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Updated 2025 Tax Year

White County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$1.45 per $100 assessed value (base county rate), varies by district with additional municipal and special district rates
1st Due
Oct 5
2nd Due
Feb 28
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

White County, Tennessee operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, emergency services, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed based on the appraised value of real estate and personal property, with the tax year running from July 1st through June 30th of the following year.

The effective property tax rate in White County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal areas. For the fiscal year 2025-2026, the base county rate is $1.45 per $100 of assessed value, though your actual rate may differ based on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. Property owners should verify their exact rate and applicable districts with the White County Assessor's office, as these special assessments can significantly impact your total tax liability.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
County General$1.45Base county operations, services, and administration
School DistrictVariesLocal school funding (rate varies by district)
Fire DistrictVariesEmergency services (where applicable)
MunicipalVariesCity services (for properties within city limits)
Total Range$1.45+Combined rate depends on location and districts

Rates shown are for fiscal year 2025-2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026). Your actual rate depends on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. Contact the White County Assessor's office to determine your exact combined rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Oct 5
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 28
Delinquent after Apr 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 are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. In White County, supplemental taxes are most commonly triggered by new construction, property improvements, or ownership transfers that result in a reassessment of the property's value.

When a supplemental assessment occurs, the additional tax is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and your tax rate is $1.45 per $100, you would owe approximately $36.25 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $1.45 ÷ 2) for the remaining six months of the fiscal year. These supplemental bills are issued separately from your regular annual tax bill and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Annual Tax ($1.45 rate): $3,987.50
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $332.29

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Annual Tax ($1.45 rate): $8,337.50
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $694.79

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Annual Tax ($1.45 rate): $14,137.50
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,178.13

Examples use base county rate of $1.45 per $100. Actual rates vary by special taxing districts. Credits shown require application and approval - they are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in White County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until taxes are due. Since White County property taxes are due February 27th annually, lenders typically pay your taxes directly to the county in late February or early March.

Lenders usually collect 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill each month, plus an additional 2-month cushion as required by federal law. When your property is reassessed or tax rates change, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your tax payments were handled and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, you're responsible for ensuring payment reaches the White County Trustee's office by the February 27th 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

When are property taxes due in White County? Property taxes for fiscal year 2025-2026 are due February 27, 2026. Tax notices are mailed in January. After February 27th, interest will accrue on unpaid balances.

What tax credits are available and do they require application? Tennessee offers a homestead credit that must be applied for annually - it is not automatic. The homestead credit can provide up to $25,000 in taxable value reduction for qualifying primary residences. Additional credits may be available for elderly, disabled, or veteran homeowners. All credits require application with supporting documentation.

How does the homestead credit work? The homestead credit in Tennessee caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It limits how much your property's assessed value can increase year-over-year, providing tax stability for long-term homeowners. You must file an application with the County Assessor to receive this benefit.

How often are properties reassessed in White County? Tennessee law requires property reappraisal every 4-6 years, though the exact schedule varies by county. Contact the White County Assessor's office for the current reappraisal cycle and timeline.

What happens if I pay my taxes late? Interest accrues on unpaid property taxes after the February 27th deadline. Late payment penalties and additional fees may apply for extended delinquency.

Can I pay property taxes online? Contact the White County Trustee's office to verify available online payment options and accepted payment methods for property taxes.

How do special taxing districts affect my tax bill? Your total property tax includes charges from all applicable taxing districts where your property is located, such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal services. These rates vary by location within White County.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property owners who disagree with their assessment can appeal to the White County Board of Equalization. Appeals must typically be filed within specific deadlines after assessment notices are mailed.

What if I have questions about my specific tax bill? Contact the White County Assessor's office for assessment questions or the White County Trustee's office for payment and billing questions. They can provide specific information about your property's taxing districts and applicable rates.

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