Where Do I Find How Much Property Tax I Paid?

Property tax is a local charge levied on real estate, such as land and buildings, and sometimes on tangible personal property. This “ad valorem” tax is determined as a percentage of the property’s assessed value. Local governments rely on property tax revenue to fund essential public services like schools, roads, police, and fire departments. Knowing the amount of property tax paid is useful for financial record-keeping and potential federal income tax deductions.

Checking Mortgage Company Records

If your property taxes are paid through an escrow account, your mortgage company is a primary source. Each month, your mortgage statement provides a breakdown of payments, including the portion allocated to property taxes.

The annual summary arrives on Form 1098, the Mortgage Interest Statement. Mortgage lenders issue this form if you paid $600 or more in mortgage interest during the tax year. While primarily for reporting mortgage interest, Form 1098 often includes real estate taxes paid from your escrow account in Box 10. If you do not receive this form by January 31st or cannot locate the specific property tax details, contacting your mortgage servicer directly is the next step. They can provide a detailed payment history for your escrow account.

Accessing Local Government Tax Portals

Property tax information is managed by local government entities, usually county or city tax assessor or collector offices. Many offices offer online portals where property owners can access tax records. You can search these portals using your property address or a unique parcel number.

These online platforms display a property’s tax history, including amounts billed and paid, often going back several years. You may also find details about the property’s assessed value, any exemptions applied, and current tax rates. To find your local government’s portal, search for your county or city’s official website and look for sections related to property taxes, the tax assessor, or the tax collector.

Reviewing Personal Financial Documents

Beyond mortgage company records and government portals, several financial documents can show how much property tax you paid. If you pay property taxes directly, not through an escrow account, you should have received physical or digital copies of your property tax bills. These bills, mailed by the local tax authority, detail the amount due and payments received.

Previous federal income tax returns can also be a source, specifically Schedule A (Itemized Deductions). If you itemized deductions in prior years, real estate taxes are reported on this form, generally on Line 5b. For those who track expenses digitally, financial software or spreadsheets may also contain records of property tax payments.