You generally pay property taxes either through your mortgage company (via escrow) or directly to your local city/county tax office where the property is located.

Who you pay

  • Property taxes are local, not federal, and are usually paid to a county, city, parish, or similar local government where the property sits.
  • Many homeowners with a mortgage pay into an escrow account each month, and the loan servicer then pays the local tax collector for you.

Common ways to pay

  • In person at your local tax collector/treasurer or county/city finance office, using check, card, or certified funds depending on their rules.
  • By mail, sending a check or money order with your tax bill coupon to the address printed on the bill.
  • Online through your local government’s property tax portal, often via e-check, debit, or credit card, sometimes with a convenience fee.

How to find your exact payment place

  • Look at your latest property tax bill; it lists the office name (for example, “County Treasurer,” “Tax Collector,” or “Revenue Commission”) and the payment mailing address and website.
  • If you do not have a bill, search for your county or city name plus “property tax payment” (for example, “Orange County property tax pay online”) and use the official government site (usually ending in .gov).
  • New owners should also confirm with their mortgage servicer whether taxes are escrowed or if you must pay the local office directly.

Quick checklist before you pay

  1. Confirm whether your mortgage escrow already covers property taxes so you do not double-pay.
  1. Verify due dates and whether your area allows installments or requires one or two lump-sum payments per year.
  1. Use only official government payment channels and keep your confirmation number or receipt for your records.

TL;DR: Check your tax bill or local government website to see which county/city (or parish) office collects property taxes for your address, then pay either online, by mail, or in person, unless your mortgage escrow already does it for you.