AppealDesk

Knox County Property Tax Appeal, Tennessee

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Knox County is located in East Tennessee with its county seat in Knoxville, the state's third-largest city and home to the University of Tennessee. With an estimated 2026 population of 515,309, Knox County is Tennessee's third-most populous county. The county offers a relatively low property tax burden compared to national averages, with a median home value of $279,700 and an effective tax rate of 0.48%, significantly below both the Tennessee state average of 0.55% and the national average of 0.91%. Property tax appeals are particularly important in 2026 as the county completes its reappraisal, with many properties seeing substantial value increases.

Notable cities: Knoxville, Farragut

Median Home

$279,700

Tax Rate

0.48%

Annual Tax

$1,332

Population

515,309

On the typical Knox County home, valued near $279,700 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.48%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: June 2026 (during County Board of Equalization meetings)

Knox County property owners receive assessment notices in April and must file appeals to be heard during the Knox County Board of Equalization meetings held throughout June. The Board meets every year during the month of June. Property owners should file appeals after receiving their assessment notice in April to be heard at the June Board meetings. Some informal review may be available through late May.

See if your Knox County home is over-assessed

Free analysis in 30 seconds. If the numbers support a appeal, your complete evidence packet is $49.

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee
Brick Tennessee home in lush greenery. Knox County appeal guide.

How Knox County Assesses Property

25%of market value

Assessed by: Knox County Property Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: biennial

Notices typically mailed: April-May

Knox County assesses residential property at 25% of appraised market value, as required by Tennessee state law. Taxes are then levied on each $100 of assessed value. For example, if your home's market value is $279,700 (Knox County's median), at Tennessee's 25% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $69,925, resulting in approximately $1,332 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.48%. This means you're only taxed on one-quarter of your property's actual market value.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization. The Knox County Board of Equalization consists of a panel of five to seven persons who will hear your case during June meetings. Hearings are typically brief and informal, lasting 5-15 minutes. You'll present your evidence, and the board will issue a decision that will be mailed to you after the hearing.

1

Step 1: Review your assessment notice received in April carefully. Verify property details including square footage, lot size, bedroom/bathroom count, year built, and construction type for any errors.

2

Step 2: Research comparable sales in your neighborhood. Look for at least 3-5 similar properties that sold recently for less than your assessed market value to use as evidence.

3

Step 3: Optional - Request an informal review with the Property Assessor's Office. Contact the office after receiving your notice to discuss your concerns and potentially resolve the issue before formal appeal. This may provide expedited correction but does not replace a formal appeal.

4

Step 4: File your formal appeal with the Knox County Board of Equalization. Submit online at property.knoxcounty.org, by mail, or in person after receiving your April assessment notice to be heard during June Board meetings. Include all supporting documentation such as comparable sales, photos of property condition, and any repair estimates.

5

Step 5: Attend your hearing before the Knox County Board of Equalization in June. Present your evidence clearly to the panel of five to seven persons. Focus on comparable sales data and factual errors in the assessment. Hearings are typically informal and brief (5-15 minutes).

6

Step 6: If dissatisfied with the county board decision, appeal to the State Board of Equalization within 45 days of receiving the County Board's decision. The State Board will schedule a hearing before an administrative law judge.

7

Step 7: If still dissatisfied after the State Board decision, file a petition in Chancery Court within 60 days of the State Board's final order as a last resort.

Required form: Appeal form or letter of disagreement

Filing Methods

online:https://property.knoxcounty.org/ - Click 'File an Appeal' button, enter parcel number and explanation. Available 24/7 during appeal period.
in-person:Knox County Property Assessor, 400 Main Street, Suite 204, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
mail:Knox County Property Assessor, City-County Building Suite 204, 400 Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
phone:Call (865) 215-2360 to request appeal form or schedule appointment

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data showing 3-5 similar properties that sold for lessPhotos documenting property condition or defectsRepair estimates for structural issuesDocumentation of factual errors in square footage, lot size, or property featuresRecent purchase documentation if you bought the property recently

Knox County Assessor Contact

Knox County Property Assessor's Office

Phone: (865) 215-2360

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

Website: https://property.knoxcounty.org

Online Portal: https://propertyinfo.knoxcountytn.gov

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on County Holidays)

Tax Exemptions in Knox County

Property Tax Relief Program (Elderly & Disabled)

Varies based on property value - state pays taxes on up to $32,700 of market value

State-funded program that reimburses property taxes for qualifying elderly (65+) and disabled homeowners on the first $32,700 of market value

Eligibility: Age 65+ by December 31, 2026 OR permanently/totally disabled by December 31, 2026. Combined household income cannot exceed $37,530 for 2026. Must own and occupy property as primary residence.Deadline: April 5, 2027 (for 2026 tax year)

Disabled Veteran Tax Relief

State pays taxes on up to $175,000 of market value

Property tax relief for honorably discharged veterans with 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating, or their surviving spouse. Covers taxes on first $175,000 of market value.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran with 100% service-connected permanent disability rating OR widow(er) of qualifying veteran. NO income limit for this program.Deadline: April 5, 2027 (apply annually)

Senior Tax Freeze

Freezes tax bill at qualification year level - no dollar cap

Knox County participates in Tennessee's optional local Tax Freeze program that locks property tax amounts at the year of qualification, preventing future increases. Stacks with the elderly tax relief program.

Eligibility: Age 65+ by December 31, 2026. Combined 2024 household income for property owners typically must be below county-set limit (often higher than the $37,530 relief program limit). Must own and occupy as primary residence. Home and up to 5 acres can be frozen.Deadline: Contact Knox County Trustee at (865) 215-2305 for specific income limits and deadlines

Knox County Appeal Packet · $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Knox County for 2026?
Knox County property owners must file appeals during the County Board of Equalization meetings held throughout June 2026. You will receive your assessment notice in April 2026, and you must file your appeal after receiving this notice to be heard during the June Board meetings. The exact deadline depends on when the Board completes its June meeting schedule, so it's critical to file as soon as possible after receiving your April notice. An informal review period may be available through late May, but formal appeals to the Board of Equalization occur in June.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Knox County online?
Knox County offers 24/7 online appeal filing through the Property Assessor's website at property.knoxcounty.org. After receiving your assessment notice in April, visit the website and click the 'File an Appeal' button. You'll need to enter your property's parcel number (found on your assessment notice) and provide a detailed explanation of why you believe your assessment is too high. You can also upload supporting documentation such as comparable sales data, photos, and repair estimates. Online filing is typically available through late May for informal appeals, with formal Board of Equalization appeals occurring in June.
What is the property tax relief program worth in Knox County?
Knox County participates in Tennessee's state-funded Property Tax Relief Program, which can provide substantial savings for eligible homeowners. For elderly (65+) and disabled homeowners with combined household income below $37,530, the state pays property taxes on the first $32,700 of market value, which translates to approximately $130-150 in annual tax savings depending on your tax rate. Disabled veterans with 100% service-connected disability receive even more - tax relief on up to $175,000 of market value with NO income limit, saving approximately $650-900 annually. Additionally, Knox County offers a Tax Freeze program that locks your tax bill at the qualification year level, preventing future increases.
What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Knox County?
Knox County Board of Equalization hearings are held throughout June and are relatively informal proceedings before a panel of five to seven community members appointed to hear appeals. Hearings typically last 5-15 minutes, during which you'll present your evidence showing why your property's assessed value should be lowered. You should bring comparable sales data, photos of your property's condition, and any documentation of errors in the assessment. The Board will ask questions and review your evidence, then issue a written decision that will be mailed to you after the hearing. If you're dissatisfied with the Board's decision, you have 45 days to appeal to the State Board of Equalization.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Knox County?
The savings from a successful Knox County property tax appeal depend on how much your assessment is reduced and your specific tax rate. On Knox County's median home value of $279,700 with an effective rate of 0.48%, a 10% reduction in assessed value would save approximately $133 annually, while a 15% reduction would save about $200 per year. These savings continue year after year until the next reappraisal. Given that Knox County just completed its 2026 reappraisal with many properties seeing 60% value increases, homeowners with over-assessments have significant savings opportunities. Appeals based on factual errors (wrong square footage, incorrect features) or strong comparable sales data have the best success rates.
What evidence do I need for a Knox County property tax appeal?
The strongest Knox County property tax appeals rely on concrete, factual evidence rather than opinions about value. You should gather at least three to five comparable sales - similar homes in your neighborhood that sold recently for less than your assessed market value. Include photos documenting any property condition issues, damage, or deferred maintenance that would reduce value. Bring repair estimates from licensed contractors for any significant structural problems. Document any factual errors on your assessment notice such as incorrect square footage, wrong number of bedrooms/bathrooms, or features your property doesn't have. If you recently purchased the property for less than the assessed value, your closing documents can serve as powerful evidence of true market value.
When is Knox County's next reappraisal and how does the new cycle work?
Knox County completed its 2026 reappraisal with notices mailed in April-May 2026, and the next reappraisal will occur in 2028. Starting with this 2026 reappraisal, Knox County has moved from a four-year cycle to a new two-year reappraisal cycle. This change is designed to reduce the 'sticker shock' homeowners experienced with the 2026 reappraisal, which showed property value increases averaging 60% over the four years since 2022. Under the biennial (two-year) cycle, property values will be updated more frequently, resulting in smaller incremental changes rather than dramatic jumps. Between reappraisals, your assessed value generally remains constant unless you make improvements, additions, or your property undergoes physical changes.
Can I appeal my Knox County property taxes if I recently bought my home?
Yes, you can absolutely appeal your Knox County property taxes even if you recently purchased your home, and your purchase price can actually serve as compelling evidence in your appeal. If you paid significantly less than the assessed value shown on your notice, your closing statement and purchase contract demonstrate the true market value of the property as of the sale date. However, you should be prepared to explain any special circumstances of your sale, such as if it was a foreclosure, short sale, family transaction, or sold 'as-is' with defects. You'll still need to follow the standard Knox County appeal process by filing after you receive your assessment notice in April to be heard at the June Board of Equalization meetings. Recent purchase documentation combined with photos of property condition at purchase time creates a strong evidence package.

Official Resources

Knox County Property Assessor Official Website →

Official site for filing appeals online, viewing assessment information, and accessing property records and assessment explanations.

Knox County Property Search Portal →

Search and view detailed property information including assessed values, property characteristics, tax history, and ownership records.

Knox County Trustee - Tax Relief Programs →

Information and applications for Property Tax Relief, Senior Tax Freeze, and Disabled Veteran exemptions administered by the Trustee's Office.

Tennessee Comptroller Property Tax Programs →

State-level information on Tennessee's Property Tax Relief Program, eligibility requirements, income limits, and application procedures.

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)Maury County (Columbia)Rutherford County (Murfreesboro)Sevier County (Sevierville)Shelby County (Memphis)
← All Tennessee property tax appeal info

Sources: https://property.knoxcounty.org | https://propertytaxrates.org/counties/tennessee/knox-county/ | https://www.appealdesk.com/appeals/tennessee/knox | https://trustee.knoxcounty.org/services/tax-relief | https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/pa/property-taxes/property-tax-programs.html

Last verified: 2026-07-24