How Do You Find Your Property Taxes? 3 Easy Ways to Locate Your Property Tax Bill
Owning your own home comes with many responsibilities, and one of the biggest is staying on top of your property taxes. Understanding your property tax bill isn’t just about avoiding late fees, it also impacts your overall budget and helps you plan for future expenses. The easiest ways to find your tax bills are by checking your county’s tax assessor website, calling or visiting your local tax office, or reviewing your mortgage escrow account. Read on to understand how to find your property tax bill so you can plan accordingly.
Check Your Local Tax Assessor’s Website
In today’s digital age checking your property taxes is easier than ever, thanks to online portals offered by most counties and municipalities. For example, Harris County has a digital portal to view your tax statements online, no phone calls are needed. Instead of having to wait for a paper bill or calling your tax office, you can quickly and easily access your tax statements with just a few simple clicks. Here is a step-by-step guide to finding your property tax bill online for most counties:
1. Visit Your County or City Tax Assessor’s Website
You can begin by searching for your local county tax assessor’s website. Almost all government offices have an online portal for property tax information.
2. Enter Your Property Address or Account Number
Once you locate the website, use the search feature to locate your personal property. It’s important to note that every county system will utilize different search information to find your bill.
3. View or Download your Current Tax Statement
When You complete the previous steps properly your tax bill should appear on the screen, allowing you to view all details like payment amounts and due dates. Many sites will also allow you to download your own copy of your records.
This is the fastest way to access your property tax information. Specific locations will even allow you to pay your taxes directly online, making it even more convenient to stay up-to-date and avoid late penalties. Learn how to read your property tax bill once you find it.
Look at Your Mortgage Escrow Account
If you have a mortgage, your lender may be collecting property taxes for you through an escrow account. This just means a part of your monthly mortgage payment goes toward taxes, and your lender will pay them directly when they’re due. To check on your property tax payments, review your escrow statements, which will explain the exact amounts collected and paid. Many lenders will also provide you with an annual tax statement summarizing all payments made on your behalf.
If you’re not sure, contact your mortgage provider to confirm your tax payment status. Your mortgage provider can give you details on whether your taxes have been paid and if there are any changes to your escrow balance. Be aware that not every homeowner will have an escrow account, some people are responsible for paying their own property taxes directly to their local government. Staying up to date helps to make you don’t miss any payments or changes.
Contact Your Local Tax Office
You can always call or visit your local tax collector’s office if you cannot access your property tax bill online. Your local office can provide you with details about your tax costs, due dates, and even any past-due balances you may have. To make this process easier make sure you have this information ready before you try and reach out.
- Your Property Address – This helps your collectors office quickly locate your tax records
- Owner’s Name – Your name or the primary owner’s name, is another way they can find the correct information
- Parcel or Tax ID Number (if available) – This unique number is the quickest way to pull up your tax details.
Tax offices are also able to explain payment options available; if you’re unsure about your balance or need a personal copy of your statement, they can provide you with that as well.
Understand Your Bill Before It’s Too Late
Understanding your property tax bill allows you to budget appropriately or even protest your property tax assessment if you feel they are too high. Whether you access your bill online, check it through your mortgage lender, or contact your local tax office, knowing what you owe ahead of time can save you and your family the stress. At Johnson & Starr, we help all homeowners navigate property taxes and offer support for those facing financial struggles. If you need help with overdue property taxes? Contact us today to explore your options.