Online Access Visit the website of the county assessor to which you pay property taxes.
Locate
the property search link. Each county’s website varies, but common link
titles to look for include “Search Property Records,” “Property Search”
or “Real Property Tax Records.” Some websites may list this type of
search in the online services menu; others display a link on the home
page.
Select a search method. In most cases, you can choose to
search by your name or the address of your home. Enter appropriate data
into the search field based on your selection.
View property tax
payment history. You can view real estate tax assessments and payments
for the current year. Some websites may also provide historical payment
information.
Form 1098 Tax Document Obtain
Form 1098 from your mortgage lender. This tax document lists the
mortgage interest you pay during the year and also lists any real estate
taxes your lender paid on your behalf through an escrow account. Your
lender is authorized to pay only the actual amount of your property tax
assessment through an escrow account, so in general, tax amounts shown
are correct.
Examine Box 4 on Form 1098. Your lender uses this
general information box to report information other than your mortgage
interest to you. Any amounts shown should include a description, such as
"Taxes" or "Property Tax."
Compare Box 4 amounts with other
sources. Your end-of-the-year mortgage statement may itemize taxes and
other items paid through your escrow account. Compare any tax payments
shown on this statement with the amount in Box 4. You may also contact
your county assessor for confirmation of Box 4 amounts.
Tip
- Your
county assessor's office may also be able to provide your real estate
tax payment information over the phone or in person. Contact your county
assessor for details.
- Your annual
property tax bill may show payments received since the last assessment.
Payments shown may include those you personally made or paid through
escrow.
- You may also contact your
mortgage lender for real estate tax payment information if you paid your
taxes through escrow. However, if you're using the information to claim
a tax deduction, get your payment information in writing rather than by
phone. If the lender's agent gives you the wrong amount or you write
down the wrong amount, you may have to amend your taxes later.
