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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hamblen County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.97% base county rate, varies by municipality (higher in incorporated areas like Morristown)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hamblen County, Tennessee operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, infrastructure, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined by the County Assessor and reassessed periodically. The county follows Tennessee's assessment ratio system, where residential properties are assessed at 25% of their appraised market value.

The effective tax rate in Hamblen County varies by location within the county due to different municipal boundaries and special taxing districts. The base county rate is currently 1.97%, but properties within incorporated areas like Morristown have different combined rates. For example, properties in Morristown are subject to both county and city taxes, with rates totaling approximately 3.37% (1.97% county + 1.40% city). This variation means your actual property tax rate depends on your specific location and the services provided by your local taxing jurisdictions.

Property taxes in Hamblen County become due on October 1st each year and become delinquent on March 1st of the following year, providing property owners with a five-month payment window. The county offers online payment options through their official website for taxpayer convenience.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Hamblen County Base1.97%Funds county services, schools, infrastructure, and general operations
City of Morristown1.40%Additional municipal services for properties within city limits
Combined Morristown Rate3.37%Total rate for properties within Morristown city limits

Note: These rates are current as of the most recent levy year. The 2025 property tax rate for Hamblen County will be determined in a public hearing scheduled for June 26, 2025. Actual rates may vary based on your property's location within specific municipal boundaries or special taxing districts. Contact the Hamblen County Assessor's office to confirm the exact rate applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hamblen 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 Hamblen County are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, improvements to existing properties, or corrections to assessment rolls that occur after the regular assessment period. When these changes happen, the county may issue supplemental tax bills to account for the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed for the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The amount is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from the date the change became effective.

For example, if a property undergoes $100,000 in improvements that are completed and assessed in January, and the county tax rate is 1.97%, the annual supplemental tax would be approximately $492.50 ($100,000 × 25% assessment ratio × 1.97% rate). However, since 9 months remain in the tax year, the actual supplemental bill would be prorated to about $369 for that year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (County only)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $75,000 (25% assessment ratio)
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no credits filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $75,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.97%
  • Annual Tax: $1,477.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $123.13

Example 2: $600,000 Home (Morristown)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $150,000 (25% assessment ratio)
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no credits filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.37% (combined county + city)
  • Annual Tax: $5,055.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $421.25

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Morristown)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $250,000 (25% assessment ratio)
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no credits filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.37% (combined county + city)
  • Annual Tax: $8,425.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $702.08

Note: These calculations assume no tax credits have been applied. Available tax credits require separate applications and can reduce your final tax bill. Contact the Hamblen County Assessor to learn about credits you may qualify for.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hamblen County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will collect monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, then remit the full annual property tax amount to the county when taxes become due on October 1st.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected throughout the year. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. You'll receive notice of any escrow changes, and shortages may be spread over the following year or require a lump sum payment.

It's important to review your annual escrow statement and verify that your lender has paid the correct amount to Hamblen County. You can verify payments through the county's online property tax portal or by contacting the Assessor's office directly. If you pay taxes independently (without escrow), remember that taxes are due October 1st and become delinquent March 1st of the following year.

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 Hamblen County? A: Property taxes become due on October 1st each year and become delinquent on March 1st of the following year, giving property owners five months to make payment.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Various tax credits may be available including elderly/disabled credits and agricultural use credits. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied. Contact the Hamblen County Assessor's office for specific credit applications and eligibility requirements. Application deadlines vary by credit type.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Tennessee's homestead credit typically caps the annual increase in assessed value rather than reducing market value. This credit requires filing an application with the County Assessor and is not automatic. Contact the assessor's office for current homestead provisions and application procedures.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Tennessee law requires countywide property reassessments to occur periodically. Contact the Hamblen County Assessor for the current reassessment schedule and to learn about the appeals process if you disagree with your assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties become delinquent on March 1st following the October 1st due date. Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties. Contact the County Trustee's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Hamblen County offers online property tax payments through their official website. You can also pay by mail or in person at the appropriate county office.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on location within special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. Properties in incorporated areas like Morristown pay both county and city taxes, while unincorporated areas pay only county taxes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: If you believe your property is overassessed, you can appeal to the Board of Equalization. Contact the Hamblen County Assessor's office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation.

Q: What happens if I make improvements to my property? A: Property improvements may increase your assessed value and result in higher taxes. Major improvements might also trigger supplemental tax bills. Contact the Assessor's office about reporting requirements for significant property changes.

Q: How do I find my property's tax history? A: Property tax records and payment history are typically available through the Hamblen County Assessor's website or by contacting their office directly with your property identification number.

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