Tennessee voters to decide on ban of state property tax in 2026

NASHVILLE  (April 24, 2025)  -  The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a resolution that would let voters decide whether to permanently ban a state property tax.

Senate Joint Resolution 1, sponsored by State Rep. Tandy Darby, R-Greenfield, proposes amending the Constitution of the State of Tennessee to prohibit the state from levying or authorizing a property tax. Local governments would retain the authority to impose their own property taxes.

“The state of Tennessee should never take a statewide property tax,” Darby said. “Taking this approach allows for local governments to continue to operate as normal while ensuring an additional burden is not put on Tennessee property owners.” 

The Tennessee General Assembly abolished state property tax in 1949, setting the rate to 0%. Tennessee has since relied primarily on sales tax for revenue.

Tennessee voters will decide on the measure in the November 2026 general election.

State Rep. Tandy Darby represents District 76, which includes Weakley and part of Carroll and Henry counties.