Tennessee Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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Tennessee Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

10 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
6 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
10%
Post-Judgment Interest
✗
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Tennessee provides a 10-year judgment lien and 10% post-judgment interest. Wage garnishment is available with standard protections, and the homestead exemption is modest at $5,000 (or $25,000 for qualifying households). Real property liens are a powerful tool for creditors.

Tennessee Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 6 years TCA §28-3-109
Open Account / Credit Card 6 years TCA §28-3-109
Oral Contract 6 years TCA §28-3-109
Promissory Note 6 years TCA §28-3-109
Judgment Lien 10 years TCA §25-5-101

Tennessee’s 6-year SOL for written contracts is standard in the Southeast. Oral contracts carry a shorter period. Filing suit promptly after default is recommended.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Tennessee post-judgment interest accrues at 10% per annum under TCA §47-14-121. Interest is simple and begins on the judgment date.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Tennessee

Wage Garnishment yes
Tennessee allows wage garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings under TCA §26-2-106. Employer receives a garnishment summons and must withhold.
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank account garnishments are available after judgment under TCA §26-2-201. Financial institutions must hold non-exempt funds pending resolution.
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
Recording a judgment in the county register’s office creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (TCA §25-5-101). Lien lasts 10 years.
Turnover Order yes
Tennessee courts may issue supplemental proceedings requiring debtors to disclose and transfer non-exempt assets under TCA §26-1-101.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution allow the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property (TCA §26-1-101).
Vehicle Levy yes
Tennessee exempts one motor vehicle up to $5,000 in equity for qualifying debtors under TCA §26-2-103. Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead $5,000 ($25,000 joint/elderly/disabled) TCA §26-2-301
Motor Vehicle $5,000 equity TCA §26-2-103
Wages 75% of disposable earnings TCA §26-2-106
Personal Property $10,000 general TCA §26-2-103
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans TCA §26-2-105

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Tennessee Resources

Tennessee Courts – TN Courts Case SearchCivil case records statewideTennessee SOS – TNBEAR Business SearchEntity & registered agent lookupTennessee Register of Deeds – Property LiensReal property & judgment lien filingsTennessee Code Annotated – LegislatureOfficial state statutes

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Tennessee attorney before taking collection action.