Where to request your property tax statement

Your property tax statement comes from your county assessor's office or tax collector's office — the exact name depends on your state. This is a local government office, not a private company, and they keep the official record of what you owe.

The fastest way to get your statement is to visit your county's website and look for a section called "Property Search," "Tax Records," or "Assessor Records." Most counties now let you view and print your statement online without calling or visiting in person. You will need your property address or parcel number to search.

If your county does not offer online access, you can call the assessor's or tax collector's office directly and ask them to mail or email your statement. Have your property address ready when you call. Some counties charge a small fee for mailed copies, though online statements are usually free.

Key Takeaways

  • Your property tax statement comes from your county assessor's or tax collector's office, which you can find through your county government website.
  • Most counties let you search for and print your statement online using your property address or parcel number.
  • If online access is not available, call your county office directly to request a mailed or emailed copy.
  • Your statement shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate, and the total amount you owe for the year.
  • Keep your statement for your records and refer to it when paying taxes or disputing an assessment.

What information you need to search

To find your property tax statement online, you will need either your property address or your parcel number. The property address is straightforward where your home or land is located. The parcel number is a unique identifier assigned by the county — it looks like a series of numbers and sometimes letters, and it appears on your property deed or previous tax statements.

If you do not have your parcel number, the county website's search tool will usually let you search by address alone. Type in your street address, city, and state, and the system will pull up your property record. From there you can view your current tax statement and read it as a PDF.

How to find your county assessor's office online

Start by searching "[Your County Name] assessor" or "[Your County Name] tax collector" in a search engine. This will take you to the official county website. Look for a link labeled "Property Records," "Tax Records," "Assessor Database," or "Online Search." Some counties call it the "GIS Map" or "Property Appraiser Database."

Once you are on the search page, enter your address or parcel number and click search. The system will display your property information, including the assessed value, tax rate, and your tax amount. You can usually print or read this page directly from your browser.

If you cannot find the online search tool or your county does not have one, look for a phone number or mailing address for the assessor's office on the same website. Call or write to request your statement by mail.

Understanding what appears on your statement

Your property tax statement shows several key pieces of information. At the top is your property address and parcel number. Below that is the assessed value — this is what the county estimates your property is worth for tax purposes, not necessarily its market value.

The statement also lists the tax rate, which is set by your county and sometimes by your school district or other local bodies. The tax rate is multiplied by your assessed value to calculate your total tax bill. Your statement will show the total amount due, the due date, and sometimes the amount already paid if you have made payments during the year.

Some statements also show whether you have any exemptions — for example, homestead exemptions that lower your assessed value if the property is your primary residence. If you disagree with the assessed value, your statement usually includes information about how to file a formal challenge or appeal.

Requesting a statement by mail or phone

If you prefer not to search online, you can contact your county assessor's or tax collector's office directly. Call the main number listed on the county website and ask to speak with someone who handles tax statements or property records. Tell them your property address and ask them to mail or email your current statement.

Some counties will email your statement the same day if you provide your email address. Others may take five to ten business days to mail a copy. Ask about the timeline when you call. If you need the statement urgently, ask whether you can pick it up in person at their office — many allow same-day pickup.

A few counties charge a fee for mailed copies, usually between two and five dollars. Ask about the cost before requesting the statement. Online statements are almost always free.

What to do if you cannot find your county office

If your county website is difficult to navigate or you cannot locate the assessor's office, try searching for your county's main government website first. Look for a link to "Departments" or "Services" and find the assessor or tax collector from there. You can also call your county's main information line and ask for the assessor's office phone number.

Another option is to search your property address on a third-party site like Zillow, Trulia, or your county's GIS mapping tool. These sites often pull data from county records and may show your assessed value and tax information. However, these are not official statements — for an official copy, you still need to contact the county directly.

Keeping your statement for records

Once you have your property tax statement, save it in a safe place. You will need it to pay your taxes, to file your income taxes if you itemize deductions, and to dispute your assessment if you believe the value is too high. Keep statements from multiple years so you can track changes in your assessed value over time.

If you pay property taxes through an escrow account held by your mortgage lender, your lender receives the statement and pays the taxes on your behalf. You can still request a copy directly from the county for your own records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a property tax statement for someone else's property?

Yes. Property tax records are public information, so you can search any address in your county. However, if you need an official statement mailed to you, the county may require you to explain why you need it or may only mail to the property owner or their authorized representative.

What if my property tax statement shows a value I think is wrong?

Your statement usually includes instructions for filing an appeal or challenge to the assessed value. The process and important date vary by county, but you typically have 30 to 60 days from the statement date to file. Contact your assessor's office for the specific steps and forms required in your county.

Do I need my property tax statement to pay my taxes?

No, but it is helpful to have. If you pay through your mortgage lender's escrow account, they handle payment automatically. If you pay directly to the county, you can use the statement to confirm the amount due and the due date, or you can search your property online to find this information.

How often does my property tax statement get updated?

Most counties issue new statements once a year, usually in the spring or early summer. Some counties send statements twice a year if you have made partial payments. Check your county's website or call the assessor's office to find out the schedule for your area.

What if I moved and did not receive my statement?

Contact your county assessor's office and provide your new mailing address. Ask them to update their records and mail your current statement to the new address. You can also search for your statement online using your property address or parcel number at any time, regardless of where you live.