other income tax considerations in MississippiTalk to a tax expert for freeMississippi state tax creditsHow to file Mississippi state income taxHow much is Mississippi state income tax?
For taxes filed in 2025, Mississippi’s state income tax rate will be 4.4% on taxable income over $10,000. The first $10,000 of taxable income will remain taxed at 0%. This is part of a phased tax reduction plan.
While Mississippi isn’t eliminating state income tax entirely, it is gradually reducing rates. The plan aims to lower the top rate to 4% by 2026, but complete elimination has not been enacted.
Who has to file Mississippi state income tax?
All Mississippi residents or those earning income in the state that exceeds allowable deductions and exemptions must file a state income tax return. Nonresidents and part-year residents who earn Mississippi income may also need to file.
If you’re not required to file but receive a W-2 showing Mississippi tax withheld, filing a return ensures you can claim a refund for those withholdings.
Unless you file for an extension, the due date to file Mississippi state tax returns is April 15, 2025, the same as the federal deadline.
Mississippi’s taxable income filing requirements
To determine if you need to file a Mississippi state income tax return, review your gross income alongside your filing status. The table below outlines the thresholds based on your household structure:
Filing status | Gross income |
Single resident | Over $8,300 plus $1,500 for each dependent |
Married residents (filing jointly) | Over $16,600 combined, plus $1,500 for each dependent |
Source: Mississippi Department of Revenue
How Mississippi residency impacts tax filing
Residency plays a key role in how Mississippi taxes your income. Residents maintain a home or apartment in the state or exercise citizenship rights like voting or claiming a homestead exemption. Even if you temporarily leave the state, you can be considered a resident until you officially establish residency elsewhere.
The following table outlines each residency status, who qualifies, and how Mississippi taxes income for each group:
Residency status | Definition | How Mississippi taxes income |
Resident | Lived in Mississippi all year or permanently maintain a home there | Taxes all income earned during the tax year. |
Part-year resident | Moved into or out of Mississippi during the year. | Taxes income earned while living in Mississippi and prorates deductions. |
Nonresident | Lived outside Mississippi but earned income from Mississippi sources. | Taxes only income earned in Mississippi. |
Other income tax considerations in Mississippi
Mississippi taxes certain kinds of income differently and offers specific exclusions or exemptions in some cases. The following list breaks down retirement, investment, and Social Security income and how they’re treated under state tax law:
- Retirement and pension income: Retirement income, pensions, and annuities are tax-free if retirement plan requirements are met. Early distributions aren’t considered retirement income and may be taxable.
- Investment income: Capital gains are taxed as individual income.
- Social Security income: Mississippi doesn’t tax Social Security, Railroad Retirement, Veterans’ benefits, or workers’ compensation claims.
- Military income: Active-duty military pay is taxed based on your home of record. Hazardous duty pay and some National Guard/reserve income are exempt. If you entered the military in Mississippi, you’re presumed to be a resident. Other exemptions and qualifications may apply.
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Mississippi state tax credits
Mississippi offers many state-specific tax credits to help reduce taxable income or provide direct benefits when filing your return. The table below outlines these critical opportunities for taxpayers:
Tax credit | Description | Amount |
Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) | Credit for contributions to qualifying charitable organizations | Up to $1,200 for individuals; $2,400 for married filing jointly. |
Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization (QFCCO) | Credit for donations made to foster care charitable organizations. | Up to $1,500 for individuals; $3,000 for married filing jointly. |
Eligible Transitional Home Organization (ETHO) | Credit for contributions to transitional home organizations supporting rehabilitation or reintegration services. | Up to 50% of tax liability. |
Eligible Health Care Organization (EHCO) | Credit for contributions to organizations providing health care services to underserved populations. | Up to 50% of tax liability. |
How to file Mississippi state income tax
While Mississippi’s flat tax rate typically makes filing your state income tax return simple, the number of deductions and credits available can be overwhelming. Luckily, TurboTax can help. We simplify the tax filing process, whether you want to do your taxes on your own or get expert help.
TurboTax helps you file your taxes and get every credit and deduction available. Residents, nonresidents, and those who lived outside Mississippi for part of the tax year can receive the maximum possible refund. Need help from local tax experts in Mississippi? Connect with a Mississippi TurboTax expert anytime. We can even file your return for you.