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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sumner County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Sumner 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
Varies by district - base county rate plus municipal and special district assessments
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sumner County, Tennessee operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for local government services, including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. The county uses an assessment ratio system where properties are assessed at 25% of their appraised market value, with tax rates applied to this assessed value. Property owners in Sumner County can expect effective tax rates that vary based on their specific location within the county.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on your property's location within Sumner County, as different areas may fall within special taxing districts that levy additional assessments for services like fire protection, utility districts, or municipal services. These special district taxes are added to the base county rate, meaning properties in different areas of the county may have different total tax rates even with the same assessed value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate$0.8961 per $100General county operations and services
School DistrictVariesSumner County Schools funding
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire districts, utility districts, municipal services
Debt ServiceIncluded in baseBond payments for infrastructure projects

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your total tax rate will depend on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Sumner County Assessor's office at (615) 452-3680 for your specific district rate information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Sumner 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 Sumner County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or property improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When you purchase a property or complete new construction, the county may issue a supplemental tax bill to account for the change in assessed value during the current tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at a lower value under a homestead exemption, or if you complete a home addition, the county will calculate the difference between the old and new assessed values. The supplemental tax is then prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. If your property's assessed value increases by $50,000 mid-year due to improvements, and six months remain in the tax year, you would owe supplemental taxes on half of that increase at your applicable tax rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $75,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$75,000
  • Annual Tax (@ $0.8961/$100): $672
  • Monthly Escrow: $56

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $150,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$150,000
  • Annual Tax (@ $0.8961/$100): $1,344
  • Monthly Escrow: $112

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (25%): $250,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$250,000
  • Annual Tax (@ $0.8961/$100): $2,240
  • Monthly Escrow: $187

Note: These calculations use the base county rate only. Special district taxes will increase your total rate. Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Sumner County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to Sumner County when they become due on the first Monday in October each year.

Lenders typically review your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on changes in your property tax assessment or tax rates. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any surplus or shortage. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, you may need to pay a shortage amount or accept higher monthly payments. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time by checking with the Sumner County Trustee's office, as you remain ultimately responsible for payment even when using escrow.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Sumner County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due on the first Monday in October each year, with no partial payment options available.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Sumner County offers several tax credits including homestead tax credit, elderly/disabled tax credit, and veteran tax credits. All credits require separate application and are NOT automatically applied. Contact the Assessor's office at (615) 452-3680 for applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead tax credit work? A: The homestead tax credit caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value, not the market value. You must file an application to receive this credit - it doesn't apply automatically when you purchase a home.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Sumner County conducts county-wide reappraisals periodically. The County Board of Equalization meets in June to hear assessment appeals, with informal appeals ending May 31st.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Sumner County Trustee's office at (615) 452-1587 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Sumner County offers online payment options. Visit the county website or contact the Trustee's office for payment portal information and accepted payment methods.

Q: When are tangible personal property taxes due? A: Tangible personal property schedules are mailed by February 1st and due by March 1st annually.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my tax bill? A: Your location within Sumner County determines which special districts serve your property (fire, utility, etc.). Each district adds its own tax rate to the base county rate, so total rates vary by location within the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Sumner County's Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Budget Analysis ...sumnercountytn.gov
02
Ordinance 25-08whitehousetn.gov
03
County
Sumner - County Assessment Info - TN.govcomptroller.tn.gov
04
County
Assessor of Property - Sumner County, TNsumnercountytn.gov
05
Assessment Schedulesumnercountytn.gov
06
County
Trustee - Sumner County, TN Governmentsumnercountytn.gov
07
County
Departments - Sumner County, TN Governmentsumnercountytn.gov
08
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)fdic.gov
09
PDF TIFF Wrapperapps.irs.gov
10
Tax Doc
How to Calculate Your Tax Billcomptroller.tn.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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