HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lauderdale County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0000 per $100 assessed value (base county rate), varies by district with municipal and school levies
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lauderdale County, Tennessee operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Lauderdale County are subject to a tax rate of 1.0000 per $100 of assessed value for the 2025 tax year, with properties assessed at 25% of their appraised market value as determined by the county assessor.

The actual property tax burden varies significantly by location within Lauderdale County due to special taxing districts, municipal taxes, and school district levies that may apply to specific areas. Property owners should expect their total effective tax rate to differ based on their exact location within the county. The county follows Tennessee's standard assessment practices, with all property ownership and assessments reflecting status as of January 1st of each tax year, and various tax credits available to qualifying homeowners who submit proper applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General1.0000Base county operations, services, and administration
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity/town taxes for incorporated areas
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, utility districts, other special assessments
Debt ServiceIncludedBond payments and long-term debt obligations

Tax rates shown apply to Levy Year 2025. The 1.0000 base rate applies countywide, with additional levies varying by special taxing districts and municipalities within Lauderdale County. Property owners should verify their specific total rate based on their exact location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use after the January 1st assessment date but during the current tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that remove exemptions, subdivision of parcels, or corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a new home is completed and occupied in July, the supplemental tax would cover July through December. Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill in addition to their regular annual tax statement, and these supplemental amounts become due within the same timeframe as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $75,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $75,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0000 rate): $750
  • Monthly Escrow: $62.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $150,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0000 rate): $1,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $125.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $250,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Annual Tax (1.0000 rate): $2,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $208.33

Note: These examples use the base county rate only. Total tax bills will be higher due to school district and other applicable levies. All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied.

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 Lauderdale County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon request. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill, plus school and municipal taxes where applicable. These funds are held in a non-interest bearing account and used to pay tax bills when due.

Escrow accounts are typically analyzed annually, with lenders reviewing actual tax payments versus collected amounts. If taxes increase, monthly escrow payments will be adjusted upward, sometimes requiring a lump sum payment to cover shortfalls. Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender pays both installments on time - the first installment due September 1st and the second installment due December 31st. Homeowners can request escrow account statements and should review them for accuracy, especially after assessment changes or successful tax credit applications.

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 Lauderdale County property taxes due for 2025? A: The first installment is due September 1, 2026, and the second installment is due December 31, 2026. These dates apply to the 2025 tax year assessments.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Tennessee offers various tax credits including homestead credits, elderly/disabled credits, and veteran credits. Most credits require annual application through the county assessor's office and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It typically caps assessment growth and requires filing an application with documentation proving primary residence status.

Q: When can I apply for tax relief programs? A: Tax relief and tax freeze applications have deadlines 35 days past the property tax delinquency date in the local jurisdiction, typically in April.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lauderdale County? A: Tennessee requires county-wide reappraisals every 4-6 years, with annual updates for new construction and property changes. All assessments reflect property status as of January 1st.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Lauderdale County Trustee's office for specific penalty rates and payment options for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Lauderdale County Trustee's office directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties located in fire districts, school districts, municipalities, or other special taxing districts will have additional taxes beyond the base county rate, which can significantly increase your total tax bill.

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