Metro Council to review property tax freeze program

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

The Metro Council will review details about Tennessee’s Property Tax Freeze program on Monday, Feb. 16, at the American Legion Building, 119 Booneville Hwy. in Lynchburg. The council will hold a work session at 6:15 p.m. and its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m.

This statewide program, created by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2007, lets counties and cities freeze property taxes for eligible homeowners on their main home. After approval, the homeowner’s tax stays at the amount set when they first qualify, even if property values or tax rates go up.

Local governments must officially adopt the program by passing a resolution or ordinance to take part. They can also decide to end their participation later, but the program will continue until the end of that tax year.

• Tennessee Property Tax Freeze Program

Who Qualifies

Only homeowners who meet certain requirements can qualify:

* Are 65 or older by the end of the tax year for which they apply.
* Own and use the property as their principal residence.
* Meet income limits established under state law.

Applicants must provide documents that verify their age, ownership, residency, and income. They also have to reapply from time to time to keep their eligibility

Income eligibility is based on the total income of everyone in the household, including Social Security, retirement benefits, wages, and investment earnings. Some veterans’ benefits and similar payments might not count.

How the Freeze Works

If approved, property taxes stay at the amount set when the homeowner first qualifies. Later reassessments or tax rate increases will not raise this amount, but taxes could go down if a reassessment lowers the property’s value.

The freeze only covers the homeowner’s main residence and does not automatically transfer to new owners or other properties.

Administration and Oversight

Local officials check eligibility, keep records, and review documents. Financial details in applications are kept confidential by state law, but authorized officials can review them.

Local governments pay for the program’s operating costs. The state Board of Equalization can set standard rules for definitions, applications, and procedures.

Q&A: Property Tax Freeze

What exactly is frozen?
The property tax amount for a qualifying homeowner’s main residence is frozen at the level it was when they first became eligible.

Does the freeze apply to tax rates or assessed value?
No. The freeze affects the final tax amount, not the tax rate or property assessment.

Can taxes ever change after being frozen?
Yes. If a reassessment lowers the property’s value below the frozen amount, the tax bill can go down.

Who must approve the program locally?
A county or city government must approve the program by passing a resolution or ordinance before residents can join.

Do homeowners have to reapply?
Yes. Participants must regularly confirm that they still meet the income and residency requirements.