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Updated 2025 Tax Year

DeKalb County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in DeKalb 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
1.0-1.5% of market value (varies by district and municipal boundaries)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in DeKalb County, Tennessee serve as a primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. The county operates under Tennessee's property tax system where properties are assessed at 25% of their appraised market value for real estate and 30% for personal property. Property owners should expect effective tax rates typically ranging from 1.0% to 1.5% of market value, though this varies significantly based on location within the county.

Actual tax rates vary by location within DeKalb County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district assessments. Property owners may be subject to additional levies depending on their specific location, including municipal taxes if located within incorporated areas, special assessment districts, and various utility districts. The county follows a reappraisal schedule set by the state, with systematic property revaluations occurring periodically to ensure assessments reflect current market conditions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General$2.15Basic county operations and services
County Debt Service$0.35County bond payments and debt obligations
School Operating$2.89DeKalb County Schools general operations
School Debt$0.42School construction and improvement bonds
Base County Total$5.81Standard rate before municipal/district taxes
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional taxes for incorporated areas
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, utility districts, other assessments

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2024-2025. Final rates for FY 2025-2026 are pending approval by the state board of equalization and local governing bodies. Actual tax bills will vary based on specific location within the county and applicable special taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in DeKalb 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 DeKalb County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction outside of the regular assessment cycle. The most common triggers include the sale of property to new owners, completion of new construction projects, major renovations that increase property value, or the subdivision of existing parcels.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated on a pro-rated basis from the date the change occurred through the end of the current tax year. For example, if a new home is completed and receives its certificate of occupancy in January, the owner would owe supplemental taxes from January through the following March (when the next regular tax bill is due). The supplemental assessment uses the same tax rates as the regular assessment but applies only to the increased assessed value or the period of new ownership.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $75,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,500
  • Annual Tax ($67,500 × $5.81/$100): $3,921
  • Monthly Escrow: $327

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $150,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$15,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $135,000
  • Annual Tax ($135,000 × $5.81/$100): $7,844
  • Monthly Escrow: $654

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $250,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $225,000
  • Annual Tax ($225,000 × $5.81/$100): $13,073
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,089

Credits shown require application and approval. Actual bills may include additional municipal or special district taxes based on property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in DeKalb County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, plus an additional cushion amount as allowed by federal regulations. The escrow funds are held in a separate account and used to pay property taxes when they become due on March 1st each year.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has received the correct tax bill and is paying the full amount due by the deadline. The county trustee's office can provide confirmation of payments received. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing account activity and any shortage or surplus amounts. If there are changes in assessed value or tax rates, monthly escrow payments may be adjusted to ensure adequate funds are available for the next tax payment. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time, even when using escrow services.

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 DeKalb County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are due by March 1, 2025. This deadline applies to both real estate and personal property taxes.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: DeKalb County offers several tax credits that require application, including homestead credits for primary residences, elderly/disabled tax relief credits, and veteran exemptions. Applications must be filed with the County Assessor's office and most have annual deadlines. Contact the assessor's office for specific forms and requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit provides tax relief for primary residences by limiting annual assessment increases and reducing taxable value. It does not reduce your property's market value but caps how much your assessment can grow each year. You must apply with the assessor's office and requalify periodically.

Q: When does DeKalb County conduct property reappraisals? A: DeKalb County follows the state reappraisal schedule. The last reappraisal cycle and next scheduled reappraisal dates are determined by the Tennessee Division of Property Assessments.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the DeKalb County Board of Equalization within the specified appeal period, typically during the summer months. Contact the County Assessor's office for appeal forms and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest and penalty charges that accumulate over time. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face tax sale proceedings. Contact the County Trustee's office for specific penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the DeKalb County Trustee's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Tennessee counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why is my tax bill different from my neighbor's on a similar property? A: Tax bills can vary due to different assessed values, eligibility for various tax credits, location within different special taxing districts, or municipal boundaries that result in additional taxes.

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
Tax Doc
Tax Year 2025 - ApprAisAl rAtio study reportcomptroller.tn.gov
03
2025 Appraisal Ratioscomptroller.tn.gov
04
Tangible Personal Propertycomptroller.tn.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Taxtn.gov
06
FHWA - Value Capture - Highlightsfhwa.dot.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief - Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasurycomptroller.tn.gov
08
Exemptions - Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasurycomptroller.tn.gov
09
County
DeKalb County, Tennessee - Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasurycomptroller.tn.gov
10
County
DeKalb County, Tennessee - Comptroller of the Treasurycomptroller.tn.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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