1. When are property tax bills mailed out ?
Property tax bills are mailed October of each year. They are mailed to the owner of record (as of 1 January). If a deed change occurs after the first of the year, a tax bill will be 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. If you are not the January 1 owner, you will find your property under the seller name on this inquiry and you can still pay your tax bill.
2. What time of year are property taxes due?
Taxes are due and payable the first Monday in October through the last day of February of the following year without interest charges.
3. Are partial payments accepted for my taxes?
Partial payments can be made on the current year's taxes. Beginning March 1, partial payments will be accepted, but interest will be added to the total due. You, the taxpayer, can submit any amount on your property taxes until payment is satisfied. Beginning March 1, partial payments can still be accepted, but interest will be applied to total due or unpaid balance.
4. What happens if I miss the tax payment deadline?
From the first day of each month beginning 1 March, interest of 1.5 percent per month (18 percent annually) is added to your tax amount . If the Post Office fails to postmark your payment by the dates due, it is considered a late payment. This applies even if you mail your payment on time. Night deposit box payments dropped in are accepted as that day's deadline. Online property tax payments made through the i3 Verticals system are recognized by the county as paid on the date of the online transaction.
5. What time period do my annual taxes cover?
Property taxes are covered for the current calendar year and notices are mailed out as a courtesy by the DeKalb County Trustee to become payable every October.
6. Where can my tax bill be paid in person?
The Trustee's office is located in the DeKalb County Community Complex Center at 732 S. Congress Blvd, Room103 Smithville, TN.
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. Does my mortgage company get a copy of my tax bill mailed to them?
No. It is the property owner's responsibility to forward tax bills to their mortgage company. Tax bills are mailed to the property owner to review the information.
Reviewing Your Property Info
1. Is there a charge for reviewing information about my property?
For an individual property, there is no charge for reviewing tax information.
2. Is my property information viewable by other people?
Any individual or company is allowed to review it. Property tax information is public record.
Property Assessment
1. Where can I find information about the assessed value of my property?
The Assessor of Property is responsible for the appraisal and assessment of property.
2. How are the Assessor of Property's Office and the Trustee's Office related?
The Assessor of Property 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 he/she be involved in the appraisal process.
3. What is the appeal process?
Appointments can be made by contacting the Assessor of Property's Office. The appeal process begins in the Assessor of Property's Office by appearing before the Local Board of Equalization.
Tax Sale Information
1. What is a tax sale?
An auction of parcels of property that have delinquent taxes.
2. What is the date and time of the annual tax sale auction?
Contact your Clerk & Master's office at 615-597-4360
3. Where will the auction/sale be advertised?
Local newspapers.
4. When are tax sales advertised?
The auction list is published once approximately 2-3 weeks before the sale.
5. How and when do you register for the tax sale auctions?
All bidders are required to register at the Clerk and Master’s Office immediately before the tax sal
6. Is it possible to register by mail?
No, you cannot register by mail.
7. What type of payment is required at auction?
Cash, check, money order or credit card (credit cards have an additional 3% user’s fee charged by the vendor for this service)
8. What type of bidding process is used?
This is an open, public auction.
9. Will the sales be final?
Yes, all sales are final at the auction.
10. Will all other liens be cleared from the property as a result of the sale?
All liens except state and federal liens are cleared.
11. Is there a redemption period before I can take possession once a property is acquired through your tax sale? If so, what is the redemption period?
The new owner cannot take possession of the property until one year from the date the confirmation of sale is filed.
12. If there is a redemption period, does the investor earn interest during the redemption period? If so, what is the annual interest rate?
Per current law, purchaser will receive 1% interest per month on the purchase price of redeemed property.
13. If a foreclosure is necessary, will the county assist in this matter?
No. The County does not assist with foreclosures.
14. Will I receive a document to verify the purchase? Will it be a deed or a certificate of lien?
The order confirming the sale is recorded in the Register of Deeds Office following the 1 year redemption period. This action transfers all properties sold at the tax sale to the new owners. The buyer also receives a certified copy of the order. Deeds are available upon request to the Clerk and Master’s Office and payment of a $20.00 fee.
15. Do you allow investors to invest at your tax sales without attending the tax sale?
No.
16. Is a current list of available properties or liens available?
The available properties are published 2-3 weeks before the tax sale. You may obtain a copy by contacting the newspaper.
17. Is a copy of the County and state statutes and rules regarding the tax sale available for purchase?
No.
18. Would you please place me on your mailing list if you have one?
The Clerk and Master’s Office no longer keeps a mailing list of interested persons for future tax sales. Please contact the Clerk and Master’s Office regarding upcoming sales at 615-597-4360.
19. Can I get a list of properties whose redemption period has already expired?
There are no properties available.
20. When will the list of unsold /unbid-on property be available?
The property that isn't sold or not bided on go to back DeKalb County. That list can be obtained from the County Mayor's office at 615-597-5175.
