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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lincoln County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$1.8998 per $100 of assessed value for 2024-2025, varies by district location
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lincoln County, Tennessee operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, road maintenance, emergency services, and county government operations. The county uses an assessment-based system where properties are appraised at market value, then assessed at 25% of that appraised value for residential properties, with the tax calculated against this assessed value.

The effective property tax rate in Lincoln County for the 2024-2025 tax year is $1.8998 per $100 of assessed value, though actual rates may vary depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, utility districts, or municipal boundaries. Property owners should verify their exact rate based on their property's location, as some areas may have additional assessments for special services or bond payments that can affect the total tax liability.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
County General FundVariesBasic county services, administration, roads
County School DistrictVariesPublic education funding
County Debt ServiceVariesBond payments for capital improvements
Total Base Rate$1.8998Combined rate for FY 2024-2025
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments for fire districts, utility districts, or municipal services

Note: The $1.8998 rate applies to properties within the general county area for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. Properties located within incorporated municipalities, special fire districts, or utility districts may have additional assessments that increase the total effective rate. Contact the Lincoln County Property Assessor's office to determine your property's specific rate based on its location and applicable taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lincoln 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 property taxes in Lincoln County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's value or ownership outside the regular assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction or improvements that add value to the property, changes in property use classification, or corrections to previous assessments that result in increased taxable value.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the difference between the previous tax assessment and the new assessment for the remaining portion of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in January, and residential properties are assessed at 25% of market value, this would add $12,500 to your assessed value. With Lincoln County's rate of $1.8998 per $100, this would result in an additional $237.48 in annual taxes, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year from the completion date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $75,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if eligible): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,500
  • Annual Tax ($1.8998 per $100): $1,282.37
  • Monthly Escrow: $106.86

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $150,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if eligible): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $142,500
  • Annual Tax ($1.8998 per $100): $2,707.22
  • Monthly Escrow: $225.60

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $250,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if eligible): -$7,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $242,500
  • Annual Tax ($1.8998 per $100): $4,607.01
  • Monthly Escrow: $383.92

Note: Tax credits shown are estimated and require separate application. Actual credits may vary based on eligibility and current program parameters. Contact Lincoln County Property Assessor for current credit amounts and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lincoln County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. These funds are held in a separate escrow account and used to pay your property taxes when they become due on December 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, comparing the actual tax bills paid against the estimated amounts collected. If your property taxes increase due to assessment changes or rate increases, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners are responsible for ensuring their lender has current tax information, and you should review your annual escrow statement to verify accuracy. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, remember that the tax year runs from July 1 to June 30, with payment due by December 15th for the current tax 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

When are Lincoln County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? Property taxes for the 2024-2025 tax year (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025) are due by December 15, 2024. Extensions may be available if requested by the original due date.

What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? Lincoln County offers several tax credits including the Homestead Tax Credit for owner-occupied residences, Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief, and Veteran's Tax Credits. All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Lincoln County Property Assessor's office for current applications and eligibility requirements.

How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? The Homestead Tax Credit provides a reduction in your taxable assessed value for your primary residence and may also cap annual assessment increases. This credit requires filing an application with the Property Assessor's office and must be renewed periodically. It reduces your tax bill by limiting how much your assessed value can increase each year.

How often are properties reassessed in Lincoln County? Tennessee requires counties to conduct property reappraisals at least every six years, though Lincoln County may conduct more frequent updates. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have the right to appeal if they believe the assessment is incorrect.

What are the penalties for late property tax payments? Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Lincoln County Trustee's office for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Can I pay my property taxes online? Check with the Lincoln County Trustee's office for available online payment methods and any associated convenience fees. Many Tennessee counties offer online payment options through their official websites.

Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? Tax rates can vary within Lincoln County based on special taxing districts such as fire districts, utility districts, or municipal boundaries. Properties in different districts may have additional assessments that affect the total rate.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Lincoln County Board of Equalization within the specified time period after receiving their assessment notice. Contact the Property Assessor's office for appeal forms and deadlines.

What happens if I don't pay my property taxes? Unpaid property taxes become a lien against the property and may eventually result in tax sale proceedings. Contact the Lincoln County Trustee immediately if you're unable to pay to discuss payment options.

Do special districts add to my property tax bill? Yes, properties located within special districts such as fire districts, utility districts, or improvement districts may have additional assessments beyond the base county rate of $1.8998 per $100 of assessed value.

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