Where to request your property tax bill

Your property tax bill comes from your county or city assessor's office, not from a state or federal agency. The assessor's office maintains records of all properties in your jurisdiction and sends bills annually, usually in the fall or winter depending on where you live. If you have not received your bill or need a copy, contact your local assessor's office directly — they are the only source for an official bill.

You can reach your assessor's office by phone, in person, or online. Most counties now allow you to view and download bills through a property tax portal on their website. Search "[your county name] assessor's office" or "[your county name] property tax bill" to find the right office and their online system. If your county does not have an online portal, call the assessor's office and ask them to mail or email a copy to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your county or city assessor's office is the only official source for your property tax bill — not your mortgage lender or insurance company.
  • Most counties now offer online portals where you can view and download your bill using your property address or parcel number.
  • If you do not receive your bill by the expected date, contact the assessor's office to confirm your mailing address is correct on file.
  • You will need your property address or parcel number to look up your bill online or request it by phone.

Using your county's online property tax portal

Nearly all counties maintain a searchable database where you can look up your bill without calling. Go to your county assessor's website and look for a link labeled "Search Property Records," "Property Tax Information," "View Your Bill," or "Assessor Database." You will typically enter your property address or parcel number — the parcel number is a unique identifier assigned to your land and appears on your deed or previous tax bills.

Once you search, the system will display your property details, assessed value, and current tax bill. Most portals let you download or print the bill directly. If you cannot find the portal or do not know your parcel number, call the assessor's office and they will provide it. Having the parcel number makes future lookups faster.

What to do if you did not receive your bill in the mail

Property tax bills are mailed on a set schedule, usually once per year. If you did not receive yours by the expected date, first check that your mailing address is current with the assessor's office. If you have moved, the bill may have gone to your old address. Call the assessor's office, confirm your current address, and ask them to mail a new copy or email it to you.

Do not assume the bill was not sent. Bills sometimes arrive late due to mail delays, or they may have been sent to a previous owner if the property recently changed hands. Contact the assessor's office as soon as you realize the bill is missing — waiting until after the payment deadline can result in penalties or interest charges, even if the delay was not your fault.

Finding your parcel number

Your parcel number is printed on your property tax bill, your deed, and your mortgage statement. If you do not have any of those documents, you can find it by calling the assessor's office or by searching your county's online property database using your street address. Some counties also print the parcel number on utility bills or property transfer documents.

Once you have the parcel number, write it down and keep it handy. You will use it every time you need to look up your bill, check your assessed value, or file a tax appeal. The parcel number stays the same for the life of the property, even if ownership changes.

Requesting a bill by phone or mail

If you prefer not to use the online portal, call your county assessor's office during business hours and ask for a copy of your current tax bill. Have your property address ready. The staff member will either email, mail, or read the bill to you over the phone. Some offices charge a small fee for mailed copies, though most provide them free if you call.

If you need a bill for a previous year — for a mortgage refinance, a property sale, or a tax appeal — tell the assessor's office which year you need. They can provide historical bills going back several years. Request these well in advance if you need them by a specific date, as mailing can take one to two weeks.

Understanding what appears on your bill

Your property tax bill shows your property address, parcel number, assessed value, tax rate, and the total amount due. It also lists the payment deadline and where to send payment. Some bills break down the tax by what it funds — schools, county services, fire districts, and so on — so you can see where your money goes.

The bill may also note whether you have any exemptions or deferrals that reduce your tax. If you are a senior, veteran, or disabled homeowner, you may be may have access to to a reduction. The assessor's office can tell you whether you may have access to and how to file for an exemption. Do not assume you are receiving one just because you are may be able to access — you must file a separate form to claim it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my mortgage lender or insurance company send me my property tax bill?

No. Your lender and insurance company may have copies of your bill for their records, but they cannot issue an official bill. Only your county assessor's office can do that. If your lender is handling tax payments through an escrow account, they will send you a statement showing what they paid on your behalf, but that is not the same as the official bill from the assessor.

What if I moved and my bill went to my old address?

Contact the assessor's office immediately and provide your new address. Ask them to update their records and mail a new bill to you. If the original bill was already mailed to your old address, the new owner or tenant may have received it. Request a duplicate bill to be sent to your current address so you do not miss the payment deadline.

Do I need to print my bill or can I pay online using the digital version?

Most counties accept online payments using the bill information from their portal — you do not need to print it. Look for a "Pay Your Bill" link on the assessor's website or the county treasurer's website. You can usually pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Check whether there is a processing fee for online payment before you submit.

How far back can I get old property tax bills?

Most assessor's offices keep records going back at least five to ten years, though some maintain them longer. Call and ask how far back they can retrieve. There may be a small fee for copies of bills older than the current year. If you need bills for a property sale or refinance, request them as soon as you know you will need them.

What if the assessed value on my bill seems wrong?

Contact the assessor's office and ask them to explain how they calculated the value. You have the right to review the assessment and file a formal appeal if you believe it is incorrect. The assessor's office can tell you the deadline for filing an appeal — it is usually 30 to 60 days from when the bill is mailed. Do not wait; missing the deadline can prevent you from challenging the assessment.