Your property tax bill comes from your county or city assessor's office, not from a state or federal agency
Property taxes are assessed and collected locally. The office that sends you a bill is almost always your county assessor or county tax collector — the exact title varies by state, but both offices sit in your county courthouse or a county building nearby. If you have not received a bill in the mail, or you need to look up what you owe, you start by contacting that office directly.
Most counties now post property tax records online, searchable by address or parcel number. This means you can often find your assessment and bill amount from your computer without making a phone call. The search tool is usually free and open to the public, though the name and web address differ by county.
Key Takeaways
- Your county assessor's office maintains the official record of your property value and tax amount, and most counties publish these records online.
- You can search by your street address or parcel number on your county's website to find your assessment and current bill status.
- If you cannot find the online tool, call your county assessor or tax collector directly — they can tell you what you owe and when it is due.
- Your property tax bill usually arrives in the mail once or twice per year, depending on your state's payment schedule.
- If you own a home with a mortgage, your lender may pay the tax from an escrow account, so you may not receive the bill directly.
How to search your county's online property tax records
Start by going to your county government website and looking for a link labeled "property records," "tax assessor," "assessor's office," or "parcel search." Type in your street address or, if you have it, your parcel number (a unique identifier assigned to your property). The system will return your property's assessed value, the tax rate applied to it, and often the amount you owe.
Some counties require you to enter additional information like your last name or the year you want to look up. Others let you search anonymously. The records are public, so there is no password or login required — anyone can look up anyone else's property tax information.
If the county website does not have an obvious search tool, try searching online for "[your county name] property tax search" or "[your county name] assessor records." This usually brings up the correct link faster than navigating the county site itself.
What to do if you cannot find the online records
Call your county assessor's office or county tax collector's office directly. The phone number is on your property tax bill if you have one, or on the county government website. Tell them your street address, and they can tell you your current tax amount, when it is due, and whether you are current on payments.
If you do not know which office to call, start with the assessor — they maintain the property records and can direct you to the tax collector if needed. Both offices are open during business hours and handle these calls regularly.
You can also visit the office in person if you prefer to look at records on paper or need help interpreting what you find. Many counties allow walk-in searches at no cost.
Understanding what the records show
A property tax record typically shows your assessed value (what the county estimates your property is worth), the tax rate (a percentage or dollar amount per $1,000 of value), and the total tax owed for the year. It may also show whether you have paid the current bill and when the next payment is due.
The assessed value is not the same as what you could sell your house for. It is an estimate used only to calculate taxes. Different counties reassess at different times — some every year, some every few years — so the assessed value may lag behind the actual market value of your home.
If you believe the assessed value is wrong, most counties allow you to file a challenge or appeal. The process and important date vary by state, but your assessor's office can explain how to do it.
If your mortgage lender pays the tax
When you have a mortgage, your lender often collects property taxes as part of your monthly payment and holds the money in an escrow account. The lender then pays the tax bill directly to the county on your behalf. In this case, you may not receive a bill in the mail at all.
You can still look up your property tax amount online or by calling the assessor. The bill exists whether or not you see it — the lender receives it and pays it. If you want to confirm the lender has paid, you can check your county's online records, which usually show the payment status and date.
If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, the escrow arrangement may change. Ask your lender whether they will continue to pay the tax or whether you will need to pay it yourself going forward.
What to do if you find an error or owe back taxes
If the online records show you owe taxes from a previous year, or if the amount seems wrong, contact the tax collector's office right away. They can explain whether the amount is correct and what your payment options are. Many counties offer payment plans if you owe a large amount.
If you believe the assessed value is incorrect, your assessor's office can explain the appeal process. You usually have a window of 30 to 60 days after receiving your bill to file a challenge, though this varies by state. The office can tell you the important date and what documents you need to submit.
Do not ignore a bill you think is wrong. Even if you dispute the amount, most counties charge penalties and interest if you do not pay by the due date. It is better to pay on time and appeal afterward than to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I get a property tax bill?
Most counties send bills once or twice per year, depending on the state. Some send one bill annually, others send two bills six months apart. Your county assessor's office can tell you the schedule for your area. If you have a mortgage, your lender may receive the bill instead of you.
Can I look up someone else's property tax information?
Yes. Property tax records are public, so anyone can search by address or parcel number. This is how real estate agents, appraisers, and buyers research properties. The information is the same whether you are looking up your own home or someone else's.
What if I moved and did not get my bill?
Contact your county tax collector and give them your new address so they can update their records. If you owe taxes from before you moved, the bill may have gone to your old address. The tax collector can tell you what you owe and help you catch up on payments.
Is there a way to pay my property tax online?
Many counties accept online payments through their tax collector's website. You can usually pay by bank transfer or credit card, though credit card payments may include a fee. Call your tax collector or check their website to see whether online payment is available in your county.
What is a parcel number and where do I find it?
A parcel number is a unique code assigned to your property by the county. It appears on your property tax bill, your deed, and your county assessor's records. You can use it to search for your property online instead of typing your street address, and it is especially useful if multiple properties share a similar address.