Tennessee Voters to Decide on Constitutional Amendment to Ban State Property Tax
Tennessee voters will decide in November on a constitutional amendment to ban a state property tax that has not been collected since 1949.
Knoxville, TN, October 12, 2026 — Tennessee voters are set to cast their ballots in the upcoming November election on a constitutional amendment that would formally ban the state property tax. This measure addresses a tax that has effectively been inactive for decades, having not been collected since 1949.
The proposed amendment, which will appear on the general election ballot, seeks to enshrine in the state constitution a prohibition against the imposition and collection of a state property tax. While the tax has not been levied for over seven decades, its presence on the books has remained a point of discussion, particularly concerning potential future legislative actions or the need for constitutional clarity.
The history of the state property tax in Tennessee dates back to the late 19th century, with its collection ceasing in 1949. For years, state government revenue streams have not relied on this particular tax, with property taxes primarily being a source of funding for local governments such as counties and municipalities. The move to ban it at the state level via a constitutional amendment aims to provide a permanent legislative barrier.
The outcome of the vote in November will determine whether Tennessee permanently prohibits its state government from levying a property tax. The amendment requires a majority vote from the state’s electorate to be adopted into the constitution.
Story summarized from the original created by Tori Gessner on www.wate.com, see more information here.
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