State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, wants to raise awareness for two relief programs that allow eligible Rutherford County residents to save on their property taxes. 

The programs are available for qualifying homeowners who are either 65 and older, low-income elderly, low-income disabled or a disabled veteran. 

The General Assembly approved the Property Tax Freeze Act in 2007 which allows local cities and counties in Tennessee to participate in the property tax freeze program. Any Rutherford County homeowner 65 and older who earns $44,920 or less of income can have their county property taxes frozen from the first year they qualify for the program. The cities of Murfreesboro, La Vergne and Smyrna also participate in the program.

Tennessee state law also allows for property tax relief for qualifying low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, as well as disabled veteran homeowners or their surviving spouses. The program is funded by the General Assembly and allows qualifying applicants to receive tax relief on a portion of their property’s assessed value.

"These tax relief programs are vital to assist our residents living on fixed incomes," Sparks said. "And while Tennessee is collecting more taxes and we're in great fiscal shape, we have folks who are facing record-breaking rising inflation, higher fuel cost, food cost and housing cost under the Biden Administration.”

Sparks encourages residents to apply if they believe they may qualify for the tax relief programs. 

"With these recent rising tax assessments, there's a great need for these programs,” Sparks said. “I'm hoping that more people will apply so they can keep more money in your pocket.” 

More information about the property tax freeze and property tax relief programs can be found on the Tennessee Comptroller’s website. The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services also has information about property tax relief for disabled veterans on its website.

Qualifying homeowners must reapply for each of the programs each year. The Rutherford County Trustee’s Office can be reached at (615) 898-7705. You can also learn more by visiting rctrustee.com.

ABOUT: Mike Sparks represents House District 49, which includes part of Rutherford County. He serves on the Finance, Ways and Means Appropriations Subcommittee, Commerce Committee, Education Instruction Committee and Finance, Ways and Means Committee. He can be reached at rep.mike.sparks@capitol.tn.gov or by calling 615-741-6829.