Property tax records are kept by your county assessor or tax assessor's office, and most counties now let you search them online for free
The fastest way to find your property tax records is through your county assessor's website. Search "[your county name] assessor" plus "property search" or "tax records" and you will land on a searchable database. You enter your address, parcel number, or owner name and get back the assessed value, tax amount, and sometimes payment history. No login required — these are public records.
If your county does not have an online system, or if you need documents you cannot find there, visit the assessor's office in person. Bring your address or parcel number. Staff can print tax records on the spot, usually for a small fee ($1 to $5 per page). Some counties also mail records if you call ahead with your request.
A third option is the county recorder's office, which keeps deed records and sometimes tax information. This is useful if you need proof of ownership or a history of who owned the property before you.
Key Takeaways
- Your county assessor's office maintains property tax records and usually posts them free online; search "[county name] assessor property search" to find the database.
- If the online search does not work or you need certified copies, visit the assessor's office in person with your address or parcel number.
- The county recorder's office keeps deed records and ownership history, which can help if you need to prove who owns the property.
- Property tax records are public documents, so you can look up any address in your county without permission from the owner.
- If you cannot find records under your current address, try searching by parcel number, which stays the same even if the address changes.
How to search online by county
Most counties have moved to online property search systems in the past ten years. The process is almost always the same: go to the county website, find the assessor's office link, and look for a button that says "property search," "tax records," "parcel lookup," or "GIS map." Enter your street address or parcel number and click search.
The results page shows the assessed value (what the county says the property is worth for tax purposes), the tax amount owed, and sometimes the owner's name and mailing address. Some systems also show a property history, recent sales price, square footage, lot size, and number of bedrooms. The information is usually updated once a year, in the spring or early summer.
If you do not know your parcel number, the online search usually lets you look it up by address first. If the county website is down or the search is not working, call the assessor's office directly — they can give you the parcel number over the phone.
What to bring if you visit in person
Bring your street address or parcel number. If you have neither, bring a recent property tax bill or deed — staff can look up the parcel number from those. You do not need to prove you own the property; tax records are open to the public.
Tell the staff member what you need: a copy of the current tax record, a history of assessed values over several years, or a certified copy for a loan or legal matter. Certified copies cost more (usually $5 to $15) and take longer because they have to be stamped and signed by an official. Uncertified copies are ready in minutes.
Most assessor's offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by county. Call ahead if you are traveling far, or check the county website for hours and whether you need an appointment.
Finding records for a property you do not own
Property tax records are public, so you can look up any address in your county. This is useful if you are thinking about buying a house and want to know what the current owner pays in taxes, or if you are researching a neighborhood.
Search the county assessor's website the same way you would for your own property. The results will show the assessed value and tax amount, but not always the owner's name or personal details — that depends on what the county chooses to publish online. If you need the owner's name or mailing address, call the assessor's office or visit in person.
When you cannot find records online
A few rural or small counties still do not have online systems. If the county website has no search tool, call the assessor's office and ask them to mail or email a copy of the tax record. Provide your address or parcel number and ask how long it will take. Most offices can send records within a week.
If you have searched multiple times and cannot find the property, it is possible the address or parcel number is listed differently than you expect. Call the assessor's office with your address and ask them to confirm the parcel number — sometimes a property is split into multiple parcels, or the address on the tax record does not match the street address.
Using the county recorder for deed and ownership history
The county recorder's office keeps deeds, mortgages, and other documents filed when property changes hands. If you need to prove who owns the property, or you want a history of past owners, search the recorder's website or visit in person.
Recorder searches work the same way as assessor searches: enter the address or owner name and get back a list of documents. A deed shows who bought the property and when. A mortgage shows who lent money for the purchase. These records are also public and free to view online in most counties.
The recorder's office is separate from the assessor's office, though they are usually in the same building. If you cannot find what you need at the assessor's office, ask for directions to the recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up someone else's property tax records?
Yes. Property tax records are public documents, and anyone can search them. You do not need permission from the owner or a reason to look. This is how real estate investors research neighborhoods and how buyers check what the current owner pays in taxes.
What if the online record shows a different address than my street address?
This happens when the county uses a mailing address instead of a street address, or when a property has been renumbered. Call the assessor's office with both addresses and ask them to confirm the parcel number. Once you have the parcel number, future searches will be easier.
How often are property tax records updated?
Most counties update assessed values once a year, usually in spring. Payment history and current tax amounts update more often, sometimes monthly. If you just paid taxes, it may take a few weeks to show online. Call the assessor's office if you need the most current information.
Do I need a certified copy of my tax record?
Only if you are using it for a loan, court case, or legal document. For personal reference or to check what you owe, an uncertified copy from the website is fine. Ask your lender or lawyer whether they need a certified copy before you order one.
What if I cannot find my parcel number anywhere?
Call the assessor's office with your street address. They can give you the parcel number over the phone in minutes. You can also check a recent property tax bill or deed — both usually list the parcel number.