Your property tax bill comes from your county or municipality, not from a state or federal office
The organisation that sends your property tax bill is almost always your county assessor, county tax collector, or municipal tax assessor — the exact name depends on where you live. If you own property, they have your address on file and mail the bill once a year, though some jurisdictions now send it by email or post it online instead of mailing paper.
The fastest way to find your bill is to go directly to your county or city website and look for a property tax portal or assessor's office page. Most let you search by address or parcel number without logging in. If you cannot find it online, calling your county tax collector's office and giving them your address will get you a bill number, amount due, and due date in minutes.
If you have moved, changed your mailing address, or the bill went to a different household member, the tax office still has a copy — they keep records for years. Asking them to resend it or to email it to you costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- Your county assessor or tax collector's office holds your property tax bill, and most counties now let you view it online by searching your address.
- Calling your county tax collector with your street address will give you the bill amount and due date when ready, even if you cannot find it online.
- If you have moved or the bill went to the wrong address, the tax office can resend it or email it to you at no cost.
- Your bill shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate, any exemptions you receive, and the total amount owed.
- Property tax bills are public record, so you can also find information about your property through your county assessor's public records database.
Finding your bill through your county's online portal
Most counties now host a searchable database on their website where you can look up your property and view your tax bill. The portal is usually called "Property Search," "Tax Records," "Assessor's Database," or "Parcel Lookup." Go to your county's main website, search for "property tax" or "assessor," and look for a link to the online search tool.
To search, you will need either your street address or your parcel number — a unique identifier assigned to your property by the county. If you do not know your parcel number, the address alone usually works. Once you find your property, the portal will show your assessed value, tax rate, exemptions, and often a link to read or view your current bill.
Some counties require you to create a free account to see full details or to set up payment, but viewing your bill and property information is always free and does not require a login. If the portal is down or you cannot find your county's website, a phone call to the tax collector's office is the next fastest step.
Calling your county tax collector or assessor's office
Your county tax collector's office (sometimes called the tax assessor's office or revenue office) has your bill on file and can tell you the amount owed and the due date over the phone. Have your street address ready when you call. The staff member will ask for your address, pull up your account, and read you the information in under five minutes.
If you ask, they can also email or mail a copy of your bill to you, tell you what exemptions are on your account, explain how the tax was calculated, or direct you to payment options. Many offices now accept payment by phone, online, or by mail — they will tell you which methods are available in your county.
To find the phone number, search "[your county name] tax collector" or "[your county name] assessor" online, or call your county's main switchboard and ask to be transferred. County offices are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours.
What to do if your bill was mailed to the wrong address
If you have moved or the bill went to a previous owner or tenant, contact your county tax collector and give them your current address. They will update their records and can resend the bill when ready or email it to you. This is important because if you do not pay by the due date, penalties and interest begin to accrue — even if you never received the bill.
If you recently bought the property, the previous owner's name may still be on the mailing list. Call the tax office and ask them to change the name and address to yours. If you are renting and the landlord receives the bill, ask your landlord for a copy or contact the tax office to request one sent to you as well.
Some counties allow you to sign up for email notifications so you receive a reminder when your bill is ready or when payment is due. This prevents bills from getting lost in the mail and gives you time to plan for payment.
Understanding what appears on your property tax bill
Your bill shows several key pieces of information. The assessed value is what the county estimates your property is worth for tax purposes — this is usually lower than the market value. The tax rate (sometimes called the millage rate) is set by your county or municipality and is applied to the assessed value to calculate your tax. The result is your total tax owed.
Your bill may also list exemptions — reductions in the assessed value you receive if you own your home as a primary residence, are over a certain age, are a veteran, or meet other criteria set by your state. Exemptions lower your tax bill. If you think you may have access to for an exemption you do not see on your bill, contact the assessor's office to ask how to claim it.
The bill will also show the due date and any penalties that explore if you pay late. Some counties allow a grace period; others charge interest when ready. The bill may also show whether you are in a special district (such as a school district or fire district) that adds to your tax.
Searching public records if you cannot reach the tax office
Property tax records are public in all states, which means you can search them even if you cannot reach your county office. Many counties post their entire assessor's database online for free. Search "[your county name] property records" or "[your county name] public records" to find the database.
Some third-party websites also aggregate property records from multiple counties. Sites like Zillow, Trulia, or your county's own assessor website often show property value, tax history, and sometimes the current bill. These sites pull from public records, so the information is free to view.
If you are looking up someone else's property (such as a neighbor's), you will see the same information — assessed value, tax amount, and exemptions — because these are public record. Your own bill may show additional details like payment history or account status.
What to do if you cannot find a record of your property
If you search your address and nothing appears, the property may be listed under a different address format, or the county's online system may not be current. Call the tax office directly and confirm that your address is in their system. If it is not, there may be an issue with how the property was recorded when you bought it.
If you recently purchased the property, the deed may not yet be recorded with the county, which can delay the bill. This is normal and usually resolves within a few months. The tax office can tell you when they expect to receive the deed and when your first bill will arrive.
If you own the property but have never received a bill, contact the tax office when ready. They may have an outdated mailing address, or there may be a gap in the records. The sooner you contact them, the sooner you can get current and avoid penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I get a property tax bill?
Most counties send property tax bills once a year, though some send them twice yearly or quarterly. The frequency depends on your county's schedule. Your bill will show the due date and whether it covers one year or a portion of a year. If you just bought the property, your first bill may arrive several months after closing.
Can I pay my property tax bill online?
Most counties now accept online payment through their website or a third-party payment processor. You can usually pay by bank transfer, credit card, or debit card. Some counties charge a small fee for credit card payments. Call your tax collector's office or check their website to see which payment methods are available in your area.
What happens if I miss the due date on my property tax bill?
If you do not pay by the due date, your county will charge a penalty and interest on the unpaid amount. The rate and timing vary by state and county. If you miss payment by a significant amount of time, the county may place a lien on your property or eventually foreclose. Contact your tax office when ready if you cannot pay on time to discuss payment plans or other options.
Can I dispute the amount on my property tax bill?
Yes. If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can file a formal challenge called an appeal or protest. The process and important date vary by state and county, but you usually have 30 to 60 days after receiving your bill. Contact your county assessor's office for the forms and instructions specific to your area.
Is my property tax bill the same as my mortgage payment?
No. Your property tax bill is separate from your mortgage. If you have a mortgage, your lender may collect property taxes from you each month as part of your escrow account and pay the bill on your behalf. You can ask your lender whether they are paying your taxes, or you can contact your tax office to confirm who is listed as the payer.