How to Find Tax Information on a Property

Finding tax information on a property is important for several reasons. First, the U.S. Treasury auctions off property that has been seized. When taxes are outstanding, the purchaser must pay them. Second, if you are buying a piece of property, a consideration about its affordability and value involves learning how much personal property or real estate tax is assessed each year. Mortgages usually include escrow payments to cover the property taxes but once the title is clear, the owner becomes accountable to pay the annual taxes.

Things You'll Need

• Accurate name of your county

Instructions

1. Go to the U.S. Treasury website to find a listing of the items it has seized because of unpaid taxes. The list is arranged by the type of item or property. Houses and businesses are listed by state.

2. Check the Internal Revenue Service Form 2434-B for any item that the Treasury Department has on auction. In addition to the amount of money owed to the IRS, you can use this form to see if there are any additional liens or encumbrances which you will be responsible to cover if you win the bid.

3. Go to your county's official website to find information about its real estate taxes and personal property taxes. These taxes are collected at the local, municipal or county level and often go toward funding local public school districts, parks and other county services.

4. Search for the Assessment Division when you get to the county's website. There you will find contact information in the form of names, email addresses and phone numbers for the county assessor who will be able to advise you about the specific property for which you need to find the tax information. You will also be able to find the rates charged and an explanation of how the revenues raised by property taxes are spent.

Resources

• US Treasury Department Auctions