top of page
Search
Autumn view of East Tennessee mountains over a small town

Tri-Cities Property Tax Season: Kingsport Bills Are Out. Key Dates for Owners, Churches and Nonprofits

Writer: Aaron Pearlman
Aaron Pearlman
Oct 19
4 min read

Property tax season has started in the Tri-Cities. On October 1, the City of Kingsport announced that its 2026 property tax bills have gone out, with payment due by November 30. If you own a home, run a business out of a building you own, or keep the books for a church or nonprofit in Northeast Tennessee, now is a good time to put the local deadlines on your calendar and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.


Here's a plain-English rundown of what we've confirmed from official city and state sources, plus a few items to double-check with your county trustee.


Kingsport: due November 30, 2026

According to the City of Kingsport, property owners must pay 2026 city property taxes on or before November 30, 2026, to avoid penalties. The city lists this penalty schedule for unpaid balances:


  • 2% added on December 1, 2026

  • Another 2% added on January 1, 2027

  • An additional 1% on the first of each month after that until the bill is paid


The city also notes that penalties on delinquent payments "cannot be waived by any city official," so it's worth paying on time even if you plan to question the bill.


You can pay online, by mail, or in person at the Customer Service Center at 415 Broad Street, which also has a drive-thru drop box for checks. Paying by credit or debit card adds a 2.75% processing fee, while paying online by eCheck carries no extra fee. The city says property taxes cannot be paid by phone. On a larger commercial bill, that 2.75% card fee adds up quickly, so eCheck or a mailed check is usually the better choice.


Johnson City: due February 28, 2027

Johnson City runs on a different calendar. The city's property tax page says 2026 property taxes are due by February 28, 2027, and envelopes postmarked on or before that date are accepted. Penalty and interest begin on March 1, 2027. Online payments carry a 2.75% processing fee, and you can also pay by mail or in person at the Municipal and Safety Building at 601 E. Main St.


Bristol and the county bills

Remember that if you own property inside city limits, you'll usually get a city bill and a separate county bill from the Sullivan County or Washington County trustee. We did not find a 2026 bill notice from Bristol, Tennessee, or from either county trustee when we checked, so confirm your county and Bristol due dates directly with those offices rather than assuming they match the city deadlines above. The Sullivan County Trustee's office can be reached at (423) 323-6464.


Tax relief for seniors, disabled homeowners and veterans

Tennessee offers property tax relief for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, and for disabled veteran homeowners or their surviving spouses. Kingsport's notice lists these figures for its program:


  • Homeowners who are 65 or older, or disabled, by December 31, 2026, may qualify on their primary residence. The 2025 income limit listed is $38,470, and relief is calculated on up to $33,600 of market value.

  • Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, or their surviving spouses, may qualify regardless of income, on up to $175,000 of market value.

  • Kingsport also offers a city rebate of up to $40 for qualifying residents.


If you're helping an older parent or a church member with their finances, this is an easy benefit to miss. Applications typically go through your county trustee's office.


For churches and nonprofits: exemption isn't automatic

Many church treasurers assume a 501(c)(3) letter means the church's property is automatically exempt from Tennessee property tax. It isn't. The Tennessee State Board of Equalization says that "no organization is automatically exempt" (with limited exceptions) and that 501(c)(3) organizations must also apply. A few points from the Board's guidance:


  • You apply through the Board's online filing system, and processing can take up to about six months.

  • Each parcel needs its own application, so a newly purchased parsonage, lot or ministry building needs its own filing.

  • Timing matters. Applications filed before May 20 generally take effect January 1 of that tax year (or later, if ownership or use started later). After May 20, the exemption may still reach back to when exempt use began if you file within 180 days of that date.

  • You're expected to report changes in use, including leasing space to another group, to the county assessor.


If your congregation bought property or started using a building differently this year, check its exemption status before the bills arrive.


Key takeaways

  • Kingsport 2026 property taxes are due by November 30, 2026, and penalties start December 1.

  • Johnson City 2026 property taxes are due by February 28, 2027.

  • Confirm Bristol, Sullivan County and Washington County due dates directly with those offices.

  • Paying by card typically adds a 2.75% fee. eCheck or a mailed check avoids it.

  • Seniors, disabled homeowners and disabled veterans may qualify for state tax relief.

  • Churches and nonprofits must apply for property tax exemption. It is not automatic, and each parcel needs its own application.


Questions about your property taxes?

Count the Cost Accounting serves businesses, nonprofits and churches across the Tri-Cities. If you'd like help budgeting for property taxes, reviewing an exemption, or getting your year-end books in order, contact us at 423-430-9704 or aaron@countthecostaccounting.com.


Sources

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page