Shelby County homeowners are getting a small property tax rate increase after county commissioners approved a new rate for the coming budget year.
According to Local Memphis, the new county property tax rate is $2.702382 per $100 of assessed property value. The previous rate was $2.69.
Commissioners had discussed a $2.71 rate, but the approved number came in slightly lower. It still means an increase for property owners already watching insurance, repairs, utilities, and other household costs rise.
Homeowners also need to check the appraised value, assessed value, property classification, exemptions, and any city taxes that may apply where the home is located.
The Bill Depends on Assessed Value
The Shelby County Trustee explains that property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the tax rate divided by 100.
For residential property, Shelby County lists the assessed value as 25% of the appraised value. A home appraised at $300,000 would generally have a residential assessed value of $75,000 before exemptions or other adjustments.
The Assessment Can Change the Impact
A higher rate gets attention, but a rising appraised value can have a larger effect on the final bill.
Homeowners should compare the county’s value with recent nearby sales, the home’s condition, outdated features, needed repairs, and any property-record errors that could affect the assessment.
The Appeal Window Is Closing
The Shelby County Board of Equalization says tax year 2026 appeals are accepted from May 1 through June 30, 2026. Online filings must be submitted by midnight on the deadline.
A disputed assessment usually must be appealed to the county board or it becomes final for that year. Homeowners preparing an appeal should organize comparable sales, photos, repair estimates, appraisal records, and any documents that support a lower value.
Homeowners Should Review the Whole Bill
The county rate does not tell the full story for every household. Some residents may also owe city property taxes, depending on where the home is located.
Before paying, owners should review the parcel number, classification, appraised value, assessed value, exemptions, mailing address, city or county line items, and any tax relief or freeze program they may qualify for.
Property owners in any county facing a new tax rate should check both the rate and the value behind it. A small rate change can still affect the bill when assessments, exemptions, and local tax layers are moving at the same time.