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1. Is there a senior citizen discount for paying taxes?

The Shelby County Trustee administers a state funded Tax Relief Program as well as a locally governed Tax Freeze Program. Property owners 65 years of age or older may qualify for one or both of these programs. Tax Relief Program

2. May I apply for tax relief for my relative (parent, grandparent, etc.)?

Yes. You may complete the application for them. However, only the applicant may sign the application themselves (along with any spouse and/or co-owners).

3. Does the state have a lien on my property if I accept tax relief?

No. The state does not place a lien on property where tax relief has been granted.

4. Are tax relief recipients exempt from paying property taxes?

No. Tax relief is not an exemption but is payment by the State of Tennessee to reimburse certain homeowners who meet the legal requirements, for a part or all of property taxes paid. You will still receive your tax bill and be responsible for paying your property taxes each year.

5. How much is my estimated 2023 Shelby County tax relief benefit?

• Max Benefits for elderly and disabled: $198.69
• Max Benefits for disabled veterans: $1,125.25
  
  

6. What if my taxes are paid by my mortgage company?

Your application will be held by our office until payment is received from your mortgage company. Your application is then mailed to the State Tax Relief Office for examination. If approved, you will receive a check from the state for the relief amount.

7. Can I receive relief on more than one property?

No, you can only receive tax relief on your primary residence in any given year.

8. Do you have any special programs to help disabled veterans pay their taxes?

The Shelby County Trustee administers a state-funded Tax Relief Program to help disabled veterans pay their property taxes. For the purposes of this section, a disabled veteran means a person who has served in the armed forces of the United States, and whose disability meets one of the following categories:

• A service-connected disability that resulted in paraplegia or permanent paralysis of both legs and lower part of the body resulting from traumatic injury or disease to the spinal cord or brain; or loss or loss of use of two or more limbs; or legal blindness
• A total and permanent disability rating from a service-connected disability
• A 100% total and permanent disability rating from being a prisoner of war

A person applying for tax relief as a disabled veteran must own and use the property for which application is being made as his/her primary residence. There is no age or income requirement for disabled veterans.

Note: Determination of eligibility will be made based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through use of a consent form available in the Shelby County Trustee's Office. Under no conditions shall property tax relief extend to any person who was dishonorably discharged from any of the armed services.

To apply, call (901) 222-0200.

9. I am a widow(er) of a disabled veteran. Can I get help paying taxes?

Property tax relief can be granted to the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who at the time of the disabled veteran’s death was eligible for disabled veterans’ property tax relief by meeting one of the following categories:

• A service-connected disability that resulted in paraplegia or permanent paralysis of both legs and lower part of the body resulting from traumatic injury or disease to the spinal cord or brain; or loss or loss of use of two or more limbs; or legal blindness
• A total and permanent disability rating from a service-connected disability
• A 100% total and permanent disability rating from being a prisoner of war
• Death resulting from a service-connected, combat-related cause

The surviving spouse must:

• Have been married to the veteran at the time of death
• Not have remarried
• Own and use the property as his/her primary residence on which application is being made
• Provide a copy of his/her spouse’s death certificate
• Provide a form of personal ID such as a social security card, driver’s license, or military ID
• Provide a title or bill of sale (for mobile homes)
• There is no income requirement

Note: Determination of eligibility will be made based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through use of a consent form available in the Shelby County Trustee’s Office. Under no conditions shall property tax relief extend to any person who was dishonorably discharged from any of the armed services.

To apply for Tax Relief, please call Trustee Customer Service at (901) 222-0200.

10. I am the spouse of a soldier killed in action. Can I get help paying taxes?

Surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action (combat-related only) can be granted tax relief. The surviving spouse must:

• Have been married to the veteran at the time of death
• Not have remarried
• Own and use the property as his/her primary residence on which application is being made
• Provide a copy of his/her spouse’s death certificate
• Provide a form of personal ID such as a social security card, driver’s license, or military ID
• Provide a title or bill of sale (for mobile homes)
• There is no age or income requirement

Note: Determination of eligibility will be made based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through use of a consent form available in the Shelby County Trustee’s Office. Under no conditions shall property tax relief extend to any person who was dishonorably discharged from any of the armed services.

To apply for Tax Relief, please contact Trustee Customer Service at (901) 222-0200.

11. I am a disabled homeowner. How can I get help paying my taxes?

Totally and permanently disabled property owners may be eligible to receive tax relief. Tax Relief Program

12. My spouse is not listed as an owner on the deed. Do I need to include my spouse's income?

Yes. New legislation requires the income of the applicant's spouse to be included, regardless of ownership or residency.