How to Pay Your Memphis Property Tax and Understand What You Owe
Where and How to Pay Memphis Property Tax
Memphis property taxes are collected by the Shelby County Assessor of Property, and you pay them to the Shelby County Trustee. The Trustee's office handles all payments and sends out bills each year. You can pay in person at their office downtown, by mail, online through their website, or by phone—each method has different timing and confirmation steps.
Online payment through the Shelby County Trustee's website is the fastest way to confirm your payment went through. You'll need your property account number (found on your tax bill) and can pay by bank transfer or credit card. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the office, so send them early if your due date is approaching. In-person payments at the Trustee's office give you an immediate receipt.
The Trustee's office is located at 160 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103. Their phone line can answer questions about your balance and payment methods, though they cannot process payments over the phone directly—you'll need to use their website, mail, or visit in person.
Key Takeaways
- Property taxes in Memphis are billed by the Shelby County Assessor and collected by the Shelby County Trustee, not by the city directly.
- You can pay online, by mail, in person, or by phone inquiry—online is fastest and gives you immediate confirmation.
- Your property account number appears on your tax bill and is required for online payments.
- If you miss the due date, penalties and interest begin to accrue, and the Trustee can place a lien on your property after a set period.
- Homeowners over 65 and disabled homeowners may be may have access to to exemptions or deferrals that reduce or delay what you owe.
Understanding Your Tax Bill and What You Owe
Your Memphis property tax bill is based on the assessed value of your property, set by the Shelby County Assessor. The bill shows the assessed value, the tax rate (which varies by location within Shelby County), and the total amount due. The tax rate depends on which school district, city, and special taxing district your property falls within—two properties of the same size can have different bills if they're in different zones.
The bill also lists the due date and any penalties that apply if payment is late. In Shelby County, property taxes are typically due by a set date each year, and interest begins to accrue immediately after that date. The bill will show whether you owe the full year's amount or if you're on a payment plan.
If you don't receive a bill, contact the Assessor's office to confirm your address is correct in their system. A missing bill does not erase what you owe—the due date passes whether or not you receive notice.
What Happens If You Don't Pay On Time
Late property tax payments in Shelby County trigger penalties and interest that grow each month you don't pay. After a certain period (typically 18 months), the Trustee can place a tax lien on your property, which means the county has a legal claim against it. If the lien is not paid, the county can sell your property at a tax sale to recover what you owe.
Before a tax sale occurs, you have the right to redeem the property by paying the full amount owed plus costs. The redemption period and exact timeline vary, so contact the Trustee's office immediately if you fall behind. They can tell you where you stand and what your options are.
If you're struggling to pay, do not ignore the bill. The Trustee's office may be able to discuss a payment arrangement or direct you to assistance programs. Waiting makes the debt larger and the legal consequences more severe.
Exemptions and Deferrals for Homeowners
Tennessee offers property tax exemptions and deferrals for certain homeowners. Homeowners age 65 and older may be may have access to to a homestead exemption that reduces the assessed value of their primary residence. Disabled homeowners may also may have access to for an exemption. These are not automatic—you must file for them with the Assessor's office.
A homestead deferral is different from an exemption. It allows you to delay paying property taxes if you meet income and age requirements, though the taxes still accrue and must be paid eventually (usually when you sell the property or pass it to your heirs). The deferral keeps you from losing your home to a tax sale while you're living in it.
To learn whether you may have access to, contact the Shelby County Assessor's office with your age, disability status (if applicable), and income information. They can walk you through the filing process and tell you how much your taxes would be reduced.
Paying Property Taxes on a Rental or Investment Property
If you own rental property or investment real estate in Memphis, you still pay taxes to the Shelby County Trustee using the same methods as owner-occupied homes. The bill is sent to the address on file with the Assessor, which should be your mailing address (not necessarily the property address). Verify your mailing address is correct so you don't miss the due date.
Rental property taxes are not deductible from rent you collect—you pay them separately. Some landlords build the estimated tax cost into their rent calculations or set aside money each month to cover the annual bill. The Trustee's office can tell you the exact amount due for any property you own.
If you own multiple properties in Shelby County, each has its own account number and bill. You can pay them together or separately, but each property's due date and balance are tracked independently.
Checking Your Account and Disputing Your Assessment
You can check your property tax account online through the Shelby County Trustee's website by entering your property account number. This shows your current balance, payment history, and due dates. If you believe your assessed value is incorrect, you can file a formal challenge called an appeal with the Shelby County Assessor.
Appeals must be filed within a set timeframe (usually 30 days after you receive your assessment notice). You'll need to provide evidence that the assessed value is too high—comparable sales of similar properties, a recent appraisal, or documentation of property damage or defects. The Assessor's office can explain the appeal process and what documents to submit.
Lowering your assessed value lowers your tax bill going forward, but it does not refund taxes you've already paid. If you've overpaid due to an error, contact the Trustee's office to discuss a refund or credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Memphis property taxes in installments?
Shelby County does not automatically offer installment plans for property taxes. You must pay the full amount by the due date. If you cannot pay in full, contact the Trustee's office immediately to discuss your situation—they may be able to work out a payment arrangement or refer you to assistance.
What if I pay my property taxes but the payment doesn't show up?
If you paid by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post to your account. If you paid online, the Trustee's website should show confirmation immediately. Check your account online or call the Trustee's office to verify the payment was received. Keep your receipt or confirmation number until you see it reflected in your account.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I'm behind on my mortgage?
Yes. Property taxes and mortgage payments are separate obligations. Your lender may pay your property taxes from an escrow account if that's part of your loan agreement, but you remain responsible for ensuring they're paid. If you fall behind on both, contact your lender and the Trustee's office separately to understand your options.
What happens if I sell my property before the year ends?
Property taxes are typically prorated between the seller and buyer at closing. The title company or closing attorney handles this calculation. You will owe taxes only for the portion of the year you owned the property. Confirm the proration with your closing documents.
Where do my property taxes go?
Your property tax payment is split among several entities: the Shelby County government, your local school district, the city (if applicable), and any special taxing districts that serve your property. The Trustee's office distributes your payment according to the tax rate breakdown shown on your bill.