Where to look for your property tax records
Property tax records are kept by your county assessor's office or county clerk's office — the exact name and location depend on your state. Most counties now let you search online for free using the property address or parcel number. If your county does not have an online database, you can visit the office in person or call to request records by mail.
Start by searching "[your county name] property tax records" or "[your county name] assessor's office." This will take you to the county website where the search tool lives. Some counties call it the "property appraiser," "tax assessor," or "recorder's office," but they all hold the same information.
If you do not know your county, you can find it by entering your address into the U.S. Census Bureau's website or by searching "[your city name] county." Once you know the county, the assessor's office website is usually straightforward to find from the main county government page.
Key Takeaways
- Property tax records are stored at your county assessor's or clerk's office, and most counties offer free online search tools on their websites.
- You can search by property address or parcel number, and the search usually returns the assessed value, tax amount, and owner information.
- If your county has no online database, you can visit the office in person, call, or request records by mail, though mail requests may take one to two weeks.
- Some counties charge a small fee for copies or certified documents, but the search itself is free.
- If you cannot find your county's records online, the county assessor's phone number is listed on the main county government website.
How to search online for your property records
Once you are on your county assessor's website, look for a link that says "search records," "property search," "tax records," or "parcel lookup." Click it and enter either your street address or your parcel number. The parcel number is a unique identifier assigned to your property — if you do not have it, the address alone usually works.
The search will return a page with information about your property. This page typically shows the assessed value (what the county says the property is worth for tax purposes), the tax amount you owe, the owner's name, the property size, and sometimes the year the home was built. Some counties also display recent sales history or liens against the property.
You can usually print or read this information directly from the website at no cost. If you need an official certified copy with the county seal, there may be a small fee — usually between $5 and $25 — and you may need to request it through a separate form on the website or by visiting the office in person.
Searching by parcel number instead of address
If the address search is not working or returning the wrong property, try searching by parcel number instead. Your parcel number appears on your property tax bill, your deed, or your homeowner's insurance documents. It is usually a string of numbers, sometimes with dashes or letters.
Parcel numbers are more precise than addresses because they identify one specific piece of land, whereas an address can sometimes match multiple properties or change over time. If you have your tax bill in front of you, the parcel number is almost always printed near the top or in a header section.
If you do not have your tax bill and cannot find the parcel number online, call your county assessor's office and give them your address. They can tell you the parcel number over the phone, and then you can use it to search the online database yourself.
What to do if your county has no online database
Some smaller or rural counties do not yet have online search tools. In that case, you have three options: visit the assessor's office in person, call and ask them to read the information to you over the phone, or request records by mail.
Visiting in person is usually the fastest. Bring your address or parcel number, and a staff member can pull up your record on their computer and print it for you on the spot. Hours are typically Monday through Friday during business hours. The office address and phone number are on the county government website.
If you call, have your address and parcel number ready. The staff member can tell you the assessed value and tax amount over the phone, though they may not read every detail. If you need a written copy, ask them how to request it by mail. Mail requests usually take one to two weeks and may include a small copying fee.
Understanding what the records show
Property tax records contain several pieces of information. The assessed value is what the county estimates your property is worth for tax purposes — this is not the same as the market value or what you could sell it for. The tax amount is what you owe based on the assessed value and your local tax rate. The owner information shows who the county records say owns the property.
The records also usually show the property description: the lot size, square footage of the building, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and year built. Some records include whether the property is residential, commercial, or agricultural. This information helps the assessor calculate the assessed value.
If you see information that looks wrong — for example, the square footage is listed as much larger than your actual home — you can file a challenge with the assessor's office. The process and important date vary by state, but the assessor's website usually has instructions for filing a formal appeal or requesting a reassessment.
Finding records for a property you do not own
You can search for property tax records on any property in your county, not just your own. This is useful if you are thinking about buying a home, want to know what a neighbor's property is assessed at, or are researching a property for any other reason. The information is public record.
Use the same online search tool and enter the address or parcel number of the property you want to look up. The results will show the assessed value, owner's name, and other details. Some counties limit how much information is visible to the public, but most show at least the assessed value and owner.
If you are buying a home, the assessed value in the tax records is different from the appraisal your lender will order. The appraisal is done by a licensed appraiser and is used to determine the loan amount. The tax assessment is done by the county and is used to calculate property taxes.
Requesting certified copies or historical records
If you need an official certified copy of your property tax record — for example, to show a lender or for a legal matter — most counties can provide one. Certified copies have the county seal and signature and cost more than a regular printout, usually between $10 and $25.
To request a certified copy, look for a "request records" or "certified copy" link on the assessor's website. You will usually fill out a form with your property address or parcel number, choose how many copies you want, and pay the fee online or by mail. The county will mail the certified copy to you, which typically takes one to two weeks.
If you need historical records — for example, what your property was assessed at five years ago — some counties keep archives online. Others require you to visit in person or call. Ask the assessor's office how far back their records go and whether you can view them online or need to request them by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find property tax records for free?
Yes. The search itself is always free on your county assessor's website. You only pay a fee if you request a certified copy with the county seal, which usually costs $10 to $25. A regular printout from the website is free.
What if I do not know my county?
Search "[your city name] county" online, or enter your address into the U.S. Census Bureau's website at census.gov. Once you know the county, search "[county name] assessor" to find the office website and search tool.
How often are property tax records updated?
Most counties update assessed values once per year, usually in the spring or fall. The exact timing varies by state and county. Some counties reassess every year; others do it every few years. Check your county assessor's website for the schedule in your area.
What is the difference between assessed value and market value?
Assessed value is what the county says your property is worth for tax purposes. Market value is what your property would actually sell for. They are often different. The assessed value is usually lower than market value, but not always. Your lender's appraisal is a separate estimate used only for the loan.
Can I challenge my property tax assessment?
Yes. If you think your assessed value is too high, you can file a formal appeal or request a reassessment. The process and important date vary by state and county. Instructions are usually on the assessor's website, or you can call the office to ask how to file a challenge.