Property Search in Memphis gives you instant access to owner, parcel, and tax details that homeowners, investors, and researchers need to make informed decisions. By entering an address, owner name, parcel number, or legal description, you can pull the complete property record, view assessment values, and see tax history without leaving the online portal. This system combines a searchable property database with GIS mapping, letting you locate a lot on a map, check lot size, and explore neighboring parcels in seconds. Whether you’re looking for a residential home, commercial site, or vacant land, the platform delivers property information such as market value, assessed value, and ownership history, helping you verify ownership, track transfers, and understand tax obligations. The seamless integration of property search by address, by owner, and by parcel number ensures you receive accurate, up‑to‑date records that match your specific intent.
Property Search also supports detailed property lookup by account number, property type, and location, offering a full picture of classification, improvement details, and tax exemptions. Users can quickly find a property owner by address, discover a property’s assessed value, or explore a property’s legal description to confirm boundaries and block numbers. The searchable database updates regularly, reducing the chance of encountering missing or outdated records, and provides clear links to deed references and ownership transfer documents. By centralizing all these data points, the portal eliminates the frustration of scattered records and empowers you to complete real‑estate research with confidence.
How to Search Property Records
The Shelby County Property Assessor runs an online portal that gives you direct access to real estate data for any parcel in Memphis. You can run a property search by address, owner name, parcel number, account number, legal description, or property type. Each method pulls data from the same public property database, so results stay consistent no matter which route you take, which can also be verified through official shelby county tn records for complete records. The tool connects to a GIS map so you can confirm boundaries and view neighboring parcels.
Official Search Portal: https://www.assessor.shelbycountytn.gov/propertySearch
- Open the Shelby County Assessor property search page in your web browser.
- Pick a search method from the dropdown menu (Address, Owner, Parcel, Account, Legal, Type, or Map).
- Type your search term in the empty field. Use partial words if you do not know the full name.
- Press the Search button or hit Enter on your keyboard.
- Review the list of matching records shown in the results table.
- Click any record to see the full property record card with ownership, value, and tax details.
Search by Property Address
A property search by address is the most common way to find a home or lot in Shelby County. Type the house number and street, and the system returns the matching parcel along with key facts. This method works when you have the situs address from a sign, mailer, or public notice. If the address is new, the map view can help you locate it visually.
Search by Owner Name
A property search by owner name helps you find every parcel tied to a person or company. Enter a last name, first name, or business name to see all holdings under that name. Results often show partial matches, so you can scan the list and pick the right person. Investors, heirs, and title researchers use this search to locate assets without a specific address.
Search by Parcel Number
A parcel number search gives you the most precise match in the property database. Each parcel in Shelby County has a unique parcel ID assigned by the Assessor’s office. Enter that number, and the system jumps straight to the exact property. Surveyors, title agents, and buyers use this method to confirm legal descriptions and check deed references.
Search by Account Number
Account numbers serve as another unique key for every parcel in the tax system. A search by account number returns the same data as a parcel search, but uses the number printed on tax bills and notices. If you have an old tax bill or closing document, the account number lets you pull current ownership and value data in seconds.
Search by Legal Description
A legal description search uses metes-and-bounds language, lot and block numbers, or subdivision names to find a parcel. This method helps with vacant land, unplatted tracts, or older subdivisions where addresses may not exist. Real estate attorneys and surveyors rely on legal descriptions to confirm exact boundaries before a sale or transfer.
Search by Property Type
The system lets you filter by property type, such as residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial. A property search by type helps you scan all parcels in a category without knowing a specific owner or address. Investors use this filter to find vacant land or multifamily buildings across a zip code or neighborhood.
Search by Location or Map
You can run a property search by location using the interactive GIS map. Click any parcel on the map to see its record card, or draw a shape around an area to see every parcel inside it. This method helps you compare neighboring lots, check street frontage, and assess proximity to landmarks before you commit to a purchase.
Property Search Results
After you run a search, the results page lists every parcel that matches your query. Each row in the table gives you a quick snapshot of the property, with clickable links to the full record. The fields shown depend on the search method you used, but most results display the address, owner, parcel number, property type, and a brief value summary. You can sort the list and click any entry to see deeper details.
Property Address
The situs address is the street address used for mailing and tax billing. It appears on the results page for any parcel with a known mailing location. The address field shows the city, state, and zip code tied to the parcel. If the property is vacant land with no mailbox, the system may show a rural route or a nearby reference address instead.
Owner Name
The owner name field shows the person, trust, or company that holds title to the parcel. The system displays the current owner based on the latest deed recorded with the Shelby County Register. For parcels held by a trust or LLC, the name reflects the legal entity on file. You can click the name to search for other parcels owned by the same party.
Parcel or Account Number
Each parcel has a unique parcel ID, and each account has a unique account number linked to tax billing. The results page lists both numbers so you can use them for follow-up searches. These IDs stay with the parcel through ownership changes, making them reliable keys for tracking history. Tax agents and title companies use these numbers to pull reports and verify data across systems.
Property Type
The property type field tells you how the Assessor classifies the parcel. Common types include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and vacant land. The classification affects the assessment ratio used to calculate taxable value. Knowing the type helps you understand why two similar parcels may have different tax outcomes.
Legal Description
The legal description on the results page summarizes the lot, block, and subdivision tied to the parcel. For unplatted land, the description may reference a metes-and-bounds survey or a deed book and page. The full legal description appears on the property record card. Reviewing this field helps you confirm you have the correct parcel before you proceed with a purchase.
Property Location
Beyond the mailing address, the property location field gives geographic details tied to the parcel. This can include the township, range, section, or neighborhood code used by county planners. The location data also feeds the GIS map, so you can pan to the parcel with one click. Investors use this field to compare locations across school zones and flood plains.
Assessment Information
The results page shows a brief summary of the parcel’s assessment, such as the appraised value, assessed value, and tax year. This summary gives you a snapshot of the property’s value before you click for full details. If you run the same search later, you can compare the new summary to the old one to see how the value changed over time.
Tax Information
The tax summary on the results page lists the current year billed amount, the payment status, and any delinquent balance. You can click the link to view the full tax history and see each year’s bill. This quick view helps you decide if a parcel has back taxes owed, which can affect your offer or closing costs.
Property Details
Once you click a parcel from the results page, the system opens a full property record card. This card lists every detail tied to the parcel, from identification numbers to building facts. Most records include a property photo, address, owner, parcel ID, legal description, and value breakdown. Title agents, appraisers, and buyers rely on this card to verify data before closing a deal.
A typical property record card shows the following data points:
- Parcel ID and account number
- Situs address and mailing address
- Legal description and lot size
- Owner name and ownership history
- Land value, improvement value, and total appraised value
- Tax year, bill amount, and payment status
- Building details such as year built and square footage
Property Identification
Property identification numbers are the unique keys used across county systems. The parcel ID comes from the Assessor’s office, while the account number comes from the Trustee’s office. Both numbers stay with the land, even when ownership changes. If you need to cross-check data with the tax collector or the Register’s office, these IDs link all systems together.
Property Address and Situs
The situs address is the location recognized by the Assessor for the parcel. It may differ from the owner’s mailing address, especially for out-of-state owners or vacant land. The record card shows both addresses so you can tell where the property sits and where bills go. Knowing the situs address also helps emergency responders locate the parcel quickly.
Parcel Information
Parcel information on the record card includes the acreage, lot size, and any subdivision or plat reference. The system also lists the parcel’s shape, frontage, and depth where available. Surveyors use this data to confirm boundaries, while buyers use it to compare lot sizes within the same neighborhood. Acreage comes from recorded plats, so it reflects the legal size, not the fenced area.
Legal Description
The legal description section shows the full metes-and-bounds language, lot, block, and subdivision name tied to the parcel. It may also reference the deed book and page where the description was first recorded. Title companies read this section to confirm the parcel matches the description in the current deed. If the description has been updated through a plat or split, the record card shows the most recent version.
Property Classification
Property classification tells you how the Assessor groups the parcel for tax purposes. Common classes include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and exempt. The class affects the assessment ratio applied to the appraised value. For example, owner-occupied residential property often receives a different ratio than commercial property. Knowing the class helps you understand the tax bill and any appeal options.
Lot and Land Information
The lot and land section lists the lot size in square feet or acres, plus the topography and frontage details. You can see the land use code, soil type, and any land improvements such as driveways or fencing. Buyers use this data to estimate site prep costs. Investors use it to spot parcels with extra buildable area or unusual features.
Building and Improvement Details
For parcels with structures, the record card shows the building details. This includes the year built, square footage, number of rooms, construction type, and exterior materials. The system also lists improvements such as garages, decks, pools, and outbuildings. Appraisers compare these details against neighboring parcels to set fair market value. Homebuyers use this section to confirm the data in the listing matches county records.
Property Ownership Information
The ownership section of the record card shows who holds title to the parcel and how that ownership changed over time. The Assessor updates ownership based on deeds recorded with the Shelby County Register of Deeds. Each transfer is logged with a date, deed reference, and grantor-grantee detail. Researchers, heirs, and buyers use this section to confirm a clean chain of title.
Current Property Owner
The current owner field shows the person, trust, or business holding title as of the last recorded deed. The system updates this field whenever a new deed is filed. If the owner is a trust, you may see the trustee’s name listed. For LLC-owned parcels, the LLC name appears, and you can search by that name to find other holdings. This field reflects recorded data, so pending sales do not show until the deed is recorded.
Ownership History
The ownership history lists every transfer of the parcel, going back as far as the digital records allow. Each entry shows the date, grantor, grantee, and deed reference. Investors use this history to spot patterns such as quick flips or long-term holds. Heirs use it to trace family ownership across generations. Title companies use it to verify the chain of title for insurance.
Property Transfer Information
Transfer information shows the type of transfer that moved the parcel from one party to the next. Common transfer types include warranty deed, quitclaim deed, trustee’s deed, and tax sale. The record card notes the transfer type, so you can spot non-traditional sales such as auctions or court-ordered transfers. Knowing the transfer type helps you assess whether standard title insurance applies.
Deed Reference
Each transfer includes a deed reference, which lists the book and page or instrument number where the deed is recorded. You can take this reference to the Shelby County Register of Deeds to pull the full deed document. This lets you read the legal description, sale price, and any conditions tied to the transfer. Deed references also help resolve boundary disputes and easements.
Ownership Changes
Ownership changes are logged in the record card with the date of recording, not the date of sale. There can be a delay between a closing and the deed recording, sometimes weeks or months. The Assessor’s office works to update records quickly after each filing. If a recent sale is not yet reflected, you may see the prior owner listed until the new deed posts.
Multiple Owners and Ownership Interests
When a parcel has more than one owner, the record card shows all names and the form of co-ownership. Common forms include joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and tenancy by the entirety. Each form affects what happens to the parcel if one owner passes away. Estate planners and family members use this data to plan transfers and avoid probate issues.
Property Valuation and Assessment
The valuation section of the record card breaks down how the Assessor arrived at the parcel’s taxable value. Each component, from land value to improvement value, appears as a separate line. The system also shows the method used, such as market comparison, cost approach, or income approach. Buyers, sellers, and appeal filers use these numbers to challenge or confirm assessments.
| Value Type | What It Means | Where It Comes From |
|---|---|---|
| Market Value | Estimated sale price | Recent comparable sales |
| Assessed Value | Value used for tax billing | Market value times assessment ratio |
| Appraised Value | Estimate of total worth | Cost, sales, or income approach |
| Land Value | Worth of the lot alone | Land sales and site features |
| Improvement Value | Worth of buildings and add-ons | Cost approach minus depreciation |
Market Value
Market value is the Assessor’s estimate of what the parcel would sell for in an open market. The estimate is based on recent sales of similar parcels in the same area. The Assessor reviews sales data each year and updates values during the reassessment cycle. A high market value does not always equal a high tax bill, since the assessment ratio may be lower for some property types.
Assessed Value
Assessed value is the number the Assessor multiplies by the tax rate to produce the tax bill. Tennessee uses different assessment ratios for different property classes, such as 25% for residential and 40% for commercial. The record card shows the assessed value alongside the market value, so you can see the ratio applied. If you plan to appeal, this is the number you would challenge.
Appraised Value
Appraised value is the Assessor’s full estimate of the parcel’s worth, before any assessment ratio. For residential property, this number often equals the market value. For income-producing property, the appraised value may lean on the income approach. The appraised value is the base from which the assessed value is calculated.
Land Value
Land value shows the worth of the lot alone, separate from buildings or other improvements. The Assessor uses vacant land sales in the area to set this value. Lot size, shape, frontage, and location all affect the number. Land value tends to change more slowly than improvement value, since lots rarely change in physical form.
Improvement Value
Improvement value covers the worth of buildings, structures, and site upgrades. The Assessor calculates this value by estimating replacement cost minus depreciation. Improvements such as new roofs, additions, or pools can raise this number. Damage or depreciation can lower it. The record card lists each improvement, so you can see how the value was built up over time.
Assessment History
The assessment history lists the parcel’s value for each year going back through the digital record. Each entry shows the land value, improvement value, total appraised value, and assessed value. You can compare year-to-year changes to spot trends or sudden jumps, which can also be verified through official property owner index for complete records. If your value rose sharply, the history helps you prepare an appeal with comparable sales data.
Property Value Changes
Property value changes happen during the county’s reassessment cycle or after a permit is pulled. Reassessments occur on a four-year cycle in Tennessee, though market studies can trigger off-cycle updates. New construction, demolition, or damage can also change the value mid-cycle. The record card tracks each change, so you can see what caused the shift.
Property Tax Information
The tax section of the record card shows what the parcel owes, what has been paid, and any exemptions on file. The Shelby County Trustee collects property taxes based on the assessed value set by the Assessor. Tax bills go out once a year, with payment due by the end of February. The record card reflects the latest billing and payment data from the Trustee’s office.
| Tax Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Tax Year | The billing year tied to the assessment |
| Taxable Value | Value used after exemptions |
| Tax Amount | Total billed for the year |
| Payment Status | Paid, unpaid, or partial |
| Delinquent Balance | Past-due amount still owed |
| Exemptions | Approved reductions on file |
Property Tax Records
Property tax records show the full billing history for each parcel. Each year lists the assessed value, taxable value, tax amount, and payment status. You can use these records to confirm a parcel’s tax standing before you buy. Lenders also pull these records during the loan process to make sure no back taxes are owed.
Taxable Value
Taxable value is the assessed value minus any approved exemptions. For example, a residential parcel with a $100,000 assessed value and a $25,000 homestead exemption has a $75,000 taxable value. The Trustee applies the tax rate to this number to produce the bill. Tracking taxable value over time shows how exemptions and reassessments affect your tax bill.
Tax Amounts
Tax amounts reflect the bill for each year, broken down by fund if available. Shelby County taxes fund schools, roads, fire protection, and other public services. The record card lists the total bill, so you can see how much was charged for a given year. If your bill seems off, the tax history helps you compare year over year.
Tax Year
The tax year field shows the billing cycle for the amount listed. Tennessee operates on a calendar tax year, with bills typically mailed in October and due by the end of February. The record card shows the current tax year first, then works backward through history. Knowing the tax year helps you match a payment to the right bill.
Tax Payment Status
Payment status tells you whether the latest bill is paid, unpaid, or partially paid. The Trustee updates this field as payments post. Paid bills show as Paid with a date stamp, unpaid bills show as Due, and partial payments show the remaining balance. Lenders and buyers check this status as part of any real estate closing.
Delinquent Property Taxes
Delinquent taxes are bills that remain unpaid past the due date. Tennessee charges interest on delinquent balances, plus fees and penalties. After several years, the Trustee can sell the parcel at a public auction to recover the debt. The record card flags delinquent balances so you can see the risk before you buy.
Tax Exemptions and Adjustments
Tax exemptions reduce the taxable value of a parcel. Common exemptions include the homestead exemption for owner-occupied homes, the disabled veteran exemption, and exemptions for religious or charitable use. Each approved exemption appears on the record card. If you think you qualify for an exemption, the Assessor’s office can help you apply.
Property Search by Property Type
You can filter your property search by type to focus on a specific category of real estate. The Assessor classifies every parcel in Shelby County, so the filter pulls from a complete list. Type filters help you scan a neighborhood, a zip code, or the whole county for one kind of property. Investors, realtors, and researchers use this filter to narrow results fast.
Residential Properties
Residential properties include single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and duplexes. The Assessor applies the residential assessment ratio to these parcels, which is often lower than the commercial ratio. Searching for residential parcels lets you compare homes in the same school zone or subdivision. The results page shows beds, baths, and square footage when those details are on file.
Commercial Properties
Commercial properties cover office buildings, retail centers, restaurants, and similar income-producing sites. These parcels use the commercial assessment ratio and often rely on the income approach for valuation. A commercial property search helps you find retail strips, office parks, or single-tenant buildings. Investors use this filter to spot leased properties in target zip codes.
Agricultural Properties
Agricultural properties include farmland, pastures, and timber tracts that qualify for the greenbelt program. The Greenbelt law in Tennessee taxes these parcels based on their agricultural use, not market value. Searching for agricultural parcels helps you find farms, nurseries, and rural homesteads. Owners must meet use requirements to keep the agricultural classification.
Vacant Land
Vacant land parcels include empty lots in subdivisions and unplatted tracts in rural areas. Searching for vacant land helps builders, developers, and investors find buildable sites. The record card shows acreage, road frontage, and any restrictions tied to the lot. Vacant land often has lower tax bills since no improvements are on file.
Industrial Properties
Industrial properties include warehouses, factories, distribution centers, and similar heavy-use sites. The Assessor uses the industrial ratio, which often matches the commercial rate. A search for industrial parcels lets you scan logistics hubs, manufacturing sites, and flex spaces. Buyers look at rail access, ceiling height, and dock doors when reviewing these parcels.
Multifamily Properties
Multifamily properties include apartment buildings, duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes. The Assessor classifies these based on use and number of units. A multifamily search helps investors find rental properties with two or more units. The record card may show unit count, total square footage, and any rent-restriction programs tied to the parcel.
Property Maps and Location Data
The GIS map on the property search portal gives you a visual way to browse parcels across Shelby County. You can pan, zoom, and click any parcel to open its record card. The map layers include parcels, boundaries, streets, and aerial photos. Researchers, buyers, and planners use the map to confirm location details before they dig into numbers.
The GIS map supports the following layers:
- Parcel boundaries and lot lines
- Street centerlines and address ranges
- Aerial photography and satellite imagery
- City limits and council districts
- Flood plains and zoning overlays
Property Location Map
The property location map shows the parcel highlighted within its neighborhood. You can zoom in to see street names and zoom out to see the wider area. Aerial photos layer over the map for a real-world view. The map tool also shows city limits, school zones, and council districts where that data is on file.
Parcel Boundaries
Parcel boundaries appear as lines drawn around each lot on the map. The boundaries come from recorded plats and surveys, so they reflect the legal shape of the parcel. You can click a boundary to open the record card. If you spot a boundary that looks wrong, the Assessor’s GIS team can review the plat to confirm or correct the line.
Neighboring Parcels
Neighboring parcels show as shaded or outlined areas around your selected lot. Clicking a neighboring parcel opens its record card, so you can compare owners, values, and tax status. This view helps you understand the makeup of a block or subdivision. It is useful for spotting HOA-held parcels, common areas, or parcels with tax issues nearby.
Street and Address Information
The map displays street names, addresses, and address ranges along each road. You can search by clicking a street segment to see every parcel with frontage on that road. The tool also shows street centerlines for reference. If you have a new address that is not yet in the system, the map helps you locate the parcel by clicking the lot.
GIS Property Data
GIS property data includes the geographic layers that power the map. The data comes from recorded plats, GPS surveys, and aerial imagery. The Assessor’s GIS team updates layers as new plats are filed. Behind the scenes, GIS data links to the Assessor’s database so map clicks pull the right record card every time.
Map-Based Property Search
Map-based property search lets you find parcels without typing a name or number. You can draw a shape around an area to pull every parcel inside it. This method works well for canvassing a neighborhood, a flood plain, or a council district. The tool returns a list of parcels you can sort by owner, value, or acreage.
Property Search Records and Documents
The property search portal lists the documents tied to each parcel. You can pull record cards, deeds, tax records, and historical data from a single page. Each document type has its own link or reference number. Researchers and title agents use these documents to build a complete file on a parcel.
Documents available through the portal include:
- Property record cards and assessment snapshots
- Deed records and transfer documents
- Tax bills, receipts, and payment histories
- Maps, plats, and survey references
- Exemption applications and approval letters
Property Record Cards
Property record cards show a snapshot of all the data on file for a parcel. They include identification, ownership, valuation, and tax details on one page. Appraisers and buyers use record cards to compare data against other sources. The card updates whenever the Assessor processes a new deed or permit.
Deed Information
Deed information lists every deed recorded against the parcel. Each entry shows the recording date, grantor, grantee, and instrument number. You can take the instrument number to the Register of Deeds to pull the full document. Deed information helps you verify the chain of title and spot liens, easements, or restrictions.
Assessment Records
Assessment records show the value history for the parcel. They include the land value, improvement value, and assessed value for each year. These records help you see how the value changed over time. If you appeal an assessment, the history gives you a baseline to argue your case.
Tax Records
Tax records show the billing and payment history for the parcel. Each year lists the assessed value, taxable value, bill amount, and payment status. Tax records also show any exemptions on file. Buyers and lenders pull these records before closing to confirm a clean tax standing.
Recorded Property Documents
Recorded property documents include deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, and easements. The Register of Deeds maintains the official copies. The property search portal lists the recording data so you can pull the right document. Liens and pending lawsuits show up here too, so you can review them before a purchase.
Historical Property Records
Historical property records go back as far as the digital system allows. Older records may show only the most recent transfers, while newer ones capture the full chain. Researchers use historical records to study neighborhood change, tax trends, and ownership patterns. The Assessor preserves scanned images of older record cards for reference.
Property Search Problems
Sometimes a property search does not return the results you expect. The most common issues involve outdated records, recent transfers, or data entry errors. Knowing what causes each issue helps you fix it fast. Most problems can be solved by trying a different search method or contacting the Assessor’s office for help.
Common issues and quick fixes include:
- Property not found: try a partial match or a different search method
- Wrong address on file: search by parcel number to confirm the lot
- Old owner listed: wait for the new deed to post, then recheck
- Missing building details: contact the Assessor for a manual lookup
- Boundary looks off on the map: flag the record for review by the GIS team
Property Not Found
If a search returns no results, the parcel may be in a different county, the data may not yet be loaded, or the spelling may be off. Try a partial match, a different search method, or check the spelling. If you still cannot find the parcel, the Assessor’s office can run a manual lookup using the deed reference or plat data.
Incorrect Property Address
An incorrect address can come from a recent rename, a typo in the source data, or a mailing address that differs from the situs address. Try searching by parcel number or owner name to confirm the parcel. If the data on file is wrong, the Assessor can update the address based on a recorded plat or USPS data.
Incorrect Owner Information
Owner information can lag behind a sale if the deed has not been recorded yet. Pending sales, inherited parcels, and trust transfers may not post immediately. Once the deed is recorded, the Assessor updates the owner field. If you spot a clear error, contact the Assessor’s office with the deed reference.
Parcel Number Issues
Parcel numbers change when a lot is split, merged, or replatted. An old parcel number may no longer match the current lot. Use the leg
al description or owner name to track the new number. The Assessor’s GIS team maintains a cross-reference of old and new parcel IDs for splits and merges.
Recently Transferred Properties
Recently transferred properties take time to update in the system. The deed must be recorded with the Register of Deeds first, then the Assessor processes the change. This can take a few days to a few weeks. If your search shows the old owner, check back after the deed records.
Unavailable Property Information
Some data fields, such as building details or sales prices, may not be available for every parcel. Older parcels, exempt parcels, and parcels with limited permits on file may lack details. The Assessor focuses on active data first. If you need a specific field, contact the office for a custom lookup.
Outdated Property Records
Outdated records happen when permits, sales, or transfers are slow to post. The Assessor runs regular updates to catch these gaps. You can flag a record you believe is stale, and the office will review it. Using the most recent deed or permit data helps the office confirm the update.
Property Search and Related Records
The Shelby County property search portal ties into other record systems, so it helps to know how each one differs. Some searches pull from the Assessor, some from the Register of Deeds, and some from the Trustee. Knowing which system holds which data saves you time. The table below shows the main differences.
| Search Type | Office | Data Type | Update Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Search | Assessor | Ownership, value, classification | Continuous |
| Property Records | Register | Deeds, mortgages, liens | Daily |
| Property Tax Records | Trustee | Bills, payments, balances | Annual |
| Property Owner Search | Assessor | Names tied to parcels | Continuous |
| Address Lookup | Assessor / USPS | Valid mailing addresses | Periodic |
| GIS Map | Assessor GIS | Boundaries, layers, photos | Quarterly |
Property Search vs. Property Records
The property search portal pulls from the Assessor’s database, which tracks value, classification, and ownership. Property records at the Register of Deeds track deeds, mortgages, and liens. Both systems link through the parcel ID. If you need full legal documents, the Register’s office holds the originals. The Assessor holds the valuation snapshot.
Property Search vs. Property Owner Search
A property search can start with an owner, but the main goal is to find a specific lot. A property owner search starts with a name and returns every parcel tied to that name. Both tools use the same database, which can also be verified through official property tax public details for complete records. The owner search helps when you have a name but no address. The property search helps when you have a lot in mind.
Property Search vs. Address Lookup
An address lookup checks if an address exists in the postal system and in the Assessor’s data. A property search uses the address to pull a full record card. If you only need to confirm an address, a quick lookup works. If you need value, tax, and ownership data, run a property search.
Property Search vs. Deed Records
Deed records are stored at the Register of Deeds and list every transfer filed for a parcel. The property search shows a summary of those transfers on the ownership tab. For full legal language, pull the deed at the Register. The property search gives you a faster view, but the deed gives you the legal text.
Property Search vs. Property Tax Records
Property tax records at the Trustee’s office show bills, payments, and balances for each parcel. The property search shows a summary of the current tax year. For year-by-year billing history, the Trustee’s office has the full data. The Assessor handles value; the Trustee handles collection.
Property Search vs. GIS Map
The GIS map shows parcels on a geographic layer with boundaries, streets, and aerial photos. The property search pulls data from a text-based database. Both tools link, so you can move from a map click to a record card and back. The map helps you see location; the search helps you see numbers.
Contact Information
For help with a property search, record corrections, or assessment questions, reach the Shelby County Assessor’s office during business hours. Staff can assist with parcel lookups, address changes, deed references, and exemption applications. Phone calls go to the main line, and walk-in visitors can stop by the office listed below.
- Office Address: 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, TN 38134
- Phone Number: (901) 222-7001
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are quick answers to common questions about using the Shelby County Property Assessor online portal for property search, owner lookup, tax data, and map tools.
How can I search property by address in Shelby County?
Enter the full street address into the Property Search field on the assessor’s website. The portal matches the address to the parcel record and displays the parcel number, owner name, legal description, and assessment details. Results include a link to the GIS map so you can verify the location. The search works for any address within Shelby County, including Memphis. If the address is new or recently subdivided, allow a few days for the database to update.
Where do I find the owner of a parcel number?
Type the parcel number into the Property Search box and select the parcel‑number option. The system returns the current owner’s name, mailing address, and contact information if available. The record also shows ownership history, showing previous owners and transfer dates. For privacy reasons, only the current owner’s public details are shown. If the parcel number is entered incorrectly, the portal will prompt you to check the number format.
How to view tax assessment for a Memphis property?
After locating a property by address, owner, or parcel number, click the assessment tab on the result page. You will see the market value, assessed value, and taxable value for land and improvements. The page also lists the most recent tax bill, payment status, and any exemptions applied. Assessment data refreshes annually after the county’s valuation cycle, so the figures reflect the latest fiscal year.
What if a property record does not appear online?
If a search returns no results, verify the spelling of the address, parcel number, or owner name. Records may be missing if the property was recently created, split, or transferred and the database has not yet been updated. In such cases, contact the assessor’s office at (901) 222‑7001 during business hours for assistance. They can confirm whether the record exists and advise on the next steps to obtain the information.
Can I see property boundaries on a GIS map?
Yes. After a successful property search, click the GIS map link on the result page. The interactive map displays the parcel’s exact boundaries, neighboring lots, and overlay layers such as zoning and flood zones. You can zoom in for a detailed view or switch to satellite imagery. The map updates regularly, reflecting any recent boundary changes recorded by the county.