Memphis City Property Tax: Look Up Your Bill, Pay Safely, Check Relief & Avoid Monthly Interest
Use this Memphis City property tax guide when you need to search a City tax bill, pay online, pay by phone, mail a check, visit City Hall, understand the August 31 delinquency rule, separate City taxes from Shelby County taxes, apply for relief or freeze, appeal your assessed value, fix owner/address issues, or handle delinquent tax notices.
Start here: choose the right Memphis property tax task
Memphis owners often have two separate tax tracks: City of Memphis property tax and Shelby County property tax. This page focuses on the City bill, but shows when to use Shelby County offices.
Fast task board
- 1Need City bill amount? Use the City of Memphis ePayments lookup by tax bill number/year, parcel number, owner name or property address.
- 2Need to pay? City allows online, phone, mail, City Hall and First Horizon Bank payment routes. Use the bill stub when mailing or paying at bank.
- 3Need assessed value? Search Shelby County Assessor. The City bill uses assessment values certified by the Assessor.
- 4Need to appeal value? File with Shelby County Board of Equalization during appeal season, not with City Treasury.
- 5Need senior, disabled or veteran help? Check Tax Relief, Tax Freeze and Quarterly Payment programs before the deadline.
Official live-task links
Find City bill
Search City ePayments by bill, parcel, owner or address.
Check assessment
Use Shelby Assessor if value, owner or address looks wrong.
Pay by Aug. 31
Pay City tax before monthly interest begins.
Use relief/appeal
Apply for tax help or appeal assessment by the correct deadline.
How to look up a Memphis City property tax bill
The official Memphis ePayments lookup gives multiple search paths. Use it for City tax bills and payment history. Use Shelby County Assessor for property value, owner, address and appraisal records.
1
Open the official City of Memphis tax lookup
Use the city site before entering payment details anywhere else.
▾
Open City of Memphis ePayments Property Tax Lookup. Search by Tax Bill Number and Tax Bill Year, Parcel Number, Property Owner Name, or Property Address.
2
Verify the property before paying
Do not pay only because the name looks similar.
▾
Confirm parcel number, owner, address, tax year, bill type, assessment, tax assessed, interest/penalty, other charges and total due. City detail pages warn that legal reliance should be checked with official Treasury records.
3
Print history or check posting delay
Payments may not display immediately.
▾
The ePayments FAQ says property-tax payments appear on the site after 3 business days. For a specific tax year, use lookup payment history, open the year, then print from the top-right print button.
| Lookup Need | Use This | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| City tax bill | City of Memphis ePayments | Search by bill number/year, parcel, owner or address. |
| Payment history | City ePayments history | Allow 3 business days for property-tax payments to reflect online. |
| Appraised value | Shelby County Assessor | Search by address, owner, business name or parcel number. |
| County tax bill | Shelby County Trustee | City and County tax bills are separate. Do not assume one payment covers both. |
| Owner/address correction | Shelby Assessor first, then City Treasury | Fix assessment roll records, then send signed written request to City if needed. |
How to pay Memphis City property taxes safely
The City of Memphis lists several payment routes. Choose based on deadline, proof needed, convenience fee, tax relief voucher rules and whether you need staff help.
Online
Pay through the official ePayments site with e-check, credit card or debit card. Review vendor fees and save confirmation.
Phone
Call 901-636-7200 for property tax payment by e-check, credit card or debit card.
Mail bill stub with check or money order to City of Memphis Treasury, P.O. Box 185, Memphis, TN 38101-0185.
In person
Pay at City Hall, 125 N. Main St., Suite 375, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during posted business days.
First Horizon Bank
Pay in person at any First Horizon Bank with your tax bill and check or money order. Tax relief vouchers cannot be taken at First Horizon Bank.
Partial payment
Partial payments are accepted, minimum $10, but they apply to the oldest eligible year and interest continues on unpaid balances.
1
Start from the official City tax page
Avoid unofficial payment links.
▾
Start with City of Memphis Tax Information or City of Memphis ePayments. Confirm the parcel, tax year and amount before payment.
2
Check whether older taxes exist
Old balances can control how your payment applies.
▾
City Treasury states that Tennessee law requires previous-year taxes not included in active bankruptcy or active appeal to be paid in full before payment for current-year taxes can be applied.
3
Save proof and wait for online posting
The payment screen may not update instantly.
▾
Save receipt, confirmation number, mailed check proof, bank receipt or payment history. The City ePayments FAQ says property-tax payments reflect online after 3 business days.
Memphis City property tax due date and monthly interest
City of Memphis property taxes are due after the rate is set by City Council, generally in mid to late June, and become delinquent after August 31.
| Date / Stage | What Happens | Action for Property Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Mid to late June | City taxes become due after City Council sets the tax rate. | Look up your City tax bill and confirm amount due. |
| August 31 | City tax deadline before delinquency. | Pay in full or use an approved payment path before interest begins. |
| After August 31 | Real estate, personal and state-assessed property taxes accrue 1.5% monthly interest. | Pay quickly; partial payment does not stop interest on remaining balance. |
| CBID delinquency | CBID assessments receive 1% interest and 1% penalty each month after delinquency. | Check if the property is in the Central Business Improvement District. |
| After one full year delinquent | Real estate and state-assessed property taxes are turned over to delinquent attorneys on February 1 after one full year delinquent. | Contact City Treasury before legal action grows costs. |
Monthly interest
City delinquent real estate, personal property and state-assessed taxes receive 1.5% monthly interest on unpaid tax balance after delinquency.
Other charges on bill
City bills may include weed cutting and cleanup, anti-neglect, sidewalk installation, demolition and board-up, sanitation and other property-related charges.
Increased assessment after billing
If a tax assessment is added or increased after initial billing, the City says the taxpayer gets 60 days to pay the increased amount before late fees are added.
Appeal does not erase due date
If appealing taxes, City Treasury says the undisputed tax amount must be paid before delinquency to avoid late fees.
Memphis City property tax vs Shelby County property tax
A Memphis property can have both City of Memphis taxes and Shelby County taxes. The offices, deadlines and payment systems are not the same.
| Question | Use This Office | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pay my City of Memphis bill | City of Memphis Treasury / ePayments | City Treasury bills and collects City realty, personalty, SAP, PILOT and CBID-related amounts. |
| Pay my Shelby County bill | Shelby County Trustee | County Trustee handles Shelby County tax payments, payit901, Trustee relief/freeze and county delinquent services. |
| Find appraised value | Shelby County Assessor | The Assessor locates, identifies and appraises property at market value. |
| Appeal assessed value | Shelby County Board of Equalization | BOE hears appeals on assessed value certified by the Assessor. |
| Fix owner/address | Shelby Assessor first, then City Treasury | Assessment roll must be corrected so future City tax bill records match. |
How Memphis City property tax is calculated
City Treasury explains the basic formula: the Memphis City Council sets the tax rate, and the bill uses assessment value derived from Shelby County Assessor appraisal data.
Formula
City tax bill = tax rate × assessment value ÷ 100. Always verify the current tax rate on the official City or Assessor calculator before estimating.
Residential / farm
City Treasury lists residential and farm assessment at 25% of appraised value.
Commercial / industrial
City Treasury lists commercial and industrial assessment at 40% of appraised value.
Personalty
City Treasury lists personal property assessment at 30% of appraised value.
1
Search the Shelby County Assessor record
This is where value and assessment details begin.
▾
Open Shelby County Assessor Property Search. Search by address, owner name, business name or parcel number. For address search, the official Assessor search says not to enter street direction or suffix.
2
Check property class before estimating
Residential and commercial do not use the same assessment ratio.
▾
Confirm whether the property is residential/farm, commercial/industrial, exempt or personalty. Use the official Shelby County Assessor Property Tax Calculator for a quick estimate.
3
Do not calculate from market value only
Tax applies to assessment value, not just sale price.
▾
For a home, a rough estimate starts with appraised value × 25% = assessment value. Then multiply assessment value by the City tax rate and divide by 100. Add other charges, PILOT, CBID, interest or unpaid balances only if they apply.
How to appeal a Memphis property assessment
Appeals are not handled by the City Treasury payment counter. If you disagree with appraised value, use Shelby County Assessor review and Shelby County Board of Equalization appeal routes.
Appeal checklist
- 1Search the Assessor record: Confirm appraised value, property class, address, land/building details and ownership.
- 2Use informal review if available: The Assessor site may allow informal appraisal review during the posted review window.
- 3File BOE appeal on time: Shelby County BOE states 2026 appeals are accepted May 1 through June 30, 2026.
- 4Upload evidence: Online appeal system allows supporting documents; representatives must upload authorization.
- 5Pay undisputed tax: City Treasury says undisputed amount should be paid before delinquency to avoid late fees.
Official appeal links
| Appeal Item | Official Detail | Practical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 appeal window | May 1 through June 30, 2026 | File before midnight of the deadline if using eFile. |
| Fee | BOE says no fee is charged for filing an appeal | Do not pay a fake “required filing fee.” |
| Evidence | Documentation must be provided for the hearing; eFile supports upload | Use comps, appraisal, condition photos and property-detail corrections. |
| Result | Assessment can increase, decrease or remain unchanged | Appeal only with strong value or property-record evidence. |
| Further appeal | State Board appeal generally must be filed within 45 days of county board action notice | Read the decision notice immediately. |
Memphis City tax relief options for seniors, disabled taxpayers and veterans
City of Memphis tax information lists Tax Relief, Tax Freeze and Quarterly Payment programs. These are separate from a value appeal and may require application, proof and annual eligibility checks.
Tax Relief
Available for qualifying homeowners age 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled taxpayers receiving Social Security disability benefits, qualifying 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses.
Tax Freeze
Available to qualifying taxpayers age 65 or older who meet annual income eligibility requirements. It freezes the tax amount on the primary residence based on program rules.
Quarterly Payment
Available to taxpayers age 65 or older who own and occupy their primary residence and have no delinquent taxes or other outstanding charges. There is no income requirement listed by the City.
Quarterly City schedule
City of Memphis quarterly payment dates are August 31, November 30, February 28 and May 31. Each installment is one-fourth of the annual amount due.
1
Call before applying if the deadline is close
Tax help programs require eligibility proof.
▾
For City tax relief/freeze help, City Treasury says to call 901-522-1111 to ask questions or schedule an appointment if assistance is needed with applications.
2
Check whether the City or Trustee handles the benefit
Memphis has special routing.
▾
Shelby County Trustee pages administer many county programs, but the Trustee tax relief page notes that it does not handle Tax Relief for Memphis. For City of Memphis tax relief, use City of Memphis guidance and phone support.
3
For quarterly pay, keep the account current
Delinquent taxes can block quarterly payment eligibility.
▾
Quarterly Pay requires the taxpayer to own and occupy the primary residence and have no delinquent taxes or other outstanding charges. Set reminders for all four payment dates.
What happens when Memphis City property taxes become delinquent
City delinquency costs can grow monthly. The longer the tax stays unpaid, the more likely it moves into attorney collection, Chancery Court action, default judgment and tax sale risk.
Monthly interest
Delinquent real estate, personal and state-assessed property taxes receive 1.5% interest monthly after the delinquency date.
Attorneys
Real estate and state-assessed property taxes are turned over to delinquent attorneys February 1 after one full year delinquent.
Chancery Court
City Treasury says after real estate taxes are 17 months delinquent, the City files the property in suit with Chancery Court.
Tax sale risk
After real estate taxes are three years delinquent, the property is subject to being sold for taxes.
1
Search the current balance first
Old notices may not include new interest.
▾
Use City ePayments to review the latest listed total due, including interest/penalty and other charges. Then call City Treasury if the account is in bankruptcy, appeal or attorney collection.
2
Do not assume a small payment stops legal progress
Partial payments reduce balance but do not erase delinquency.
▾
Partial payments are accepted, but interest continues to accrue on unpaid balances and payments apply to the oldest eligible year first. Call before relying on partial payment to protect a property close to collection action.
3
Contact the City Tax Line for confusing histories
Payment history and bankruptcy/appeal cases need staff review.
▾
The ePayments FAQ says to contact the City Tax Line at 901-522-1111 if payment history is incorrect. For property tax phone payment, use 901-636-7200.
Common Memphis property tax problems buyers and businesses should check
Many City tax problems are not caused by the payment screen. They are caused by closing timing, mortgage escrow routing, owner/address errors, personal property accounts or property-related city charges.
| Situation | What to Check | Best Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage escrow should pay | City bill and mortgage escrow disbursement | If delinquent notice arrives in November, call the mortgage company immediately. |
| Bought this year | Closing statement and City tax lookup | Confirm whether taxes were paid at closing or only prorated between buyer and seller. |
| Owner/address wrong | Shelby Assessor record and City tax bill | Send change first to Shelby County Assessor; then send signed written request to City Treasury. |
| Business closed | Personal property account and County Clerk status | City FAQ says contact County Clerk at 901-222-3000 to officially close business. |
| Extra charges on City bill | Weed, cleanup, anti-neglect, sidewalk, demolition, board-up or sanitation charges | Identify charging authority and ask how to dispute or pay the charge. |
Memphis City property tax contacts
Use City Treasury for City tax bills and payment. Use Shelby County Assessor for appraised value, assessment ratio, owner/address and property records. Use Shelby County Board of Equalization for appeals.
City Treasury
Phone: 901-522-1111
Mailing address: 125 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Payment phone / in person
Phone payment: 901-636-7200
In person: City Hall, 125 N. Main St., Suite 375
Payment hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Shelby Assessor
Phone: 901-222-7001
Address: 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, TN 38134
Use for: value, owner, address, property data.
Map to Memphis City Hall tax payment office
Use this map for in-person City property tax payment at City Hall. Bring your bill, parcel number and payment method. For First Horizon Bank payment, bring the bill and use check or money order.
Official Memphis and Shelby County property tax resources
Use these for live actions. The key official-source details are already summarized above so users only leave to search, pay, appeal, apply or verify current status.
Memphis City property tax FAQs
Short answers for homeowners, buyers, escrow customers, seniors, business owners and taxpayers with delinquent City property taxes.
QHow do I pay Memphis City property tax online?▾
Use the official City of Memphis ePayments property tax lookup. Search by bill number/year, parcel number, owner name or property address, verify the account, then pay and save confirmation.
QWhen are Memphis City property taxes due?▾
City of Memphis property taxes are due after City Council sets the tax rate, generally in mid to late June, and become delinquent after August 31.
QWhat happens after August 31?▾
Delinquent City real estate, personal and state-assessed property taxes receive 1.5% interest on the unpaid tax balance on the first of each month after the delinquency date.
QCan I pay part of my Memphis property tax?▾
Yes. Partial payments are accepted with a minimum of $10. Payments apply to the oldest eligible year with taxes due, and interest continues on unpaid balances.
QWhere do I pay Memphis City taxes in person?▾
Pay at City Hall, 125 N. Main St., Suite 375, Memphis, TN. The City lists in-person payment from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
QWhat is the Memphis property tax phone number?▾
For City Treasury questions, call 901-522-1111. For phone property tax payment, call 901-636-7200. For Shelby Assessor value/address questions, call 901-222-7001.
QWho determines my Memphis property value?▾
The Shelby County Assessor appraises property and certifies assessment values. Memphis City Council sets the City tax rate, and City Treasury uses the assessment value to bill City property tax.
QHow do I appeal my Memphis assessment?▾
Appeal to the Shelby County Board of Equalization during the appeal window. For 2026, the Board states appeals are accepted May 1 through June 30, 2026, with online filings due by midnight of the deadline.
QDoes Memphis have property tax relief?▾
Yes. Memphis information lists Tax Relief, Tax Freeze and Quarterly Payment programs for qualifying taxpayers. Call 901-522-1111 for City tax relief/freeze questions or appointment help.
QIs PropertyTaxUSA.org official?▾
No. PropertyTaxUSA.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify payment status, tax rate, bill amount, relief eligibility, assessment value and appeal deadlines with official City of Memphis and Shelby County resources.
Bottom line
For Memphis City property tax, think: search City ePayments → verify Shelby assessment → pay before August 31 → use relief/freeze/quarterly pay if eligible → appeal value through Shelby County Board of Equalization if the assessment is wrong. City Treasury handles City bills and payments. Shelby County Assessor handles value and ownership records. Shelby County Trustee handles County taxes and many county relief tools.
Independent guide notice: This page is not the City of Memphis, Shelby County Assessor, Shelby County Trustee, Shelby County Board of Equalization, a payment processor or legal advice. Official city and county sources control tax bills, payment status, tax rates, penalties, relief eligibility, assessment records and appeal deadlines.