Knox County Property Tax: Deadlines, Rates, And Payment Options

September 9, 2025

Key Takeaways:

Why Deadlines Matter: Understanding the key deadlines and processes for Knox County property tax can help you avoid penalties and manage payments efficiently.
The Importance Of The Certified Tax Rate: The certified tax rate is crucial in determining your property tax bill, and staying informed can empower you to question or protest any changes.
Flexible Options For Property Owners: Partial payments, installment plans, and specific exemptions for seniors, veterans, and disabled owners offer flexibility and financial relief for managing property tax obligations.

Through successful tax appeals, Icon has saved property owners more than $100 million. With over 30 years of combined expertise and a 90% success rate, we know how to fight unfair valuations and protect owners from overpaying. In the last year alone, 82% of our clients secured a reduced assessment. With no upfront fees and data-driven strategies, we deliver results that matter and lasting relief.

Understanding Knox County property tax requires more than glancing at your annual bill. Local deadlines, assessment cycles, and payment structures directly affect how much you owe and when it’s due. For homeowners and businesses alike, missing a key date or overlooking county-specific rules can lead to higher costs and unnecessary stress. Property owners can take control and make smarter financial decisions for their future by knowing the basics of rates, deadlines, and payment options.

In this blog, we will explore the deadlines that shape Knox County property tax payments, how rates are set, and the payment options available to property owners who want to manage obligations effectively and avoid costly penalties.

Key Dates In The Knox County Property Tax Calendar

Keeping track of the Knox County property tax calendar can save you time, money, and unnecessary hassle. Local tax processes in Tennessee have clear milestones. Missing them can lead to penalties or lost savings opportunities, so it’s smart to stay informed.

January: Notification Of Assessed Values

Property owners receive their assessment notices from the Knox County Assessor’s Office early in the year. This official communication outlines your property’s appraised value, which forms the basis for your tax bill later in the year. Review this promptly, if you think the value is too high, you’ll want to be ready for the protest window.

Spring: Assessment Appeal Period Opens

After receiving your notice, you typically have a short window (often 30–45 days) to contest the county’s valuation if you believe it doesn’t reflect your property’s actual market value. Check the dates on your notice carefully. The deadline for informal and formal appeals can come quickly, and missing this will lock in your assessed value for the year.

July: Tax Rates Finalized

Mid-summer, local governing bodies finalize and publish yearly property tax rates. This figure will determine your total bill multiplied by your assessed value.

October: Tax Bills Sent

Property tax bills are generally mailed to owners in early October. You’ll see the final amount due and payment instructions at this stage. Keep an eye out; delays in receipt don’t exempt you from paying on time.

First Monday In October: Tax Payment Window Opens

Property taxes are officially payable on the first Monday in October. Your payment window starts ticking.

End Of February: Last Day To Pay Without Penalty

The deadline to pay your property tax bill without late fees is typically the last day of February the following year. Any unpaid balance after this date is subject to interest and penalties, which can add up quickly.

How Property Values Are Assessed In Knox County

Every year, thousands of property owners across Knox County receive their property tax valuations, but how are these numbers determined? The process is grounded in transparency and local guidelines, with several key steps establishing the taxable value for residential, commercial, and investment properties.

It starts with the Knox County Property Assessor’s office, whose job is to estimate the fair market value of each parcel of real estate in the county. For most homes and commercial spaces, this assessment hinges on several primary factors:

Market Analysis: Teams analyze recent sales data, local real estate trends, and property characteristics. Comparable sales, sometimes called “comps”, play an outsized role in setting values, especially for residential properties.
Physical Inspections: Occasionally, properties are physically inspected to note updates, new additions, or changes that might affect value. Renovations, new builds, or substantial repairs can trigger a reassessment.
Data Review: Upgrades, reported damages, and changes in land use are all factored in. Property owners are encouraged to update records, as missed information can distort official valuations.

Current Residential And Commercial Tax Rates

As a Knox County property owner, whether residential or commercial, your property tax bill is determined by multiplying your appraised property value by the combined tax rate of all relevant taxing jurisdiction rates.

Knox County’s base property tax rate for the most recent assessment year is approximately $1.53 per $100 of assessed value. However, your actual rate may be higher or lower depending on the city you live in, school district allocations, and any special-purpose districts (such as hospital or community college districts) that apply to your property.

Residential Property Owners: Typically, the largest portion of your tax bill will come from local school districts, often making up 50% or more of your total property taxes. County and city taxes follow, with smaller percentages attributed to special districts.
Commercial Property Owners: Commercial properties may have slightly different rates or additional assessments based on their business classification or location within industrial, retail, or enterprise zones.

Remember that these rates can be adjusted yearly, and changes are usually announced in late summer or early fall, after public hearings. Taxing districts publish their proposed rates and hold hearings where property owners can voice opinions or questions about significant changes.

Flexible Payment Options For Knox County Property Taxes

Paying your Knox County property tax has evolved from traditional methods to convenient solutions designed to fit a variety of financial situations. Property owners now have access to secure online portals hosted by the Knox County Trustee’s Office and flexible payment structures that can ease the burden of large bills.

Features Of Digital Payment Systems

Online payment systems allow you to view current balances, check payment histories, and print receipts directly from your computer or mobile device. Multiple payment types, including credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks (e-checks), are accepted. You’ll only need your property account number or address to get started. Many systems also send deadline reminders, helping you stay on track and avoid penalties. Third-party vendors are often available for added convenience, though some may charge processing fees. These platforms include robust security protocols, ensuring peace of mind with each transaction and providing instant digital records so you know your payment has been processed.

Paying In Smaller Portions

Beyond one-time payments, Knox County also offers options that provide financial flexibility. Partial payments allow property owners to pay their bills in smaller portions throughout the year, reducing the strain of a lump-sum deadline. While the full balance is still due by the county’s set date, paying in increments can help prevent end-of-year stress and large unexpected expenses.

Structured Installment Agreements

For those facing greater financial challenges, installment plans may be available. Qualified property owners, including those with homestead or over-65 exemptions, can work with the Trustee’s Office to arrange structured monthly payments. These plans spread the tax obligation across several months, making budgeting easier and payments more predictable. Confirming eligibility and understanding the specific terms with the Trustee’s Office is essential, since missed deadlines may result in penalties or added interest.

Tax Benefits For Seniors, Veterans, And Disabled Owners

Navigating property taxes in Knox County can be overwhelming, but there are targeted benefits that offer real relief for seniors, veterans, and disabled property owners. Understanding these available exemptions and reductions can significantly affect your yearly tax bill.

Senior Citizen Exemptions

Homeowners aged 65 and older have access to special property tax exemptions. Once you reach the qualifying age, you’re eligible for a reduction in the taxable value of your primary residence. Plus, you can benefit from a property tax “freeze”, locking in the amount you owe in future years so it can’t increase, even if your property’s appraised value does. Applying for this exemption requires age documentation and an application submitted to the Knox County Tax Assessor’s office.

Benefits For Veterans

Honorably discharged veterans may qualify for substantial property tax breaks, and in some cases, a total exemption. The value of the exemption will depend on your disability rating as assigned by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits often extend to surviving spouses as well. Make sure to check your eligibility requirements, collect your official military discharge papers, and provide the necessary proof of disability rating when you apply.

Disabled Owners

Homeowners who are classified as disabled according to Social Security standards can also benefit from additional exemptions. This includes reductions to the assessed value of the home, lowering your tax burden. Required documentation, such as an award letter from Social Security or other medical proof, needs to accompany your exemption application.

Applying For Exemptions

For each exemption category, applications and supporting documents are submitted through the Knox County Assessor’s office. While the process is straightforward, it’s essential to double-check requirements and submission deadlines to avoid missing out on your rightful savings. With the right paperwork and attention to detail, these benefits can offer meaningful financial relief, freeing up resources for your essential needs.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Knox County property tax deadlines, rates, and payment options may feel overwhelming, but the right resources and support can transform the process into an empowering experience. As a property owner, whether you manage a family home, business property, or investment portfolio, you deserve clarity, transparency, and confidence throughout the property tax cycle.

This is where Icon steps in to advocate for you, making sure you don’t pay more than necessary. Our performance-based, risk-free service puts the power back in your hands: no savings, no fee. Backed by over 30 years of expertise, our team does the heavy lifting, reviewing your valuation notice, managing the appeals process, and negotiating directly with local appraisal districts. You maintain visibility and control through our intuitive technology platform, keeping things simple and stress-free.

Let Icon protect your interests, empower your decisions, and fight for savings so your property tax bill truly reflects the fair value of your investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Knox County Property Tax

How are Knox County property taxes calculated?

Your Knox County property tax bill is calculated based on the taxable value of your property as determined by the appraisal district, multiplied by the applicable tax rates set by the various local taxing entities. If you believe your property valuation is too high, Icon can review your notice and advocate for a fair assessment, potentially reducing your tax burden.

Where can I pay my Knox County property tax bill in person?

You can pay your property tax bill in person at the Knox County Trustee’s Office in downtown Knoxville and several branch locations throughout the county. Always check the Trustee’s website for up-to-date information on office hours and branch addresses before you go.

Can I pay my Knox County property taxes with a credit card?

Yes, Knox County accepts credit card payments for property taxes. Payments can be made online, by phone, or in person. Remember that credit card transactions typically incur a small processing fee, so check those details before submitting your payment.

Is there a payment plan for property taxes in Knox County?

Knox County offers payment plan options for property owners who cannot pay their taxes all at once. These plans must be arranged directly with the Knox County Trustee’s Office. If you’re eligible, you can split your payment into installments and avoid hefty penalties associated with late payments.

What payment options are available for property taxes in Knox County?

Knox County provides several ways to pay property taxes, including online payments via electronic check or credit/debit card, payments by mail, in-person payments at the Trustee’s Office or branch locations, and even payments over the phone. Choose whichever method is most convenient and secure for you.

Can I view my Knox County property tax bill online?

Absolutely. The Knox County Trustee’s Office offers an online portal where you can access your current and past property tax bills, review payment history, and check your account balance at any time. This increases transparency and puts control directly in your hands as a property owner.