Does Tennessee sell state surplus to the public?

Yes, through GovDeals. The state's online auction page links to its GovDeals seller page.

Where do I title an auction vehicle in Tennessee?

Through your county clerk's office, which also collects sales tax on the purchase.

Is sales tax charged at Tennessee auctions?

Often, yes. Tennessee's 7% state rate plus local tax makes this a big part of your cost, unless you have a valid resale certificate for inventory.

Tennessee Auctions: Surplus, Cars, Storage & Estate Sales

Tennessee sells state surplus to the public on GovDeals, and its three big metros each have their own government surplus programs, IAA and Copart yards, and active estate-auction companies. Because Tennessee has no personal income tax, sales tax rates are high, so factor tax into every bid. Start with the statewide sources below, then open a city page for verified local links.

City guides

Nashville
Metro Nashville and Davidson County: 7 verified local sources Memphis
Shelby County: 6 verified local sources Knoxville
Knox County: 8 verified local sources

Statewide sources

Government surplus

Tennessee State Surplus: online auction: Official state page. Tennessee state surplus is auctioned to the public on GovDeals (govdeals.com/tnsurplus).
GovDeals: Tennessee listings: Every Tennessee agency selling on GovDeals in one search, filterable by city and seller.

Estate sales and local auction houses

AuctionZip: Tennessee auctions: Statewide calendar of auctioneers' upcoming estate, farm, equipment and consignment sales in Tennessee.

Tennessee rules worth knowing

General information only, not legal or tax advice. Check with the agency before you rely on it.

Sales tax and reselling. Tennessee's state sales tax is 7%, plus local tax in most areas, so combined rates are among the highest in the country. If you buy to resell regularly, you generally need to register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Registered dealers can use a resale certificate with qualifying sellers. Government auctions may still charge tax unless you provide the paperwork they ask for.
Vehicles: titles and taxes. Make sure you get a properly assigned title (or the documents the auction specifies). Sales tax on vehicles is generally collected by the county clerk when you title and register. See the TN title and registration pages. Title and register through the state motor vehicle agency. Salvage-branded vehicles need extra steps before they can be driven on the road again.
Storage auctions. Facilities must follow the state's notice and advertising rules before a lien sale, and tenants can often pay and pull a unit right up to the sale.
Buying across state lines. The selling state's tax and pickup rules usually apply at the time of sale.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Tennessee sell state surplus to the public?: Yes, through GovDeals. The state's online auction page links to its GovDeals seller page.
Where do I title an auction vehicle in Tennessee?: Through your county clerk's office, which also collects sales tax on the purchase.
Is sales tax charged at Tennessee auctions?: Often, yes. Tennessee's 7% state rate plus local tax makes this a big part of your cost, unless you have a valid resale certificate for inventory.

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