Where to look for your property tax bill

Your property tax bill is a public record, and you can find it through your county assessor's office or tax collector's office — the exact name varies by state. Most counties now post current and past bills online through a searchable database on their website. You will need your property address or parcel number to search.

If you cannot find it online, call your county tax collector or assessor's office directly. They can tell you the amount you paid in any recent year and often can email or mail you a copy of the bill. Some counties charge a small fee for copies of old records, but current-year bills are free.

Your mortgage lender also has a record of what you paid. If your lender handles your property taxes through an escrow account, they send you an annual escrow statement showing how much went toward taxes. This statement arrives in the mail, usually in the spring.

Key Takeaways

  • Your county assessor or tax collector's office maintains public records of all property tax payments, searchable online by address or parcel number.
  • If you have a mortgage with an escrow account, your lender's annual statement shows exactly how much of your payment went to property taxes.
  • Past tax bills are public record and can be obtained by phone, online, or in person at your county office.
  • Your property tax amount changes year to year based on the assessed value of your home and your local tax rate.

Reading your property tax bill

A property tax bill shows several pieces of information. At the top is your property address and parcel number — a unique identifier your county uses to track the property. The bill lists the assessed value (what the county says your home is worth for tax purposes), the tax rate (usually expressed as a dollar amount per $1,000 of assessed value), and the total tax owed.

The bill also shows the due date and payment method. Most counties accept online payment, check by mail, or in-person payment at the tax collector's office. Some bills are due in one lump sum; others split into two payments per year, typically in spring and fall.

If you paid through escrow, your lender paid the bill on your behalf and deducted the amount from your monthly mortgage payment. Your escrow statement will show the exact date paid and the amount.

Why your property tax amount changes year to year

Property taxes are not fixed. The amount you owe depends on two things: the assessed value of your property and the tax rate set by your county or municipality. Either one can change, which is why your bill may be higher or lower than the previous year.

Assessed value usually increases slightly each year, though the rate of increase varies by state and county. Some states cap how much the assessed value can rise annually (often 2 percent). If you made major improvements to your home — an addition, new roof, or major renovation — the assessed value may jump more significantly.

Tax rates also change. Your county or school district may raise the rate to fund local services, or it may lower it. A rate change affects all property owners in that jurisdiction, not just you.

Finding historical tax records

If you need to know what you paid in taxes from several years ago, your county assessor's office keeps records going back many years, often 10 to 20 years depending on the county. Online databases usually show the past 5 to 10 years; older records may require a phone call or visit to the office.

You may need historical records for a loan application, a legal dispute, or to track your home's value over time. When you contact your county office, have your property address or parcel number ready. They can pull the records quickly.

If you sold your home, the title company or real estate agent involved in the sale often has copies of recent tax bills. The new owner's lender may also have records if the sale closed recently.

Property tax records and your mortgage escrow account

If you have a mortgage, your lender likely collects property taxes through an escrow account. Each month, you pay a portion of your estimated annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. The lender holds this money and pays the county bill when it comes due.

Your lender sends you an annual escrow statement, usually in spring. This statement shows how much you paid into escrow that year, how much the lender paid to the county, and what balance remains in your account. The statement is a reliable source for what you actually paid in property taxes.

If your escrow account runs short — because taxes rose more than expected — your lender may increase your monthly payment. If there is a surplus, the lender may credit it toward future payments or refund it to you, depending on your loan agreement and state law.

Using property tax information for deductions or disputes

You may need your property tax bill to claim a deduction on your federal income tax return. The IRS allows you to deduct state and local property taxes, up to $10,000 per year (as of 2024). Your bill shows the exact amount you paid, which you will need when you file.

If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can challenge it through your county's assessment appeal process. This process varies by state, but it usually involves filing a formal objection with your county assessor's office by a set deadline. Your current tax bill will show the assessed value you are disputing.

Keep copies of your property tax bills for at least three to seven years. They are useful for tax returns, refinancing, selling your home, or resolving disputes with your lender or county.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my property tax bill if I don't know my parcel number?

Use your property address to search your county assessor's or tax collector's website. If the online search does not work, call the office directly with your address. They can look it up and provide your parcel number and bill information over the phone.

Can I see what my neighbors paid in property taxes?

Yes. Property tax records are public information. You can search most county databases by address to see assessed values and tax amounts for any property in the county. This information is often used to compare home values in a neighborhood.

What if I paid my property taxes but my bill shows unpaid?

Contact your county tax collector's office immediately. Provide proof of payment — a cancelled check, receipt, or bank statement. Processing delays sometimes cause a lag between payment and the record update. The office can verify receipt and correct the record.

Do I need my property tax bill to refinance my home?

Yes. Lenders require recent property tax bills as part of the refinancing process to verify the amount and confirm there are no unpaid taxes on the property. Have your most recent bill ready when you apply.

How far back can I get property tax records?

Most counties keep records going back 10 to 20 years in their online systems. Older records exist but may require a visit to the office or a formal records request. Call your county assessor's office to ask how far back their searchable database goes.