How to Get My Property Tax Statement

A property tax statement is the annual bill from your local government detailing the taxes owed on your real estate. This document is a formal record of the assessed value of your property, the tax rates from various local entities like school districts and municipalities, and the total amount due. Homeowners use this statement not only to pay their taxes but also as a necessary document for income tax purposes, as property taxes can be a deduction for those who itemize.

Information Needed to Locate Your Statement

The most straightforward identifier is the full property address, including the street name, number, city, and zip code. This is often the simplest way to begin a search on a public portal.

You will also need the official owner’s name as it appears on the property’s title. This must match the name in the tax authority’s records to successfully locate the account.

Another identifier is the property’s unique parcel number, often called an Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) or Property Index Number (PIN). This number is assigned by the county assessor’s office for tax purposes and can be found on your property deed, closing documents, or a previous year’s tax bill.

Methods for Obtaining Your Property Tax Statement

You can obtain your statement through the online portal of your local county tax assessor or collector. These websites feature a “Property Search” or “Pay Taxes” section on their homepage where you can enter your parcel number or property address.

After submitting your information, the system will display your property’s account details. Navigate to the section for tax bills or payment history, select the correct year, and download the statement, which is available as a PDF file to save or print.

You can also request a physical copy by mail. Send a formal request to your local tax office that includes the owner’s name, property address, and parcel number. Some jurisdictions may have a specific form on their website for this purpose. Be aware that it may take several weeks to receive the statement via mail.

To obtain a copy in person, visit your local tax assessor or collector’s office. Bring your property information and a form of personal identification, such as a driver’s license. An official can look up your account and provide you with a printed copy of the tax statement.

Accessing Your Statement When Taxes Are Paid Through Escrow

Many homeowners have their property taxes paid through an escrow account managed by their mortgage lender. In this arrangement, a portion of your monthly mortgage payment is set aside in the escrow account, and the lender uses these funds to pay your property tax and homeowners’ insurance bills on your behalf. Even though the lender handles the payment, you still need a copy of the tax statement for your records.

To get your statement, log into your mortgage lender’s online portal. Most lenders maintain a digital library of documents related to your loan, including tax statements. Look for a “Documents,” “Statements,” or “Tax Information” tab on the website to find a copy of the property tax bill.

This statement is often marked as an “informational copy” but contains all the same details as the original bill. If you cannot locate the document on the lender’s website, contact your mortgage servicer directly. A representative can provide the statement by mail or make it available for download in your online account.