Buying a new home in Davidson County, or just want to understand the details of your property tax bill? Real estate taxes can be confusing, and they’re likely among the most unpredictable (and largest!) expenses of owning a home. Davidson County property tax rates are set by the Metropolitan Council, and there are two rates: the Urban Services District and the General Services District. Making it even more confusing, residential property taxes are based on 40% of the home’s assessed value, which means homes in the same county can have very different tax rates – even if they’re neighbors!
This complete guide offers everything you’ll need to understand the Davidson County property taxes in Nashville, Tennessee.
Table of Contents
Davidson County Property Taxes
Tennessee’s property taxes are assessed by the county commission and city governing bodies to provide services for taxpayers. The Davidson County, Tennessee property taxes you pay are a combination of these tax rates and then based on your home’s assessed value.
The Davidson County assessor determines every property’s fair market value. The fair market value is used to calculate each property’s assessed value (the taxable value). In Tennessee, residential real estate taxes are paid on the assessed value of 25% of the fair market/appraised value. Commercial property tax is 40% of the total appraised value. For example, if your home has a fair market/appraised value of $150,000, the assessed value will be $37,500.
Tax rates are set by the Davidson County commission and municipal governments and are based on the amount of services the government provides. The collection of property taxes comprises more than 50% of the Metropolitan Government’s total operating budget.
Davidson County has two primary tax rate districts, the General Service District (GSD) and the Urban Service District (USD). The USD tax covers services provided by the government to property owners for street lights, garbage pickup, and sidewalks that those in the GSD don’t receive. Within the GSD there are also satellite cities, including Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, Oak Hill, and Ridgetop. Satellite city taxable properties pay the GSD tax rate plus the satellite city’s rate (if any).
The collection of Davidson County taxes is the responsibility of the Office of the Trustee. Property tax statements are generated from the tax roll and mailed every year during the first week of October. Taxes are paid between October and February, with any taxes not paid in full by the end of February occurring interest under the laws of Tennessee.
Davidson County Assessor of Property
The Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County Assessor of Property is Vivian Michael Wilhoite. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Contact Information:
(615) 862-6080
700 2nd Ave S Suite 210, Nashville, TN 37210
The Howard Office Building is located on the Richard H. Fulton campus.
The assessor’s office:
- Creates and maintains individual Property Record Cards for every parcel in the county (236,00)
- Maintains a set of maps and boundary information for properties
- Determines the value and classification of all property
- Review permits to determine if property reassessment is necessary
- Handles property tax appeals
- Tax levy
- Tax liens
Davidson County Metropolitan Trustee
The Metropolitan Trustee is Erica S. Gilmore. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Contact Information:
(615) 862-6330
700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 220, Metropolitan Trustee, Nashville, TN 37210
The Metropolitan Trustee office is the Davidson County tax collector and collects your property tax payments, and provides a place to apply for a tax freeze or property tax relief. You can also register for electronic property tax billing.
Davidson County & Nashville Property Tax Rate
Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your home and the tax rate of your property. There are property tax relief and exemption programs available for certain situations to help reduce the cost of your taxes if eligible.
The Assessor of Property’s office uses a Comparable Sales Approach to calculate the assessed value of properties. The department reviews thousands of property sale records annually to compare properties within individual neighborhoods. The sales price, along with details about the size of each property, are analyzed and compared to develop accurate values for properties.
In addition to the Comparable Sales Approach, the Assessor uses a Coast Approach, with involves a database of building permits that track improvements made to each property and the cost of such improvements.
Here’s how residential property taxes are calculated in Davidson County, TN:
GSD Tax Rate – $2.922
USD Tax Rate – $3.254
Appraised Value x 25% assessment ratio = Assessed Value
Assessed Value x Tax Rate = Property Tax Bill Amount
Example: Your home in the General Service District has an appraised value of $200,000.
Multiply $200,000 x 25% = $50,000.
$50,000 x (3.254/100) = $1627 property tax bill
You can use this property tax calculator to select your property location, and classification, and enter the appraised value to calculate your estimated property taxes.
Davidson County Property Tax Rates by City
Some cities within Davidson County have their own tax rates, including:
- Belle Meade – $3.422
- Berry Hill – $2.922
- Forest Hills – $2.922
- Goodlettsville – $3.6442
- Oak Hill – $2.922
- Ridgetop – $3.4744
When calculating property taxes for homes in these cities, you’ll pay the GSD tax plus the separate taxes for your city.
You can view a history of tax rates for the county here.
Davidson County Property Tax Payments – Due Dates & How to Pay Your Tax Bill
Davidson County property taxes are due the first Monday of October and must be paid in full by the last day of February of the following year to avoid interest. Property tax bills are mailed out the first week of October each year.
Ways to Pay Your Davidson County Tennessee Property Taxes
You have several options for paying your taxes. You can mail payments, pay online, or pay your property taxes in person.
- Pay Davidson County Property Taxes online. You will need to search for your tax bill by name, property address, account number, or bill number. Online payments can be made with credit, debit, or e-checks. A 2.55% fee is added to all credit or debit card transitions processed by the Metropolitan Trustee’s Office, and a $1 fee is added to e-check payments.
- Pay in person at the Howard Office Building, Suite 220.
- Mail a check – make checks payable to: Metropolitan Trustee, PO Box 196358, Nashville, TN 37219-6358. Any tax payment sent by the United States Postal Service is deemed received on the date of the postmark.
- Pay current year property taxes by cash or check in person at participating First Horizon Bank financial centers
What Happens if you miss the Davidson County tax payment due date
If your payment is not received by the last day in February, an interest of 1.5% is added to your base tax amount beginning on March 1st (18% annually). If you struggle to pay your taxes in full, you can make partial payments without penalties or interest for delinquent payments as long as the full amount due is paid before the last day of February.
Davidson County Property Search
Records of property tax payments are public information. The Davidson County property search tool is offered through the Assessor of Property at Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County to view all public property tax records.
Search by owner name, real estate address, or map and parcel ID to see:
- Appraised value
- Assessed value
- Sales history
- Owner information
- Tax lien certificates
- Effective property tax rate
- Total taxes owed
- Total taxes paid
- Tax credits, exemptions, and abatements
- Any pending appeals
- Photographs
- Parcel maps
Davidson County Property Tax Exemptions
Property tax exemptions in Davidson County are available to religious, charitable, scientific, or nonprofit educational institutions and are granted by the Tennessee State Board of Equalization. No organization is automatically exempt and must apply and be approved for exemption.
Property Tax Relief Programs in Davidson County
The Tennessee tax relief program was approved in 1973 and permits local governments to implement the program. The Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County established a Property Tax Relief Program for homeowners over age 65, disabled homeowners, and disabled veteran homeowners and their surviving spouses to receive tax relief on their property taxes.
To see if you qualify for tax relief or tax freeze programs, use the automated system by calling 615-862-6303. To apply for these programs, call the office at 615-862-6330, or go online to create an appointment at the Trustee’s office.
Income records are required for all tax relief programs to show total income by property owners and spouses and must not exceed $31,600 for Davidson County. Federal tax returns can be used to prove income.
Requirements for each program are as follows.
Homeowners age 65 and older:
- Proof of age (passport, birth certificate, driver’s license)
- Proof of ownership (recorded deed, current tax bill, etc.)
- Evidence property is the principal residence
Disabled homeowners:
- Proof of disability (SSI or SSA award letter)
- Proof of ownership
- Evidence property is the principal residence
Disabled veteran homeowners:
- Proof of disability (rated permanently and totally disabled from service)
- Proof of ownership
- Evidence property is the principal residence
For widower of disabled veteran homeowner:
- Proof of disability (rated permanently and totally disabled from service)
- Proof of marriage
- Proof of spouse’s death
- Proof of ownership
- Evidence property is the principal residence
Davidson County tax freeze
The Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Tax Freeze program is the first in the state. Under the program, qualifying homeowners can freeze the tax due on their property at the amount for the year they qualify, even if the tax rates increase. Homeowners age 65 or older and a combined income below $45,090 may qualify for a property tax freeze.
Requirements:
- Proof of age
- Proof of residence
- Federal income tax return with all supporting documents
- Medicare card
Davidson County Property Tax Appeals
Property owners receive a new appraisal for their property every four years as required by Tennessee state law. If you disagree with the classification of your property or the value assigned to your property, you have the right to appeal. The deadline for appeals is April 29th at 4:00 pm.
The best method for appealing is to file an informal review online. First, access your property through the real property search on the Property Assessor’s website and then click on the tab for Review/Appeal.
If you have any questions when filling out your Informal Review Request, you can call 615-862-6080 for assistance.
Property owners are notified of property appeal decisions by May 20th. If you still disagree with the decision, you can schedule a formal appeal with the independent Metropolitan Board of Equalization between May 23 and June 17th.
Davidson County Property Tax FAQ
When are property taxes due in Davidson County, Tennessee?
Davidson County property taxes are due by the last day of February.
When are Davidson County tax bills mailed?
The Davidson County Property tax bills are mailed by The Metropolitan Trustee’s office the first week of October.
How much are Davidson County property taxes?
Davidson County property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of the property and the tax rate of your property’s location. Tennessee’s residential real estate taxes are paid on the assessed value of 25% of the fair market/appraised value. Commercial property tax is 40% of the total appraised value.
Researching Davidson County property tax rates ahead of a big move? Hopefully this guide has given you confidence about buying a home and how property taxes work in Davidson County. We can’t make property taxes less frustrating, but 6th Man Movers can eliminate the stress and overwhelm associated with moving! Call today to discuss the details of your relocation and to get a free quote.
