Property Taxes and Skyrocketing Values: What Hamilton County Homeowners Need To Know.

Blake Watson with Epique Realty covers one of the most talked-about topics
in Hamilton County: property reappraisals and their impact on your property
taxes.
Home values in Hamilton County have skyrocketed—an average increase of about
60% over the last four years, marking the largest jump in the county's history.
If you're worried this means a dramatic increase in your property taxes,
there's good news. Tennessee law prevents local governments from automatically
increasing their revenue due to rising property values. Instead, they must
adjust the tax rate downward—known as a revenue-neutral or rollback rate.
However, cities and counties can vote to raise taxes above this rollback
rate, but only after public hearings. Recent statements indicate Hamilton
County Mayor Weston Wamp and East Ridge’s city manager aren't planning tax
increases, though Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has yet to commit either way.
While tax rates might remain flat or decrease, homeowners may still see changes
in their tax bills based on how their property values compare to the county
average.
Nearby counties in Tennessee, including Bradley and Sequatchie, are
experiencing similar rapid increases in property values. Northwest Georgia
counties such as Walker, Catoosa, and Dade are also seeing significant rises,
but Georgia’s Property Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights ensures transparency in any
potential tax hikes, requiring public hearings and clear notices if taxes
increase even slightly above the rollback rate.
If you believe your new appraisal is incorrect, you have options. In
Hamilton County, you can request an informal review or file a formal appeal
with the County Board of Equalization by June 6.
Ultimately, whether your taxes increase depends on your home's value change
relative to the county average, local government tax decisions, and whether you
appeal your appraisal. Understanding these elements can help you better manage
your finances and plan your future.
Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate is hosted by Blake Watson with Epique Realty. He is a Realtor licensed in Tennessee and Georgia. You can reach Blake directly by phone or text at 423-315-1815, visit his website athomechattanooga.com, connect on Facebook or LinkedIn as Blake Watson, or on Instagram @RockNRollBlake. If you found this episode helpful, please follow and share the podcast.
Thanks for listening—here's to your real estate success!