2015 Tennessee Code
Title 67 - Taxes And Licenses
Chapter 8 - Transfer Taxes
Part 4 - Inheritance Tax -- Administration
§ 67-8-411 - Appraisal of estate by commissioner.

(a) Upon receipt of such return from the executor, administrator or trustee, the commissioner shall proceed to make an appraisal of the various items of the gross estate and to investigate deductions claimed by such representative of the estate.

(b) In making the appraisal, the commissioner shall direct the commissioner's deputies, agents or assistants to investigate the valuation placed upon each item of the estate, with a view to determining its fullness and fairness, and, in the absence of written objection upon the part of the representative of the estate, the commissioner's appraisal shall be final and binding upon the estate; provided, that such representative shall have the right to file with the state board of equalization, within ninety (90) days from the date of such appraisal, an appeal from the appraisal. A copy of the appeal shall be filed with the commissioner, who shall file with the state board of equalization the commissioner's findings concerning the appraisal. The board shall have authority to consider the exceptions filed, hear proof and determine the valuation in dispute, and the findings, by a majority vote, of the board shall be conclusive as to all parties in interest, subject only to the constitutional right of review in the courts.

(c) The procedure established by this section for review of the appraisal of the commissioner by the state board of equalization shall apply only if the issue of valuation of the various items of the gross estate is the only objection to be raised to the assessment. If this procedure for review is selected by the representative of the estate, no challenge to any legal issues that might be raised concerning the inheritance tax assessment shall be entertained in any court or forum. In all cases in which the representative of the estate seeks to challenge an assessment under this section on any ground other than valuation, the entire proceeding, including issues of valuation, must be brought in accordance with § 67-1-1801 or § 67-1-1802.

(d) In order for any person who seeks review of an appraisal by the state board of equalization to obtain a stay of proceedings or action for the collection of the assessed tax, the person must file a complaint, with a copy of the petition for review by the state board of equalization attached, in chancery court seeking a stay until final determination of the review by the board of equalization, and must do those things necessary to obtain a stay under § 67-1-1801.