Redeem Tax Liens & Pay Delinquent Taxes in Memphis

Taxation and Finance Tennessee 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In Memphis, Tennessee property owners or lienholders may redeem tax liens and settle delinquent property taxes to stop foreclosure and clear title. This guide explains how to locate delinquent accounts, calculate redemption amounts, where to pay, and the typical timeline for resolving tax liens in Shelby County. Follow the step-by-step actions below to redeem a lien, meet statutory deadlines, and use official county offices for payments and appeals. When official amounts or procedures are not shown on a county page we cite, the text notes that the detail is "not specified on the cited page" and points you to the responsible office for confirmation.

How to redeem a tax lien in Memphis

Basic redemption steps for most Shelby County tax liens are: identify the lien, obtain the payoff amount from the county trustee, pay the required amount (taxes, interest, costs), and obtain a receipt or release. For specific payoff calculations and accepted payment methods contact the county trustee or the City of Memphis Finance Department.[1][2]

  • Contact the Shelby County Trustee to request the exact redemption payoff and required documentation.[1]
  • Pay the total amount due (taxes, interest, and administrative costs) by the trustee's accepted methods.
  • Obtain a written receipt and, if applicable, a tax lien release or certificate from the trustee or recorder.
Contact the trustee early—processing and confirmation can take time.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of property tax delinquency and tax lien sales in Memphis is administered at the county level. The Shelby County Trustee handles collection and publishes tax sale procedures; foreclosure or quiet-title actions proceed through the county court system or register of deeds where applicable.[1]

  • Fines or statutory interest rates: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions include tax lien sale, lien foreclosure, and potential loss of title through court action.
  • Enforcer: Shelby County Trustee and the county court system; complaints and inquiries begin with the Trustee's office.[1]
  • Appeals and review: procedural questions or disputes are handled via the Trustee's office and, where required, through county court; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a notice, act quickly to request a payoff statement from the trustee.

Applications & Forms

Forms and exact submission steps vary by county practice. Contact the Trustee or City Finance to obtain required forms, or visit official pages for downloadable forms and instructions.[1][2]

  • Name/Number: payoff statement request form or written request to the Shelby County Trustee; fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • Purpose: obtain exact redemption amount and payment instructions from the Trustee.
  • Submission: in person, by mail, or online if the Trustee provides an online payment portal; verify current options with the Trustee.[1]

Action steps

  • Step 1: Locate the property account number and any published tax sale notices via Shelby County or City of Memphis records.[1]
  • Step 2: Contact the Shelby County Trustee for a written payoff statement and accepted payment methods.[1]
  • Step 3: Pay the redemption amount before the statutory redemption period ends and get a receipt.
  • Step 4: Record any released lien or satisfy records with the Register of Deeds if applicable.
Keep copies of all receipts and filed releases to protect title and for future transactions.

FAQ

Who do I contact to redeem a tax lien in Memphis?
The Shelby County Trustee handles redemption payoffs and payments; the City Finance Department can assist with city tax account questions.[1][2]
How much do I have to pay to redeem a lien?
You must pay the delinquent taxes plus interest and any administrative costs; exact amounts are provided by the Trustee upon request and are not specified on the cited page.[1]
What happens if I miss the redemption deadline?
If redemption is not completed in the statutory period the tax lien purchaser may pursue foreclosure or other title actions; specific deadlines are established by law or county procedure and should be confirmed with the Trustee.[1]

How-To

  1. Find the property account number and recent tax notices via Shelby County records or the City of Memphis tax portal.[2]
  2. Request a written payoff statement from the Shelby County Trustee showing taxes, interest, and costs.[1]
  3. Pay the full redemption amount using approved methods and obtain a receipt immediately.
  4. Ensure the Trustee issues a lien release or notation and, if necessary, record the release with the Register of Deeds.
  5. If disputed, follow the Trustee's appeal procedure or seek review in county court within the applicable statutory timeframe.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Shelby County Trustee early to get an accurate payoff and avoid foreclosure.
  • Redemption requires payment of taxes, interest, and costs; exact figures must come from the Trustee.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Shelby County Trustee information
  2. [2] City of Memphis Finance Department - Property Taxes
  3. [3] Tennessee Code and statutes

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