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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cumberland County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$1.1350 per $100 of taxable value (varies by special taxing districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cumberland County, Tennessee operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values determined by the Cumberland County Property Assessor, with the current tax rate set at $1.1350 per $100 of taxable value for fiscal year 2025-2026. This rate was approved by the County Commission as part of the annual budget process.

The effective tax rate you pay may vary depending on your specific location within Cumberland County due to special taxing districts that may impose additional assessments for services like fire protection, utility districts, or improvement districts. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate and any applicable special district assessments by checking their annual tax bill or contacting the Cumberland County Trustee's office.

Property tax bills are typically mailed in mid-August each year, with taxes due by September 1st and a final payment deadline of January 5th (or January 6th if January 5th falls on a weekend) to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General FundVariesFunds county operations, services, and infrastructure
School SystemVariesFunds Cumberland County Board of Education operations
Total Base Rate$1.1350Combined rate for FY 2025-2026
Special DistrictsVaries by locationAdditional assessments for fire districts, utility districts, or improvement districts

Note: The $1.1350 rate represents the base county and school levy for fiscal year 2025-2026. Property owners in special taxing districts may pay additional amounts. Check your tax bill or contact the Trustee's office at the Cumberland County Courthouse for your specific rate, as these can vary significantly by location within the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual tax cycle. These are typically triggered by new construction, property improvements that increase value, or changes in property ownership that result in a reassessment. The supplemental tax represents the difference between what was already assessed and what the new assessment should be, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March that increases your assessed value by $12,500 (at Tennessee's 25% assessment ratio), and the remaining tax year is 9 months, you would receive a supplemental bill for approximately $84.94 ($12,500 × $1.1350 ÷ $100 × 9/12 months). These supplemental assessments are in addition to your regular annual property tax bill and have separate due dates as specified on the supplemental tax notice.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (25% ratio): $75,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: -$0 (assuming no credits applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $75,000
  • Annual Tax: $851.25 ($75,000 ÷ $100 × $1.1350)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $70.94

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (25% ratio): $150,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: -$0 (assuming no credits applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,702.50 ($150,000 ÷ $100 × $1.1350)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $141.88

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (25% ratio): $250,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: -$0 (assuming no credits applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,837.50 ($250,000 ÷ $100 × $1.1350)
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $236.46

Note: These examples use the base county rate and assume no tax credits have been applied. Available tax credits require separate application and can reduce your final tax bill. Contact the Cumberland County Property Assessor's office for information about tax credit programs you may qualify for.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cumberland County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or high loan-to-value ratios. Your lender will estimate your annual property taxes and collect 1/12th of that amount with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. When your property tax bill becomes due (typically by September 1st), your lender pays the taxes directly to the Cumberland County Trustee's office on your behalf.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow account statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly payment. Conversely, if taxes decrease, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments. Property owners with escrow accounts should still review their annual tax bills for accuracy, even though the lender handles payment, and ensure their lender receives the bill by the January deadline to avoid penalties.

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 Cumberland County? A: For fiscal year 2025-2026, property taxes are due by September 1, 2025, with a final payment deadline of January 5, 2026 (or January 6, 2026 if January 5th falls on a weekend) to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Tennessee offers various tax credits that reduce your tax bill, including elderly/disabled tax relief and agricultural/forestry credits. Most credits require annual application and are NOT automatic. Contact the Cumberland County Property Assessor's office or Tennessee Department of Revenue for specific credit programs and application requirements.

Q: What is the homestead credit and how does it work? A: Tennessee's homestead credit caps the annual increase in your home's assessed value, typically limiting growth to a certain percentage. This does not reduce your market value but limits how much your assessment can increase year-over-year. You must apply for homestead credit - it is not automatic. Contact the Property Assessor's office for current application deadlines and requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Cumberland County? A: Tennessee requires county-wide property reappraisals at least every six years. Cumberland County follows the state schedule for systematic reappraisal. Property owners receive notice of new assessments and have appeal rights during specified periods.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Penalties and interest accrue on unpaid property taxes after the January deadline. Contact the Cumberland County Trustee's office for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Cumberland County Trustee's office for available online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated convenience fees for electronic payments.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates can vary within Cumberland County due to special taxing districts such as fire districts, utility districts, or improvement districts that provide additional services to specific areas. Check your tax bill for any special district assessments.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect can file an appeal with the Cumberland County Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period, typically following reassessment notices. Contact the Property Assessor's office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

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