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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lawrence County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base county rate varies by location due to municipal boundaries and special taxing districts
Exemptions
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Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lawrence County, Tennessee operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed values, which are determined by applying assessment ratios to appraised market values: residential and farm properties are assessed at 25% of appraised value, while commercial properties are assessed at 40% of appraised value.

The effective property tax rate in Lawrence County varies by location within the county due to different special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district levies. For the 2025 tax year, the base county rate has been set, but property owners should expect their actual rate to differ based on their specific location and applicable special assessments. Property taxes in Lawrence County are a primary funding source for local government services, and understanding the calculation process helps property owners plan for this significant annual expense.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General$3.15 per $100Base county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding (rate varies by district)
MunicipalVariesCity services (if within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, utility districts, other special assessments

Levy Year: 2025 (effective July 1, 2025)

Note: The total effective rate varies significantly by location within Lawrence County. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate with the Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency (Courthouse Room 249) as rates differ based on school district boundaries, municipal incorporation, and special taxing districts in their area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are mid-year changes to property ownership or improvements. The most common triggers include ownership transfers (sales), new construction completion, or significant property improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the additional tax is calculated on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $500,000 home is sold in October and the new assessment increases the taxable value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining months of the tax year. The Lawrence County Assessor's Office typically issues supplemental tax bills within 60-90 days of the triggering event, and these taxes follow the same payment deadlines as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $75,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,500
  • Annual Tax (est. $3.50/$100): $2,363
  • Monthly Escrow: $197

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $150,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $142,500
  • Annual Tax (est. $3.50/$100): $4,988
  • Monthly Escrow: $416

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $250,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $242,500
  • Annual Tax (est. $3.50/$100): $8,488
  • Monthly Escrow: $707

Note: Tax credits require application and approval. Rates vary by specific location within Lawrence County due to special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lawrence County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or those who request this service. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account until taxes are due.

Lawrence County property taxes are typically due on the first Monday in March each year, and lenders generally pay these taxes directly to the county on behalf of homeowners. Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing collections, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis carefully and can request documentation of tax payments made on their behalf. For properties without escrow accounts, owners are responsible for making direct payments to Lawrence County by the March deadline to avoid interest and penalties.

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 Lawrence County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due on the first Monday in March. For the current tax year, verify the exact deadline with the Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency, as dates may vary.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Tennessee offers homestead credits ($5,000 for individuals, $7,500 for joint owners) and other credits such as elderly/disabled credits. All credits require application and are NOT automatic - you must file with the county assessor's office.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit reduces your assessed value, not your market value, and requires annual application. It provides a fixed dollar reduction in assessed value, which translates to tax savings based on your local tax rate.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Lawrence County? A: Tennessee conducts property reappraisals on varying schedules. Contact the Lawrence County Assessor's Office for the current reappraisal cycle and appeals process information.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with Lawrence County Real Property Tax Service Agency (Courthouse Room 249) for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts (fire, utility, school) add additional assessments to your base county rate. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Lawrence County Assessor's Office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation. Appeals typically must be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are mailed.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
2025 budget of the Town of Cantoncantonny.gov
02
County
Lawrence - County Assessment Info - TN.govcomptroller.tn.gov
03
FY 2025-2026 BUDGETlawrencecountytn.gov
04
Tax Doc
Multiple sites available for property tax paymentslawrencecountytn.gov
05
Tax Doc
Final deadline nearing for 2019-20 tax paymentlawrencecountytn.gov
06
County
Trustee – Lawrence County TN, Governmentlawrencecountytn.gov
07
Tennessee's Homestead Exemptionstn.gov
08
Homestead Exemption in Tennesseetn.gov
09
Homestead Exemption in Tennessee Bankruptcyext.glb.mytn.gov
10
County
Lawrence County, Tennessee - Comptroller of the Treasurycomptroller.tn.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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