Your property tax bill comes from your county assessor or tax collector, not from your mortgage lender or insurance company
Most property owners receive a bill in the mail once or twice a year, depending on where you live. The bill shows what your county values your property at, the tax rate applied to that value, and what you owe. If you did not receive one, or you need a copy, you can get it from your county's tax assessor or tax collector office — these are usually separate departments, and which one holds your bill depends on your state.
The fastest way is to visit your county's website and look for "property tax bill" or "tax records." Most counties now let you search by address or parcel number and view or print your bill online. If your county does not have an online system, you can call the assessor's office or tax collector's office directly, give them your address, and ask them to mail or email a copy.
You will need your property address or parcel number (also called an assessor's parcel number or APN). Your parcel number appears on your bill, your deed, or your mortgage statement. If you do not have it, the county office can look it up by address alone.
Key Takeaways
- Your county assessor or tax collector mails property tax bills, usually once or twice yearly depending on your state.
- Most counties post searchable tax records online where you can view and print your bill by address or parcel number.
- If your county has no online system, call the assessor's or tax collector's office directly with your address to request a copy.
- Your parcel number (APN) speeds up the search, but the county can find your bill using your street address alone.
- If you pay through escrow, your lender receives the bill, but you can still request a copy directly from the county.
Finding your bill online through your county website
Start by searching "[your county name] property tax records" or "[your county name] assessor" in a search engine. This usually takes you to the county assessor's or tax collector's website. Look for a link labeled "search records," "view my bill," "tax bill lookup," or "property search."
Click that link and enter your property address or parcel number. The system will return your property record, which includes your assessed value, tax rate, and current bill amount. Some counties show the full bill with payment due dates; others show only the assessed value and you have to calculate the tax yourself. Either way, you can print or read the page.
If the county website does not have a searchable database, look for a phone number or email address for the assessor's office and contact them directly. Have your address ready.
Calling or visiting your county assessor or tax collector in person
If you cannot find your bill online, call your county assessor's office or tax collector's office. These are usually listed on your county government website under "departments" or "services." Tell them your address and ask for a copy of your current property tax bill.
They can email, mail, or sometimes fax it to you. Turnaround is usually one to three business days for email or fax, and five to ten days for mail. If you need it urgently, ask if you can pick it up in person — many offices will have a copy ready within an hour.
Some counties charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) for copies of records, though many waive the fee if you request it by phone or email. Ask before they process your request.
What to do if you pay through your mortgage lender's escrow account
If your mortgage lender pays your property taxes from an escrow account, they receive the bill directly from the county. You can still request a copy from the county yourself — the county does not restrict who can view a property record, and it is public information.
Your lender should also send you an annual escrow statement showing what they paid toward property taxes on your behalf. This statement is separate from your property tax bill and appears once a year, usually in the spring. If you want to verify what your lender paid, compare that statement to the bill from the county.
Understanding what appears on your property tax bill
Your bill shows your property's assessed value (what the county says it is worth for tax purposes), the tax rate (expressed as a percentage or per $1,000 of value), and the total tax owed. It also shows the tax year, payment due date, and where to send payment.
Some bills are split into two installments — one due in fall and one in spring — while others are due in a single payment. Your bill will state which applies to you. Late payment penalties and interest rates vary by county but typically start accruing 10 to 30 days after the due date.
If you disagree with your assessed value, your bill usually includes information about filing a formal challenge or appeal. This process varies by state and county, and important date are strict, so act quickly if you plan to contest the value.
Searching for a property tax bill for a property you do not own
Property tax records are public. If you want to see what someone else's property taxes are, or what a house you are thinking of buying is assessed at, you can search the county records the same way you would search your own — by address or parcel number on the county assessor's website.
This is useful when you are considering buying a home and want to estimate your future tax bill, or when you are curious about the assessed value of a neighboring property. The information is free and available to anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I moved and did not get my property tax bill?
Contact your county assessor or tax collector and give them your new address. Ask them to update their records and mail your bill to the correct address. If you moved recently, the bill may still be in transit to your old address — ask the post office to forward it, or request the county email or fax it to you instead.
Can I view my property tax bill if I rent instead of own?
Yes, property tax records are public. You can search your county's records by the address where you live. However, the bill will be in your landlord's name, not yours. Your landlord is responsible for paying it, though the cost is often built into your rent.
How do I know if my property tax bill is correct?
Compare the assessed value on your bill to recent sales of similar homes in your area. If your assessed value is much higher, you may have grounds to appeal. Your county assessor's office can explain the appeal process and important date, which vary by state.
What if I lost my property tax bill and need to pay?
Contact your county tax collector's office with your address or parcel number. They can tell you the amount owed, the due date, and where to send payment. You do not need the original bill to pay — the county has a record of what you owe.