Sources of Assistance for Register of Deeds

The legal issues which face the register day-to-day almost always may be solved by reference to statutory law, whether the issue is whether or not to accept an instrument, what fee is due, whether state tax is due, where to record or file the instrument, how to index the instrument, or any number of other questions involving personnel and responsibilities toward other officials or the public.  Therefore, the register should obtain and maintain in current form the most relevant volumes of Tennessee Code Annotated.  These are Volumes 3, 3A, 8A, 8B (UCC), 8D (Corporations), 11A (Property), and 12 (Taxes).

If the register is unable to solve a problem after reference to the statutes, there are sources of assistance available. 

Local Level.  At the local level, the county attorney may be able to offer assistance.  This will vary from county to county, as not all county attorneys are obligated to assist the register.  The local District Attorney General is obligated by law to respond to questions posed regarding the register's official duties.  T.C.A. § 8-7-103(4).

State Level.  At the state level, the University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service provides assistance through the regional county government consultants, who are supported by lawyers and other professionals.  The County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) publishes information and emails these items to the register in the form of technical bulletins and "spotlight" memoranda throughout the year. 

Tax Matters.  The Department of Revenue, located in Nashville, can assist the register in administering the state transfer and mortgage taxes.  The Department offers memoranda on this subject.

Financial Reporting.  Division of County Audit, Office of the Comptroller, and its field agents, may be of assistance to the register in financial reporting matters.