Property Tax

Overview

The Department of Revenue does not collect property tax.  County assessors of property appraise real estate for assessment purposes and assess tax on tangible personal property used or held for use in business.  The county commission and city governing bodies determine local property tax rates.  The property taxes are collected by county trustees and city collecting officials. 

The State Board of Equalization establishes policies and procedures for local assessors of property and hears property appeals beyond the county level.  The Division of Property Assessments, a division of the Comptroller of the Treasury, monitors the work of assessors to ensure proper procedures are followed, provide technical assistance during re-appraisal programs, and provide manuals and educational programs for use by assessors.

For more information, contact your local assessor of property, or visit the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's Division of Property Assessments.  

Calculating Property Tax

To calculate your property tax, multiply the appraised value by the assessment ratio for the property's classification.  Then, multiply the product by the tax rate. 

Property is classified based on how the property is used.  Statutory assessment percentages are applied to appraised property values.  The assessment ratio for the different classes of property is established by law. 

Tax Rates

Property tax rates are set by the county commission and municipal governments.  Tax rates depend on the services provided by the local government and the value of the county's tax base.  For more specific information on property tax rates, contact your local government.  

Filing and Payment

Local government officials collect property taxes.  The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's Property Assessment web page provides an assessment schedule that include deadlines associated with filing and paying property taxes.