Rutherford County Property Tax Appeal, Tennessee

Travis Bunn·Updated July 25, 2026

Rutherford County is located in Middle Tennessee with a population of approximately 386,000 as of 2025, making it the fifth-most populous county in the state. The county seat is Murfreesboro, which also serves as the geographic center of Tennessee. Major cities include Murfreesboro (the largest city with over 150,000 residents), Smyrna, and La Vergne. Property tax appeals are particularly important in Rutherford County because 2026 is a state-mandated reappraisal year, with countywide appraised values jumping from $52.5 billion in 2022 to $81.7 billion in 2026. Despite this growth, Rutherford County maintains one of the lowest effective tax rates in Middle Tennessee at approximately 0.60%, significantly below the national median of 1.02%.

Notable cities: Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne

Median Home

$423,000

Tax Rate

0.60%

Annual Tax

$1,901

On the typical Rutherford County home, valued near $423,000 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.60%, 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: Appeals must be filed within 45 days of receiving your assessment notice, or by early June for Board of Equalization hearings

This year's appeal window has passed in most of Tennessee. Order now and we re-run your numbers free when the window reopens, so your evidence is ready the day your next notice lands.

The Rutherford County Board of Equalization conducts appeals only in June of each year. The Assessor's Office begins making appointments for Board hearings the first week of May. Property owners should contact the office at 615-898-7750 during the first week of May to schedule a hearing. Missing the deadline means the assessment becomes final without further right of appeal.

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How Rutherford County Assesses Property

25%of market value

Assessed by: Rutherford County Assessor of Property

Assessment cycle: quadrennial (every 4 years)

Notices typically mailed: Spring (April-May)

Tennessee assesses all residential property at 25% of the appraised market value, as mandated by the Tennessee Constitution. This assessed value is then multiplied by the tax rate to determine your annual property tax bill. For example, if your home's market value is $423,000 (the current median in Rutherford County), your assessed value would be $105,750 ($423,000 × 25%). At the county's effective tax rate of 0.60%, this would result in approximately $2,538 in annual property taxes.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization. Board hearings are conducted in the conference room at the Assessor's Office at 319 N Maple Street, Suite 200. The Board is independent of the Assessor and has the authority to increase, decrease, or maintain your assessment based on the evidence presented.

Step 1: Contact the Rutherford County Property Assessor's Office at 615-898-7750 for an informal review. A Real Property Appraiser will review your property information, make any necessary corrections, and discuss the property value with you. Many disputes are resolved at this stage.

Step 2: If the informal review does not resolve your concerns, schedule a formal hearing with the Rutherford County Board of Equalization (CBoE). Call 615-898-7750 during the first week of May to schedule your appointment, as hearings are only conducted in June.

Step 3: Complete and submit the Request for Appeal Form to the Rutherford County Board of Equalization at 319 N Maple Street, Suite 200, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Include your property address, parcel ID, account number, and supporting documentation.

Step 4: Attend your Board of Equalization hearing in June at the Assessor's Office conference room. Present your evidence clearly, including comparable sales data, photos of property condition issues, repair estimates, and documentation of any assessment errors.

Step 5: If you disagree with the Board's decision, appeal to the Tennessee State Board of Equalization within 45 days of the County Board's decision. File online through the State Board's filing system at comptroller.tn.gov. A filing fee is required.

Step 6: If still unsatisfied after the State Board decision, file suit in Davidson County Chancery Court within 60 days of when the State Board order becomes final.

Required form: Request for Appeal Form (available from Rutherford County Board of Equalization)

Filing Methods

in-person:319 N Maple Street, Suite 200, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

mail:Rutherford County Board of Equalization, 319 N Maple Street, Suite 200, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

email:[email protected]

phone:Call 615-898-7750 to schedule an appointment and request forms

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data (recent sales of similar homes nearby)Photos showing property condition issues or defectsRepair estimates or contractor quotesDocumentation of assessment errors (incorrect square footage, bedroom count, lot size)Appraisal report (if available)

Rutherford County Assessor Contact

Rutherford County Property Assessor

Phone: 615-898-7750

Address: 319 N Maple Street, Suite 200, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Website: https://rcpatn.com

Hours: Monday-Friday, normal business hours

Tax Exemptions in Rutherford County

Elderly Property Tax Relief (Age 65+)

Tax relief on the first $32,700 of market value (2026)

State-reimbursed property tax relief for homeowners age 65 and older with qualifying income. The state pays a portion of the property tax directly to the county on behalf of the homeowner.

Eligibility: Homeowners age 65 or older as of December 31 of the tax year, with combined household income of $37,530 or less (2026 limit, adjusted annually)Deadline: 35 days after the tax delinquency date (typically early April for the prior tax year)

Disabled Homeowner Tax Relief

Tax relief on the first $32,700 of market value (2026)

State-reimbursed property tax relief for totally and permanently disabled homeowners. Same coverage as the elderly program.

Eligibility: Totally and permanently disabled homeowners with combined household income of $37,530 or less (2026 limit). Requires proof of disability, typically SSA disability determination.Deadline: 35 days after the tax delinquency date (typically early April for the prior tax year)

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief

Tax relief on the first $175,000 of market value

State-reimbursed property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. No income limit applies.

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% service-connected permanent total disability, veterans declared totally disabled from wounds received in action, surviving spouses of the above (married at time of death, not remarried), or surviving spouses of military members killed in the line of dutyDeadline: Apply through the County Trustee's office; contact for specific deadlines

Greenbelt (Agricultural/Forest/Open Space)

Varies; property assessed at agricultural use value instead of market value

Assessment based on present use value rather than market value for qualifying agricultural, forest, and open space land.

Eligibility: Land must be actively used for agriculture, forestry, or qualified open space purposes and meet minimum acreage requirementsDeadline: Contact Assessor's Office for annual application deadline

Rutherford County Appeal Packet · $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Rutherford County for 2026?

The Rutherford County Board of Equalization conducts appeal hearings only in June of each year. You must call the Assessor's Office at 615-898-7750 during the first week of May to schedule your hearing appointment. If you receive an assessment notice in spring 2026, you generally have 45 days from the notice date to initiate your appeal, but since Board hearings only occur in June, it's critical to act immediately upon receiving your notice. Missing this window means your assessment becomes final without any further right of appeal for that tax year.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Rutherford County?

Start by contacting the Rutherford County Property Assessor's Office at 615-898-7750 to request an informal review. Many issues are resolved at this stage. If the informal review doesn't resolve your concern, you'll need to schedule a formal hearing with the County Board of Equalization by calling during the first week of May. Complete the Request for Appeal Form available from the Assessor's Office and submit it to 319 N Maple Street, Suite 200, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. You can submit forms in person, by mail, or by email to [email protected]. Then attend your scheduled hearing in June with your supporting evidence.

What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Rutherford County?

Your hearing will take place in the conference room at the Assessor's Office at 319 N Maple Street, Suite 200, Murfreesboro. The Board of Equalization is an independent, quasi-judicial body separate from the Assessor's Office. You'll present your evidence to the Board, which may include comparable sales data, photos of your property, repair estimates, or documentation of errors in your assessment. The Board has the authority to increase, decrease, or maintain your assessment based on the evidence. You are not at a disadvantage if the Assessor previously denied your informal appeal. The Board will mail you a decision notice after the hearing.

How much are property taxes in Rutherford County compared to other Tennessee counties?

Rutherford County has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in Middle Tennessee at approximately 0.60% of market value. The median annual property tax bill is $1,901 on a median home value of $423,000, which is significantly below the national median of $2,400. After the 2026 reappraisal, the certified county tax rate dropped to $1.4885 per $100 of assessed value, down from $1.8762. For homes within Murfreesboro city limits, you'll also pay the city rate of $0.7529 per $100 of assessed value. Tennessee has no state income tax, which lowers the overall tax burden for homeowners.

What evidence do I need to win a property tax appeal in Rutherford County?

The strongest evidence includes recent comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value. Bring at least three to five comparable properties that are similar in size, age, condition, and location. Property condition evidence is also important, photos showing deferred maintenance, foundation issues, outdated systems, or other defects that reduce value. Documentation of assessment errors such as incorrect square footage, wrong number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or inflated lot size can be very effective. Professional appraisals and contractor repair estimates add credibility to your case.

Can I appeal to the State Board if I disagree with the Rutherford County Board decision?

Yes, if you disagree with the Rutherford County Board of Equalization's decision, you may appeal to the Tennessee State Board of Equalization (SBoE) within 45 days of when the County Board mails its decision notice. You must file online through the State Board's appeal filing system at comptroller.tn.gov. Tennessee requires anyone filing with the State Board to first appeal to the County Board, and you must pay a filing fee. The State Board hearing involves an Administrative Law Judge, and if still unsatisfied, you can ultimately file suit in Davidson County Chancery Court within 60 days of the State Board's final order.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Rutherford County?

Tennessee does not offer a general homestead exemption for all homeowners like many other states. Instead, Tennessee provides targeted tax relief programs. If you're 65 or older or totally disabled with annual household income of $37,530 or less (2026 limit), you qualify for state-paid tax relief on the first $32,700 of your home's market value. For 100% disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses, Tennessee provides relief on the first $175,000 of market value with no income limit. These are not traditional exemptions but rather state-reimbursed relief programs where the state pays a portion of your tax bill directly to the county. Apply through the County Trustee's office within 35 days of the tax delinquency date.

Why did my Rutherford County property assessment increase so much in 2026?

2026 is Rutherford County's state-mandated four-year reappraisal year. Countywide appraised values jumped from $52.5 billion in 2022 to $81.7 billion in 2026, with the average Murfreesboro home value rising approximately 26% over that span due to strong real estate appreciation. Every Tennessee county must reassess property on a four, five, or six-year cycle, and Rutherford County operates on a four-year cycle. However, a higher assessed value doesn't automatically mean a higher tax bill, the county lowered the tax rate from $1.8762 to $1.4885 per $100 of assessed value after the reappraisal. If you believe your new assessment is too high compared to similar properties, you have the right to appeal.

Official Resources

Rutherford County Property Assessor Official Website →

Access property records, assessment information, forms, and appeal instructions directly from the county assessor.

Tennessee State Board of Equalization Appeal Portal →

File state-level appeals online and access information about the State Board of Equalization hearing process.

Rutherford County GIS Property Search →

Search for property parcels, view GIS maps, and access public property data and records for Rutherford County.

Tennessee Property Tax Relief Programs →

Learn about elderly, disabled, and disabled veteran property tax relief programs and how to apply through your county trustee.

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)Knox County (Knoxville)Maury County (Columbia)Sevier County (Sevierville)Shelby County (Memphis)

← All Tennessee property tax appeal info

Sources: https://rcpatn.com | https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/assessor | https://www.jvmlending.com/blog/rutherford-county-property-taxes-a-complete-guide/ | https://comptroller.tn.gov/boards/state-board-of-equalization/value-appeals.html | https://propertytaxrates.org/blog/tennessee-property-tax-guide-2026

Last verified: 2026-07-25