Your county assessor's office or tax collector holds your bill
Your property tax bill comes from your county — either the assessor's office (which calculates what you owe) or the tax collector's office (which sends the bill and collects payment). The fastest way to find it is to go to your county's website and look for a property search tool, usually called a "property tax lookup" or "tax bill search." You will need your property address or parcel number, and most tools let you view and download bills from the current year and several years back.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, contact your county tax collector or assessor directly. The phone number is on any previous bill you have, or you can search "[your county name] tax collector" online. Staff can tell you the amount due, the due date, and whether you have any penalties or late fees.
If you rent and your landlord pays property tax, you will not receive a bill — only the property owner does. If you own the property but have not received a bill in the mail, contact the tax collector to confirm they have your current mailing address on file.
Key Takeaways
- Your county tax collector or assessor's office maintains your property tax bill and usually posts it online through a searchable database.
- You can search by property address or parcel number on most county websites without creating an account.
- If you cannot find your bill online, call your county tax collector's office directly — they can read the amount and due date over the phone.
- Previous years' bills are usually available through the same online tool, which helps if you need to verify past payments or amounts.
- Only the property owner receives a tax bill; renters do not receive one even if they pay rent to cover the tax.
Finding your bill through your county's online portal
Most counties maintain a free online database where you can search for property tax information by address or parcel number. Start by going to your county's official website and searching for "property tax search," "tax bill lookup," or "assessor search." The tool is usually free and does not require you to create an account.
Enter your property address exactly as it appears on your deed or previous bill. If the search does not return results, try entering just the street address without the unit number, or search by parcel number instead (this number is on your deed or any previous tax bill). Once you find your property, the portal will show the current bill amount, due date, and often a payment history going back several years.
Some counties let you download a PDF of your bill directly from the portal. Others show only the amount and due date online, and you must call or visit in person to receive a printed copy. Either way, the information you see online is official and matches what the tax collector has on file.
Calling or visiting your tax collector's office in person
If you cannot locate your bill online or do not have internet access, phone your county tax collector's office. Have your property address ready. The staff member will look up your account and tell you the current amount due, the due date, and whether you have any unpaid balances or penalties. They can also confirm whether a bill was mailed and provide a mailing address if you need to send a check.
Many counties also allow you to visit the tax collector's office in person during business hours. Bring your property deed or a recent utility bill to confirm ownership. The staff can print a copy of your current bill and answer questions about payment methods and due dates. Some offices also accept payment in person by check, money order, or card.
If you have moved and did not receive a bill, the tax collector can update your mailing address on file. This ensures future bills reach you on time. Ask the staff to confirm the new address before you leave.
Understanding your parcel number and how to use it
Your parcel number is a unique identifier assigned to your property by the county assessor. It appears on your property deed, any previous tax bill, and your homeowner's insurance documents. When you search for your property online, using the parcel number is often faster and more reliable than searching by address, especially if your address has changed or if the county's database uses a different spelling.
If you do not know your parcel number, you can find it by searching your address on the county assessor's website first — the parcel number will appear in the results. Once you have it, write it down and save it. You will use it every time you search for your tax information, and it stays the same even if you move or the address changes.
What to do if you cannot find your property online
If your address does not appear in the county's online search, the property may be listed under a previous owner's name, or the county's database may not be current. Call the tax collector's office and provide your full address and the year you purchased the property. They can confirm whether a bill exists and why it may not be showing up online.
New properties sometimes take several months to appear in the online system after purchase. If you recently bought your home, the tax collector's office can tell you when your first bill will arrive and what amount to expect. In the meantime, the previous owner may still be receiving bills — contact the tax collector to request a transfer of the account to your name.
If the property is in a trust or owned by a business rather than an individual, the bill may be listed under the trust or business name instead of your personal name. Ask the tax collector to search under all names associated with the property.
Accessing bills from previous years
Most county online portals show tax bills from the current year and the past three to five years. If you need an older bill, the tax collector's office can usually provide it by phone or mail. This is useful if you are verifying that a payment was received, checking historical amounts, or preparing documents for a refinance or sale.
When you request an old bill, tell the tax collector which year you need. They may charge a small fee to print and mail it, though many counties waive the fee for recent years. Ask whether they can email it instead, which is faster and free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not remember my property address?
If you own the property, check your mortgage documents, homeowner's insurance policy, or property deed — all list the full address. If you are renting, contact your landlord or check your lease. Once you have the address, you can search for your property tax information using the county's online tool.
Can I see someone else's property tax bill?
Most county online portals show only basic information (owner name, assessed value, tax amount) without requiring a login. Full details like payment history may require you to verify ownership. If you are buying a property, your real estate agent or title company can obtain the seller's tax records as part of the sale process.
Why does my bill show a different amount than last year?
Property tax amounts change when the county reassesses your home's value, when tax rates change, or when you appeal a previous assessment. Your bill will show the reason for the change. If you disagree with the amount, contact the assessor's office about filing an appeal — deadlines vary by county.
What if I moved and did not receive my bill?
Contact the tax collector immediately and provide your new address. Ask them to update your mailing address and resend the bill. If the bill is overdue, ask about payment options and whether penalties can be waived. The sooner you contact them, the more options you may have.
Can I pay my bill online using the county website?
Many counties allow online payment through their tax collector's website, usually by bank transfer or credit card. Some charge a processing fee for card payments. Check your county's website or call the tax collector to confirm payment methods and whether there are fees.