A parcel identification number, often called the parcel number, is a unique identifier assigned to a specific piece of real estate property by local government authorities.
This essential property identifier serves as a digital fingerprint for your land or building, helping county assessors, tax collectors, and other government entities track and manage property-related information efficiently.
Understanding Parcel Identification Numbers
Each county or municipality maintains a system for assigning these numbers. Thus, parcel identification numbers can vary significantly from one location to another. While some jurisdictions may use a simple numeric sequence, others employ more complex alphanumeric codes that contain embedded information about the property's location.
Depending on your location, this identifier might also be known as:
Assessor's parcel number (APN)
Property identification number (PIN)
Tax map number
Tax parcel ID
Sidwell number
How Parcel Identification Numbers Are Structured
The format of a parcel identification number typically reflects the organizational system used by the local government. A typical structure includes:
1. County code: A numerical identifier representing the specific county where the property is located.
2. Township or section identifier: Numbers or letters indicating the property's position within a township grid or section map.
3. Block number: Identifies a specific block or subdivision within a section or township.
4. Lot number: Specifies the individual lot within a block.
5. Check digit (in some systems): A verification number that helps prevent errors when entering the PIN.
For example, a parcel identification number might look like "14-21-209-008," where each segment represents different geographical or administrative information about the property.
Where To Find Your Parcel Identification Number
Your property's parcel identification number can be found in several places:
Property tax statements
Property deed
Mortgage documents
County assessor's website
Property tax records
Real estate closing documents
The Importance of Parcel Identification Numbers
Parcel identification numbers serve multiple functions in property ownership and management.
Property Tax Administration
Parcel identification numbers are used primarily to facilitate accurate property tax assessment and collection. County assessors use these numbers to track property values, tax rates, and payment history for each unique parcel.
Property Record Keeping
Local governments use parcel identification numbers to organize and maintain records related to:
Property ownership history
Building permits
Zoning designations
Land use restrictions
Property boundaries
Real Estate Transactions
When buying or selling property, the parcel identification number helps ensure that the correct property is being transferred. Title companies, real estate agents, and attorneys rely on these numbers to identify the exact property involved in a transaction.
Property Research
For property owners, parcel identification numbers provide a direct pathway to accessing vital information about their property. Using your parcel identification number, you can:
Verify property tax assessments
Research comparable properties
Check for liens or encumbrances
View property maps and boundaries
Access building records
How Parcel Identification Numbers Affect Property Owners
As a property owner, your parcel identification number plays a significant role in several aspects of property management.
Tax Appeals
When appealing your property tax assessment, the parcel identification number is required to identify your specific property. For instance, at Ownwell we use this number to locate your property in county records and build a convincing case for reducing your assessed value.
Building Permits
Whenever you apply for permits for construction, renovation, or other property improvements, you must provide your parcel identification number to ensure the permits are issued for the correct property.
Utility Services
Some utility companies use parcel identification numbers to associate service accounts with specific properties, particularly for new constructions or service transfers.
Property Disputes
In boundary disputes or other property-related legal matters, parcel identification numbers help identify the exact parcels involved and can be used to access official property records.
Common Challenges with Parcel Identification Numbers
Despite their utility, property owners sometimes encounter challenges with their parcel identification numbers:
Recently subdivided properties may have new parcel identification numbers that haven't yet been updated in all systems.
Property consolidations can result in parcel identification number changes.
Typos or transcription errors when recording parcel identification numbers can cause delays in processing property-related documents.
Different government departments will sometimes use variations of the same parcel identification number.
How Ownwell Uses Parcel Identification Numbers
At Ownwell, we leverage parcel identification numbers to streamline the property tax appeal process. By providing your parcel identification number, our team can quickly access your property's assessment history, comparable properties, and other data needed to build a strong case for reducing your tax burden. If you don’t know your parcel number off the top of your head, don’t fret; we can locate it for you!
Our proprietary technology analyzes property records using your parcel identification number to identify discrepancies that might indicate an over-assessment. This precise identification allows our local property tax consultants to focus on the specific factors affecting your property's valuation.
Looking to save on your property taxes?
We can help you determine if your property is over-assessed. Enter your address to see how much you could save through our professional property tax appeal service.
On average, we save homeowners $1,102 on their property tax bill!