Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with a delightful young woman who works for Jackson County, MS. I had an inquiry about my property taxes and we discussed not only my taxes but how residents view their property taxes. Life is truly a matter of perspective.
I explained how I moved from Southern California to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. To be specific, Jackson County. During this conversation at the Tax Assessor’s office, I learned that many people complain that their taxes are too high. I could not help but chuckle a bit because I believe that my property taxes are reasonable.
Mississippi Taxes are low compared to most other states
From my perspective, the property and for that matter most taxes that I pay in Mississippi are moderate to low compared to where I moved from. During our conversation, I mentioned that if the average person on the Gulf Coast would be shocked to know how much property taxes are being paid in other areas in particular in Southern California where I came from.
Life is a matter of perspective. I believe from my perspective that taxes here are more equitable while others who live near me feel they are too high. But, too high compared to what? It’s the standard of comparison. If you have lived most of your life in the same area, your standard of comparison is here. For me, I can compare tax rates here against those I have paid in several other states.
Gasoline in California $1.40 per gallon more than Mississippi
Since I moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I have found that the price of gasoline is considerably lower than that in Southern California. The difference can be as high as $1.40 per gallon. When the average person in Jackson County is paying for example $2.00 per gallon for gas and it goes to $2.10, that’s a significant increase that people complain about.
When I first bought my home a few years ago, each time I made a trip the price of gas changed. Regardless of how much it went up, it was still less expensive than California so I laughed it off. Unfortunately now that I am a resident, I look for stations with lower prices. Life is a matter of perspective. I should just drive in and pay the going price. Perhaps in the future I will complain about the property tax rate.
Jackson County MS taxes 53% lower than in some Southern California locations
I owned a home in California that was worth more than the home I purchased in Jackson County. My California home was 62% smaller than my Mississippi home and it was located on a lot that was 5.5 times smaller. My taxes in Jackson County for more home and more property are 53% lower than my smaller house in California.
Seriously, it will be a long time before I, if ever, complain about my property or other taxes in Mississippi. After much contemplation, I can not honestly determine what I received for the higher tax burden in California.
The roads there are in fair condition, the roads in the Gulf Coast are as good if not better. Public services are better here, no two hour long waits to renew a vehicle registration. My interaction at the tax office proves that Gulf Coast people are friendlier (subjective). So what was I getting in California for all that extra taxes?
Wow, thousands of dollars for slightly better weather
Oh, I know! No humidity during the summer! Wow, thousands of dollars for slightly better weather. Wait, not just thousands of dollars but many thousands, I forgot lower state income taxes in Mississippi and you do not have to pay the grocery store to buy a bag to carry your groceries.
Just as I thought this article made a point, I recall a conversation I recently had about the cost of running the state government. Mississippi has a true citizens run government. What I mean is that the legislature is in session every other year. The elected officials must have gainful employment or a trust fund to survive based upon what they are paid for their government services. These individuals operate small businesses or work for firms that pay them a salary.
The major difference between Mississippi and some other states including California is that California has a full time legislature. Many of the elected officials earn their entire income from the state. Along with a full time job comes the need for full time staff’s and committee staff’s and others to keep the legislature running 24/7. This cost is tremendous compared to sates with part time legislatures. The hundreds of millions of dollars that are expended to support this large and complex organization is a drain on the state coffers.
Full time state legislatures are very expensive
How much more in taxes would Mississippi residents be required to pay if the legislature went full time in Mississippi as it is in California? Back to the title of this article life is a matter of perspective. If you have never lived in a high tax state with a full time legislature, you could not know how well you have it at home. It’s difficult to convey this message to Mississippi residents and residents of other states with part time legislatures where there is pressure to go full time.
There are many other reasons why taxes are lower in Mississippi than in some other costal states and the reasons are that the state and local governments pay attention to the residents/voters and want smaller government. It’s far better for an economy if the treasure is in the hands of those who create it.
