Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/610980
60 AUTO TAGS Auto Tags must be purchased annually. When purchasing a new car, tags must be secured within seven working days after purchase. Decal renewals must be purchased within 15 days of expiration date. The expiration date is assigned according to month auto was purchased. A penalty becomes effective after a 15-day grace period. Persons moving to Mississippi from another state in which motor vehicle taxes have been paid may use the vehicle for a period of 30 days, but must be registered in Mississippi after that time and purchase a Mississippi tag. Armed forces personnel stationed in Mississippi are not required to purchase a Mississippi tag, but if they do purchase Mississippi tags, if non-resident, they are exempted from ad valorem tax. DRIVER'S LICENSES Driver's Licenses can be obtained by applying at the Driver's License Department located in Northeast at Corinth at 2759 South Harper Road (Phone (662)286-7704). Exams are given and out of state transfers are completed Monday – Friday 8am – 11am and 1pm – 4pm. Renewals are issued Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm. Applicants are advised to study the Highway Patrol Driver's Handbook prior to taking the test, as regulations vary from state to state. Age limit for permit: Minimum 15 years, but applicants under 17 must have application signed by both parents in the presence of a person authorized to administer the oath. Applicants under 18 must have a school attendance form to be issued a permit. Permitted drivers must hold a permit for 1 year before applying for a license. All new applicants must have a birth certificate, social security card, and two forms of Mississippi residence. New residents must secure a Mississippi driver's license within 60 days. For more information or to download an application, please visit www.dps.state.ms.us. DRIVER'S HANDBOOK A driver's handbook is available at the Driver's License Department located in Northeast at Corinth at 2759 South Harper Road on Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm (closed for lunch 12pm – 1pm). The cost of the book is $2. The handbook can also be downloaded from the MHP website at www.dps.state.ms.us. PERSONAL TAXES County and municipal ad valorem taxes (except for motor vehicles) should be paid by Feb. 1 (penalties start Feb. 2). Disabled veterans receive a 100% exemption from ad valorem taxes (application must be submitted at the Tax Assessor's office). Ad valorem taxes vary by district. Municipal taxes are payable at City Hall. County taxes are payable at the Tax Collector's office in the Courthouse. HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION Application for homestead exemption should be made at the Tax Assessor's office in the Courthouse. STATE INCOME TAX State income taxes are due April 15th. Forms may be obtained from the Depart- ment of Revenue in Jackson, MS, or from CPA and accounting firms. Rates: 3% on the first $5,000 4% on the next $5,000 5% on taxable income in excess of $10,000 Exemptions: Single individuals ...........................................$6,000 Married individuals (jointly) .....................$12,000 Married individuals (separately) ...................$6,000 Head of family, individuals .......................$8,000 Dependents (other than self or spouse) .............$1,500 Taxpayer over 65 .........................................$1,500 Blind .....................................................................$1,500 Deductions: Itemized deductions allowed are the same as allowed by the Federal tax law, standard deductions, in lieu of items. Single individuals ...........................................$2,300 Married individuals (jointly) .....................$4,600 Married individuals (separately) ............$2,300 Head of family, individuals .......................$3,400 VOTING LAWS Requirements: A person must be a citizen of the United States, age 18 or older, and must have resided in this state and election district for 30 days. There are constitutional and statutory requirements that must be met before one can be registered. The potential voter must have been registered for at least 30 days prior to the first election in which a citizen wishes to vote. A qualified voter should first register with the County Circuit Clerk at the Courthouse in person or via mail in order to vote in the county, state and national elections. BOAT REGISTRATION Pick up applications for registration at the County Tax Collector's office. The fee is $5 to $48 depending on the length of the boat. Applications and fees must be submitted to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. MARRIAGE LAWS As of July 1, 2012, a blood test and a three-day waiting period are no longer necessary. Applications for marriage licenses can be obtained at the Circuit Clerk's office in the County Courthouse. (Phone: 662.286.7740). Proof of age is required. Applicants under the age of 21 must have a parent's consent. FISHING AND HUNTING LICENSES All licenses are available for purchase online at www.mdwfp.com or at select local retailers.