In Tennessee, you usually must appeal a disputed assessment to your county board of equalization first, or it becomes final. If you disagree with that decision, you can appeal to the State Board of Equalization. The State Board deadline is August 1 of the tax year, or 45 days after the county board sent its decision notice, whichever is later. Call your county assessor of property early to learn the local deadline and how to file.
If your property tax bill went up, the first thing to check is your assessment. Your county assessor sets the value used to figure your tax. If you think it is wrong, you have a way to challenge it. This page explains the steps in plain words.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0. Informal review (optional) | Some county assessors will look at your concern first. This is not an appeal. To keep your rights, you still need to appeal to the county board. |
| 1. County board of equalization | The first level of appeal. A panel of five or more people hears your complaint. You get a notice of its decision. |
| 2. State Board of Equalization | If you disagree with the county board, you can appeal. You first have a hearing with an administrative judge, who issues a decision within 90 days of the hearing. |
| 3. Chancery court | If you disagree with the State Board's final action, you can file a petition within 60 days from when the order becomes final. |
Each county can have its own filing deadline for the county board. Call your county assessor of property to ask for the current year's date.
If your lender pays your taxes from escrow, a higher assessment can raise your monthly payment. To see how that works, read Why did my mortgage payment go up? I am a mortgage loan officer, not a tax adviser or attorney, so talk with your county assessor or a tax professional about your own appeal.
Want to see how a tax change affects a payment? Try the free mortgage calculators. They are estimates only, not a loan offer.
With your county board of equalization. With limited exceptions, a disputed assessment must first be appealed there or it becomes final.
August 1 of the tax year, or 45 days after the notice of the county board action was sent, whichever is later.
No. Informal review is not an appeal. To keep your further rights, you must still appeal to the county board of equalization.
Generally it begins its regular session on June 1 each year, but some counties set a different time. Ask your county assessor for the current dates.
The administrative judge issues a decision within 90 days of the hearing.
Yes. If your taxes are paid from escrow, a higher assessment can raise your monthly payment.
Have a mortgage question? Call me at (615) 495-6594, email travis@heathrowmtg.com, or start an application.
Figures checked November 9, 2026. Rules and rates can change. Examples are for illustration only and are not a loan offer.
