Committed to Transparency, Accuracy, and Service

Before property can be listed, classified, and valued, it must first be located and identified. This ongoing process—known as discovery—involves capturing new construction, additions, demolitions, and changes in land use. To stay current, the Assessor’s Office monitors building permits, property sales, zoning changes, and other sources of property information. Staff also conduct field inspections of both subdivisions and rural areas on a regular basis to keep records up to date.

Discovery of business personal property happens through business licenses, advertisements, and an annual reporting schedule that businesses must file by March 1 each year. These reports list or update the equipment, furniture, and other personal property used in their operations.

Once property is located, it must be accurately recorded. Assessment staff measure structures, note features that affect market value—such as bathrooms, roofing type, or interior finishes—and record these details. The information is entered into a computer-assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) system, which allows properties to be compared with others across the county to ensure fairness and consistency.

In addition to assigning value, the Assessor classifies each property according to its use. This classification determines the assessment level applied for taxation. Under Tennessee law, the levels are:

• Personal Property – 30%

• Residential – 25%

• Commercial and Industrial – 40%

• Farm – 25%

• Exempt – 0%

• Public Utility – 55% (real and personal)

The Assessor estimates the fair market value of all property in the county—what a property would sell for in an open market under normal conditions. To do this, the office uses three main appraisal methods:

• Market Approach: Compares a property with similar properties recently sold.

• Cost Approach: Estimates the cost to replace a structure, adjusting for depreciation.

• Income Approach: Values property based on its ability to generate income.

Accurate valuation requires detailed knowledge of the local real estate market, including sales prices, construction costs, operating expenses, rents, and financing trends.

Each year, the Assessor prepares an assessment roll listing all property in the county, its owner, and its value. Preliminary assessments are available for public inspection in May. Property owners whose values change receive notice by mail and may appeal if they believe the value is inconsistent with fair market value.

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization, which makes adjustments if warranted. Once finalized, the assessment roll is delivered to local taxing authorities.

The Assessor’s Office also serves the public by providing information on property ownership, assessments, and sales. Each year, the office responds to thousands of requests—by phone, mail, and in person—from property owners, real estate professionals, attorneys, and lenders.