Its Time to Pay Your 2020 County Property Taxes

September 29, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

2020 property tax notices will be going out in the mail Wednesday, September 30 in the Navy blue color in honor of the men and women who wear the blue to protect, serve and preserve our freedoms.

Taxes will be due and payable starting October 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021 before any interest becomes due on March 1, 2021. The Trustee’s Office will not be open February 27 or 28.
For 2020, the DeKalb County property tax rate is $2.1235 per $100 of assessed value. The tax notices include an example provided by Trustee Driver on how the property taxes are calculated.

“Well, it’s that time again for property owners of DeKalb County. Sean Driver here, your DeKalb County Trustee giving another report on yearly changes concerning property taxes. The 2020 property tax notices will be mailed out Wednesday for annual collection. It goes without saying, we all know 2020 has been a year to remember for all the history books. We must be strong and be united for generations to come. With that thought in mind, the Trustee’s office has chosen a “Navy Blue” color for the 2020 property tax notices. We want to honor the men and women who proudly wear the blue uniforms day in and day out to serve, to protect, and to provide that blanket of freedom for everyone. God Bless the USA,” said Driver.

For 2020, the tax rate has remained the same at 2.1235% per $100.00 of your assessed value.
Example: Appraisal Value————$125,000 X Assessed Value @25%—-$31,250 X Residential Tax Rate @ 2.1235%——$664 Tax Amount to Pay.

The Trustee’s office offers up to 6 different options to pay your property taxes:

*Come in person to the office to pay

*Mail in your payment

*Pay online @ www.tennesseetrustee.org, then select DeKalb and follow the instructions to the next screens. The Vendor BIS (Business Information Systems) accepts Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or American Express-The Vendor convenience fee of 2.75% on the total tax bill will apply and fees are subject to change for using credit/debit cards. Also, a $2.75 fee will be assessed on an e-check payment of any amount.

* A QR (Quick Response Code) is also your means of accessing the website www.tennesseetrustee.org with your smart phone.

* Dropbox located on the outside of the building at the County Complex (County Offices Section) for your convenience after hours or on weekends.

*Partial Payments are accepted and you the taxpayer sets the amount to pay until full payment is made.

The Trustee’s office will start accepting applications for the Property Tax Relief Program on October 1, 2020 through April 5, 2021. If you would like to inquire more about a possible tax relief for property taxes, come by the Trustee’s office in the County Complex at 732 S Congress Boulevard-Room 103, Smithville or call 615-597-5176.

Eligibility for Property Tax Relief:

*The State of Tennessee offers qualified property owners tax relief on property taxes. This program was implemented in 1973 and has a few changes every year. At this time, DeKalb County has 430 applicants on the program for 2020. As a property owner for 2020, you can qualify for Tax Relief if: ( A.) Your DeKalb County home is your primary residence, ( B.) You are 65 years old (or older) on or before December 31, 2020, (C.) Under 65 years of age with a total and permanent disability per the SSA or another qualifying agency, and (D.) The 2019 Annual Income of all living owners on the deed and their spouses DID NOT exceed $30,700. If the State of Tennessee qualifies you for Tax Relief, then you can receive a rebate up to $126 for 2020. You must pay your 2020 tax bill IN FULL to start the application.

* Also, the State of Tennessee offers TAX RELIEF to Disabled Veterans and the surviving spouses of a disabled veteran. You must provide proof from the Veteran’s Administration that you have a total and permanent disability rating that was service connected. You and your spouse will NOT have to report any income to apply as a disabled veteran or the widow or widower of a disabled veteran. If the State of Tennessee qualifies you as a disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran, then you can receive a rebate up to $759.

WJLE Radio