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1. My name (or address) is incorrect. What needs to be done?

Any misspelling of names or address corrections may be submitted to the Trustee's Office in writing; we must have the signatures of all property owners. Once received, this information is forwarded to the Assessor's Office. Please visit the Correct or Change Owner page for additional information.

2. The ownership is incorrect. What needs to be done?

Please visit the Correct or Change Owner page or contact the Assessor's Office at (901) 222-7001.

3. How do I calculate my taxes?

Please visit the Calculate Taxes page. Calculate Taxes

4. How are my tax dollars used?

Please view our Tax Rates page for a breakdown of how taxes are spent in Shelby County. Tax Rates

5. I filed bankruptcy. How does it affect my taxes?

Usually taxes are a high priority debt in any type of bankruptcy. Taxes are generally paid in installments through a plan approved by the Bankruptcy Court. Upon receiving a notice of bankruptcy filing or being notified of filing, the Bankruptcy Department of the County Trustee's Office will file a claim for the full amount of taxes due plus interest, attorney fees, miscellaneous costs, etc., that were due at the time of filing. Interest continues to accrue at the rate that is approved by the Bankruptcy Court. 

Under federal law, the County Trustee and other collecting officials are prohibited or stayed from taking any further action in collecting realty or personalty taxes. This stay is effective until the bankruptcy is dismissed, discharged, or the automatic stay is ordered lifted.

6. I own a mobile home and received a bill for a year in which I did not live at the property location. Do I owe this bill?

If you own a mobile home and you move it from the property location at any time, it is your responsibility to notify the Shelby County Assessor’s Office at (901) 222-7001. If the owner of the mobile home fails to pay their portion of the property taxes, then the owner of the land becomes responsible for the taxes.

Shelby County Assessor’s Office

7. What is the Shelby County property tax rate?

The 2022 Shelby County tax rate, as set by the County Commission, is $3.39 (inside Memphis) and $3.39 (outside Memphis).

Shelby County Board of Commissioners

8. Which Internet browsers may be used to make an online payment?

IE 11 or higher
Firefox 59 or higher
Chrome 60 or higher
Safari 9 or higher

9. Why does the Shelby County Trustee pursue legal action against property owners who do not pay taxes?

The Shelby County Trustee has the responsibility to collect county and municipal property taxes (unless a municipality collects its own taxes). If property taxes have not been paid by the delinquency date, the Trustee is authorized by the State of Tennessee to take additional actions, including the filing of lawsuits and the publication of delinquent tax lists. We are required by the TCA to file a realty lawsuit every year between Feb. 1 and April 1.

10. How often will the lawsuit list be updated?

This list is updated nightly with the parcels that pay out of the suit by paying their prior Realty Taxes, interest, fees and costs.