2026 Informal Review Deadline
Window opens January 19, 2026. Don't wait until the last minute.
The informal review is your best opportunity to lower your Nashville property taxes. It's faster than a formal appeal, doesn't require attending a hearing, and has a high success rate—if you submit strong, well-organized evidence.
This guide walks you through exactly how to file an informal review in Davidson County, what evidence you need, and the common mistakes that cause appeals to fail.
The Reality: This Isn't a Simple Form
Many homeowners assume filing an informal review is as simple as submitting a form saying "my taxes are too high." It's not. The assessor's office receives thousands of appeals. To stand out and succeed, you need:
The informal review is a one-shot opportunity. There's no hearing where you can explain yourself. The assessor reviews your written submission and makes a decision. If your evidence is weak, disorganized, or missing key information, you lose.
In This Guide
What Is an Informal Review?
An informal review is the first stage of Nashville's property tax appeal process. Unlike a formal appeal (which requires attending a hearing before the Board of Equalization), an informal review is:
- Paper-based: You submit evidence; the assessor reviews it and makes a decision
- No hearing required: You don't need to appear in person
- Faster: Decisions typically come in 4-8 weeks
- Your best chance: Most successful appeals are resolved at this stage
The catch? Because there's no hearing, your written submission is everything. You can't explain gaps in your evidence or answer questions. What you submit is what the assessor uses to make their decision.
2026 Timeline & Deadlines
Davidson County Informal Review Timeline
Don't Wait Until April
Filing in the last week is risky. If your submission is incomplete or has issues, you won't have time to fix it. File by mid-March to give yourself a buffer.
Evidence You Need (The Hard Part)
This is where most DIY appeals fail. The assessor isn't going to lower your assessment just because you asked. You need to prove your property is worth less than they think. Here's what that takes:
Comparable Sales (Comps) Critical
3-5 similar properties that sold recently for less than your assessed value. Must be similar in size, age, location, and features. This is the #1 factor in successful appeals.
Property Record Verification Critical
Check your property card for errors. Wrong square footage, incorrect room counts, or features you don't have can inflate your assessment.
Condition Documentation
Photos of deferred maintenance, foundation issues, roof problems, outdated systems, or any condition issues that affect value.
Negative External Factors
Evidence of location issues: traffic noise, commercial neighbors, power lines, flood zone, railroad tracks, or other factors the mass appraisal missed.
Repair Estimates
If you have major issues (foundation, roof, HVAC), get written estimates from contractors showing the cost to repair.
Professional Appraisal
If you have a recent appraisal (from a refinance or purchase) showing a lower value, include it. Not required, but helpful.
What Makes a Good Comparable Sale?
Finding comps isn't just searching Zillow for nearby sales. The assessor will scrutinize your comparables. They need to be:
Comparable Sale Checklist
Pro Tip: Quality Over Quantity
Three excellent comps that closely match your property are worth more than ten weak comps. The assessor will throw out comps that aren't truly comparable, and too many weak comps can hurt your credibility.
Step-by-Step Filing Process
Review Your Property Record 30-60 minutes
Before anything else, get your property card from the assessor's website and check every detail.
- Go to padctn.org
- Search for your property by address
- Click "Property Details" to see the full record
- Compare every field to your actual property
Look for: Square footage, lot size, year built, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, basement, garage, pool, and any special features.
Research Comparable Sales 3-6 hours
This is the most time-consuming and important step. You need to find 3-5 properties that are truly comparable to yours and sold for less than your assessed value.
Where to find sales data:
- padctn.org — Official sales records
- Tennessee Real Estate Commission records
- MLS data (if you have access through a realtor)
For each comp, document:
- Address and sale date
- Sale price
- Square footage, beds, baths
- Year built
- How it compares to your property
This Is Where DIY Appeals Often Fail
Finding truly comparable sales requires access to MLS data, understanding of adjustment factors, and knowledge of what the assessor considers valid. Many homeowners waste hours finding comps that get rejected.
Document Property Issues 1-2 hours
If your property has condition issues or negative factors, document them with:
- Photos: Clear, dated photographs of any problems
- Repair estimates: Written quotes from licensed contractors
- Inspection reports: If you have recent inspections
- Flood zone documentation: FEMA maps if applicable
Prepare Your Evidence Package 2-3 hours
Organization matters. The assessor reviews hundreds of appeals. A clear, professional presentation stands out.
Your submission should include:
- Cover letter/summary: Brief statement of why your assessment is too high
- Comparable sales analysis: Chart showing your comps with prices and how they compare
- Property record corrections: Any errors you found with documentation
- Condition documentation: Photos and repair estimates
- Supporting documents: Any additional evidence
Pro Tip: Lead with Your Strongest Evidence
Put your best comparable sales first. If the assessor is convinced by page 2, you've won. Don't bury good evidence at the end of a 20-page packet.
Submit Your Appeal 15-30 minutes
You can submit your informal review:
Online: Through the Metro Nashville Property Assessor's website at padctn.org
In Person or By Mail:
Metro Nashville Property Assessor
700 President Ronald Reagan Way
Nashville, TN 37210
Important: Keep copies of everything you submit and note the date you filed.
Wait for Decision 4-8 weeks
After you submit, the assessor's office reviews your evidence and issues a written decision. If successful, your assessed value is reduced. If denied, you can proceed to a formal appeal with the Board of Equalization (MBOE).
Common Mistakes That Kill Appeals
Using Weak or Irrelevant Comparables
Zillow estimates, foreclosure sales, or properties that aren't truly similar will be rejected. The assessor knows when comps don't match.
Arguing About Taxes Instead of Value
"My taxes are too high" isn't evidence. The assessor sets value, not tax rates. You must prove the market value is wrong.
Submitting Incomplete Evidence
There's no hearing to explain what you meant. If your submission is missing key information, you won't get a second chance to add it.
Disorganized Presentation
The assessor reviews hundreds of appeals. A confusing, disorganized packet is more likely to be denied than one that's clear and professional.
Filing at the Last Minute
If you file on April 15 and there's an issue with your submission, it's too late to fix it. Give yourself time.
Not Checking the Property Record
If your property card has errors (wrong square footage, features you don't have), you're being taxed on a property that doesn't exist. Always check first.
DIY vs. Professional Help
You can file an informal review yourself. But should you? Here's an honest comparison:
DIY Appeal
- 4-8+ hours of research time
- Limited access to MLS sales data
- Learning curve on what assessors accept
- Risk of weak comps or missed evidence
- One chance to get it right
- No expert review before submission
- Free (but time-consuming)
Professional Appeal (TN.tax)
- We handle all research
- Full MLS and sales data access
- Know exactly what assessors look for
- Maximize reduction with best evidence
- Expert-prepared submission
- Professional presentation that stands out
- $0 upfront—pay only if we save you money
What TN.tax Does Differently
We specialize in Nashville property tax appeals. Our team:
- Researches every comparable sale using professional MLS data and assessor records
- Analyzes your property record for errors the assessor may have made
- Prepares a professional evidence package formatted exactly how the assessor's office expects
- Handles all filing and follow-up so you don't have to track deadlines
- Maximizes your reduction with evidence strategies that work
Best part? You pay nothing unless we successfully lower your taxes. If we don't save you money, you don't pay.
Skip the Hassle. Maximize Your Savings.
Filing an informal review right takes hours of research and a deep understanding of what the assessor looks for. We do this every day. Let us handle your appeal while you focus on everything else.
Get Free EvaluationSee if your property qualifies. Takes 2 minutes. No obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for Nashville informal review 2026?
The informal review window for Davidson County runs from January 19, 2026 through April 30, 2026. You must submit your appeal and all supporting evidence before the deadline closes. We recommend filing by mid-March to allow time for any issues.
How do I file an informal review in Nashville?
You can file an informal review online through the Metro Nashville Property Assessor's website (padctn.org) or in person at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Nashville, TN 37210. You'll need to submit evidence showing why your property's assessed value should be lower.
What evidence do I need for a Nashville property tax appeal?
Strong evidence includes: comparable sales (similar homes that sold for less), documentation of property record errors, photos of condition issues or deferred maintenance, and information about negative factors like traffic noise or flood zones. The more organized and compelling your evidence, the better your chances of success.
How long does the Nashville informal review process take?
After you submit your informal review, the Metro Nashville Assessor's office typically takes 4-8 weeks to review your evidence and issue a decision. You'll receive written notification of the outcome.
What happens if my informal review is denied?
If your informal review is denied, you can file a formal appeal with the Metropolitan Board of Equalization (MBOE). This requires attending a hearing in person. Learn about the MBOE hearing process.
Can I appeal my property taxes every year?
Yes, Tennessee law allows you to appeal your property assessment every year during the informal review window. However, your evidence must support a lower value. If nothing has changed since last year, a new appeal may not be successful.