By Tabitha Evans Moore
Editor & Publisher
LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — At Monday’s meeting, the Metro Council will consider whether to adopt a Property Tax Freeze Program that would allow certain qualifying homeowners — primarily seniors — to lock in the amount of property taxes they pay on their primary residence.
Authorized under Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 67-5-705), the program allows counties and municipalities to freeze property taxes for eligible residents age 65 and older who meet specific income limits. If adopted locally, eligible homeowners would be able to freeze their tax amount at the level they paid in the year they first qualify.
A tax freeze does not prevent the property’s assessed value from increasing and does not freeze the tax rate. Instead, it freezes the actual dollar amount the qualifying homeowner pays. If property values rise in future years, the homeowner’s tax bill would remain the same if they continue to meet age, income, and residency requirements. If property values decrease, the tax bill could go down accordingly.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years old, own and live in the home as their principal residence and fall within annual income limits established under state guidelines. Participants must apply and provide documentation verifying age, income, and residency, and they must requalify each year to remain in the program. The benefit applies only to a primary residence and does not extend to rental property, commercial property, or second homes.
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If adopted, the program would be administered locally by the county’s collecting official, who would verify eligibility, determine the frozen tax amount, and maintain records. The law also allows the local legislative body to terminate participation in the program at a future date if it chooses.
Supporters of property tax freeze programs often argue that they provide stability and predictability for seniors living on fixed incomes, particularly during periods of rising property values. At the same time, as property values increase, local governments do not collect additional tax revenue from properties participating in the freeze, which can have implications for future revenue growth as well as funding services and infrastructure needs. Council members are expected to discuss those trade-offs as part of their consideration.
The Metro Council meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Building located at 119 Booneville Highway in Lynchburg near the Lynchburg Pool. There is a public comment period before each meeting. •
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