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Fentress Property Tax 2026 Rates, Payment Guide & Help Online

Fentress Property Tax rates for 2026 average about 0.48% and are calculated on the assessed value shown in the 2026 property tax assessment for Fentress. Homeowners can look up their Fentress County tax roll using the official Fentress County tax website or the Tennessee Trustee portal, then apply the online property tax calculator to estimate dues. The Fentress tax collector office contact includes phone (931) 879‑9194 and email melynda.sullivan@cot.tn.gov for questions about the Fentress property tax due date or payment plan options. Seniors, veterans, and low‑income residents should check the Fentress County tax relief programs for exemptions, deferral options, or veteran property tax relief. All payments, including online property tax payment Fentress, can be made through the trusted Tennessee Trustee portal before the deadline.

Fentress Property Tax appeal process begins with the 2026 Fentress property tax notice and must be filed before the assessment appeal deadline with the Fentress County Assessor of Property at 101 Main Street, Jamsville, TN 38556. Use the Fentress parcel number search or tax map access to confirm property details and then submit a written appeal to the assessor’s office. Residents can also view the delinquent property tax list Fentress and the tax lien records for any outstanding balances that may trigger a tax sale auction schedule. For additional help, call the Fentress County tax collector phone number or email the assessor’s office; both provide guidance on exemptions for seniors and other relief options.

Search Fentress County Property Tax

The Tennessee Trustee online portal for Fentress County serves as the primary starting point for residents who need to look up bills, review payment history, or print a duplicate tax notice. The official search link is http://www.fentress.tennesseetrustee.org/ and operates as a public resource maintained by the Fentress County Trustee office. Users can search by owner name, property address, parcel number, or subdivision, and each result displays the amount due, year of levy, interest accrued, and any prior payment receipts.

To begin a search, open the portal and choose a search method from the homepage menu. Enter the requested identifier exactly as it appears on the deed or tax notice, then press the search button. The result screen will show the current tax status, with options to add a parcel to a payment cart or review the tax card for ownership, acreage, and assessed value history.

  • Step 1: Visit the Fentress County Trustee portal at the official link above.
  • Step 2: Select a search method (owner, address, parcel ID, or map).
  • Step 3: Type the matching identifier in the search field.
  • Step 4: Review the matching parcel and confirm the current amount due.
  • Step 5: Use the Add to Cart feature to calculate interest for delinquent balances.
  • Step 6: Pay online through credit card or e-check, or print the bill for mail payment.

Fentress County Property Tax Rates and Assessment Values

Property owners in Fentress County pay taxes based on a rate applied to the assessed value of real estate, with the average effective rate sitting near 0.48% according to current public records. The figure varies by tax district because city and special district levies stack on top of the base county rate. Tennessee uses a classified property system, and the assessed value of each parcel is determined by the Fentress County Assessor of Property using the most recent countywide reappraisal.

How the Tax Bill Is Calculated

County tax bills combine the local rate with any city or special district rate, multiplied by the assessed value, then adjusted for exemptions. Tennessee applies assessment ratios based on property class, and the Assessor of Property assigns that class at the time of appraisal. Once the value and class are set, the Trustee computes the final amount due for the levy year using the certified tax rate from the State Board of Equalization.

The current combined Fentress County tax rate sits at approximately 0.48% of assessed value, with city rates in places like Allardt and Jamestown layered on top. Bills are issued each levy year, and payment becomes delinquent if not satisfied by the end of February the following year. Late balances begin drawing interest after the statutory deadline passes.

  • Appraised value: Market-based estimate from the Assessor of Property.
  • Assessed value: Appraised value adjusted by the Tennessee classification ratio.
  • Taxable value: Assessed value minus any approved exemptions.
  • Tax rate: Local levy expressed as a dollar amount per $100 of taxable value.
  • Tax bill: Taxable value multiplied by the certified tax rate.

Assessment Class and Reappraisal Cycle

Tennessee requires each county to conduct a reappraisal on a defined cycle, and the Assessor of Property applies that schedule for Fentress County. During a reappraisal year, the Assessor of Property visits neighborhoods, reviews sales data, and updates property records. Outside of a reappraisal year, ownership transfers, new construction, and physical changes still trigger annual value updates. Contact the Assessor of Property for the current reappraisal schedule.

Fentress County Property Tax Due Dates and Payment Schedule

Tax bills in Tennessee counties are issued each levy year, and Fentress County follows the standard county timeline. The bill reflects the current year levy and any unpaid balance carried over from prior years. Once mailed, the property owner has a defined window to pay the bill in full before late penalties begin to accrue.

For the 2026 tax year, payments were due by the end of February 2026, with unpaid balances turning over to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office on April 1 of the same year. Interest accrues at the statutory rate, and costs add up quickly once the bill enters delinquent status. The Trustee’s office has opened for Saturday hours on the final Saturday before the deadline in past years to give working residents an extra option to pay in person.

Payment StageStatusAction Required
Bill issued for current levyCurrentPay by the end of February following the levy year
After February deadlineDelinquentInterest begins accruing
April 1 turn-overCircuit CourtClerk adds fees and costs
Following court cycleTax lien eligibilityPossible inclusion in tax sale

Online Property Tax Payment Methods

Online payment through the Tennessee Trustee portal accepts both credit card and electronic check transactions. Convenience fees apply to card payments, while e-check fees are typically lower. A printable receipt is generated at the end of each transaction, and the same portal maintains a multi-year payment history for every parcel.

  • Credit card: Higher convenience fee, instant confirmation.
  • Electronic check: Lower fee, two-to-three business day clearing.
  • Mail payment: Personal check or money order, postmarked by the deadline.
  • In-person payment: Cash, check, or card at the Trustee window.
  • Drop box: Envelope drop available outside the office during business hours.

Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors, Veterans, and Disabled Homeowners

Tennessee operates one of the most generous property tax relief systems in the country, and Fentress County homeowners may qualify for several programs at the state level. The State Property Tax Relief Program pays qualifying applicants directly through a reimbursement check, and the Local Property Tax Freeze Program locks the tax amount for seniors who meet income and age rules. Each program carries its own eligibility thresholds, and applications must be filed through the county Trustee or Assessor office.

Veterans with documented service-connected disabilities, surviving spouses, and low-income seniors often qualify for the largest savings. The Property Tax Relief Program reimburses a portion of paid property tax, and the Tax Freeze Program freezes the bill at the current level while the homeowner continues to live in the home. Both programs require annual renewal, and missing a renewal can result in loss of the benefit.

ProgramEligibilityBenefitApplication Office
State Property Tax ReliefSeniors 65+, disabled, or disabled veteransReimbursement checkCounty Trustee
Local Tax FreezeSeniors 65+ meeting income limitBill frozen at current levelCounty Trustee
Disabled Veteran ReliefService-connected disability ratingReduced or zero tax billCounty Assessor
Homestead ExemptionOwner-occupied primary residenceReduced assessed valueCounty Assessor

Senior Property Tax Relief Eligibility

Seniors age 65 and older who own and occupy their primary residence in Fentress County may qualify for partial reimbursement of property taxes paid during the year. The state sets an annual income cap, and the Fentress County Trustee office screens each application. The reimbursement amount depends on the applicant’s income bracket and the local tax amount actually paid.

  • Age requirement: 65 years or older by year-end.
  • Ownership: Legal title to the property as primary residence.
  • Income cap: Below the published state threshold for the program year.
  • Documentation: Government-issued ID, deed, and prior year tax bill.
  • Application window: Opens in the spring, closes before the fall billing cycle.

Veteran and Disability Exemptions

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans remain eligible for the exemption, and the Fentress County Assessor of Property maintains the application records. Disability ratings of 100% typically qualify for the highest benefit level.

Property Tax Appeal Process in Fentress County

Property owners who disagree with the assessed value shown on their annual tax notice may file a formal appeal with the Fentress County Assessor of Property. The appeal must be filed in writing within the deadline published on the assessment notice, which usually falls in early summer. After review by the Assessor, unsatisfied property owners may escalate the case to the State Board of Equalization for a hearing.

The appeal package should include the parcel number, the requested value, and supporting evidence such as a recent appraisal, comparable sales, or a photograph of any condition affecting value. The Assessor’s office will review the evidence and either adjust the value or schedule a hearing. The State Board of Equalization offers a final administrative review, and judicial review in chancery court is available after that step.

  • Step 1: Review the assessment notice and confirm the parcel details.
  • Step 2: Gather comparable sales and any appraisal reports.
  • Step 3: File a written appeal with the Assessor of Property by the deadline.
  • Step 4: Attend the informal review meeting if scheduled.
  • Step 5: Escalate to the State Board of Equalization if the appeal is denied.
  • Step 6: File a chancery court action only after exhausting administrative remedies.

Evidence That Strengthens an Appeal

Strong appeals rely on objective market data rather than opinion, and the most useful evidence comes from comparable sales closed within the last twelve months. Properties similar in size, age, and location form the foundation of a value argument. Physical defects such as foundation cracks, roof damage, or environmental contamination can also justify a reduction.

  1. Recent appraisal report from a licensed Tennessee appraiser.
  2. Comparable sales within the same neighborhood or tax district.
  3. Photographs of structural defects or environmental issues.
  4. Purchase contract if the property was acquired below the assessed value.
  5. Income and expense data for income-producing properties.

Delinquent Property Taxes, Tax Liens, and Tax Sale Auctions

Property taxes that remain unpaid after the statutory deadline enter delinquent status and begin drawing interest and penalty fees. In Fentress County, delinquent taxes are turned over to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office on April 1 of the year following the levy. From that point forward, additional court costs and attorney fees stack on top of the original tax amount, and the property becomes eligible for the annual tax sale.

Tennessee’s tax sale process moves faster than many other states, and the path from delinquency to sale can be less than two years. Once a parcel is scheduled for sale, the Clerk’s Office publishes notice in a local newspaper and posts the list on official public notice boards. Bidders compete at the sale, and winning bids take the form of a tax lien certificate rather than immediate ownership transfer.

StageTime FrameKey Action
Delinquency beginsAfter the end of February deadlineInterest starts accruing
Circuit Court turn-overApril 1Court costs added to balance
Tax sale notice publishedDuring court cyclePublic notice issued
Tax sale heldPer court scheduleLien certificate awarded to high bidder
Redemption periodOne year from sale dateOwner can pay off lien plus fees
Deed issuanceAfter redemption expiresLien holder can request tax deed

Redemption Rights for Property Owners

Tennessee provides a one-year redemption period after the tax sale, and property owners may pay off the lien plus interest and fees to reclaim the parcel. The redemption amount grows each month as interest accrues on the certificate. Once the redemption period expires without payment, the lien holder can apply for a tax deed and take legal title to the property.

Fentress County Tax Roll Lookup and Parcel Number Search

Residents and researchers can search the Fentress County tax roll through the Tennessee Trustee portal, and each record includes the parcel number, owner name, property address, current assessed value, and a tax payment history. The tax card view expands the record with acreage, year built, building square footage, and any recorded exemptions. The same data powers the county’s GIS-based property map.

To pull a parcel record, navigate to the search page at http://www.fentress.tennesseetrustee.org/search.php and enter the parcel ID or street address. Records older than ten years may not be updated in the online system, and historical records may require a direct request to the Trustee or Register of Deeds office.

  • Search by parcel ID: Fastest method for known properties.
  • Search by owner name: Useful for inherited or jointly held parcels.
  • Search by address: Best for buyers checking a specific location.
  • Search by subdivision: Works for planned communities and rural tracts.
  • View tax card: Shows assessed value, exemptions, and recent levies.
  • View payment history: Lists every payment and any unpaid balance.

Fentress County GIS and Tax Map Access

The county’s GIS parcel map pairs each property record with a visual map layer, and the same platform supports aerial imagery, road right-of-way, and flood zone overlays. Users can measure acreage, draw property lines, and print a map suitable for a real estate closing. The map is hosted as part of the Tennessee property assessment system, and access is free for public use.

Fentress County Register of Deeds and Deed Search

The Fentress County Register of Deeds maintains the official land records for the county, including warranty deeds, deeds of trust, liens, plats, and other recorded instruments. Researchers can search these records through the public portal, which provides both name-based and instrument-based search options. The Register’s office charges a statutory fee for certified copies of recorded documents.

Deed records often show the most recent sale price, which can serve as a useful comparable during a property tax appeal. Mortgage records and lien releases can also affect the title status of a parcel, and the Register’s records are the authoritative source for any ownership question. The portal includes a grantor-grantee index, a date range filter, and a document image viewer.

  • Search by grantor: The party selling or transferring the property.
  • Search by grantee: The party receiving the property.
  • Search by instrument number: Direct lookup when the ID is known.
  • Search by date range: Useful for tracing a multi-year chain of title.
  • Search by subdivision: Helpful for newly platted neighborhoods.
  • Order certified copy: Required for legal proceedings or title work.

Recording Fees and Document Standards

Recording fees in Tennessee counties follow a uniform fee schedule set by the state legislature, and the Register of Deeds collects those fees at the time of recording. Documents must meet formatting and margin requirements, and unrecorded or improperly recorded documents do not provide constructive notice to subsequent buyers. Most local attorneys and title companies handle recording on behalf of clients.

Fentress County Tax Relief Programs and Payment Plan Options

Homeowners who anticipate difficulty paying a tax bill on time should contact the Fentress County Trustee’s office before the deadline to ask about a payment plan. The Trustee has limited authority to accept installment agreements, and the terms depend on the size of the balance and the property owner’s payment history. Setting up a plan before the delinquency date typically results in lower fees and avoids the court turn-over process.

For long-term financial hardship, the Property Tax Deferral Program allows qualifying seniors to postpone payment of property tax until the sale of the home or the death of the owner. A lien is placed on the property to secure the deferred amount, and interest accrues at a reduced statutory rate. Applicants must meet age, income, and ownership requirements, and the application is filed with the Trustee.

  1. Step 1: Contact the Trustee’s office through the official portal.
  2. Step 2: Request a payment plan or deferral application packet.
  3. Step 3: Complete the form and attach supporting documents.
  4. Step 4: Submit the application before the delinquency deadline.
  5. Step 5: Make scheduled payments per the agreement terms.
  6. Step 6: Renew any annual documentation required by the program.

Documentation Required for a Payment Plan

Payment plan applications typically require proof of income, a list of monthly expenses, the most recent tax bill, and identification for all owners on the deed. The Trustee reviews each application on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not automatic. Maintaining the agreed payment schedule is critical, and missing a payment can void the plan and restore the full delinquent balance.

Fentress County Property Tax Records and Real Estate Tax History

Long-term property tax records can be reconstructed by combining the Tennessee Trustee portal with the Register of Deeds archive. The Trustee shows the modern payment history, while the Register of Deeds can supply the older chain of title. For very old records, a visit to the courthouse archive in person may be required, as records older than ten years are not always indexed online.

Real estate investors and researchers use these records to estimate prior year tax burdens, confirm exemption status, and verify that no hidden liens are attached to a parcel. Title companies rely on the same records during a title search, and banks require an updated tax status before approving a refinance. The combined public access system makes the verification process straightforward for any party with a legitimate interest.

  • View current year levy and status.
  • Review five to ten years of payment history.
  • Confirm active exemptions and freeze programs.
  • Check for outstanding tax liens and certificates.
  • Pull prior deed transfers for value comparison.
  • Request a payoff amount for an upcoming closing.

Requesting a Payoff Statement

A payoff statement includes the principal tax amount, accrued interest, penalty fees, and any certified costs added by the Circuit Court Clerk. Title companies, attorneys, and closing agents typically request payoff statements during a real estate transaction to ensure the seller’s tax obligations are settled from the proceeds. Payoff figures change daily once interest begins accruing, and the statement carries a defined valid-through date.

Fentress County Tax Sale Auction Schedule and Investor Considerations

Tax lien auctions in Fentress County follow the schedule set by the Circuit Court Clerk, with public notice issued before the auction. Bidding opens at the amount of the delinquent tax plus accumulated interest and fees, and competitive bidding can drive the effective yield higher. The minimum bid is set by statute, and the auction is conducted in a public setting at the courthouse.

Winning bidders receive a tax lien certificate rather than the deed itself, and the property owner has a one-year redemption window to pay off the certificate plus the bid premium. During the redemption period, the lien holder earns interest at the rate bid at auction. If the owner does not redeem, the lien holder can petition the court for a tax deed and take possession of the property.

  1. Research upcoming sales on the Circuit Court Clerk’s public notice board.
  2. Pull the parcel record to confirm assessed value and exemptions.
  3. Check the title history at the Register of Deeds for prior liens.
  4. Visit the property in person to confirm occupancy and condition.
  5. Bid at the auction with a maximum yield in mind.
  6. Track the redemption period and prepare for deed issuance if needed.

Risks of Tax Lien Investing

Tax lien certificates carry real risk, and a careless bid can result in holding a lien on a property with structural, environmental, or title problems. A title search before the auction is a critical step, and an interior inspection is even more useful. Investors who skip these steps sometimes find that the redemption period ends with no payment, and they must pursue a costly deed issuance process to recover the investment.

Online Property Tax Calculator and Bill Estimation

Online property tax calculators use the published tax rate and the latest assessed value to estimate the next annual bill. The Fentress County rate sits near 0.48% of assessed value, so a parcel with a $100,000 assessed value would owe roughly $480 in county tax, plus any city or special district levy. Calculator outputs are estimates only, and the actual bill may differ based on certified rates and approved exemptions.

To use a calculator, locate the most recent assessed value on the tax card from the Tennessee Trustee portal. Multiply the assessed value by the certified tax rate, then subtract the value of any approved exemption. The remaining figure is the estimated annual tax before any city or special district overlay, and the final number on the bill reflects the certified total levy.

  • Pull the latest assessed value from the Trustee portal.
  • Identify the certified tax rate for the parcel’s tax district.
  • Apply any active exemption to the assessed value.
  • Multiply the taxable value by the certified rate.
  • Add any city or special district levy.
  • Compare the estimate to the actual bill once it is issued.

Common Calculator Errors to Avoid

Using the appraised value instead of the assessed value, ignoring city overlays, and forgetting active exemptions are the three most common calculator mistakes. Tennessee applies different assessment ratios to different property classes, so the conversion from appraised to assessed value depends on the class assigned by the Assessor of Property. The official tax card shows the correct figures, and any estimate based on outside data should be confirmed against the public record.

Fentress Property Tax Notice and Billing Cycle

The annual tax notice is mailed to the property owner of record for each levy year, and the bill covers the current year levy plus any prior unpaid balance. The notice shows the assessed value, exemptions, tax rate, and total amount due, along with payment instructions and the delinquency deadline. Property owners should review the notice carefully each year and report any obvious error to the Assessor of Property before the appeal window closes.

Billing errors do happen, and common issues include a misspelled owner name, a transferred ownership that was not recorded, a missing exemption, and a tax rate applied to the wrong district. Each of these can be corrected with a quick call to the appropriate office, and the corrections are typically reflected in the next billing cycle. Property owners who move within the county should file a change of address with the Trustee to avoid a missed bill.

Fentress County Tax Collector Office and Public Service Standards

The Fentress County Trustee serves as the county’s tax collector, and the office is responsible for mailing bills, collecting payments, managing delinquent accounts, and distributing revenue to the appropriate taxing entities. The Trustee works closely with the Assessor of Property, the Circuit Court Clerk, and the State Board of Equalization to keep the system running. Public service standards require the office to respond to taxpayer inquiries within a reasonable window, and the staff typically answers phone and email questions during business hours.

Tax dollars collected by the Trustee fund local services including schools, road maintenance, emergency response, and county government operations. Public records maintained by the office are open for inspection during business hours, and the staff can assist with payoff requests, refund claims, and exemption applications. Taxpayers who disagree with a fee or charge may request a written explanation, and a formal dispute can be filed through the Trustee’s grievance process.

  • Bill preparation and mailing each levy year.
  • Collection of current and delinquent tax payments.
  • Distribution of revenue to schools, cities, and special districts.
  • Management of installment and deferral programs.
  • Coordination with the Circuit Court Clerk on tax sale procedures.
  • Public access to tax records and payment history.

Fentress County Property Tax Frequently Asked Topics

Homeowners often ask whether the tax rate changes each year, and the answer depends on the certified tax rate set by the State Board of Equalization after each county budget hearing. Rates can rise or fall based on the revenue needs of the county, the school system, and any special district levies. The certified rate is published in the local newspaper and on the Assessor’s website once approved.

Another common question is whether a property tax bill survives a sale, and the answer is that taxes follow the property rather than the owner. A buyer at a real estate closing takes the property subject to any unpaid tax balance, which is why a title company always pulls a current tax status before disbursing funds. A buyer who pays off a seller’s delinquent tax at closing can claim a credit against the purchase price.

  • Where is my tax bill: Mailed to the owner of record each levy year.
  • Why did my bill change: New assessed value, rate change, or exemption loss.
  • Can I pay early: Yes, the Trustee accepts early payments at any time.
  • Is there a discount for early payment: No statutory discount in Tennessee.
  • What if I never received a bill: The owner is still liable; check the address on file.
  • Can I pay someone else’s bill: Yes, the portal allows third-party payment.

Fentress Property Tax and Real Estate Investment Strategy

Real estate investors evaluating Fentress County properties should treat property tax as a recurring holding cost and build the annual figure into their underwriting. A low-rate county like Fentress makes long-term holds more affordable than high-rate markets, but rising assessments during a reappraisal year can erase the savings. Pulling the most recent five years of tax history before making an offer is a sound practice.

Income-producing properties should be underwritten using the actual tax bill rather than a calculator estimate, because exemptions and special district levies can shift the number significantly. A small multifamily property in a city tax district will have a different bill than a comparable rural parcel, even if the assessed value is identical. Closing day requires a payoff statement, and the buyer’s title company will verify the final number before funds are released.

  1. Pull the five-year tax history from the Trustee portal.
  2. Confirm the property’s tax district and any special overlays.
  3. Add the annual tax bill to the operating expense projection.
  4. Verify active exemptions and the renewal schedule.
  5. Request a payoff statement before the closing date.
  6. Update insurance and tax impounds with the new lender.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

The Fentress County Assessor of Property is the official source for assessed value, parcel data, exemption status, and tax appeal filings. For current contact information including phone, email, and physical address, refer to the official Tennessee Trustee portal at http://www.fentress.tennesseetrustee.org/ or the county’s official government website.

The Fentress County Register of Deeds handles land records, deed recordings, and document copies. For current contact information including phone, email, and physical address, refer to the county’s official government website or contact the Trustee’s office for a referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fentress Property Tax information helps residents understand their bills, locate exemptions, and pay on time. Using the official Tennessee Trustee portal or the county assessor office makes checking rates and filing appeals quick. Knowing contact details, due dates, and relief programs can save money and avoid penalties.

What is the current Fentress Property Tax rate for 2026?

The 2026 rate in Fentress County averages 0.48 percent of assessed value. To find the exact amount for a specific parcel, open the Tennessee Trustee site, enter the address or owner name, and view the tax card. The calculated tax shows the base amount, any special district levies, and the total due.

How can I pay my Fentress Property Tax online?

Visit the Fentress County Trustee portal, locate the tax card, and click the online payment button. Payments accept credit cards, debit cards, and e‑checks. After entering the account number, confirm the amount and submit. A receipt emails to the address on file, and the account updates within one business day.

Where do I find senior or veteran exemption forms in Fentress County?

Exemption applications are available on the county assessor’s website. Download the senior citizen or disabled veteran PDF, fill in personal details, attach proof of age or service, and mail to 101 Main Street, Jamestown, TN 38556. The office processes forms within 30 days and adjusts the taxable value.

What steps are required to appeal a 2026 Fentrees property assessment?

First, log into the assessment portal at assessment.cot.tn.gov and view the appraisal notice. Note the disagreement and gather comparable sales. Submit an appeal form online or by mail before the deadline listed on the notice, usually 30 days after receipt. Attend the hearing if requested, and the board will issue a decision.

How do I contact the Fentress County tax collector for payment questions?

Call the tax collector at (931) 879‑9194 during business hours. Email inquiries go to melynda.sullivan@cot.tn.gov. The office can verify account balances, set up payment plans, and explain penalty rules. Visiting the office at 101 Main Street, Jamestown, TN provides in‑person assistance.

Where can I view a list of delinquent property taxes in Fentress?

Open the Tennessee Trustee website and select “Delinquent Tax List.” The table lists parcel numbers, owner names, and total owed, including interest. Use the search box to filter by address or name. Download the list as CSV for record‑keeping or to contact a tax advisor.