Calculating Property Taxes in Memphis, TN on SFR

[Mark S.]

I am trying to compare the proforma number from a turnkey provide to the actual amount of property taxes that I will likely be responsible for after purchase.  I've been doing some reading and according to an article I came across, Shelby County, TN calculates county and city taxes based on the ASSESSED value, which is 25% of the APPRAISED value.  Is this correct?

According to the Property Tax Calculator on the Shelby County, TN website:

County Tax Rate: 4.11
City Tax Rate (for Memphis): 3.271481

The purchase price of the turnkey property I'm under contract to buy is $84,000.  So, if I understand correctly, the taxes will be calculated as follows:

$84,000 appraised value x 25% = $21,000 assessed value
County Tax: $21,000 assessed value x 4.11% = $863.10/year
City Tax: $21,000 assessed value x 3.271481% = $687.01/year
Total Taxes = $863.10 + $687.01 = $1,550.11/year or $129.17/month (compared to proforma $95/month)

Is this correct?

[Curt Davis]

@Mark S.  You are correct in what you put down but the taxes are not based on what you purchase the home for or what it appraises for when you get your loan in place. The home currently has a tax assessed value attached to it, that is the number you would use.  There is a good chance that this value might be lower then your current purchase price of $84,000 which is what the seller of the home used in their proforma.  If you go to the Shelby County Tax Assessor site, enter in the address and pull the info for the home you are buying it will tell you what the Tax Assessed Value is, that is the number to use for your calculation.

Hope that helps.