Property tax records are public documents held by your county assessor or tax assessor's office, and most counties now let you search them online for free

You do not need to visit an office in person. Start by going to your county assessor's website — search "[your county name] assessor" or "[your county name] property records" — and look for a link to "property search," "records lookup," or "GIS map." Type in your address or parcel number, and the system will show you the assessed value, tax amount, owner name, and sometimes the sale history and property details.

If your county does not have an online system, or if the online system does not show what you need, you can request records by phone, email, or in person. The assessor's office is required to give you access to records on your own property at no cost. Records on other people's property may have a small copying fee, usually $0.25 to $1 per page depending on the county.

Property tax records are different from property deeds (which show ownership history) and mortgage records (which show loan details). The assessor's office holds tax records. The county recorder or clerk holds deeds. If you need to see a deed or mortgage, you will need to search the recorder's office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Most counties have a free online property records search on the assessor's website that shows assessed value, tax amount, and owner information.
  • If your county does not have an online system, call or visit the county assessor's office to request records by phone or in person.
  • You can search records on any property, but copying fees may explore for properties you do not own.
  • Property tax records show assessed value and taxes owed, but not ownership history — that information is in the county recorder's office.
  • The assessor's office is required to provide records on your own property at no cost.

How to search online for your county's property records

Start by finding your county assessor's website. Open a web browser and search "[county name] assessor" or "[county name] property records search." Most county websites have a link on the homepage or in a "Services" or "Departments" section.

Once you are on the assessor's site, look for a button or link labeled "Search Records," "Property Lookup," "GIS Map," "Property Search," or "Public Records." Click it. You will usually see a search box that asks for an address, parcel number, or owner name. Type in the address of the property you want to look up and click Search.

The results page will show the assessed value (what the county says the property is worth for tax purposes), the annual tax amount, the owner's name, the parcel number, and sometimes the property size, zoning, and recent sale price. Some systems also show a map of the property and a list of past sales. Write down or screenshot the information you need.

If you do not know your parcel number and the search does not work with just the address, try searching by owner name instead. If that does not work either, move to the phone or in-person method below.

Calling or visiting the assessor's office if there is no online system

If your county does not have an online search, or if you cannot find the information you need online, call the county assessor's office directly. Search "[county name] assessor phone number" or go to "[county name] government" website and find the assessor's department listed under "Departments" or "Services."

When you call, have your address and parcel number ready (if you know it). Tell the staff member you want to look up the property tax record for that address. They will read you the assessed value, tax amount, and other details over the phone, or they can mail or email you a copy of the record. Some offices charge a small fee for copies — usually $0.25 to $1 per page — but records on your own property are free.

If you prefer to go in person, the assessor's office is usually in the county courthouse or county administration building. Bring your address and a photo ID. A staff member will help you find the record in their system or in a physical file. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

What information appears on a property tax record

A property tax record shows the assessed value, which is what the county assessor says your property is worth for tax purposes. This is not the same as the market value (what you could sell it for) or the appraised value (what a bank says it is worth for a mortgage). The assessed value is used to calculate your annual property tax bill.

The record also shows the annual tax amount, the parcel number (a unique ID for the property), the owner's name, the property address, the lot size, the year the house was built, and sometimes the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Some records include the most recent sale price and sale date, which can help you understand what the property sold for in the past.

The record does not show who has a mortgage on the property, whether there are liens against it, or the full ownership history. That information is in the county recorder's office, not the assessor's office. If you need to see a deed or check for liens, you will need to search the recorder's records separately.

Understanding assessed value versus market value

The assessed value on your property tax record is the county assessor's estimate of what your property is worth. It is used to calculate your property tax bill: your tax bill = assessed value × tax rate. The assessed value is usually lower than the market value (what you could sell the property for today), and it changes only when the assessor reassesses the property, which happens every few years or when the property is sold.

If you think the assessed value is too high, you can file a challenge called an appeal or assessment protest. The process and important date vary by state and county. You will need to gather evidence that the assessed value is wrong — such as recent sales of similar properties nearby, a professional appraisal, or photos of damage or needed repairs. Contact your county assessor's office for the appeal form and important date.

Finding records for properties you do not own

Property tax records are public, so you can search for any property in your county, not just your own. Use the same online search or call the assessor's office and ask for the record on the address you want to look up. You will see the assessed value, tax amount, and owner name.

If you need a printed copy of a record for a property you do not own, the assessor's office may charge a copying fee. The fee is usually $0.25 to $1 per page, depending on the county. Ask the staff member or check the county website for the fee schedule before you request a copy.

Some people search property records to understand neighborhood values, to research a property before buying it, or to check the assessed value of a rental property they are considering. The information is the same whether you own the property or not — you just may pay a small fee for a printed copy.

When you need records from the county recorder instead

The county assessor holds property tax records. The county recorder (sometimes called the county clerk) holds deeds, mortgages, liens, and ownership history. If you need to see who owns a property, when it was bought and sold, or whether there are liens or mortgages against it, you need the recorder's office, not the assessor's office.

To find the recorder's office, search "[county name] recorder" or "[county name] clerk." Most counties have an online deed search on the recorder's website, similar to the assessor's search. You can search by address or owner name and see a list of recorded documents. Some counties charge a small fee to read or print a deed, usually $1 to $5 per document.

If you are buying a property, your real estate agent or title company will pull the deed and check for liens and mortgages as part of the title search. You do not usually need to do this yourself unless you are doing your own research or checking on a property you already own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up property tax records for someone else's house?

Yes. Property tax records are public, so you can search any address in your county. You will see the assessed value, tax amount, and owner name. If you need a printed copy, the assessor's office may charge a small fee, usually $0.25 to $1 per page.

What if I disagree with the assessed value on my property tax record?

You can file an appeal or assessment protest with your county assessor's office. The important date and process vary by state and county. You will need to submit evidence that the assessed value is wrong, such as recent sales of similar nearby properties or a professional appraisal. Contact your assessor's office for the appeal form and important date.

Is the assessed value the same as what my house is worth?

No. The assessed value is what the county says your property is worth for tax purposes, and it is usually lower than the market value (what you could sell it for). The assessed value is used to calculate your property tax bill and is updated only when the property is reassessed or sold.

Where do I find information about mortgages or liens on a property?

That information is in the county recorder's office, not the assessor's office. Search "[county name] recorder" to find their online records search. You can look up deeds, mortgages, and liens by address or owner name. The assessor's office only holds tax records.

Do I have to pay a fee to see my own property tax record?

No. The assessor's office must provide records on your own property at no cost. If you request a printed copy, some counties may charge a small fee, but the information itself is free. Records on other people's properties may have a copying fee.