Updated October 2026. Checked against the Tennessee Comptroller’s property assessment pages this month.
As of October 2026, you can search Tennessee property tax records for free on the state’s TPAD portal. Pick the county from the “Select County” list, then search by owner, address or parcel. TPAD covers 86 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. The other 9 link out to their own county sites. Each record shows the appraised value, the assessed value and the parcel ID.
Jump to: 🪜 TPAD search · 🏠 Parcel ID · 💲 Tax math · 🤝 Tax relief · 📍 County links · ❓ FAQ
Key takeaways
- TPAD, run by the Comptroller of the Treasury, holds assessor data for 86 counties. Nine counties run their own search.
- Homes are assessed at 25% of appraised value. Commercial and industrial property is assessed at 40%.
- On a $400,000 home with a $2.50 rate, the tax is $2,500 a year, per the Comptroller’s own example.
- The assessor sets the value, the county commission sets the rate, and the county trustee collects the tax.
How do I use the TN property data “select county” search?
The Tennessee Property Assessment Data site, or TPAD, is the state’s free lookup. You’ll find it at assessment.cot.tn.gov/tpad. Here’s how a search works.
- Open TPAD and choose your county from the drop-down list.
- Search by owner name, street address, or control map and parcel number.
- Open the record. You’ll see the owner, the parcel ID, the property class, the appraised value and the assessed value.
- Use the map link to see the parcel’s lines on the county GIS map.
You can “make default” a county if you search the same one often. If your county isn’t one of the 86, TPAD sends you to that county’s own site. Several large counties, like Davidson and Shelby, also run their own search with extra detail.
TPAD shows assessment data. It does not show what you paid or owe. For bills and receipts, go to the county trustee’s site. The trustee collects the tax.
Can I search TPAD by owner name for free?
Yes. Owner searches are free, and so are address and parcel searches. The data is public because the assessor uses it to value property for tax. Spell the last name first, the way it appears on the deed.
What is a Tennessee parcel ID number?
Tennessee uses a map-based parcel number. Most records show it as a control map, a group and a parcel. You’ll see something like “104 D 003.00” on a bill. The format can change from county to county, so copy it exactly as your record shows it.
| Part | What it points to |
|---|---|
| Control map | The assessor’s tax map sheet for one area. |
| Group | A lettered section inside that map, often a subdivision. |
| Parcel | Your lot. Decimals can track splits. |
Where else is it printed? Your tax notice, your deed and your closing papers. Tennessee deeds are recorded with the county Register of Deeds. Title companies use the parcel number to match the deed to the right lot.
How are Tennessee property taxes calculated?
The math has four steps. The Comptroller lays them out plainly.
- Appraised value. The county assessor of property sets it.
- Assessment ratio. State law sets it: 25% for residential and farm, 40% for commercial and industrial.
- Assessed value. Appraised value times the ratio.
- Tax rate. The county commission sets it per $100 of assessed value. Cities can add their own.
Here’s the Comptroller’s own example. A house is appraised at $400,000. Its assessed value is $100,000, which is 25%. With a rate of $2.50 per $100, the tax is $100,000 divided by 100, times $2.50. That’s $2,500 a year.
| Appraised value | Assessed (25%) | Tax at $2.00 | Tax at $2.50 | Tax at $3.00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $62,500 | $1,250 | $1,563 | $1,875 |
| $400,000 | $100,000 | $2,000 | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| $600,000 | $150,000 | $3,000 | $3,750 | $4,500 |
Rates in the table are examples. Look up your own county and city rate on your tax notice. Inside city limits, you usually pay both a county and a city rate.
How often are values updated?
Every county must reappraise all real property on a 4-, 5- or 6-year cycle. The goal is market value as of January 1 of the reappraisal year. In a reappraisal year, your appraised value can jump while the rate drops. Look at the bill, not just the value.
Can I appeal my Tennessee assessment?
Yes. Start with an informal review with your county assessor of property. Bring sales of similar homes and photos of any problems. If that doesn’t settle it, you can go to the county board of equalization, then to the State Board of Equalization. Appeals can even reach chancery court. Deadlines are short, so call your assessor’s office as soon as your notice arrives.
What property tax relief is there in Tennessee?
The state runs a Tax Relief program for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, and for disabled veteran homeowners or their surviving spouses. It’s paid for by the state, not your county. The Comptroller says over 100,000 people get it each year, from a program of more than $41 million.
You apply through your county trustee or your city’s tax office. The amounts and income limits change each year, so read the current Tax Relief brochure on the Comptroller’s site before you apply.
Some counties and cities also offer a Property Tax Freeze for owners 65 or older. It locks the tax on your main home at the amount owed in the year you first qualify. It’s a local option, so check whether yours has adopted it.
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When are Tennessee property taxes due?
Tennessee bills once a year. In Davidson County, tax statements go out in October and must be paid in full by the last day of February to avoid interest. Most counties follow a similar calendar, but check your county trustee for exact dates.
Selling a Tennessee home? Have your parcel record ready
When you list, the MLS, the title company and the buyer’s lender will all ask for the parcel ID and the latest tax figures. Print your TPAD record and your last trustee receipt before you list. Taxes are usually prorated at closing, so the buyer can see your share up front.
Beycome lists Tennessee homes on the MLS for a flat fee. Basic is $99 with $0 due to Beycome at closing, and you stay in charge of price, showings and offers. Homes in and around Chattanooga go on the Greater Chattanooga MLS. Start with our guide to selling a Tennessee home without a realtor, then compare flat fee MLS options across Tennessee or in Nashville. When you’re ready, see how a $99 flat fee MLS listing works.
Your closing statement will show the tax proration. Here’s who pays which closing costs.
Tennessee county property search links
Most counties are inside TPAD. These larger ones also run their own search.
- All TPAD counties: assessment.cot.tn.gov/tpad.
- Davidson County (Nashville): padctn.org real property search.
- Shelby County (Memphis): esearch.shelbycad.com.
- Knox County (Knoxville): Knox County property search.
- Hamilton County (Chattanooga): assessor.hamiltontn.gov.
- Rutherford County (Murfreesboro): Rutherford County property data.
- Williamson County (Franklin): Williamson County property search.
- Montgomery County (Clarksville): montgomerytn.gov/assessor.
- Sumner County: sumnertn.geopowered.com.
- Wilson County: wilsontn.geopowered.com.
The Comptroller’s Division of Property Assessments also lists every county assessor. Looking up land in a nearby state? See our guides to the Georgia property tax ID and the North Carolina parcel number.
Tennessee property records FAQ
Is TPAD free to use?
Yes. TPAD is a free public site run by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. You don’t need an account.
Why can’t I find my county on TPAD?
TPAD covers 86 of the 95 counties. The rest run their own systems, and TPAD links to them from the county list.
Can I search Tennessee property by address?
Yes. Pick the county, then type the street number and name. Leave out “Street” or “Road” if the first try comes back empty.
What’s the difference between appraised and assessed value?
Appraised value is the assessor’s market value. Assessed value is a share of it: 25% for homes and farms, 40% for commercial property. The tax rate applies to the assessed value.
Who do I pay my Tennessee property tax to?
The county trustee, plus your city’s collecting office if you live inside city limits.
Does Tennessee have a state property tax on homes?
No state rate applies to your home. The tax rates are set by your county commission and city government.
Reviewed by Beycome Brokerage Realty LLC, a licensed real estate brokerage. Licenses are listed at beycome.com/faq/how-to/are-you-a-licensed-broker/.
Tax rules and examples come from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury pages read on October 21, 2026. Rates in the table are examples, not your county’s rate.
Beycome prices are as of October 2026 and can change. “$0 at closing” means no Beycome fee at closing. Other closing costs, taxes, title fees and any buyer’s agent pay you agree to still apply.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by county and city.
Sources
- Tennessee Comptroller, Tennessee Property Assessment Data (TPAD).
- Tennessee Comptroller, how to calculate your tax bill.
- Tennessee Comptroller, assessment vs taxation.
- Tennessee Comptroller, understanding Tennessee property assessments.
- Tennessee Comptroller, Tax Relief program.
- Tennessee Comptroller, Property Tax Freeze.
- Metropolitan Trustee, Davidson County.
- Beycome, listing package features, October 2026.
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