Whether you are a first time homebuyer in Knoxville or a long time resident of Farragut, understanding property taxes in Knox County is essential. These taxes help fund vital public services such as schools, law enforcement, roads, and emergency response, and they also affect your long term cost of homeownership. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Knox County property taxes so you can stay informed and avoid surprises.
What Exactly Are Property Taxes?
Property taxes are charges assessed on real estate owners by local government entities including counties, cities, and special service districts. The money collected supports essential services such as public education, police and fire protection, transportation infrastructure, and parks.
In Knox County your property tax bill includes levies from the county government as well as from the City of Knoxville if your property lies within city limits. Additional taxing authorities such as school districts or special service districts may also receive portions of your property tax payment.
How Much Is Property Tax in Knox County?
Knox County has relatively moderate property tax levels compared to many parts of the country. The median property tax paid in Knox County is approximately one thousand three hundred fifty nine dollars per year based on a median home value of about one hundred sixty seven thousand dollars. This equals an effective tax rate of roughly zero point eight one percent.
Your exact tax amount will depend on your property’s appraised value, your assessed value, and whether your home is located only within the county or also within the City of Knoxville which has its own separate tax rate.
When Are Property Taxes Due in Knox County?
Knox County property tax bills are typically mailed in October and are due by February 29 of the following year or the next business day if the date falls on a weekend. If you also receive a City of Knoxville tax bill that bill may have a different due date which is commonly in October. Both county and city taxes must be paid by their respective deadlines to avoid penalties.
When Will You Receive Your Property Tax Bill?
Knox County mails annual property tax bills in the fall usually between late September and early October. City of Knoxville residents will also receive a city tax bill. Even if you do not receive your bill by mail you are still responsible for paying by the due date and can request a duplicate from the appropriate tax office.
What Happens If You Miss the Knox County Property Tax Due Date?
If you do not pay your Knox County property taxes by the deadline interest will begin accruing monthly on the unpaid balance. Continued delinquency may result in additional penalties and eventually in tax lien proceedings or a public tax sale if the balance remains unpaid for an extended period. The same is true for unpaid City of Knoxville taxes.
Can I Pay My Knox County Property Tax Online?
Yes. Knox County accepts property tax payments online, by mail, in person, or through mortgage escrow accounts. Homeowners may typically pay using credit cards, debit cards, electronic checks, or paper checks. City of Knoxville property taxes can also be paid through similar methods depending on city payment systems.
What Should I Know About My Knox County Property Tax Bill?
Your property tax bill will include your property’s appraised value, assessed value which is a percentage of the appraised value depending on the land use classification, and the applicable county or county and city tax rates. It will also list the total amount owed and any special assessments if applicable. You should review your bill carefully and contact the assessor or trustee if you have questions about any figures.
Property Tax Reassessments in Knox County
Knox County conducts periodic reassessments to reflect changes in market value and ensure that assessments are fairly distributed. Properties are valued by the county assessor who sends out assessment notices when values change. If you disagree with your assessed value you may appeal to the Knox County Board of Equalization within the deadline specified on your notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Knox County property taxes calculated?
Tennessee assesses residential property at 25% of appraised value. That assessed value is multiplied by the combined tax rate for your area. Properties within Knoxville city limits are subject to both the Knox County rate and the City of Knoxville rate, which are billed separately.
What is the property tax rate in Knox County?
For the 2025–2026 assessment year, the effective property tax rate in Knox County is approximately 0.81% effective rate for county-only properties; higher for properties within Knoxville city limits. Your specific rate depends on your property’s location and the taxing districts that apply to your parcel. Contact the Knox County Assessor’s Office or use the county’s online property lookup tool to find the exact rate for your address.
When are Knox County property taxes due?
Knox County property taxes are billed annually but paid in two installments. The first installment is due February 28 or 29 (Knox County annual bill) and becomes delinquent after March 1. The second installment is due October (City of Knoxville bill, if applicable) and becomes delinquent after Varies, check city bill. Not receiving a bill does not exempt you from these deadlines.
What happens if I miss a Knox County property tax payment?
Late payments in Knox County are subject to a penalty of Interest and penalties begin accruing after the respective due date for each bill. Continued nonpayment can result in a tax lien on your property. In serious cases of prolonged delinquency, the county may initiate a tax sale or other collection proceedings. Paying on time, or confirming that your lender is paying through your escrow account, is the best way to avoid these consequences.
Can I pay Knox County property taxes online?
Yes. Knox County accepts online property tax payments. Payment options typically include e-check, credit card, and debit card. A convenience fee may apply to card payments. Keep your confirmation number after completing any online payment.
Will my mortgage lender pay my Knox County property taxes?
If your mortgage includes an escrow account, your lender pays your property tax bill on your behalf. If you own within Knoxville city limits, confirm your lender is collecting for both the county and city tax bills, as these are billed separately with different due dates.
What property tax exemptions are available in Knox County?
Tennessee offers a Tax Relief Program for qualifying elderly and disabled homeowners that reduces the amount of property tax owed. Disabled veterans may also qualify for an exemption. Contact the Knox County Assessor of Property for current program details.
Can I appeal my Knox County property tax assessment?
To appeal your assessed value, contact the Knox County Assessor of Property. Formal appeals may be filed with the State Board of Equalization.
Want to Learn More?
Property taxes are one of the most significant recurring costs for homeowners in Knox County. Understanding how your taxes are calculated, when payments are due, and how assessments are made can help you stay financially prepared and avoid unnecessary penalties.
At JVM Lending we are here to help Tennessee homebuyers and homeowners better understand these expenses as part of their overall financial planning. Whether you are purchasing a home in Knoxville or refinancing in Farragut our team is here to guide you.
Contact JVM Lending today at (855) 855 4491 or email hello@jvmlending.com to learn how we can support your homeownership journey in Knox County.
Please Note: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only. JVM Lending is not a tax professional or financial advisor. Property tax laws and regulations can be complex and may vary by location and individual circumstances. We strongly recommend consulting with certified tax professionals for personalized advice and guidance on property tax matters. If you’d like a referral to a tax professional or financial advisor, contact us and we’ll happily refer you to one of the trusted professionals in our network.
