Taxes are necessary for any state, even though no one actually likes paying them. They help support vital public services including fire departments, public schools, highways, and other establishments on which Tennessee residents rely on a daily basis.

The Tennessee General Assembly, acting on constitutional power, approved some Property tax exemptions for Tennessee’s literary,  religious, scientific, philanthropic, and nonprofit educational organizations. With a few exceptions, no organization is automatically free from paying property taxes; instead, it must apply to and be authorized by the Tennessee State Board of Equalization.

Do you want to know if you qualify for Tennessee Property Tax Exemptions? Continue reading to discover everything there is to know about Tennessee property tax exemptions and how to determine if you are exempt from paying property taxes.

An Overview of Tennessee Property Taxes

Real Estate tax is a form of taxation in which land and building owners are required to pay a sum of money based on the valuation of their buildings, land, or tangible personal property. State real estate taxes differ across the United States. For example, your real estate taxes in Tennessee would be different than those in another state.

If you’re considering being a Tennessee homeowner, or if you have already become one, we have good news: Tennessee’s real estate taxes are inexpensive when contrasted with national averages. Tennessee has a typical yearly tax amount for the property at $1,220, which is almost half of the national median.

However, lower property taxes are not constant all over the state. Memphis, Tennessee’s most populated city, has rates that are twice the state median.

A Tennessee financial adviser may help you better understand where homeownership appears to fit within your general financial objectives. Financial advisers may also assist you with investment and financial planning, such as retirement, homeownership, and taxes to ensure that you are well prepared for the future.

Tennessee Tax Laws

1. Tennessee Personal Income Tax Laws

Most states charge a personal income tax upon their occupants, with the proceeds going toward state parks, police enforcement, education, among other public services. States that do not have an income tax often raise money through other means, including sales tax and specific excise taxes on commodities such as tobacco and liquor, but some states that have an income tax do not have a sales tax. Tennessee is one of just a few states that does not have a personal income tax.

2. Tennessee Consumer Tax Laws

These tax laws govern the taxes levied on consumer purchases. Typically, states may levy higher consumer taxes on items or services which are either harmful or not considered necessary, such as gambling, cigarettes, and alcohol. Tennessee state laws require a 7% sales tax (before any municipal taxes are imposed), a $0.20 per gallon fuel tax, a $4.29 beer tax, per barrel, and a $1.21 per gallon wine tax.

3. Tennessee Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud Laws

Tax evasion or tax frauds are both intentional failures to pay or underpayments of taxes. Filling out tax forms incorrectly to owe less to the state is one method of tax fraud. Tax evasion is classified as a white-collar crime. The Department of Revenue in Tennessee is in charge of tax collection.

4. Tennessee Estate Tax and Probate Laws

When a death occurs (the “decedent”), their property and money must be lawfully transferred to the appropriate heir(s), or co-owner(s)  and their obligations must be paid. The estate is everything the decedent held when they died. In Tennessee, the administration of estates and the probate of wills are handled by the local chancery courts.

5. Estate Tax

Tennessee enacted legislation in 2012 to gradually phase down the inheritance or estate tax. The inheritance tax was totally removed in 2016. Until then, estate managers would continue to submit the necessary filings and pay the requisite estate taxes when the estate exceeds the exemption threshold.

Tennessee Property Tax Exemptions

Certain categories of properties are excluded from paying real estate taxes. Religious, qualifying nonprofit, and governmental properties are included. Veterans, senior people, and those qualified for STAR (School Tax Relief) may also be eligible for exemptions. Frequently, an exemption application must be completed.

There are frequent exemptions for low-income people. The specific exemptions you are eligible for will vary depending on your circumstances, local government, or even the state of your house. This is also referred to as the Tennessee Property Tax Relief Program.

1. Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces are often free from certain taxes, particularly property tax in Tennessee. The specifics vary greatly depending on your state, but any prospective veterans exception is absolutely worth investigating. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to exempt a portion of your property’s value or perhaps receive a total exemption from property taxes. Qualifying un-remarried surviving spouses may also be eligible for tax advantages. In any instance, you might possibly save thousands of dollars.

2. Senior Property Tax Exemption

States frequently grant tax breaks to older individuals who have attained a specific age. In certain locations, eligibility is based on Social Security status. The specifics of the senior exemption vary by state, and there are residence and income requirements.

Some statutes simply postpone the taxes until the property is sold. For further information, contact your state’s revenue office. While you must read the fine print, it is still worthwhile to investigate the tax legislation in your location.

3. Homestead Exemptions

If a taxpayer uses a house as their primary residence, they may be eligible for a homestead exemption. The majority of states get a homestead property tax exemption, which allows you to shield a portion of the value of your principal residence from taxes. This can be set up so that you can exclude a fixed sum or a portion of your taxable value. This reduces the maximum payment of real estate taxes you must pay.

Widely from state to state, you could be able to safeguard $5,000 to $500,000 of the value of your primary house. A few states, like New Jersey, do not provide a homestead exemption. For married people and joint proprietors, some states could provide an even bigger homestead exemption. This can help you save more on property taxes.

4. Disability Exemptions

If you have a handicap, you may be entitled to get a part of your monthly property taxes waived. Local policies differ significantly in this scenario. You should be informed that you may be required to prove or swear an oath attesting that you are disabled.

Irrespective of whether you are eligible for real estate tax relief, there seems to be a number of credits and possible exemptions available to disabled homeowners in other aspects of their taxes. For example, home changes to provide mobility or to simplify movement within the house may be eligible for deduction as medical costs.

How to Find Out If You’re Exempt from Property Taxes

You may be eligible to claim several property tax exemptions depending on where you live. Although each state has its own set of restrictions, many will enable you to claim more than one exception.

If you’re unsure about the exemptions available in your state, have a look at your state’s revenue website. In addition to the information accessible at the state level, you can contact your nearest local tax collector’s office or consult with a tax specialist.

The Application Process

The Trustee’s Office’s role is to help the owners of the property with the application process. The State of Tennessee is responsible for making the ultimate property assessment of eligibility. Your property tax exemption petitions are reviewed by the State Board of Equalization. The application will be reviewed by an “Exemption Designee” who’s an attorney appointed by the State Board. 

If you believe you or even someone you know may be eligible for this program, get the additional information and learn what papers you’ll need to present.

Anyone can also visit the State’s website https://www.comptroller.tn.gov/ for further details about the program or by mail to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury State Board of Equalization Cordell Hull Building 425 Fifth Avenue North Nashville, TN 37243.

Endnote

The State of Tennessee provides a Property Tax Rebate Application for qualified homeowners aged 65 and over whose combined total annual income from all streams for all owners (including spouse) is less than $31,190.

Certain permanently and totally disabled taxpayers who qualify for the same income limit, certain permanently disabled veterans, and service-connected totally disabled or widows of certain service-connected totally and permanently disabled veteran homeowners – who were eligible for the rebate but were killed in action, may also be eligible for a rebate. The application date for the 2021 tax year is April 4, 2022.

Owning a house may be costly, especially considering the market value and property taxes are factored in. Assuming you don’t qualify for any of the tax exemptions, you can still try to arrange a financing plan with your state and county tax office to determine how best to avoid capital gains tax.

Are you a homeowner and wondering, “Who will buy my house Tennessee?” We are among the companies that buy houses in Nashville. If you’re going through a difficult period, Nexus Homebuyers can offer advice and assist you in selling your property quickly.

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