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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fentress County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.35% base county rate, up to 1.852% in Jamestown (varies by district)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Fentress County, Tennessee, serve as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, road maintenance, emergency services, and county government operations. The county operates under Tennessee's property tax system, which assesses real property at 25% of its appraised market value and personal property at 30% of its appraised value.

For the 2025 tax year, Fentress County's base property tax rate is 1.35%, though actual rates can vary depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. Properties within incorporated areas like Jamestown face an additional municipal tax rate of 0.502%, bringing their total rate to 1.852%. The county assessor determines appraised values as of January 1st each year, and property owners have appeal rights if they disagree with their assessment.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General Fund1.35000%Base county services, schools, roads, emergency services
Jamestown City (if applicable)0.50200%Additional municipal services for properties within city limits
Total Rate Range1.35% - 1.852%Varies by location and special districts

Rates shown are for fiscal year 2025-2026. Actual tax rates may vary based on your property's location within specific taxing districts, school zones, or municipal boundaries. Contact the Fentress County Assessor's office to determine the exact rate applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fentress 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 Fentress County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, improvements, or assessments that occur after the January 1st assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completing after January 1st, property transfers that reveal unreported improvements, or corrections to assessment errors.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the additional assessed value ($12,500 at 25% assessment ratio) for the remaining 8 months of the tax year, resulting in approximately $111 in additional taxes (assuming the 1.35% base rate).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property (County Only)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $75,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: -$0 (assumes no credits applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $75,000
  • Annual Tax (1.35%): $1,012.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $84.38

Example 2: $600,000 Property (Jamestown City)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $150,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: -$0 (assumes no credits applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Annual Tax (1.852%): $2,778.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $231.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (County Only)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $250,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: -$0 (assumes no credits applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Annual Tax (1.35%): $3,375.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $281.25

Note: Tax credits such as homestead exemption, elderly/disabled relief, and veteran credits require separate applications and can significantly reduce your tax bill. Contact the county assessor to determine your eligibility.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fentress County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month and pay the county directly when taxes become due on February 27th.

Your lender will receive tax bills and assessment notices directly from Fentress County and should handle payments automatically. However, property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time. You should verify that your escrow account has adequate funds, especially after reassessments or when tax credits expire. If your property taxes increase significantly due to improvements or reassessment, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly escrow contribution.

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 Fentress County? A: For fiscal year 2025-2026, property taxes are due by February 27, 2026. Interest and penalties begin accruing on March 1, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Tennessee offers several tax relief programs including homestead exemption, elderly/disabled tax relief, and veteran exemptions. All require separate applications filed with the county assessor. Applications for tax relief must be submitted within 35 days of the property tax delinquency date.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption in Tennessee caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit limits how much your property's assessed value can increase each year, providing tax stability. You must apply through the county assessor's office and reapply periodically.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Tennessee requires county-wide reappraisals every 4-6 years, though the county assessor reviews property values annually as of January 1st. New construction and property improvements trigger immediate reassessment.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Fentress County Board of Equalization within 40 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the county assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing on March 1st following the February 27th due date. Additional penalties and potential tax sale procedures may apply for properties remaining delinquent.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Fentress County Trustee's office at the courthouse to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in Jamestown? A: Yes, properties within Jamestown city limits pay both the county rate (1.35%) and municipal rate (0.502%) for a total of 1.852%. This funds both county and city services.

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