Start with your county assessor or tax collector
Your property tax bill and records live in one of two county offices, depending on your state. Most states have a county assessor who determines what your property is worth, and a county tax collector (sometimes called the treasurer) who sends the bill and collects the payment. Some states combine these into one office.
The fastest way to find your records is to search "[your county name] assessor" or "[your county name] tax collector" online. Nearly every county now has a searchable database on their website where you can enter your address or parcel number and see your assessed value, tax rate, and bill amount. You do not need a login or password for most of these — they are public records.
If the online database is down or you cannot find your parcel number, call the assessor's office directly. Have your street address and the year you need ready. They can tell you your assessed value, your tax rate, and whether a bill has been sent. The tax collector's office can tell you what you owe, when it is due, and whether you have paid.
Key Takeaways
- Your county assessor's website usually has a free searchable database where you can look up your property value and tax amount by address.
- Property tax bills are public records, so you can find them without proving ownership or having a special account.
- If you cannot find your records online, the county tax collector can tell you what you owe and when payment is due.
- Your parcel number (found on your deed or previous tax bill) makes searching faster, but your street address usually works too.
- If you rent, your landlord pays the property tax, but you can still look up the tax amount on the property where you live.
How to search the county assessor's database
Most county assessor websites have a search tool on the homepage. Type in your street address exactly as it appears on your deed or previous tax bill — include the street number, street name, and city. Some databases also let you search by parcel number, which is a unique identifier for your property. If you do not know your parcel number, the address search will find it.
The database will show you the assessed value of your land and building separately, the tax rate for your area, and sometimes a breakdown of what your taxes fund (schools, fire, roads, etc.). This information is usually free and does not require you to create an account. If the county website does not have an online search, call the assessor's office and ask for the phone number of a records clerk who can look it up for you.
Finding your actual tax bill
The assessed value and the tax bill are not the same thing. The assessed value is what the county says your property is worth. The tax bill is the amount you owe, calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the tax rate for your area. Your tax bill also shows the due date and where to send payment.
Tax bills are usually mailed once or twice a year, depending on your state. If you did not receive a bill in the mail, check the county tax collector's website — many post bills online before they mail them. Search by address or parcel number. If you still cannot find it, contact the tax collector's office and give them your address and the year. They can print a copy or email it to you. If you owe taxes from a previous year, the tax collector can tell you the total amount due including any penalties or interest.
What to do if you cannot find your property
If the county database does not return results for your address, try these steps: First, check that you are using the correct county — properties near county lines are sometimes in a different county than the city address suggests. Second, try searching by parcel number instead of address. You can find your parcel number on your deed, a previous tax bill, or a mortgage statement.
If you still have no results, the property may be listed under a different address format. Call the assessor's office and describe the property — the street address, the city, and roughly when you bought it or moved in. A clerk can search their records by description and give you the parcel number. Once you have the parcel number, you can search the database yourself in the future.
Understanding what the records show
A property tax record typically shows the assessed value, the tax rate (expressed as a percentage or mills per dollar), the annual tax amount, and sometimes a history of past assessments. The assessed value is not the same as the market value — it is what the county assessor estimates your property would sell for, and it is usually lower than the actual market price. The tax rate varies by location and can change year to year.
Some records also show exemptions — reductions in assessed value for homeowners, seniors, veterans, or people with disabilities. If you think you may have access to for an exemption, the assessor's office can tell you how to request one. The tax bill itself shows the due date, the amount due, and the consequences of paying late (usually a penalty and interest charge). Keep your tax bill for your records, even after you pay.
Accessing records for a property you do not own
Property tax records are public. You can look up the tax information for any property in the county, whether you own it or not. This is useful if you are thinking about buying a house and want to know what the taxes are, or if you are renting and curious what your landlord pays. Search the county assessor's database by address, and the information will appear.
Some databases also show the owner's name and the sale price from the last time the property changed hands. This information is also public record. You cannot see details about the owner's finances or personal information, only what relates to the property itself and its tax status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up property taxes online without creating an account?
Yes. County assessor and tax collector databases are public and do not require a login. Search by address or parcel number, and the information appears immediately. Some counties let you create an account to receive bill reminders by email, but this is optional.
What if I moved and did not get a tax bill at my new address?
Contact the tax collector's office and give them your new mailing address. They can update their records so future bills go to the right place. You can also check the county website to see if a bill is posted online. If you owe taxes from before you moved, the collector can tell you the amount and where to send payment.
Is the assessed value the same as what my house is worth?
No. The assessed value is the county's estimate of your property's worth for tax purposes, and it is usually lower than the actual market value. If you think the assessed value is too high, you can file a formal challenge called an assessment appeal. The assessor's office can explain the process and the deadline for filing.
How often do property taxes change?
The assessed value can change every year, though the amount of change is often limited by state law. The tax rate can also change if your local government's budget changes. You will see the new amount on your next tax bill. If you disagree with an increase, you have a window of time to file an appeal — the tax bill usually states the deadline.
What happens if I do not pay my property tax bill?
The county adds a penalty and interest to your bill. If you do not pay for several years, the county can place a lien on your property or, in some cases, foreclose and sell it to recover the taxes owed. If you cannot pay in full, contact the tax collector's office to ask about payment plans or hardship programs that may be available in your county.