Tennessee · Putnam County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026

Putnam County, TN property tax exemptions (2026)

The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Putnam County, on top of Tennessee’s statewide rules: what each is worth here, who qualifies, where to apply and the deadline.

What is different in Putnam County

Putnam County has adopted Tennessee's local-option Tax Freeze for homeowners 65 and older (since 2024); for 2026 the income limit is $42,200 of 2025 income. No city in the county is listed with its own freeze. Apply every year at the Putnam County Trustee.

Apply at
Putnam County Trustee
Phone
931-526-8845
Local breaks
Property Tax Freeze (Putnam County taxes)
Tax year
2026

Where to apply in Putnam County

Putnam County Trustee

Phone
931-526-8845
Address
300 E Spring St Room 2, Cookeville, TN 38501
Official exemptions page

Other offices

Local exemptions in Putnam County

Senior freeze or deferral

Property Tax Freeze (Putnam County taxes)

Freezes the county property tax on your home at the amount owed in the first year you qualify; it can go down but not up while you requalify each year (improvements raise the base).

Set by
county
Tax year
2026
Who qualifies
Owner-occupant 65 or older by December 31, 2026, with combined 2025 income (you, your spouse and all owners on the deed) at or below $42,200.
Income limit
$42,200 for tax year 2026 (standard limit set by the Comptroller for the county)
How to apply
Apply every year at the Putnam County Trustee with proof of age, ownership and 2025 income (federal tax return, or income documents/affidavit if you do not file).
Deadline
35 days after the tax delinquency date (for 2026 county taxes, usually April 5, 2027); own and live in the home through that date.
Renewal
Every year.

Source: official page

Amounts by taxing unit in Putnam County

Each school district, city or other taxing unit can set its own amount. Find the ones on your tax bill.

Taxing unitTypeFreezeIncome limitSource
Putnam Countycountyyes (adopted 2024)$42,200official

State exemptions that also apply here

These breaks come from Tennessee law. Their full rules, forms and deadlines are on the Tennessee page.

All Tennessee property tax exemptions

By group in Tennessee: Seniors · Veterans · Disability · Surviving spouses

Savings estimate for Putnam County

Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.

Filled in when the exemption is a fixed dollar amount. You can change it.

Putnam County median effective rate: 0.48% (taxes paid as a share of home value). Use your own rate if you know it.

Enter a value and a tax rateChoose an exemption or type the value it takes off.

Median effective rate in Putnam County: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, county figures as published by Tax Foundation. It is a county-wide middle value; rates differ by town and school district.

An estimate, not a bill. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Eligibility finder for Putnam County

Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Leave empty if you'd rather not say.

Everyone in the home, before taxes. Optional: used only to compare with income limits.

Do you own and live in the home?Answer the first question to see results.

A first check, not a decision: only your county, city or town assessor decides. We read ages, ratings and income limits only where the official rule states them plainly; otherwise we show the rule for you to check.

Document checklist for Putnam County

Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.

The checklist asks for no personal details and nothing is sent to our server: the files are made on your device.

Exemptions to include

Questions about property tax exemptions in Putnam County

What property tax exemptions are there in Putnam County?

Putnam County has adopted Tennessee's local-option Tax Freeze for homeowners 65 and older (since 2024); for 2026 the income limit is $42,200 of 2025 income. No city in the county is listed with its own freeze. Apply every year at the Putnam County Trustee. Local breaks here: Property Tax Freeze (Putnam County taxes).

Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Putnam County?

Putnam County Trustee Phone: 931-526-8845 Address: 300 E Spring St Room 2, Cookeville, TN 38501. Also: Putnam County Assessor of Property, which sets the assessed value (appeals, ownership records). Also: TN Comptroller, Property Tax Relief, which state program: Tax Relief for elderly, disabled and disabled veteran homeowners.

When is the deadline to apply in Putnam County?

Property Tax Freeze (Putnam County taxes): 35 days after the tax delinquency date (for 2026 county taxes, usually April 5, 2027); own and live in the home through that date.

Is there an income limit for Putnam County’s local breaks?

Property Tax Freeze (Putnam County taxes): $42,200 for tax year 2026 (standard limit set by the Comptroller for the county)

Do I have to reapply every year in Putnam County?

Property Tax Freeze (Putnam County taxes): Every year.

Good to know in Putnam County

  • The Putnam County Trustee states the freeze income limit of $42,200.

Think your assessed value is too high? See how to appeal in Putnam County.

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.