General

The Property Assessor is required by Tennessee Law to list and value all property for “ad valorem” (according to value) taxation on an assessment roll each year. back to top

How is property assessed?

For residential properties, appraisers study the sales of homes similar to yours which sold. For commercial and industrial properties, the cost, market, and income approaches are considered. For Tangible Personal Property, values are based on the asset information submitted directly by business owners. back to top

How do I change my mailing address?

You may fill out a form online located here, email the Assessor, or you may call the Property Assessor’s office to have an Address Change form mailed to you. Changing your address at the post office does not change your address with the Assessor’s office, the Trustee’s office, or the City. back to top

My spouse has passed away. How do I remove their name from the property?

Names may only be removed if there is a clear chain of title on the property. If you and your spouse were both listed as owners (i.e. Adam and wife, Eve) the widower may request to have the deceased spouse’s name removed. However, if a property is only listed in the deceased individual’s name, a chain of title will need to be recorded with the Sequatchie County Register of Deeds office. Please provide a copy of the death certificate to the Assessor’s office to be kept on file. The Assessor’s office will not remove or add any names without a proper chain of title. back to top

I have remarried and have a new last name. How can I correct this on my property?

A married name may be added to the name on the property by request. If you wish to completely remove an old married name or correct from the maiden name, a new deed or affidavit will need to be recorded in the Sequatchie County Register of Deeds office in order to establish a clear chain of title to the property. back to top

I want to give a portion of my property to a relative. Do I need a survey and/or a deed?

A legal description of the property will be required for property to be exchanged. If a lawyer office is preparing the paperwork for you, they will require a legal description describing the property boundaries for the deed. A surveyor will provide you a map, mark the corners/points on the ground, and also provide a typed out legal description reflecting their survey. For more information regarding legal description requirements, please contact the Assessor’s office. back to top

If the Assessor of Property’s office didn’t increase my market value, why did my taxes increase?

The Assessor of Property does not establish the amount of property tax due. If the assessed value on your property remained the same as the previous year, the increase in your taxes can be attributed to an increase in tax rates. back to top

Why is the road leading to my property not shown on your map?

The road is probably only an easement and we do not generally show easements or private drives on our maps. back to top

Does the Assessor’s office keep up with septic permits?

No. The Assessor’s office does not keep records concerning septic tanks. The County Environmentalist, Justin Green, maintains and issues permits regarding septic systems. The 24-hour hotline for questions concerning septic systems is (423) 634-3149. You may also call (423) 296-2260, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm EST. back to top

How do I make an appointment with the County Board of Equalization?

After requesting an informal review from the Assessor of Property, if you still wish to appeal to the county board you may call our office and request to be scheduled before the board. The County Board is in session during the month of June. Appeals to the County Board are accepted up to the last scheduled meeting of the County Board. Please check under the Appeals tab for more information regarding Informal Reviews and Formal Appeals. back to top

What is the difference between Real Property and Personal Property?

Real Property is the real estate, including buildings, driveways, land, etc. Personal Property is for assets used in a business. Please check under the Real Property tab for more information regarding programs covered under real property. Check under the Personal Property tab for information concerning business owners. back to top

What is a reappraisal and why is it necessary?

The State of Tennessee mandates a county-wide reappraisal (TCA 67-5-1601). Reappraisals allow the Assessor of Property to adjust property values so that every property in Sequatchie County is appraised at fair market value. Reappraisals eliminate the inequities created over time by change in the real estate market, ensuring fairness and equity for all property owners. For information regarding how a reappraisal works visit the Reappraisal page located under the Real Property tab. For information regarding the 2023 reappraisal, please see the Update from the Assessor under the Current Updates section. back to top

How often does the county reappraise?

Sequatchie County in on a six year cycle. The last reappraisal was 2017 with the next being 2023. back to top

Where can I find information on property tax sales?

For information on property tax sales, or back-tax sales, please contact the Clerk and Master’s office at (423) 949-3670. back to top

Does the Assessor visit my property?

All properties within Sequatchie County are visited by the Assessor and/or a member of the Assessor’s staff who performs an exterior inspection of the property between reappraisal years. The Assessor’s office also visits and inspects the interior of properties when necessary, or upon invitation by the property owner. You can schedule a visit from the Assessor by using the Request A Review form. back to top

When will I be notified of the value of my property?

The Assessor of Property office is required to notify you of any changes in value or classification to your property. If the property is unchanged between reappraisal years there will be no need for a notice. However, if any changes in the physical characteristics or classification are made, a notice of assessment change will be sent to you in May of the tax year the change is made. back to top

Who do I contact about building permits?

Sequatchie County does not require building permits. However, some utility providers in the county require permits for electrical and septic. The City of Dunlap does require permits, and property that falls within the City limits will need to contact City Hall at (423) 949-2115 for additional information. If you intend to build or improve on property within the County that falls into a FEMA Flood Zone, you will need to contact the Assessor or City to discuss federal requirements. You can check if your property is in a flood zone by either contacting the Assessor’s office or reviewing FEMAs Flood Map Service Center. back to top