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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cocke County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cocke County, TN. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district - base county rate plus municipal and special district rates
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cocke County, Tennessee operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county government operations. Property taxes in Cocke County are assessed annually based on the appraised value of real estate and personal property as of January 1st each year. The county follows Tennessee's assessment ratio system, where properties are assessed at 25% of their appraised fair market value for residential properties.

The effective property tax rate in Cocke County varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries. Property owners should note that their actual tax rate depends on their specific location and the combination of county, school, and any applicable special district levies. The county is currently operating under its existing tax rate structure while preparing for the next reappraisal cycle, with the 2025 property tax rate to be determined by the county board of equalization following the completion of the reappraisal process.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralTBDBasic county operations, public safety, infrastructure
County Debt ServiceTBDCounty bond payments and debt obligations
School OperatingTBDCocke County Schools general operations
School Debt ServiceTBDSchool system bond payments and capital projects
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, utility districts, improvement districts

Note: The 2025 property tax rates for Cocke County have not yet been finalized and will be set by the county board of equalization following the reappraisal process. Rates shown are subject to change and vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. Contact the Cocke County Assessor's Office for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cocke County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Cocke County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessment outside of the regular annual assessment cycle. Common triggers for supplemental taxes include new construction or improvements that add value to a property, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previously incorrect assessments. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes accurately reflect current property values and ownership status throughout the tax year.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it covers the period from the date the change occurred until the end of the current tax year. For example, if a homeowner completes a major addition to their home in July, they would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December for the increased assessed value. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, then prorating it for the applicable time period.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $75,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$75,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated): Contact assessor for current rates
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $150,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (requires application): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$150,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated): Contact assessor for current rates
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $250,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (requires application): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$250,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated): Contact assessor for current rates
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Note: All tax credits require application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Cocke County Assessor's Office for current tax rates and available credits specific to your situation.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cocke County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender estimates your annual property tax liability and collects 1/12 of that amount with each monthly mortgage payment. These funds are held in the escrow account until property taxes become due, at which point the lender pays the taxes directly to Cocke County on your behalf.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and they may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase or decrease significantly. Property owners are responsible for verifying that their lender has received and processed tax bills correctly. If you pay property taxes independently without escrow, payments are due according to Cocke County's established schedule, and you should monitor due dates carefully to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Cocke County? A: Key deadlines include February 1 for tangible personal property filing, March 1 for returns, and September 1 for amended schedules. Contact the County Trustee's office for specific payment due dates for real property taxes.

Q: What tax credits are available in Cocke County? A: Various tax credits may be available including homestead credits, elderly/disabled credits, and veterans' credits. All credits require application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Cocke County Assessor's Office for eligibility requirements and application forms.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires filing an application and is not automatic. Specific terms and application requirements can be obtained from the County Assessor's office.

Q: When was the last reappraisal and when is the next one? A: Cocke County follows the state's reappraisal schedule. The next reappraisal will determine new assessed values, and property owners will have appeal rights during the specified appeal period.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties and interest are imposed according to Tennessee state law and county ordinances. Contact the County Trustee's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Cocke County Trustee's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property tax rate includes levies from various entities serving your location, including fire districts, school districts, and improvement districts. Your total rate depends on your specific property location within these district boundaries.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners have the right to appeal their assessments during designated appeal periods. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation to support your appeal.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Reappraisal Schedule - Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasurycomptroller.tn.gov
02
County
Cocke - County Assessment Info - TN.govcomptroller.tn.gov
03
County
goodlettsville - sumner countygoodlettsville.gov
04
Assessment Schedule - Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasurycomptroller.tn.gov
05
Tangible Personal Propertycomptroller.tn.gov
06
Tennesseeirs.gov
07
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)fdic.gov
08
Opinions | Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courtstncourts.gov
09
Tax Doc
How to Calculate Your Tax Billcomptroller.tn.gov
10
County
Cocke County, Tennessee - Comptroller of the Treasurycomptroller.tn.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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