Anyone in business on January 1 of the tax year is responsible for paying taxes for that entire year, even if operations ceased prior to December 31. If a business is no longer operating in Shelby County, contact the County Clerk’s Office at (901) 222-3000 to ensure that the business license (for those businesses requiring one) has been canceled. Also, advise the County Assessor at (901) 222-7002, as to the disposition of the equipment, so your account can be removed from the next year's tax roll.
If there is a tax on the roll for a year in which you did no business, the Trustee needs to review the tax liability. To do so, we must have documentation which will substantiate your claim. Documents such as a business license finalized in the year the business closed, proof of sale, electric meter cutoff date, tax returns, and other such documents are required for our review.