Tennessee § 26-5-108 - Unpaid taxes.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 26-5-108 — Unpaid taxes., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-5-108. Unpaid taxes.
Whenever real estate is sold under a decree of any court, it shall be the duty of the judge of the court, before the sale is confirmed to the purchaser, while the funds are in court, to have a reference, to the clerk or clerk and master, while the funds are in court, to ascertain if, upon the day of sale, there were any taxes due and unpaid which were a lien upon the real estate; and, if it is found that there were such taxes, a decree shall be entered in the cause stating the amount of taxes, and directing the clerk and master or clerk to pay the taxes out of the first money collected from the sale of the real estate. In ascertaining the taxes due under a reference as required by subsection (a), the clerk or clerk and master shall issue to each of the officials charged with the collection of any taxes that might or could be a lien on the property, a statement giving the style and number of the cause, a description of the property sold, and the name of the party or parties out of whom the title is or is to be divested; whereupon, each of the officials shall certify to the clerk or clerk and master an itemized statement of the taxes, interest, penalties, and costs that are at that date a lien upon the land in the official's hands for collection, from which statement the clerk or clerk and master shall report to the court the amount of taxes, interest, penalties, and costs that is a lien on the land. Acts 1871, ch. 68, § 1; Acts 1897, ch. 9, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 969-969a2; Code 1932, §§ 1678-1680; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 26-711 — 26-713; Acts 2005, ch. 429, § 4. Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 4 Tenn. Juris., Executions, § 49; 16 Tenn. Juris., Judicial Sales, § 46; 21 Tenn. Juris., Reference and Commissioners, §§ 3, 7. Attorney General Opinions. Court clerk's application of delinquent tax sale proceeds to pay taxes for subsequent years. OAG 12-85, 2012 Tenn. AG LEXIS 86 (9/10/12).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 26-5-108
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 26-5-108 cover?
Section 26-5-108 ("Unpaid taxes.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 26-5-108?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 26-5-108" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 26-5-108 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.