Where to find your 2023 property tax payment history

Your county assessor or tax collector's office keeps the official record of what you paid in property tax during 2023. Most counties now let you look this up online through their website — search "[your county name] property tax records" or "[your county name] assessor" to find the portal. You will need your property address or parcel number, which appears on your tax bill or deed.

If the online system is down or your county does not have one, call the assessor's office or tax collector directly. They can tell you the exact amount you paid in 2023 within a few minutes. Some counties charge a small fee — usually $5 to $15 — to print a certified copy of your payment history, though a verbal confirmation over the phone is free.

Your mortgage lender also has a record if you paid property tax through escrow. Ask them for a copy of your 2023 escrow statement, which will show the exact amount they paid on your behalf to the county.

Key Takeaways

  • Your county assessor or tax collector's office maintains the official record of your 2023 property tax payments and can provide it online or by phone.
  • You will need your property address or parcel number to look up your payment history on most county websites.
  • If you paid property tax through a mortgage escrow account, your lender's 2023 escrow statement shows the exact amount paid to the county.
  • A certified copy of your payment record usually costs $5 to $15, but a verbal confirmation is free.

How to read your property tax statement

Property tax statements can look different from county to county, but they all show the same core information: the assessed value of your property, the tax rate applied to that value, and the total amount owed. The amount you actually paid in 2023 appears as a line item labeled "paid" or "payment received," with the date the county received your check or electronic transfer.

If you made multiple payments during 2023 — for example, a first installment in the fall and a second in spring — the statement will list each one separately. Add them together to get your total 2023 payment. Some statements also show penalties or interest if you paid late, so make sure you are reading the "paid" column and not the "amount due" column.

What if you paid through escrow

When you have a mortgage with an escrow account, your lender collects property tax money from you each month as part of your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. The amount they pay is not always exactly what you owe — lenders often estimate and adjust the escrow amount each year to account for tax increases or decreases.

Your lender sends you an escrow statement once a year, usually in the spring. This statement shows how much they collected from you for property tax in 2023, how much they paid to the county, and whether your escrow account has a surplus or shortage. The "amount paid to taxing authority" line is your 2023 property tax payment. If your lender cannot find the statement, call their customer service line and ask for your 2023 escrow analysis or escrow statement.

Using your 2023 property tax payment for deductions

If you itemize deductions on your federal tax return, you can deduct property tax you paid in 2023 — but there is a limit. The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction caps your total deduction for state income tax, local income tax, and property tax combined at $10,000 per year. This limit applies whether you are married filing jointly or single.

To claim the deduction, you will need the exact amount you paid in property tax during 2023. This is the amount that actually left your account — not the amount assessed or the amount you owed at the end of the year. If you paid through escrow, use the amount your lender paid to the county, not the amount they collected from you (these are sometimes different due to timing).

Keep your property tax payment records and your county's receipt or confirmation for at least three years in case the IRS asks about your return. A screenshot of your online payment confirmation or a copy of your cancelled check both work as proof.

Correcting an error in your payment record

If your county's records show you paid less than you actually did, or if a payment is missing entirely, contact the assessor's office with proof of payment. Bring a cancelled check, bank statement showing the transfer, or a receipt from the county. They can usually correct the record within one to two weeks.

If you overpaid property tax in 2023 — for example, because you paid twice by mistake — the county will issue a refund or credit it toward your 2024 bill. Ask the assessor's office which option they use and how long the refund takes. Some counties process refunds within 30 days; others take several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my 2023 property tax payment record online?

Most counties offer online property tax records through their assessor or tax collector website. Search your county name plus "property tax records" to find the portal. You will need your address or parcel number. If your county does not have an online system, call the assessor's office directly.

What if I paid property tax to the wrong county by mistake?

Contact both the county that received the payment and the county where your property is located. The county that received it can issue a refund or transfer the payment to the correct county if you provide proof of the error. This usually takes two to four weeks.

Do I need to report my 2023 property tax payment to the IRS?

Only if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return. If you take the standard deduction, you do not report property tax separately. If you itemize, include your 2023 property tax payment as part of your SALT deduction, which is capped at $10,000 total.

What counts as a property tax payment for deduction purposes?

Only the amount you actually paid to the county in 2023 counts. If you paid through escrow, use the amount your lender paid to the county, not the amount they collected from you. Penalties, interest, or fees do not count as property tax.

How long should I keep my property tax payment records?

Keep them for at least three years after you file your tax return. If you claim the property tax deduction, the IRS may ask for proof of payment during an audit. A bank statement, cancelled check, or county receipt all work as documentation.