How to Find the Tax ID Number for a Property

A property’s tax identification number is a unique code assigned by a local government’s taxing authority to a specific parcel of land. This identifier allows the jurisdiction to accurately track, assess, and collect the correct amount of tax for each piece of real estate. The number goes by several names depending on the locality, including Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), Parcel Identification Number (PIN), Tax Parcel Number, or Property Account Number. Its structure can vary but may contain a series of digits corresponding to a map book, page, and specific parcel.

This identifier serves as a stable reference for a property in public records, linking together deeds, tax rolls, and geographic information system (GIS) data. During real estate transactions, such as a sale or refinancing, the number is used to verify ownership, legal descriptions, and tax status. The identifier remains with the land, providing a consistent point of reference even as ownership changes over time.

Information Needed to Find Your Property Tax ID

The most important detail needed for a search is the full and correct property address. This includes the street number, street name, city, and zip code. An accurate address is the primary search criterion for most online databases and is what a county clerk will request first.

In addition to the address, having the full name of the current property owner is beneficial. This information acts as a secondary verification point to ensure you have located the correct parcel. In situations involving common street names or newly developed areas, confirming the owner’s name can prevent confusion. Having both the address and owner’s name ready will streamline any search.

Locating the Number on Existing Documents

A direct source for the tax ID number is a recent property tax bill from the local taxing authority. The number, labeled as “Parcel ID,” “PIN,” or “Account #,” is displayed at the top of the statement, near the property description and owner’s information.

Another source is the property deed, the legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real estate. The tax ID number is included within the legal description of the property on the deed, which provides a formal description of the parcel’s boundaries and location. This links the legal record of ownership to the tax assessment record.

Mortgage statements or closing documents from the property’s purchase can contain the tax ID number. Lenders and title companies use this number throughout the transaction process to track the property and ensure tax obligations are handled. Reviewing the closing disclosure, settlement statement, or initial mortgage paperwork will reveal the parcel number.

Using Online Government Resources

Most local governments now provide online access to property records, offering a convenient way to find a tax ID number. The first step is to identify the correct local government agency, which is the county property assessor, tax collector, or recorder of deeds. An internet search for “[County Name] property assessor” or “[County Name] tax records” will lead to the official website.

Once on the website, look for a portal described as “property search,” “parcel lookup,” or “real estate data.” These search tools will allow you to input information to find a specific property.

After submitting the search query, the website will display a property record or a list of potential matches. The resulting page will contain detailed information about the parcel, including its assessed value, tax history, and the property tax ID number.

Contacting the County Office Directly

If online resources are unavailable or a search is unsuccessful, contacting the relevant county office directly is a reliable method. The appropriate department is the County Assessor’s Office or the Tax Collector’s Office, as these agencies are responsible for property valuation and tax administration.

You can contact the office by phone or visit in person. The staff at the public service counter can access the official property records and provide the tax ID number. In some cases, visiting the office in person may be an option or a necessity.