HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fayette County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.9310 per $100 assessed value (base rate, may vary by special taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fayette County, Tennessee operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential county services including schools, roads, public safety, and local government operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with real estate taxes collected annually by the Fayette County Trustee's Office beginning the first Monday of October each year.

The county's property tax rate for Tax Year 2025 is $0.9310 per hundred dollars of assessed value. However, your actual effective tax rate may vary depending on your location within the county, as additional special taxing districts can impose supplemental assessments for services like fire protection, utility districts, or special improvement projects. Tennessee assesses property at 25% of appraised market value for residential properties, meaning a home valued at $400,000 would have an assessed value of $100,000 for tax calculation purposes.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)DescriptionLevy Year
Base County Rate$0.9310General county operations, schools, debt serviceFY 2025
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, utility districts, improvement districtsFY 2025
Total Rate Range$0.9310 - $1.60+Depends on special district locationFY 2025

Note: The actual tax rate varies significantly by location within Fayette County. Some areas may have combined rates exceeding $1.60 per $100 of assessed value when special district assessments are included. Historical data shows combined rates have reached $1.6054 per $100 in certain districts. Contact the County Assessor at (901) 465-5224 for your specific district rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fayette 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 Fayette County are additional assessments that occur when property changes ownership, undergoes new construction, or receives improvements that increase its assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $75,000 but now appraises at $100,000 (with an assessed value of $25,000), you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $6,250 difference in assessed value ($25,000 - $18,750 previous assessed value) multiplied by the applicable tax rate and prorated for 9 months remaining in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $75,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.9310 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $698.25
  • Monthly (Escrow): $58.19

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $150,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.9310 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,396.50
  • Monthly (Escrow): $116.38

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $250,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.9310 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $2,327.50
  • Monthly (Escrow): $193.96

Note: These calculations use the base county rate only. Properties in special taxing districts will have higher rates. Tax credits for seniors, disabled veterans, or other qualifying categories require separate applications and can reduce the final tax amount.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fayette County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will estimate annual property taxes, divide by 12, and collect this amount with your monthly mortgage payment. The lender typically maintains a 2-month cushion in the escrow account to ensure sufficient funds for tax payments.

Property taxes become due annually starting October 1st, and lenders usually pay these bills in October or November on your behalf. You'll receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's tax payments and any adjustments to your monthly escrow amount. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly mortgage payment will adjust accordingly. Always verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking with the Fayette County Trustee's Office, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring payment even when using escrow.

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 Fayette County for FY 2025? A: Real estate taxes are due annually beginning the first Monday of October. Tangible personal property tax schedules are mailed by February 1st and due by March 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Tax credits are available for qualifying seniors (age 65+ by December 31st), disabled veterans, and other categories. All credits require application and are NOT automatic. Contact Tax Relief Coordinator Lena Parker at (901) 465-5224 to schedule an appointment and apply.

Q: How does the senior citizen tax credit work? A: Applicants must be 65 by December 31, 2025, own and occupy the home as primary residence, and meet income requirements. This credit reduces your actual tax bill and requires annual application with notarized forms.

Q: Is there a Homestead exemption that caps assessment increases? A: Tennessee does not have an assessment cap system. However, various tax credits may be available to limit tax burden growth. Contact the County Assessor for specific programs and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Tennessee requires property reappraisal programs, but frequency varies. Contact the Fayette County Assessor at (901) 465-5224 for current assessment schedules and appeal procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Contact the Fayette County Trustee's Office for current penalty and interest rates on delinquent property taxes.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Fayette County Trustee's Office for available payment methods and online options.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Depending on your property location, you may pay additional taxes for fire districts, utility districts, or improvement districts. These can significantly increase your total tax rate above the base $0.9310 rate.

Q: Can I file amended tax schedules for previous years? A: Yes, amended schedules for previous tax years can be filed by September 1st annually.

Q: What documentation do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Requirements vary by credit type, but generally include proof of age, residency, income verification, and notarized applications. Contact Lena Parker at (901) 465-5224 for specific requirements.

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate