Interest on Child Support Arrears in Tennessee: Rate, Simple vs. Compound and When It Applies
Tennessee child support interest was 12% until April 17, 2017. Now it accrues only if the court makes a written finding (no more than 4%), or at 6% by default in non-IV-D cases unless the court lowers it.
Does Tennessee charge interest on child support arrears?
It depends. If the full amount of child support is not paid when due, the unpaid amount in arrears becomes a judgment and accrues interest as the statute provides (Tenn. Code 36-5-101(f)(1)(A)). Interest accrued at 12% a year until April 17, 2017; after that date it stops unless the court makes a written finding that it continues, at a rate of no more than 4% a year ((f)(1)(B)(i)).
What is the Tennessee rule for non-IV-D cases?
On or after July 1, 2018, interest on arrearages in non-IV-D cases accrues at 6% a year, but the court in its discretion may reduce the rate, including to no interest, after considering any relevant factors ((f)(1)(B)(ii)). The Tennessee arrears calculator defaults to 6% as that scenario; set 0 if the court lowered it.
| Scenario at 6% simple, no payments | Interest | Total owed |
|---|---|---|
| 12 unpaid installments of $500 | $195.00 | $6,195.00 |
| 24 unpaid installments of $500 | $750.00 | $12,750.00 |
| 36 unpaid installments of $500 | $1,665.00 | $19,665.00 |
Each figure assumes no payments and interest from each due date.
What is the Tennessee rule for IV-D cases?
On or after July 1, 2018, interest does not accrue on arrearages in Title IV-D cases unless the court makes a written finding that it continues, at a rate of no more than 6% a year ((f)(1)(B)(iii)). A case is IV-D when the state child support agency provides services.
How do I know which Tennessee interest rule applies to me?
Read your order and the clerk’s or agency’s ledger: whether the case is IV-D, what date each installment was due and whether the court wrote an interest finding. The statute’s dates make the 12% rate apply only to the period before April 17, 2017.
Does a court have to hold a hearing to set interest?
The statute requires a written finding for interest to continue after April 17, 2017 in the cases it covers and sets the rate after considering any relevant factors ((f)(1)(B)); the sections we read do not describe the hearing, so ask the clerk how your court handles it.
Can I ask the court to reduce or end interest?
In non-IV-D cases the court may reduce the 6% rate, including to no interest, after considering any factors it deems relevant ((f)(1)(B)(ii)). Bring evidence of your income, your payment history and any hardship.
Is Tennessee child support interest simple or compound?
The statute does not say compounding applies, and installments are judgments from their due dates (1240-02-04-.05(8)), so the calculator uses simple interest from each due date; ask the clerk how the court computes it. The clerk is not responsible for computing interest (36-5-101(f)(1)(A)).
Is Tennessee interest part of child support?
Yes. All interest that accumulates on arrearages is considered child support ((f)(1)(A)), so enforcement tools apply to it. See how Tennessee collects unpaid support.
Where do you get the official figure?
From the clerk of court or the Department of Human Services. See whether arrears can be changed and file to modify if your circumstances changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tennessee interest rate on child support arrears?
It is 6% by default in non-IV-D cases since July 1, 2018, unless the court lowers it; 12% applied until April 17, 2017.
Does Tennessee charge interest in state-enforced child support cases?
Not unless the court makes a written finding, at no more than 6%.
Can a Tennessee court waive child support interest?
Yes, in non-IV-D cases it may reduce the rate, including to none.
Is Tennessee child support interest simple or compound?
The statute does not call for compounding; the calculator shows simple interest.
Where can I check my Tennessee child support balance?
With the clerk of court or the Department of Human Services.
Official sources
- Tenn. Code 36-5-101(f): judgments, interest, enforcement
- Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04-.05(8): installments as judgments
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Tennessee statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Tennessee attorney.