Where to get your property tax bill
Your property tax bill comes from your county assessor's office or tax collector's office — the exact name varies by state and county. This is a local government office, not a private company, and they mail or email the bill directly to the property owner or the address on file.
The bill arrives once or twice a year depending on your county's schedule. Some counties send one annual bill; others split it into two payments. The timing also varies — some arrive in spring, others in fall or winter. Check your county's tax office website to see when bills typically arrive in your area.
If you have not received a bill and you own the property, the most common reason is that the tax office has an outdated mailing address on file. This happens frequently when someone buys a property and the previous owner's address stays in the system for a billing cycle or two.
Key Takeaways
- Your county assessor's or tax collector's office mails or emails your property tax bill — you do not request it, they send it automatically to the address they have on file.
- If you do not receive a bill, call your county tax office to confirm they have your current mailing address and that the property is registered to you.
- You can view your bill online through your county's tax portal or assessor's website without waiting for mail to arrive.
- If you recently bought the property, the bill may still go to the previous owner for one or two cycles until the county updates their records.
- Property tax bills show the assessed value, the tax rate, what you owe, and the payment important date — keep it for your records even after you pay.
Checking your bill online
Most counties now let you view your property tax bill on their assessor's or tax collector's website without waiting for paper mail. You typically search by property address or parcel number, and the bill appears on screen when ready.
To find your county's online portal, search "[your county name] property tax bill online" or "[your county name] assessor portal." The portal usually shows the current year's bill, sometimes prior years, and often lets you set up email notifications so you know when a new bill is posted.
Some counties require you to create a login account first. Others let you search without an account but require one if you want to set up payment reminders or view multiple years of history.
What to do if you have not received your bill
Call your county tax collector's office or assessor's office directly. Have your property address and parcel number ready — the parcel number appears on your deed or previous tax bills and uniquely identifies your property in the county system.
Ask them to confirm three things: that your current mailing address is correct in their system, that the property is registered under your name, and when the next bill will be mailed. If the address is wrong, they can update it on the spot, and a corrected bill will go out with the next batch.
If you recently purchased the property, ask whether the bill for the current tax year will go to you or the previous owner. In many states, the bill follows the owner on the date the tax year began, not the date you closed on the purchase. The county can tell you which scenario applies to your property and when ownership transfers in their billing system.
Understanding what appears on your bill
Your property tax bill shows the assessed value of your property (what the county estimates it is worth for tax purposes), the tax rate set by your county or municipality, the total amount you owe, and the payment important date. It also lists any exemptions you may have claimed, such as a homeowner exemption or senior exemption, which lower the taxable value.
The bill may also show whether you are paying the full year's tax or a partial amount if you bought the property mid-year. If you own the property outright, you pay the bill directly. If you have a mortgage, your lender may pay it from your escrow account, in which case you will not see a separate bill — your lender handles it.
Keep your bill even after you pay it. You may need it for your records, for a mortgage refinance, or to dispute the assessed value in future years.
Payment options after you receive your bill
Most counties accept payment by mail, online through their website, by phone, or in person at the tax office. The bill itself lists all accepted methods and the address or website to use. Payment by mail is free but takes longer; online and phone payments may charge a small fee, usually a few dollars.
Pay by the important date shown on your bill to avoid late fees and penalties. If you cannot pay in full by the important date, contact your tax office to ask about payment plans or hardship options — many counties offer these, though terms vary widely.
If your mortgage lender pays the bill from escrow, you do not need to do anything. The lender receives the bill or accesses it online and pays on your behalf. You can still view the bill yourself through the county portal to see what was paid.
If the bill goes to the wrong person
If you own the property but the bill is addressed to someone else — usually the previous owner — contact your county tax office and provide proof of ownership, such as a copy of your deed or closing documents. They will update their records and send future bills to you.
Do not ignore a bill addressed to the previous owner if you are now the owner. The property still owes the tax, and if it goes unpaid, the county can place a lien on the property or begin foreclosure proceedings, even if the bill was mailed to the wrong person. Notify the tax office when ready so they can correct the address.
If you receive a bill for a property you do not own, contact the tax office to report the error. Provide your name and address so they can correct their mailing list and send the bill to the actual owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my property tax bill emailed instead of mailed?
Many counties offer email delivery if you sign up through their online portal or contact the tax office directly. Some counties default to email if you create an account on their website. Check your county's tax office website or call to ask whether email bills are available and how to request one.
What if I lost my property tax bill and need a copy?
Call your county tax collector's or assessor's office and ask them to mail or email you a duplicate. You can also view and print it yourself from the county's online portal if you have access. There is usually no charge for a duplicate bill.
Do I have to pay the property tax bill if my mortgage lender pays it?
No. If your lender pays from escrow, they handle the payment and you do not owe anything separately. However, you can still view the bill online to confirm it was paid and to see the assessed value and tax rate for your property.
What happens if I do not pay my property tax bill by the important date?
Late fees and penalties begin to accrue, and the amount owed grows each month. If the bill remains unpaid for an extended period, the county can place a lien on your property or begin foreclosure. Contact your tax office when ready if you cannot pay by the important date to discuss payment plans or hardship options.
Why is my property tax bill higher or lower than last year?
The bill changes when the county reassesses your property's value, when tax rates change, or when you gain or lose a tax exemption. Your bill should explain the reason for any significant change. If you believe the assessed value is wrong, contact your assessor's office about the process to challenge it.