Tennessee § 30-2-501 - Time limitation for suit — State tax lien.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 30-2-501 — Time limitation for suit — State tax lien., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 30-2-501. Time limitation for suit — State tax lien.

Other than by filing of claims or the revivor of actions pending against the decedent at the time of the decedent's death, no suits shall be brought or other action taken by any creditor against the estate until the expiration of three (3) months from the issuance of letters, and nothing in this part shall be so construed as to permit the filing of claims or revivor of pending actions, or institution of suits against the personal representative after twelve (12) months from the date of death of the decedent, except, however, for insolvency proceedings or claims filed by creditors within the period prescribed in the notice published or posted in accordance with § 30-2-306(b). Where any taxes were owed to the state by the decedent at the time of death, any and all property of such decedent, or an amount equal to the proceeds derived from the disposal thereof, shall be subject to the state's common law lien for delinquent taxes for a period of six (6) months following death or until payment within that period, which lien shall be enforceable by distress warrant in accordance with title 67, chapter 1, part 12. Acts 1939, ch. 175, § 6; 1947, ch. 137, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 8196.7 (Williams, § 8196.6); Acts 1957, ch. 242, § 1; 1971, ch. 230, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 30-1001; Acts 1989, ch. 395, § 9. Cross-References. Action against remaining executors after removal of one from state or county, §§ 20-1-112 — 20-1-114 . Jurisdiction of chancery courts of probate and related matters, title 16, chapter 16, part 2. Revival of action after death of sole executor, § 20-5-114 . Summary judgments for and against executors and administrators, § 25-3-128 . Suspension of limitations during exempt period, § 28-1-110 . Testimony as to transactions with deceased, § 24-1-203 . Wrongful death action, § 20-2-112 . Textbooks. Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), §§ 564, 753, 756, 786, 789. Law Reviews. A Survey of Civil Procedure in Tennessee — 1977, II. Selecting a Proper Forum (John L. Sobieski, Jr.), 46 Tenn. L. Rev. 273 (1979). Preferences, Priorities, and Powers of the State in the Collection of Delinquent Revenue: Tennessee's Tax Enforcement Procedures Act (Donald J. Serkin), 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 707 (1978). Wrongful Death Actions in Tennessee (T. A. Smedley), 27 Tenn. L. Rev. 447 (1960).

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 30-2-501

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 30-2-501 cover?

Section 30-2-501 ("Time limitation for suit — State tax lien.") 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 § 30-2-501?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 30-2-501" (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 § 30-2-501 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.