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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Knox County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
3.64 mills base county rate (varies significantly by special taxing district location)
1st Due
Oct 31
2nd Due
Feb 28
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Knox County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county operations. The Knox County Trustee's Office manages over $1 billion annually in collections, making it one of Tennessee's largest local tax collection operations. Property taxes in Knox County are calculated using assessed values determined by the County Property Assessor and applied against tax rates set by the County Commission based on budgetary needs for various services.

The effective property tax rate in Knox County varies significantly by location due to special taxing districts within the county boundaries. While the base county rate is 3.64 mills for the current levy year, property owners may pay additional assessments for school districts, municipal services, utility districts, and other special improvement districts. This means two similar properties in different areas of Knox County can have substantially different tax bills based on their specific taxing district combinations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund2.43Basic county operations, sheriff, roads, administration
County Debt Service0.31County bond payments and debt obligations
County Schools0.90Knox County School system operations
Base County Total3.64Standard rate before special districts
Municipal ServicesVariesCity of Knoxville and other municipalities (where applicable)
Utility DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, and utility district assessments
Special Improvement DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, other special services

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 (FY 2025-2026). Actual tax rates vary by property location within Knox County due to overlapping special taxing districts. Properties within city limits may have different school district rates and additional municipal assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Knox County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Oct 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 28
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 property taxes in Knox County are triggered by specific events that change a property's ownership, use, or physical characteristics during the tax year. The most common triggers include property sales that result in reassessment, completion of new construction or major improvements, and changes in property classification (such as losing agricultural or forestry designation). When these events occur, the Property Assessor recalculates the assessed value, and any additional tax owed becomes due as a supplemental assessment.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplying by the applicable tax rate for all relevant taxing districts, and prorating for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $200,000 to $300,000 due to completed renovations in January, the owner would owe supplemental taxes on the additional $100,000 in assessed value for the full tax year at their combined district rate of approximately 3.64 mills, resulting in roughly $364 in additional taxes.

Example Calculation

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

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Ratio (25%): $75,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$7,500 (10% assessment cap benefit, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,500
  • Tax Rate: 3.64 mills
  • Annual Tax: $246
  • Monthly (Escrow): $21

Example 2: $600,000 Property (County + City)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Ratio (25%): $150,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$15,000 (requires application)
  • Elderly Credit Applied: -$5,000 (requires application, income qualified)
  • Net Taxable Value: $130,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: 5.24 mills (includes municipal)
  • Annual Tax: $681
  • Monthly (Escrow): $57

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (All Districts)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Ratio (25%): $250,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $225,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: 6.84 mills (includes all special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $1,539
  • Monthly (Escrow): $128

All tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Knox County require borrowers to establish escrow accounts for property tax payments, particularly for loans exceeding 80% loan-to-value ratios. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12th of the annual property tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases. The lender then makes property tax payments directly to the Knox County Trustee on your behalf when taxes become due.

Knox County property taxes are typically due in two installments during the fiscal year, and lenders generally make payments according to this schedule. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information and is making timely payments by checking their account status online at https://knoxcounty.org/trustee/. If you have an escrow account, you'll receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your property tax payments were calculated and applied. Any escrow shortages or overages will be reflected in adjustments to your monthly mortgage payment for 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 Knox County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments. The first installment is usually due in October, and the second installment is due the following February. Specific due dates are published annually by the Knox County Trustee.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Knox County offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit (caps assessment increases), Elderly/Disabled Credit (income-qualified), and Veterans Credits. All credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - you must file with the Property Assessor's office before the deadline.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits how much your property's assessed value can increase year-over-year, typically capping increases at around 10%. This credit does NOT reduce your property's market value but rather limits assessment growth. You must apply annually, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: When does Knox County reassess properties? A: Knox County follows a reappraisal cycle as mandated by state law. The Property Assessor's office conducts systematic reappraisals, and property owners receive notice of value changes with appeal rights and deadlines clearly stated.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Knox County imposes interest and penalties on delinquent property taxes. Rates and specific penalty structures are set by state law and county policy. Unpaid taxes can eventually result in tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Knox County offers online payment options through the Trustee's website at https://knoxcounty.org/trustee/. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though convenience fees may apply for credit card transactions.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on the special taxing districts where your property is located. Properties may be subject to different combinations of municipal taxes, school district rates, utility district assessments, and special improvement districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Knox County Property Assessor's office within the specified deadline after receiving your notice of assessment. Details on the appeal process and deadlines are available at https://www.knoxcounty.org/apps/property_assessor/.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Knox County Tax Collectorknoxcounty.org
02
Tax Doc
Tennessee Property Tax Ratenacdashboard.nara.gov
03
Kincannon Proposed Budget Prioritizes Safety, Housing, ...knoxvilletn.gov
04
Revenue Overviewnashville.gov
05
State
In Re: Estate of Constantine Anagnosttncourts.gov
06
Tax Doc
How to Calculate Your Tax Billcomptroller.tn.gov
07
Assignment of Leases and Rentssec.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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