Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
Assessor vs Recorder: Which County Office Has What
Assessor vs recorder: the assessor values property and keeps tax maps, while the recorder files deeds, mortgages, and plats. What to ask each office.
Assessor vs recorder is the most common mix-up when people look for property information. The assessor’s office estimates property values for taxation and keeps tax maps and property record cards. The recorder’s office, also called the register of deeds, recorder of deeds, or county clerk in some states, keeps the official public records of ownership: deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. If you want to know what your property is valued at, ask the assessor. If you want a copy of your deed or a plat, ask the recorder. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
What each office does
| Task | Assessor | Recorder |
|---|---|---|
| Estimate value for taxes | Yes | No |
| Tax maps and parcel IDs | Yes | Sometimes references them |
| Property record cards | Yes | No |
| Record deeds and mortgages | No | Yes |
| Record plats and surveys | No | Usually yes |
| Release of liens | No | Yes |
| Homestead and other exemptions | Often yes | No |
| Collect taxes | No (treasurer or collector) | No |
Names vary by state
The assessor may be called the property appraiser (Florida), the appraisal district (Texas), the tax assessor, or the supervisor of assessments. The recorder may be the register of deeds, recorder of deeds, county clerk and recorder, clerk of court, or town clerk in New England. Some counties combine offices. See county assessor map.
Why records differ between offices
The assessor updates owner names and parcel lines after the recorder receives a new deed, but there can be a lag. Assessor maps are drawn for tax purposes and may not match recorded plats or surveys exactly. The recorded documents are the legal record; the assessor’s data is a tax tool. See assessor map vs recorded plat.
Common requests
- Copy of deed: recorder. See how to get a copy of my deed.
- Recording a new deed: recorder. See how to record a deed.
- Square footage or year built in tax records: assessor.
- Appealing your assessment: assessor first, then a review board.
- Paying taxes: treasurer or tax collector.
- Subdivision plat: recorder, sometimes also planning.
- Lien search: recorder, plus court records for judgments.
Online access
Many assessors offer free online parcel search with values and maps. Recorders increasingly offer online document indexes and images, sometimes free and sometimes for a fee per page. Some counties only have recent records online.
Which to trust for ownership
For legal ownership questions, the recorded deed controls. Assessor owner names are a convenient lookup but can be out of date or simplified.
Other offices that hold property records
Planning and zoning hold zoning maps and permits. Building departments hold permit histories. Courts hold judgments, probate, and divorce records that can affect title.
Bottom line
The assessor values property for taxes and keeps tax maps and record cards; the recorder keeps the official deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. Ask the assessor about values and exemptions, and the recorder about ownership documents. Find assessor and recorder offices via the Platbookmapper map.
Assessor vs recorder FAQ
Where do I get a copy of my deed, the assessor or recorder?
The recorder or register of deeds.
Does the assessor record deeds?
No. The assessor updates tax records after the recorder records a deed.
Who do I contact to appeal my property value?
The assessor’s office, then a board of review or equalization.
Is the assessor the same as the tax collector?
Usually not. A treasurer or tax collector sends bills and collects payments.
Why does the assessor show a different owner than my deed?
Assessor records can lag behind recordings or use simplified names.