AppealDesk

Knox County Property Tax Appeal — Tennessee

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Knox County, which encompasses the city of Knoxville, has 196,859 real property parcels, with 91.92% residential properties. The main city is Knoxville, home to the University of Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority headquarters, a Coca-Cola bottling plant, and Pilot Flying J, the nation's largest truck stop chain. With a median effective property tax rate of 0.39%, Knox County is significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, with a median annual tax bill of $1,143 compared to the national median of $2,400. Property tax appeals are crucial in Knox County as the county undergoes reappraisal every four years, with 2026 being the next reappraisal year.

Notable cities: Knoxville, Farragut

Median Home

$216,800

Tax Rate

0.39%

Annual Tax

$1,143

Population

490,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: Must file appeal within timeframe specified on assessment notice received in April

The Knox County Board of Equalization meets every year during the month of June. Property owners must file their appeals after receiving their assessment notices in April to be heard at the June Board meetings.

Property in Knox County, Tennessee — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Knox County Assesses Property

25%of market value

Assessed by: Knox County Property Assessor

Assessment cycle: quadrennial

Notices typically mailed: April (by the middle of April)

Residential property is assessed at 25 percent of the appraised value and taxes are levied on each $100 of assessed value. If your home's market value is $216,800 (Knox County's median), at Tennessee's 25% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $54,200, resulting in approximately $844 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.39%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization. The board is empowered to hear complaints of a taxpayer and make certain changes to disputed assessments. You will present your case and evidence to the board members.

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Step 1: Review your assessment notice received in April and determine if you disagree with the appraised value

2

Step 2: Gather evidence supporting your position including comparable sales, photos of property condition, and repair estimates

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Step 3: File your appeal by calling(865) 215-3003, online at https://www.knoxcounty.org/property/, or schedule an in-person appointment

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Step 4: Attend your hearing before the Knox County Board of Equalization (a panel of five to seven persons) in June

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Step 5: If dissatisfied with the county board decision, appeal to the State Board of Equalization for a hearing before an administrative law judge

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Step 6: If still dissatisfied, file a petition in Chancery Court within sixty days of the State Board's final order

Required form: Appeal form or letter of disagreement

Filing Methods

phone: (865) 215-3003
online: https://www.knoxcounty.org/property/
in-person:By appointment at designated locations during appeal period

Evidence to Bring

Comparable property salesPhotos of property conditionRepair estimates or contractor bids

Knox County Assessor Contact

Knox County Property Assessor

Phone: (865) 215-2360

Address: City County Building Suite 204, 400 Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

Website: https://www.knoxcounty.org/property

Online Portal: https://www.knoxcounty.org/property/

Tax Exemptions in Knox County

Tax Relief for Elderly

Varies based on income

Combined 2024 annual income for you, your spouse and all other owners cannot exceed $37,530

Eligibility: Must be 65 or older on or before December 31, 2026 Deadline: Apply annually

Tax Relief for Disabled

Varies based on income

State tax relief program for disabled homeowners

Eligibility: Must have been approved for disability on or before December 31, 2026 Deadline: Apply annually

Disabled Veterans Tax Relief

Varies

Veterans with honorable discharge and total permanent service-connected disability or their widow(er). No income limit!

Eligibility: 100% service-connected disability with honorable dischargeDeadline: Apply annually

Senior Tax Freeze

Freezes tax amount

Your home and up to five acres can be frozen. Tax amount due will generally not increase.

Eligibility: Age 65 or older, must own and occupy property as primary residenceDeadline: Contact Trustee's office for details

Official Resources

Knox County Property Assessor Website →

Official website for property assessments, appeals, and assessor contact information

Knox County Property Tax Search →

Search and pay Knox County property taxes online

Tennessee State Board of Equalization →

Information about state-level property tax appeals and exemptions

Knox County Tax Relief Application →

Apply for elderly, disabled, and veteran property tax relief programs

Check Your Knox County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Knox County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Knox County?
The deadline to appeal your property taxes in Knox County depends on when you receive your assessment notice, which typically arrives by mid-April. You must file your appeal within the timeframe specified on your notice. The Knox County Board of Equalization meets every year during the month of June , so appeals must be filed soon after receiving your notice to be heard at these meetings. Contact the assessor's office at(865) 215-2360 if you're unsure about your specific deadline.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Knox County online?
You can file your property tax appeal online at https://www.knoxcounty.org/property/. The online portal allows you to submit your appeal electronically without visiting the assessor's office in person. You'll need your property information and supporting documentation ready to upload. Alternatively, you can call(865) 215-3003 to file by phone or schedule an in-person appointment during the appeal period. Make sure to have evidence like comparable sales data, photos of property conditions, or repair estimates ready to support your case.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Knox County?
With Knox County's median effective property tax rate of 0.39% and a median annual tax bill of $1,143 , even a modest reduction in your assessed value can lead to meaningful savings. For example, if your appeal successfully reduces your home's assessed value by $50,000, you could save approximately $195 annually on your property taxes. The actual savings depend on your property's current assessment and the strength of your evidence. Many property owners find that the time invested in appealing is worthwhile, especially during reappraisal years.
What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Knox County?
The Knox County Board of Equalization is a panel of five to seven persons empowered to hear complaints and make changes to disputed assessments. At your hearing, you'll present your case and evidence to the board members, explaining why you believe your property is overassessed. The assessor's office will also present their valuation. Notice of the decision and action of the county board will be sent to you, and you may accept or appeal the decision to the State Board of Equalization if you disagree.
What evidence do I need for a Knox County property tax appeal?
For a successful Knox County property tax appeal, you should prepare several types of evidence. The most important is comparable sales data from similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value. Include recent photos showing any property defects, damage, or maintenance issues. Professional repair estimates or contractor bids documenting needed repairs can be particularly persuasive. Also gather any documentation of factors that might lower your property value, such as proximity to noise sources, drainage issues, or structural problems. The more specific and documented your evidence, the stronger your appeal.
When is Knox County's next property reappraisal?
Knox County is on a four-year reappraisal cycle with 2026 as the next reappraisal year. During a reappraisal year, all properties in the county are reassessed to reflect current market values. This often results in significant changes to property values and can substantially impact your tax bill. Property owners should pay special attention to their assessment notices during reappraisal years and be prepared to appeal if they believe their new assessment is too high. The previous reappraisal was conducted in 2022.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Knox County?
Knox County doesn't have a traditional homestead exemption that provides a flat dollar amount reduction. Instead, Tennessee offers various tax relief programs for specific groups. Elderly homeowners (65+) and disabled residents can qualify for tax relief if their combined annual income doesn't exceed $37,530. Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability have no income limit for tax relief. Additionally, seniors can apply for the tax freeze program which locks in their tax amount. Contact the Knox County Trustee at(865) 215-2305 or email taxrelief@https://knoxcounty.org for specific relief amounts.
Can I appeal my property taxes if I just bought my home in Knox County?
Yes, you can appeal your property taxes even if you recently purchased your home in Knox County. In fact, if you paid significantly less than the assessed value, your purchase price can serve as strong evidence in your appeal. However, be prepared to explain any special circumstances of your sale, such as if it was a foreclosure, short sale, or between family members. You'll still need to follow the standard appeal process by filing within the deadline specified on your assessment notice and presenting your case to the Board of Equalization. Your recent purchase documentation will be valuable evidence.

For state-wide appeal information including Tennessee's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Tennessee Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Tennessee Counties

Davidson County (Nashville)Hamilton County (Chattanooga)Rutherford County (Murfreesboro)Shelby County (Memphis)Sumner County (Hendersonville)Williamson County (Franklin)
← All Tennessee property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.knoxcounty.org/property/appeals_process.php | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/tennessee/knox-county | https://www.knoxcounty.org/trustee/taxrelief.php | https://criterionpropertytax.com/knox-county/

Last verified: 2026-02-15