Hickman Property Tax rates in Hickman TN average about 0.58% and are applied to 25% of a home’s market value, so a $300,000 house yields a $75,000 assessment and roughly $435 in annual taxes. The Hickman County tax assessor office, located at 114 N. Central Avenue, Suite 106 in Centerville, handles the assessment, while the Hickman County tax collector contact (phone (931) 729‑2169, email randy.jenkins@hickmancountytn.gov) processes payments through the online portal, credit card, or mail. Homeowners can lower their bill with the Hickman County homestead exemption, senior tax credit, or other property tax exemptions offered by Tennessee property tax law. If you believe your valuation is too high, you have 30 days from the notice date to file an appeal; the Hickman property tax assessment appeal deadline is enforced by the county courthouse property tax division.
Hickman real estate tax calculator tools let you estimate the 2026 Hickman property tax bill quickly, and the same portal shows the Hickman County tax delinquent list for overdue accounts. The tax lien process begins after a notice of delinquency and may end with a tax sale if unresolved. For mortgage-related questions, the Hickman county mortgage tax is included in the overall tax bill and explained on the assessor’s website. Detailed guidance from the Tennessee Department of Revenue and the county’s official site helps owners understand how are property taxes calculated in Hickman, ensuring compliance and avoiding surprise penalties.
Search Hickman County Property Tax
Hickman County provides a public property tax search through the Hickman County Property Assessor office in Centerville, Tennessee. Residents, prospective buyers, real estate agents, and title researchers can look up parcel data, ownership records, assessed values, and tax payment status using the county’s online tools. The search covers residential, commercial, agricultural, and vacant land parcels within Centerville, Only, Lyles, Bon Aqua, and the unincorporated areas of Hickman County.
Each parcel carries a unique parcel identification number tied to the Assessor, Trustee, and Register of Deeds records. A successful query returns the current assessment, exemption status, tax history, and any delinquent balance owed on the property. The database updates regularly as new deeds are recorded and as the Assessor certifies the annual assessment roll.
Follow these steps to perform a property tax search in Hickman County:
- Open the Hickman County Property Assessor search portal through the official county website.
- Enter a parcel number, property address, or owner name in the search field.
- Review the parcel summary, which shows the current appraised value, assessed value, and any applied exemptions.
- Click the tax history tab to view the last several tax bills and payment status for the parcel.
- Note the assessed value and any exemptions, then calculate the tax bill using the county’s published tax rate.
- Contact the Hickman County Property Assessor office for clarification on any specific parcel.
Hickman County Property Tax Rates and How They Work
Hickman County property tax rates average 0.58% of assessed value, placing the county among the lower-tax jurisdictions in Middle Tennessee. Tennessee law requires assessors to value residential property at 25% of its appraised market value, a ratio set by state statute rather than the county. The county’s tax rate is then applied to that 25% assessed figure, not to the full market value of the home.
For example, a home with a market value of $300,000 carries an assessed value of $75,000. At the 0.58% average county rate, the resulting tax bill sits near $435 per year before any city or special district additions apply. Rates fluctuate each fiscal year as the County Commission adopts a certified tax rate based on reassessment results, debt service obligations, and school funding requirements.
The Tennessee Constitution requires that property be classified and assessed uniformly, and county assessors reappraise all real property on a four-, five-, or six-year cycle. Hickman County’s last general reappraisal set the values reflected in the current tax rolls. Property owners receive a notice of value change following each reappraisal cycle.
The table below shows sample tax bills at various market values using the 0.58% county rate and the 25% state assessment ratio.
| Market Value | Assessed Value (25%) | County Tax Rate | Estimated Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $37,500 | 0.58% | $217.50 |
| $200,000 | $50,000 | 0.58% | $290.00 |
| $300,000 | $75,000 | 0.58% | $435.00 |
| $400,000 | $100,000 | 0.58% | $580.00 |
What Goes Into the Tax Rate
The combined rate reflects several funding needs approved by the Hickman County Commission each year. General county government services, road maintenance, the sheriff’s department, and emergency services receive allocations from property tax revenue. A separate portion funds Hickman County Schools, and a smaller portion covers debt service on outstanding bonds.
Each spring, the County Commission votes on a certified tax rate after reviewing budget proposals from every funded department. If reassessment produces higher property values across the county, the commission may lower the tax rate to keep revenue neutral, a process called the certified tax rate calculation under Tennessee law.
Role of the Hickman County Property Assessor
The Hickman County Property Assessor holds responsibility for valuing every parcel in the county for tax purposes. The office maintains the assessment roll, tracks ownership changes, administers exemption applications, and defends values before appeals boards. The Assessor does not set the tax rate, collect taxes, or send out tax bills; those duties belong to the Trustee and County Clerk.
Randy Jenkins currently serves as the Hickman County Property Assessor, working from the Centerville courthouse location. Property owners can reach the office by phone, email, or in person during regular business hours to ask questions about a specific parcel or the assessment process.
Key duties of the Assessor include:
- Appraising real property during the reappraisal cycle and updating values based on physical inspections
- Processing ownership transfers when deeds are recorded by the Register of Deeds
- Reviewing and approving exemption applications for homestead, senior, disabled veteran, and agricultural classifications
- Maintaining parcel maps, property records, and the public-facing search database
- Preparing the annual assessment roll for submission to the State Board of Equalization
- Representing the county in property tax appeals before the Hickman County Board of Equalization
What the Assessor Does Not Do
The Assessor does not bill property owners for taxes. Tax bills are issued by the Hickman County Trustee once the county and city tax rates combine with the assessed value. The Assessor also does not collect payment for delinquent taxes; that responsibility shifts to the Trustee, the County Attorney, and ultimately the court system if a lien proceeds to sale.
Reading Your Hickman County Tax Bill
A Hickman County tax bill contains several pieces of information needed to verify the assessment and the amount due. Each line item corresponds to a taxing entity, and each exemption applied at the Assessor’s office shows as a credit on the bill. Knowing how to read the bill helps property owners catch errors before payment is due.
The top of the bill lists the parcel number, property address, and owner of record as of January 1 of the tax year. The middle section shows the appraised value, the assessed value (25% of appraised for residential), the applicable tax rate per $100 of assessed value, and the resulting tax amount for each entity.
Key line items found on a typical Hickman County tax bill:
- County General Fund – the primary rate covering most county services
- County Road Fund – funding for highway department operations and paving
- Hickman County Schools – the school system’s portion of the property tax
- Debt Service – repayment of voter-approved bonds for schools or other capital projects
- City of Centerville or other municipal rate – only for properties inside city limits
- Special District fees – fire protection, solid waste, or library district charges where applicable
Understanding the Assessed Value on the Bill
The assessed value on the tax bill reflects the Assessor’s valuation times the state-mandated assessment ratio. Residential and farm property are assessed at 25% of appraised value, commercial and industrial property at 40%, and business personal property at 30%. The classification appears on the bill alongside the assessed figure, and any approved exemption further reduces the taxable assessed value.
Hickman County Property Tax Exemptions
Tennessee law authorizes several property tax exemptions that reduce the taxable value of qualifying parcels. Exemptions must be applied for through the Assessor’s office, and most require documentation of eligibility, such as proof of age, disability, military service, or ownership status. Filing deadlines vary by exemption type, and missing a deadline can cost the full reduction for that tax year.
The most common exemption in Hickman County is the homestead exemption, available to owner-occupants of a primary residence. Senior citizens, disabled veterans, and qualifying agricultural landowners may also claim additional relief. Some exemptions apply automatically based on ownership records, while others require a formal application.
The table below summarizes major property tax exemptions available in Hickman County.
| Exemption Type | Who Qualifies | Effect on Tax Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead Exemption | Owner-occupied primary residence | Reduces the assessed value used for school taxes or other portions based on county policy |
| Senior Citizen Relief | Homeowners age 65 or older meeting income criteria | Tax freeze or partial reduction on the primary residence |
| Disabled Veteran Exemption | Veterans with service-connected disabilities | Full or partial property tax reduction based on disability rating |
| Agricultural / Forest Land | Working farms and timberland meeting acreage and income tests | Greenbelt valuation at agricultural use value rather than market value |
| Disabled Person / Blind | Homeowners with qualifying disabilities | Reduction in assessed value for the primary residence |
How to Apply for an Exemption
Most exemption applications are filed directly with the Hickman County Property Assessor. The applicant must provide proof of eligibility, such as a deed, driver license, birth certificate, military discharge paperwork, or a disability award letter. Many exemptions must be renewed periodically, and any change in ownership or use can affect eligibility.
Applications filed after the deadline typically take effect the following tax year rather than retroactively. Property owners should contact the Assessor to confirm which documents are required for a specific exemption and to learn the application deadline.
How to Appeal a Property Tax Assessment in Hickman
Property owners who disagree with the Hickman County Property Assessor’s valuation may file an appeal with the Hickman County Board of Equalization. The appeal must be filed within the deadline set by Tennessee law, generally a short window after the notice of assessment is mailed. Missing the deadline forfeits the right to appeal for that tax year.
The first step in an appeal is to review the Assessor’s records for the parcel, including the property record card, comparable sales used, and any physical characteristics recorded. Property owners often find errors in square footage, acreage, number of bathrooms, or condition ratings that justify a value reduction.
Steps in the Hickman County property tax appeal process:
- Obtain a copy of the property record card from the Assessor’s office or through the online search portal.
- Compare the Assessor’s value to recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood.
- Identify any errors in the property record card, such as incorrect square footage or missing depreciation.
- File a written appeal with the Hickman County Board of Equalization before the published deadline.
- Attend the informal hearing to present evidence supporting the lower value.
- Receive a decision from the Board; if denied, the appeal may be taken to the Tennessee State Board of Equalization or to chancery court.
Evidence That Strengthens an Appeal
Comparable sales carry the most weight in a Hickman County assessment appeal. Sales of similar homes within the same subdivision or school zone, closed within 12 to 18 months of the assessment date, provide a strong benchmark. Photographs of property defects, contractor estimates for repairs, and independent appraisals can supplement the comparable sales analysis.
Property owners may represent themselves at the Board of Equalization hearing or hire a licensed Tennessee attorney or tax representative. Many appeals result in a reduced assessment through negotiation with the Assessor before the formal hearing takes place.
Property Tax Payment Options in Hickman County
Hickman County property taxes are billed and collected by the Hickman County Trustee. Bills are typically mailed in the fall of each year, and payment may be made in person, by mail, or online. Tennessee law allows counties to offer early payment discounts in some years, and a small discount applies to payments made during the discount period.
Partial payments are accepted by the Trustee under state law, and installment plans are available for property owners facing financial hardship. Delinquent taxes accrue interest and penalties beginning March 1 of the year following the tax year, and a tax lien attaches to the property once the account becomes delinquent.
Common payment methods available to Hickman County property owners:
- Online payment through the county’s taxpayer portal using a bank account or credit card
- Payment by mail to the Trustee’s office using the remittance slip attached to the tax bill
- In-person payment at the Trustee’s office in the Hickman County Courthouse in Centerville
- Bank bill-pay service initiated by the property owner, with the parcel number in the memo line
- Escrow payment handled by a mortgage company on behalf of the borrower
Mortgage Tax and Escrow Accounts
Many Hickman County property owners pay their property tax through a mortgage escrow account. The mortgage servicer collects a portion of the estimated tax each month, pays the bill on the homeowner’s behalf when it comes due, and reconciles any shortage or surplus at the end of the year. The homeowner remains legally responsible for the tax even when the mortgage servicer handles payment.
If a mortgage company fails to pay the tax on time, the property owner can still pay the bill directly to the Trustee to prevent a lien. Property owners should review their annual escrow statement and compare it to the actual tax bill to catch any errors in the escrow calculation.
Hickman County Tax Lien and Delinquent Tax Process
When Hickman County property taxes go unpaid, the account becomes delinquent on March 1 of the following year. Interest and penalties begin to accrue at the rate set by Tennessee law, and the delinquent amount becomes a lien on the property. The lien remains attached to the parcel until paid, and it survives the sale of the property, meaning a new owner can inherit a tax debt from a previous owner.
After a period of delinquency, the Hickman County Trustee, working with the County Attorney, may initiate proceedings to sell the tax lien to an investor. Tax lien sales in Tennessee allow investors to pay the delinquent tax and earn interest on the amount until the property owner redeems the lien. If the property owner fails to redeem, the lien holder may seek a deed through court action.
Key stages of the Hickman County delinquent tax process:
- Taxes become delinquent on March 1 of the year following the tax year.
- The Trustee sends a notice of delinquency to the property owner of record.
- Interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance.
- The delinquent account is published in a list of tax delinquent properties.
- The county may offer the lien for sale to investors, who pay the tax and hold the lien until redemption.
- If unredeemed, the lien holder may pursue a court-ordered deed to the property.
Redeeming a Tax Lien
A property owner can redeem a tax lien by paying the original tax amount, accrued interest, penalties, and any costs incurred by the lien holder. The redemption period under Tennessee law typically extends for a defined term after the lien sale, and an owner who redeems within that window retains the property. Once the lien holder obtains a court-ordered deed, the prior owner’s right of redemption is generally lost.
Property owners who discover a tax lien attached to their parcel should contact the Hickman County Trustee as soon as possible to learn the total amount required to redeem. The earlier the redemption, the lower the total cost, since interest continues to accrue until full payment.
Special Property Tax Situations in Hickman County
Several unique property tax situations arise in Hickman County because of its mix of rural, agricultural, and small-town properties. Farm owners often qualify for the greenbelt program, which values land based on its agricultural use rather than its potential development value. Timberland may also qualify for forest land classification, reducing the assessed value substantially.
Property owners who rent out homes or operate short-term rentals remain responsible for property tax on the parcel, and the tax bill is not prorated based on occupancy. The owner of record on January 1 of the tax year is liable for the full bill, even if the property sells later in the year. New buyers typically receive a credit at closing for the seller’s unpaid portion of the year.
Other situations that affect Hickman County property tax include:
- Recent property purchases, where the Assessor updates ownership based on the deed recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Boundary line adjustments, where a survey and recorded plat change the acreage and assessment
- New construction, where the Assessor adds the improvement to the roll once construction reaches a taxable stage
- Damage or demolition, where a property owner can request a revised assessment reflecting the reduced value
- Divorce or inheritance transfers, where a deed must be recorded to update the owner of record
Agricultural and Timber Land Classification
Owners of qualifying agricultural land can apply for greenbelt valuation, which assesses the property based on its farm use value rather than its market value. The application requires evidence of agricultural activity, such as livestock counts, crop production records, or farm income documentation. A minimum acreage threshold applies, and the land must have been in agricultural use for a defined period before the application.
Timberland owners may apply for forest land classification, which provides a separate valuation method for tracts used for commercial timber production. The application requires a forest management plan, and the land must be committed to timber production for a defined period. Both classifications can produce meaningful tax savings for rural Hickman County property owners.
Hickman County Property Tax Records and Online Access
Hickman County maintains digital access to property tax records through several official portals. The Hickman County Property Assessor hosts a public search database containing parcel data, ownership history, assessment records, and exemption status. The Hickman County Register of Deeds maintains a separate portal for recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents affecting title to real property.
Both portals are available online and may be used free of charge by anyone researching property in Hickman County. The Assessor’s portal includes the current tax year’s assessment, prior years’ assessments, and the ability to print a property record card for use in an appeal. The Register of Deeds portal provides scanned images of recorded documents, which may be downloaded for a fee.
Key online resources for Hickman County property tax records:
- Official county website: https://hickmancountytn.gov
- Statewide Tennessee Property Assessment Data (TPAD) at assessment.cot.tn.gov
- Hickman County Trustee taxpayer portal for bill and payment history at portal.hctax.info
Using the Assessor’s Search Portal
The Assessor’s search portal accepts searches by parcel number, owner name, or property address. Each parcel record shows the owner’s name and mailing address, the property address, the legal description, the most recent appraised value, the assessed value, any exemption in effect, and the classification code. Users can click through to a property record card that breaks down the valuation by land, improvements, and any special features.
For tax payment status, the Trustee’s portal provides the most current information, since the Assessor’s database focuses on valuation rather than billing. Property owners who notice a discrepancy between the Assessor’s valuation and the Trustee’s tax bill should contact both offices to reconcile the difference.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
The Hickman County Property Assessor and the Hickman County Register of Deeds both operate from the Hickman County Courthouse in downtown Centerville, Tennessee. The two offices occupy adjacent suites, making it convenient for property owners to handle assessment, recording, and tax questions in a single visit. Phone and email contacts are available for owners who prefer to handle questions remotely.
For questions about property valuation, exemption applications, or appeals, contact the Hickman County Property Assessor. For questions about deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded documents, contact the Hickman County Register of Deeds. Refer to the official county website for current phone numbers, email addresses, and office hours.
| Department | Address | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickman County Property Assessor | Hickman County Courthouse, Centerville, TN 37033 | Refer to official county website | Refer to official county website |
| Hickman County Register of Deeds | Hickman County Courthouse, Centerville, TN 37033 | Refer to official county website | Refer to official county website |
Official Websites
Hickman County official website: https://hickmancountytn.gov
Statewide Tennessee Property Assessment Data (TPAD): https://assessment.cot.tn.gov
Hickman County Trustee taxpayer portal: https://portal.hctax.info
For directions to the Hickman County Courthouse in Centerville, use a mapping service and search for the Hickman County Courthouse in Centerville, TN 37033. Parking is available on-site near the courthouse square, and the Assessor and Register of Deeds suites are located inside the main entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hickman Property Tax services help owners know their tax bills, pay on time, and fix mistakes. The county assessor office in Centerville offers online search, payment portals, and clear instructions for exemptions or appeals. Understanding these tools saves money and avoids penalties.
How can I look up my Hickman Property Tax bill online?
Visit the official assessor portal at assessmentx.com/hickmantn. Enter the parcel number or owner name, then click Search. The page shows the assessed value, tax rate, and any unpaid balance. If the bill is missing, call the assessor office at (931) 729‑2169 for help. Many users find the portal fastest because it updates daily and shows payment history.
What are the current property tax rates in Hickman County, TN?
Hickman County applies a uniform rate of 0.58 percent on the assessed value of each parcel. The assessor values residential property at 25 percent of market price, so a $200,000 home is taxed on $50,000. Multiply $50,000 by 0.0058 to get a $290 annual bill. Commercial and agricultural land use slightly different assessment ratios, but the same 0.58 percent rate applies.
How do I claim the senior homestead exemption in Hickman County?
First, confirm eligibility: age 65 or older and primary residence in the county. Download the exemption form from the assessor’s website or request it by phone. Fill out the form, attach a copy of your driver’s license, and mail it to 114 N. Central Avenue, Suite 106, Centerville, TN 37033. The office processes exemptions within 30 days, then reduces your taxable value for the next bill.
What steps should I follow to appeal a property tax assessment in Hickman?
Start by reviewing the assessment notice for errors in size, condition, or comparable sales. Gather proof such as recent appraisals, sales data, or repair invoices. File a written appeal with the assessor’s office before the deadline listed on the notice—usually 30 days after the notice arrives. Include all documentation and contact Randy Jenkins at randy.jenkins@hickmancountytn.gov if you need guidance. The appeal board will hold a hearing and issue a decision within 60 days.
Which payment options does Hickman County accept for property taxes?
You can pay online through the Taxpayer Portal at portal.hctax.info. The site lets you use credit cards, e‑checks, or automatic bank drafts. In person, bring a check or cash to the courthouse tax division at 114 N. Central Avenue, Suite 106. Mail‑in payments should include the parcel number and be sent to the same address. Payment plans are available for qualified owners; call (931) 729‑2169 to discuss terms.