MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Property Assessor Melvin Burgess sent out a press release Monday warning people of a “substantial” property tax increase ahead of the 2025 countywide reappraisal.
“That’s the key word: ‘substantial,’” said Cordova resident Asia Nevilles-Smith.
This would follow the City of Memphis raising its property taxes and passenger vehicle registration as well as solid waste fees in June.
The Assessor's Office declined an interview with ABC24 on Monday, and the office said it likely won’t be until December before they have a better idea of how much of a property tax hike people in Shelby County will be facing.
Until then, people are left guessing exactly how much they need to save.
“I saw a slight increase in my taxes last year. It wasn’t that bad,” said Nevilles-Smith. “But with me not knowing how much to anticipate the taxes to go up, that’s concerning to me.”
Nevilles-Smith said she pays taxes on both her Cordova home and her late grandmother’s house in Orange Mound.
“It wouldn’t be a big deal if my property value went up and it offset [the tax increase] somewhat,” she said.
According to the Assessor’s Office, the anticipated tax increase comes after tracking recent property sales data and surges in property values across all Shelby County neighborhoods since the last reappraisal in 2021.
But the cost of living has also gone up.
“Everything’s a little higher than it was say, maybe 5-10 years ago,” said Orange Mound resident Corey Blair.
Blair said that for him, it ultimately doesn’t matter how high the tax increase is.
“Whatever it is, you got to pay it,” he said. “I like my house and I like living in my house.”
Nevilles-Smith said this means landlords will also be paying higher taxes.
“So they’re passing that expense along to the renter,” she said.
County Assessor Burgess released the following statement Monday:
“We recognize that property reappraisal can be a complicated and bewildering process. Our goal is to ensure that all properties are appraised equitably and accurately, and we are dedicated to fostering transparency and open communication throughout this process.”
Residents said they need to know more.
“We appreciate the announcement but it’s not good enough,” Nevilles-Smith said.
The Assessors Office said it will be holding a series of public meetings to explain more about this process, the reason taxes are going up and offer help and financial advice on how to navigate the increase.
They have yet to release the times and dates of those meetings.