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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Shelby County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Shelby 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
$2.69 per $100 of assessed value
1st Due
Oct 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Shelby County, Tennessee operates under a property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, law enforcement, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. The county's property tax system is administered by the Assessor of Property, currently Melvin Burgess, who oversees property valuations and assessments from the main office at 1075 Mullins Station Road in Memphis and a satellite office at 157 Poplar Avenue.

Property taxes in Shelby County are calculated based on the assessed value of real property, which is determined by the county assessor's office. The current property tax rate is $2.69 per $100 of assessed value, representing a consolidated rate that includes funding for county services, schools, and other local government functions. Property owners can expect their effective tax rate to vary based on any applicable exemptions, with the assessment process following Tennessee state guidelines for property valuation and classification.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General Fund$1.58Funds county operations, services, and administration
Shelby County Schools$1.11Supports public school system operations and facilities
Total Combined Rate$2.69Total property tax rate for most properties in Shelby County

Note: Rates may vary slightly for properties within special assessment districts or municipal boundaries with additional levies. The $2.69 rate represents the standard county-wide property tax rate for 2025.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Oct 1
Delinquent after Dec 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 taxes in Shelby County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's value or ownership outside of the regular annual assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, property transfers that result in reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current property values and ownership throughout the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in July and increases the assessed value accordingly, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $100,000 increase at the $2.69 rate, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Property owners receive separate billing for supplemental taxes, which have their own due dates distinct from regular property tax payments.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applicable): varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no exemptions)
  • Tax Rate: $2.69 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $8,070
  • Monthly Escrow: $672.50

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applicable): varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no exemptions)
  • Tax Rate: $2.69 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $16,140
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,345.00

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applicable): varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no exemptions)
  • Tax Rate: $2.69 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $26,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,241.67

Note: Actual exemptions available should be verified with the Shelby County Assessor's office as they can significantly reduce taxable value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Shelby County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment and remits property taxes directly to Shelby County when due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12, often with an additional cushion as allowed by federal regulations.

Property tax payments in Shelby County are handled by the County Trustee's office, and lenders typically receive tax bills and payment notices directly. However, property owners should monitor their escrow accounts annually to ensure adequate funding, especially after reassessments or rate changes. You can verify tax payments and view current account status through the official payment portal at https://www.trustee.shelby.tn.us/. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for meeting all payment deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Shelby County? A: Property tax due dates vary, but typically taxes are billed annually with specific payment deadlines established by the County Trustee's office. Check https://www.trustee.shelby.tn.us/ for current due dates.

Q: What homeowner exemptions are available? A: Shelby County offers various exemptions including homestead exemptions for primary residences, elderly exemptions, and disabled veteran exemptions. Contact the Assessor's office at https://www.assessor.shelby.tn.us/ to determine eligibility.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Tennessee law requires property reappraisal cycles, and Shelby County follows state guidelines for assessment frequency. The Assessor's office conducts ongoing valuation updates to maintain current market values.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments through the Shelby County Board of Equalization. Appeal procedures and deadlines are available through the Assessor's office at https://www.assessor.shelby.tn.us/.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late property tax payments incur penalties and interest charges. Continued non-payment can result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure proceedings by the county.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Shelby County offers online property tax payments through the County Trustee's website at https://www.trustee.shelby.tn.us/.

Q: How do I look up my property information? A: Use the property lookup tool at https://www.assessor.shelby.tn.us/content.aspx?content=parcel to search by owner name, address, or parcel number.

Q: What services do my property taxes fund? A: Property taxes fund Shelby County Schools, county government operations, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and various community services essential to county residents.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Shelby County Assessorassessor.shelby.tn.us
02
County
NEWS from the Shelby County Mayor's Office Lee Harris, ...shelbycountytn.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calculatorshelbycountytn.gov
04
County
News Flash • Shelby County, TN • CivicEngagestaysafeshelby.us
05
County
Shelby County, Tennessee Required Supplementary Information ...shelbycountytn.gov
06
County
Tax Look-Up | Shelby County Trustee, TN - Official Websiteshelbycountytn.gov
07
HB 308 - SB 337 - Tennessee General Assemblycapitol.tn.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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