Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Davidson County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Davidson County

Property taxes in Davidson County are determined by a combination of the property’s appraised value, the assessment ratio, and the tax rate (often referred to as the millage rate). The Davidson County Property Assessor’s Office periodically conducts a reappraisal to determine the fair market value of your property. Once the appraisal is set, Tennessee law mandates an assessment ratio of 25% for residential property. Your assessed value is calculated by multiplying the appraised value by this 25% ratio. Finally, the tax amount is calculated by applying the current tax rate—set by the Metropolitan Council—to your assessed value. These funds are vital for supporting local public services, including schools, infrastructure, and emergency response.

Available Exemptions

Tennessee offers several programs to provide tax relief to eligible homeowners, helping to manage the financial burden of property ownership. These programs are subject to state income and eligibility requirements:

• Property Tax Relief Program: Available to low-income elderly residents (65 and older), disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans. This program provides a reimbursement for a portion of the taxes paid on a primary residence.
• Property Tax Freeze Program: Designed for homeowners aged 65 and older, this program allows qualified seniors to "freeze" their property tax amount at the base year level, preventing future increases in the tax bill for their primary residence, regardless of reappraisals or tax rate hikes.
• Disabled Veteran Exemption: Provides a tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, or those who are permanently and totally disabled, as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Davidson County are mailed in October of each year. The deadline for payment is the last day of February of the following year. It is important to note that payments made after February 28th are considered delinquent. Once a payment becomes delinquent, interest begins to accrue at a rate of 1.5% per month, compounding monthly. To avoid these penalties, homeowners are encouraged to pay promptly. While Davidson County does not typically offer formal "installment plans" for standard property taxes, many mortgage lenders collect tax payments through escrow accounts to ensure they are paid in full by the deadline.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s appraised value does not reflect its fair market value, you have the right to appeal. The process begins with an informal review with the Property Assessor’s Office. If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of the informal review, you may file a formal appeal with the County Board of Equalization. This board is an independent body that reviews evidence—such as recent sales of comparable properties or professional appraisals—to determine if an adjustment is warranted. If the board’s decision is still disputed, you may further appeal to the State Board of Equalization. Always keep documentation of your evidence to support your claim during these hearings.