How to Find Property Taxes By Address

Finding property taxes by address is a relatively easy process once you know where this information is kept and how to get it. Many first time home buyers and real estate investors forget to check into the property tax level on homes before purchasing. This can drastically affect your monthly mortgage payments, so it is worth checking into before buying a home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ask your realtor for current property tax on the property.
   
   If you are dealing with a realtor this is work that you should not have to do. Whether you are a first time home buyer or an investor, you never pay a realtor when you are buying. The seller does. So get one to work for you since it is free. The realtor should know how to find the most current property tax information on a particular address. No realtor, no worries though, read on.

2. Find your county government website.
   
   Type in the county where the property is located along with the words 'government offices.' Usually this will give you the government website where property taxes are recorded by address.

3. Navigate to the auditor's page.
   
   The county auditor will hold the information on property taxes by address. If there is a searchable database online you can get the tax information on any property address. If you are a first time home buyer it may pay to be familiar with the database so you can research each property.

4. Find the assessor's site.
   
   If the county auditor's page does not show a public database try assessor's web page. The assessor determines each home value and shows previous purchase prices as well. This is a valuable resource for a first time home buyer or a real estate investor. Usually, it will also record taxes paid or due on the property.

5. 

   Call the auditor or assessor's office.
   
   If for some reason you live in one of the few counties that has not yet put information on the internet as a resource for first time home buyers and real estate investors, make a call or a personal visit. Tax information is public knowledge and available for you to find just by asking.
   
   *See tips below for more on property taxes by address.

Tips & Warnings

• Add one twelfth of the property tax on to any mortgage payment quotes you receive.
• Before considering a refinancing mortgage, consider appealing the valuation of your home with the assessor.
• You can also apply for tax exemptions if you own a home and have a mortgage on it.
• See related articles and resources on this page for more information.

Resources

• When to Refinance Rule of Thumb
• How to Know When It Is Worth it to Refinance