Where to send your property tax payment

Your property tax bill comes from your county assessor's office or county tax collector — the exact name varies by state. The bill itself tells you where to send payment and what account or parcel number to include. Do not send payment to your city or to your mortgage lender, even if your lender collects taxes as part of your monthly payment.

Most counties now accept payment through their official website, by mail, or in person at the tax collector's office. Some accept payment by phone or through third-party services. The bill lists all accepted methods. If you cannot find the bill, search "[your county name] tax collector" or "[your county name] assessor" online — the official website will have payment instructions and a way to look up your account by address or parcel number.

Payment important date vary by state and sometimes by county within a state. Missing the important date typically results in a penalty and interest charge added to your bill. The bill itself shows the due date. If you have not received a bill by the time you expect one, contact the tax collector's office directly — bills sometimes get lost in the mail, and the office can tell you the amount owed and the important date.

Key Takeaways

  • Your county tax collector or assessor's office is the only place that accepts property tax payments, and the bill tells you exactly where to send it.
  • Payment methods usually include mail, online payment through the county website, and in-person payment at the tax collector's office.
  • The due date is printed on your bill, and penalties and interest are added if you pay after that date.
  • If your mortgage lender collects taxes as part of your monthly payment, the lender sends the payment to the county on your behalf, but you remain responsible if the lender fails to pay.
  • If you have not received a bill, contact the tax collector's office to confirm the amount owed and the important date rather than waiting.

Paying online through your county website

Most counties now offer online payment through their tax collector's website. Go to the county website, find the tax collector or assessor section, and look for a link labeled "pay taxes online" or "make a payment." You will need your parcel number or property address to look up your account. The parcel number appears on your bill and on your property deed.

Online payment usually costs nothing if you pay by bank transfer (sometimes called ACH or electronic check). Paying by credit card or debit card often triggers a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, which the county adds to your bill. The website will show you the fee before you confirm payment. Payment by bank transfer typically takes one to three business days to post to your account; credit card payments may post the same day.

Keep a record of your confirmation number or receipt after paying online. If the payment does not appear on your account within the timeframe shown, contact the tax collector's office with your confirmation number. Do not assume the payment went through just because you received a confirmation email — verify it on the county website a few days later.

Paying by mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order to the county tax collector (the bill tells you the exact name). Write your parcel number or property address on the check. Include the payment stub from your bill if one came with it, or write the information on a separate sheet of paper. Mail it to the address shown on the bill.

Mail payment typically takes one to two weeks to reach the office and another few days to post to your account. If your due date is fewer than two weeks away, do not rely on mail — use online payment or pay in person instead. The postmark date does not count as the payment date; the date the tax collector's office receives and records the payment is what matters.

If you are mailing a check close to the important date and worried it will not arrive in time, call the tax collector's office before mailing to ask whether they accept payments by phone or whether you can pay online instead. Some offices will note that a payment is in the mail if you call ahead, though this does not may provide they will waive a late penalty if the check arrives after the important date.

Paying in person at the tax collector's office

You can pay in person at your county tax collector's office during business hours. Bring your bill or parcel number and a form of payment — usually cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are less common at in-person counters than online. Call ahead or check the website to confirm what payment methods the office accepts and what hours they are open.

Payment posted the same day you pay in person. This is the fastest way to may support your payment is recorded before the important date. If you are paying close to the due date and want proof of payment when ready, paying in person gives you a receipt on the spot.

Some counties also allow payment at satellite locations or partner businesses (such as banks or utility payment centers). The tax collector's website lists these locations if they are available in your county.

If your mortgage lender pays your taxes

If your mortgage includes an escrow account, your lender collects property taxes (and usually homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance) as part of your monthly payment and sends them to the county on your behalf. You do not send payment directly to the tax collector in this case.

Your lender sends you an annual escrow statement showing what they collected and paid. Check this statement against your tax bill to make sure the amount is correct. If the lender underpaid or did not pay, you remain responsible for the full amount plus any penalties. Contact your lender when ready if the escrow statement shows a payment that does not match your bill.

If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, your escrow account closes and you become responsible for paying property taxes directly. The lender will notify you when this happens. Do not assume the new lender will automatically pay your taxes — confirm with the new lender whether taxes are included in your new payment before the next due date arrives.

What happens if you pay late

If you pay after the due date, the county adds a penalty (usually 5 to 10 percent of the bill, though this varies by state) and interest (typically 1 percent per month or higher). These charges accumulate, so the longer you wait, the more you owe. The tax collector's office can tell you the exact penalty and interest rate for your county.

If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the tax collector's office before the important date to ask about payment plans or extensions. Some counties offer short-term extensions or installment plans, though not all do. Asking before the important date is better than paying late and then disputing the penalty afterward.

If your property tax bill goes unpaid for several years, the county may place a lien on your property or eventually sell it at a tax sale to recover the money owed. This process takes time and varies by state, but it is a serious consequence. If you are struggling to pay, contact the tax collector's office or a local legal aid organization to understand your options.

Paying property taxes on a property you are buying or selling

When you buy or sell a property, property taxes are usually split between the old owner and the new owner based on the closing date. This is called a proration. The title company or closing attorney handles this calculation and adjusts the final payment at closing. You do not need to contact the tax collector about this — the closing documents will show how much tax you owe for the portion of the year you own the property.

After closing, the tax bill will be in the new owner's name. If you are the new owner, you will receive the next bill at your new address. Make sure you update your address with the tax collector's office or the bill may go to the previous owner's address and you might miss the due date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my property tax bill online with a credit card?

Most counties allow credit card payment online, but they charge a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent. Some counties do not accept credit cards at all. Check your county's tax collector website to see what payment methods are offered. If the fee is high, paying by bank transfer or check may cost you less.

What if I disagree with the amount on my property tax bill?

Contact your county assessor's office to request a review of your property's assessed value. This is separate from paying the bill. You can dispute the assessment while still paying the bill on time to avoid penalties. The assessor's office can explain how your property was valued and what process exists to challenge it in your county.

Do I need to pay property taxes if I own my home outright with no mortgage?

Yes. Property taxes are owed by whoever owns the property, whether or not there is a mortgage. If you own your home outright, you are responsible for paying the tax collector directly. You will not have an escrow account, so you must track the due date yourself and send payment to the county.

What if I moved and did not receive my property tax bill?

Contact the tax collector's office and provide your new address. Ask them to confirm the amount owed and the due date. You can also look up your account on the county website using your parcel number or property address. Update your address so future bills go to the correct place, but do not wait for a new bill to arrive — contact the office to confirm what you owe.

Can I set up automatic payments for my property tax bill?

Some counties offer automatic payment through their online system, usually by bank transfer. Check your county's tax collector website to see if this option is available. If not, you can set up a reminder on your calendar or ask your bank to send a check automatically on a date you choose, though you will need to update this each year when the bill amount changes.