Taxes in Tennessee for retirees

A single retiree with $60,000 of income and a $350,000 home pays about $4,458 a year in Tennessee income, property and sales tax. That is $1,961 a year less than the middle state, and ranks 5 of 47 states from lowest to highest.

Where the $4,458 comes from

TaxPer yearHow we got it
State income tax$0Standard deduction, no credits. Source
Property tax$1,575Statewide typical rate of 0.45% of home value. Your county and exemptions will differ. Source
Sales tax$2,8837% state plus 2.61% average local on the spending you list as taxable. Source
Total counted$4,458Every yearly tax above is included.

Tax on what you leave behind

This state charges no estate or inheritance tax. Federal estate tax is separate.

Ways to lower your Tennessee property tax

  • Property Tax Relief (elderly and disabled homeowners)

    State reimburses the property tax on the first $33,600 of your home's market value

    Apply by: 35 days after the delinquency date. Source

Check which of these you may qualify for

What this assumes

  • A single filer with $60,000 a year, all of it taxable income such as a pension or retirement account withdrawals.
  • Social Security is not counted, because states treat it differently. Your state may also exempt some retirement income, which would lower the income tax.
  • A $350,000 home taxed at the state's typical rate, and $30,000 a year of spending that carries sales tax.
  • City and county income taxes are not included. Your county may charge more or less property tax than the state typical.

Enter your own numbers in the retirement state tax planner

General information, not tax advice. Rates change each year, so confirm with your state tax agency. See all 47 states ranked.