Tax freeze for more eligible seniors in Knox County announced

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — Citing an increased need in the senior community amid inflation, Knox County Trustee Justin Biggs announced a tax freeze eligibility expansion for homeowners 65 and older.

Biggs proposed increasing the income limit per senior household to the Knox County Commission from $44,940 to $60,000, the state maximum.

“A tax ‘freeze’ will keep a person’s property tax at the same rate that the property is currently assessed at,” a news release from Biggs’ office states. “The tax can go down (based on new assessments) but will not increase during the freeze. The new eligibility is effective immediately.”

The Trustee’s Office is preparing tax statements for the last week of September, which is ahead of the usual mid-October arrival; however, this will not change when taxes are due.

“I’m excited to bring this to our senior community at a time when inflation has strained most everyone, but especially our senior adult community,” Biggs stated. “Our team in the Trustee’s Office is always working hard and looking for ways to serve Knox County better. I appreciate the County Commission’s assistance and know they, too, recognize how important it is to help our seniors keep as much money as possible. In addition, I want to remind our veterans you too may be eligible for tax relief and encourage you to reach out to our Veterans coordinator.”

The Trustee’s Office will host sign-up events at local senior centers around the Knox County area throughout October. More information, including a link to the application, is available on the Trustee’s Office web page .

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