How to apply for Tennessee Property Tax Relief Program

Who it's for

Tennessee's Property Tax Relief Program reimburses part of the property tax paid by low-income homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled (and disabled veterans, with no income limit). For the 2026 program, elderly and disabled homeowners must have had 2025 income of $38,470 or less; relief is calculated on up to $33,600 of the home's market value. Apply through your county trustee after you get your property tax bill.

What you'll need

• Property tax bill
• Proof of age 65+ or disability
• Income documentation for all owners (tax return, 1099, W-2)
• Proof the home is your primary residence

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Tennessee Property Tax Relief Program. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need property tax bill, proof of age 65+ or disability, income documentation for all owners (tax return, 1099, W-2) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Wait until you receive your property tax bill for the year, then pay your property taxes in full — reimbursement is only available after taxes are paid, and payment must be made by the deadline (35 days after the tax delinquency date).
2. Gather your required documents: your property tax bill, proof of age 65 or older or proof of disability, income documentation for all owners (such as a tax return, 1099s, or W-2s), and proof that the home is your primary residence.
3. Check your eligibility: for the 2026 program, the combined 2025 income of the applicant, spouse, co-owners, and any resident remainder must be $38,470 or less. Disabled veterans and their surviving spouses have no income limit.
4. Contact your county trustee to apply — you can apply online or by phone at 1-615-747-8871. The county trustee handles all applications for this program.
5. Submit your completed application and all required documents to the county trustee before the deadline, which is 35 days after the tax delinquency date.
6. Renew your application every year — this program requires a new application annually after you receive each year's property tax bill.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the county trustee will review your documents and determine your eligibility. If approved, the state will reimburse part of the property taxes you paid, calculated on up to $33,600 of your home's market value for elderly and disabled homeowners, or up to $175,000 for qualifying disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. Processing times vary, so ask your county trustee for an estimate. Because this program requires annual renewal, watch for your next property tax bill each year and reapply by the deadline to keep receiving relief.

Renewals

annual