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General Property Questions
1. When are property tax bills mailed out?
During October of each year. Property tax bills are mailed to the owner of record (as of 1 January). If a deed change occurs after the first of the year through August 31, a tax bill is mailed to the new owner of the property as a courtesy. New owners should contact their title company or review their closing statement to determine who is responsible for paying the taxes. Payment of property tax depends on when the property is transferred. Unpaid taxes continue to accrue against the property.
2. When are Meigs County Property taxes due?
Taxes are due the first Monday in October through the last day of February of the following year without interest charges.
3. Can I make partial payments?
Partial payments can be made on taxes due in the Trustee's office. However, interest will be added to the balance after the February 28th deadline.
4. What happens if I miss the tax payment deadline?
County property tax notices are mailed out in October and are payable beginning the first Monday in October. They become delinquent March 1 each year. The Trustee's Office collects County property taxes for the current year. Delinquent taxes remain in the Trustee's Office for one year while accruing interest of 1½% (rounded to the nearest dollar) per month.
After taxes have been delinquent for one year, they are turned over to the Meigs County Chancery Court and the Delinquent Tax Attorney for pursuit of collection. Once delinquent taxes are turned over to Chancery Court, additional fees accumulate as a result of prosecuting the tax collection suit. Interest continue to accumulate. After the conclusion of the delinquent tax suit, the county holds a tax sale to sell property in order to collect delinquent taxes.
5. What time period do these taxes cover?
The taxes that become payable in October cover the current calendar year.
You can mail your check or money order payable to Meigs County Trustee to: P.O. Box 7, Decatur, TN 37322 or 17214 State Hwy 58 N, Decatur, TN 37322. You may also bring your payment to the Trustee's office located in the Courthouse in Meigs. Payment drop box located outside the Trustee's Entrance and a drop slot box has been added to the Trustee's Door.
7. What does the term "EtUx" beside my husband's name on the property bill mean?
EtUx is a Latin phrase meaning "and wife." The phrase "EtVir" means "and husband," EtAl means "and others."
8. What do some of the terms on my tax bill mean?
Check the online glossary section for definitions of terms on your tax bill.
9. My mortgage company pays my taxes. What do I do with the notice?
Tax information should be forwarded to your mortgage company.
10. My Name and/or Address are incorrect. What needs to be done?
Contact the Assessor's Office at 423-334-5231.
11. Can I pay my County property taxes with a debit or credit card?
Yes, you may pay online. The vendor charges a service charge for this method of payment.
12. What are "Personal" property taxes?
Personal property taxes are taxes that are based on temporary or moveable property such as furnishings, office machines, computers, telephones, vehicles and other such items that are used by a company or a person to operate a business. The tax is based upon information furnished to the Property Assessor each year by the business. The Assessor furnishes a schedule for each business owner to provide a detailed list of all tangible personal property owned by the business. The Assessor determines the value of your personal property based on the information supplied. It is the duty of the taxpayer to fully list all tangible personal property, to place a correct value on the property and to sign and return the schedule prior to the due date. If the schedule is not returned prior to the due date, a forced assessment is given. Anyone in business on January 1 of any given year is responsible for the entire year's tax, even if they closed their business prior to December 31 of that same year. If you close your business, you must first contact the Assessor's Office at 423-334-5231 to inform them that your business is closed in order to take your business off the tax roll for the next year.
1. Are there any discounts or exemptions for the elderly, disabled, or veterans?
The State of Tennessee offers its Tax Relief Program for low-income elderly, disabled and disabled veterans. Eligibility requirements include: age/disability; ownership/residency; and income. To apply for property tax relief, you must meet three basic criteria - these are described below.
Age/Disability
During the tax year for which they are applying, an elderly applicant must turn 65 on or before December 31. In order to apply as a disabled homeowner, a person must have become disabled on or before December 31 of the tax year. Disabled veterans must have a total and permanent disability rating from a service-connected disability that meets certain criteria under state guidelines. Widow(er)s of disabled veterans may be eligible as well if they meet the qualifications. An applicant may apply if they are awaiting a decision on their disability claim. The state office must receive the final decision by June 30 following the delinquency date. The final decision must indicate their disability began on or before December 31 of the tax year.
Ownership/Residency
An applicant must be able to document that they had ownership of the taxable property during the tax year. Ownership may be documented by a tax bill/receipt, warranty deed, probated will, title or bill of sale for a mobile home.
Income Requirement
Elderly or Disabled Homeowners
The combined annual income of all living owners of record and applicant's spouse cannot exceed $30,700 for the year 2019. Annual income from all sources shall include; but is not limited to, Social Security payments less the Medicare deduction, supplemental security income (SSI), retirement and pension benefits, veteran's benefits, worker's compensation, unemployment compensation, salaries and wages, alimony, total interest and total dividends. For business and/or rental income, include only the net income or loss after expenses as documented by your federal income tax return.
Disabled Veterans and Qualified Widow(er)s
There is no income limit for qualified disabled veterans or qualified widow(er)s. Tax relief is paid on the first $175,000 of market value of the home.
Applications for tax relief are available in the Trustee's office. For more information, call our office at 423-334-5119. You may also visit https://www.comptroller.tn.gov/pa/patxr.asp for more information regarding Tennessee's tax relief program.
1. Where can I find information about the assessed value of my property?
The County Assessor is responsible for the appraisal and assessment of property. You may contact the County Assessor's Office at 423-334-5231 or visit www.assessment.state.tn.us.
2. How are the County Assessor's Office and the Trustee's Office related?
The County Assessor is responsible for the appraisal and assessment of property, according to state law. The Trustee's Office is responsible for billing and collection of taxes based on assessments. The Trustee has no authority over the amount of assessment, nor can she be involved in the appraisal process.
3. What is the appeal process?
If you do not agree with your appraisal you may schedule an appointment by contacting the Assessor's Office 423-334-5231. The appeal process begins in the county Assessor's office by appearing before the Local Board of Equalization.