Money and taxes
Who handles my property tax bill or home assessment?
Who handles it
Your local government, typically the county, charges property tax based on your home’s value. Your local assessor or auditor’s office can answer questions.
- Not Federal
- State
- Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 3 sources
Why state and local government
Property taxes are set by your local or state government, not by your mortgage lender. They are a local tax tied to your property’s value.
What to do next
- Contact your local tax authority or assessor’s office with questions about your bill or your home’s value.
- If you think your home’s value is wrong, ask that office how to request a review or appeal.
- If your mortgage payment includes property taxes, tell your loan servicer about any change in your bill.
In your state
Find your state’s official offices on our state pages.
What varies
Property taxes are set by state or local governments, so the rules differ by place.
Learn the background: What is the difference between a county, a city, a township and a school district?
Sources
Official recordCFPB: Mortgage answers, key terms
Official recordCFPB: Loan estimate explainer
Official recordCFPB: Your home loan toolkit