Your property tax notice contains important information about how your property is valued and taxed. Understanding what each number means helps you identify potential errors and determine if you should appeal your assessment.
This guide walks you through every section of your property tax notice, explains key terms, and shows you how to spot errors that could be costing you money.
In This Guide
What Is a Property Tax Notice?
A property tax notice (also called an assessment notice or tax bill) is an official document from your county assessor's office that tells you:
- How much your property is valued (appraised and assessed value)
- What your property tax will be for the year
- When payment is due
- How to appeal if you disagree with the assessment
You typically receive this notice in the mail after your county completes a reappraisal or when there are changes to your assessment. In some counties, you can also view it online through the assessor's website.
Important: Don't Confuse Tax Notice with Tax Bill
The assessment notice (what we're discussing) tells you your property's value and gives you the opportunity to appeal. The tax bill comes later and tells you how much you owe. You receive the assessment notice first, typically in January or February, with the appeal deadline in April.
Key Sections Explained
While the exact format varies by county, most property tax notices include these key sections:
1. Property Information
- Property address: The location of the property
- Parcel number: Unique identifier for your property
- Owner name: Who the property is assessed to
- Property type: Residential, commercial, etc.
2. Property Characteristics
- Square footage: Living area of your home
- Lot size: Size of your land
- Year built: When your home was constructed
- Bedrooms/Bathrooms: Room counts
- Features: Garage, basement, pool, etc.
3. Valuation Information
- Appraised value: What the assessor thinks your property is worth
- Assessed value: The portion you're taxed on (25% for residential)
- Previous value: What it was assessed at last year (if changed)
- Change amount: How much the value increased or decreased
4. Tax Information
- Tax rate: The rate applied to your assessed value
- Estimated tax: How much you'll owe (may be approximate)
- Exemptions: Any exemptions you qualify for (senior, disabled, etc.)
5. Appeal Information
- Appeal deadline: When you must file an appeal (typically April)
- How to appeal: Instructions for filing an informal review
- Contact information: Assessor's office phone and address
Appraised Value vs. Assessed Value
Understanding the difference between these two values is crucial:
Appraised Value
What it is: The assessor's estimate of your property's market value—what they think it would sell for on the open market.
How it's determined: Using mass appraisal techniques, analyzing recent sales, property characteristics, and market trends.
This is what you appeal: If you believe your appraised value is too high, you file an appeal to get it reduced.
Assessed Value
What it is: The portion of appraised value that you're actually taxed on.
How it's calculated: For residential property in Tennessee, assessed value = 25% of appraised value.
Example: If your home is appraised at $400,000, your assessed value is $100,000 (25% of $400,000).
📊 Quick Example
If your notice shows:
- Appraised Value: $400,000
- Assessed Value: $100,000 (25% of $400,000)
You're being taxed on the $100,000 assessed value, not the full $400,000 appraised value. If you successfully appeal and get your appraised value reduced to $360,000, your assessed value becomes $90,000, reducing your tax bill.
How Property Tax Is Calculated
Your property tax is calculated using this formula:
Property Tax Calculation
Understanding Tax Rates
Tax rates are typically expressed as:
- Per $100 of assessed value: $3.25 per $100 means you pay $3.25 for every $100 of assessed value
- As a percentage: Sometimes shown as 3.25%
- Per $1,000: Some counties use $32.50 per $1,000 (same as $3.25 per $100)
Tax Rate Components
Your total tax rate is usually made up of several components:
- County tax rate: Set by your county government
- City/Municipal tax rate: If you live in a city (like Nashville)
- School district tax rate: For public schools
- Special district taxes: For specific services or improvements
💡 You Can't Appeal the Tax Rate
Important: You can appeal your property value (appraised value), but you cannot appeal the tax rate. Tax rates are set by elected officials and voter-approved measures. Your appeal focuses on proving your property is worth less than the assessor believes.
Understanding Your Property Record Card
Your property record card (also called a property card or assessment card) contains detailed information about your property that the assessor uses to determine value. This is separate from your tax notice but is crucial to review.
How to Get Your Property Record Card
- Online: Most counties have online property search tools
- Davidson County: Visit padctn.org and search by address
- In person: Visit your county assessor's office
- By phone: Call and request a copy
What to Check on Your Property Record Card
Property Record Verification Checklist
Pro Tip: Property Record Errors Are Easy Wins
If you find errors in your property record (wrong square footage, room counts, or features), you have strong grounds for an appeal. These are factual errors that are easy to prove and often result in quick reductions. Always check your property record before filing an appeal.
Spotting Errors in Your Notice
Here are common errors to look for:
1. Property Record Errors
- Wrong square footage: Record shows more than you actually have
- Incorrect room counts: More bedrooms or bathrooms than you have
- Features you don't have: Pool, finished basement, or garage listed but don't exist
- Wrong lot size: Larger lot than you actually own
- Incorrect year built: Shows newer construction than actual
2. Valuation Errors
- Dramatic increase: Assessment jumped 30%+ without justification
- Higher than comparable sales: Similar homes sold for less than your assessed value
- Condition not reflected: Deferred maintenance or issues not accounted for
- Negative factors ignored: Traffic noise, flood zone, or other location issues not considered
3. Calculation Errors
- Wrong assessment ratio: Should be 25% for residential (check if it's calculated correctly)
- Math errors: Assessed value doesn't equal 25% of appraised value
- Tax calculation errors: Tax amount doesn't match assessed value × tax rate
⚠️ Red Flags
If your assessment increased dramatically (30%+), comparable homes sold for less than your assessed value, or you find errors in your property record, you likely have a strong case for an appeal. Don't ignore these red flags—they could be costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.
What to Do If You Find Errors
If you find errors or believe your assessment is too high, here's what to do:
1. Document the Errors
- Take photos showing the actual condition or features
- Get measurements if square footage is wrong
- Gather evidence of comparable sales if value seems high
- Get repair estimates if condition issues affect value
2. File an Appeal During the Informal Review Window
- Deadline: Typically January through mid-April (varies by county)
- For 2026: Davidson County deadline is April 30, 2026
- How to file: Online through assessor's website or in person
- What to submit: Evidence showing why your assessment should be lower
3. Focus on Strongest Evidence
Lead with your strongest evidence:
- Property record errors: Easiest to prove and win on
- Comparable sales: Similar homes that sold for less
- Condition issues: Photos and repair estimates
💡 Need Help?
Not sure if you have a case or how to present your evidence? Get a free evaluation and we'll analyze your property to see if you qualify for an appeal. We can also help you file a professional appeal with strong evidence.
Found Errors or Think Your Assessment Is Too High?
If you've spotted errors in your property record or believe your assessment doesn't reflect your property's true value, you may have a strong case for an appeal. Get a free evaluation to see if your property qualifies.
Get Free EvaluationSee if your property is over-assessed. Takes 2 minutes. No obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between appraised value and assessed value?
Appraised value is what the assessor believes your property is worth on the open market. Assessed value is the portion of appraised value that you're taxed on. In Tennessee, residential property is assessed at 25% of appraised value. So if your home is appraised at $400,000, your assessed value is $100,000.
How do I calculate my property tax?
Property Tax = Assessed Value × Tax Rate. For example, if your assessed value is $100,000 and your tax rate is $3.25 per $100 of assessed value, your annual property tax is $100,000 × $3.25 / $100 = $3,250.
What should I do if I find an error on my property tax notice?
If you find errors in your property record (wrong square footage, room counts, or features), you should file an appeal during the informal review window (typically January through April). Property record errors are among the easiest issues to win appeals on.
Can I appeal my tax rate?
No, you cannot appeal the tax rate. Tax rates are set by elected officials and voter-approved measures. You can only appeal your property's appraised value (what the assessor thinks it's worth).
How do I get my property record card?
You can get your property record card online through your county assessor's website, in person at the assessor's office, or by calling and requesting a copy. For Davidson County, visit padctn.org and search for your property by address.
What if my assessment increased dramatically?
If your assessment increased 30% or more, especially during a reappraisal year, that's a red flag. Even if the market has appreciated, individual properties can still be over-assessed. Research comparable sales to see if similar homes are selling for less than your assessed value. If so, you likely have a case for an appeal.
When will I receive my property tax notice?
You typically receive your property tax notice in January or February, after your county completes a reappraisal or when there are changes to your assessment. The notice will include the appeal deadline (typically in April). If you don't receive one, contact your county assessor's office or check online.