Yavapai County, AZ Property Records: Search Deeds, Owners, Tax Records, and Maps
Home to Watson Lake and Tuzigoot National Monument, Yavapai County is located in central Arizona. With a population of about 252,000, Yavapai County has about 186,000 individual parcels of land spread across 8,123 square miles of land. When researching property records in Yavapai County, work with the Recorder, Assessor, and the Treasurer’s offices. These agencies maintain land records and provide access to them under the provisions of the Arizona Public Records Act.
An average home in Yavapai County typically goes pending in about 36 days on the housing market. Tourism, retail trade, construction, government services, and healthcare are the key economic drivers affecting the local housing market in Yavapai County. Single-family detached homes make up a large share of the housing inventory in communities such as Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Clarkdale.
Recent housing records reveal the underlying factors influencing the local real estate market, with a median home value of $302,900 and a median rent of $1,021.5, alongside a median household income of $57,841.5 and a median real estate tax of 0.49, expressed as a percentage of the property’s assessed value.
How to Look Up Yavapai County Property Records
Anyone can access Yavapai County property records through three major online portals:
If you need… | Use this office | Free online portal |
|---|---|---|
A deed, deed of trust, or lien | Yavapai County Recorder | |
Ownership and assessed values | Yavapai County Assessor | |
A tax bill or to pay taxes | Yavapai County Treasurer | |
A parcel map or GIS layer | Yavapai County GIS Department | |
A foreclosure or probate case | Superior Court of Pinal County |
Who Keeps Yavapai County Property Records
In accordance with Arizona’s Public Records Law, you can access property records in Yavapai County. Several county entities manage these records, including:
The Yavapai County Recorder is the official custodian of recorded documents affecting real estate. It records and provides access to documents such as deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, family trusts, subdivision plats, surveys, and other recorded instruments. According to Arizona Recording Law, the Recorder is responsible for recording all land documents in the county. However, the office does not determine assessed property values, process tax payments, or provide legal advice concerning real estate.
When you are verifying property ownership or checking an assessed value, theYavapai County Assessor's Office can help. This office maintains ownership information, assigns Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs), and determines eligibility for certain property-tax exemptions.
The Yavapai County Treasurer collects tax payments, maintains tax records, handles delinquencies, and conducts the annual tax lien sale. Through its Parcel Inquiry index, individuals can access tax-related records using a parcel number or owner name.
The Yavapai County Clerk of Superior Court manages court files involving foreclosure proceedings that are filed with the court, as well as estate files. Keep in mind that foreclosure actions and other property-related court proceedings are handled through the Superior Court. Deeds of trust and other real estate documents are recorded with the County Recorder.
How to Search Yavapai County Property Records Online
You can search Yavapai County property records online by visiting the official portals. You can take the following steps to view the documents:
- To get started, visit the Parcel Search portal. You can search the webpage using the property’s address, owner’s name, parcel number, or subdivision. The search results can provide ownership information, parcel characteristics, assessment values, and tax information.
- Continue with the Recorder’s Self-Service Online Search index. Search the platform using the book or page number, recording date, owner’s name, or document type. Through the portal, you can locate records such as deeds, deeds of trust, plats, easements, and other recorded instruments. Be aware that you can search recorded documents without registering. However, viewing or printing document images may require registered user access or a subscription.
- Walk back the chain of title from the most recent recorded deed. Ensure that the grantor's name listed on one deed matches the grantee’s name listed on the previous deed. Any missing link in the chain of title may signal potential problems, which will require additional title research.
- In addition, you can check the Recorder’s index for outstanding deeds of trust, judgments, liens, and other documents that can affect the use or ownership of a property. Be aware that the Affidavit of Property Value information recorded with a deed may provide an estimate of the property’s most recent sale price.
- To finish up, you can confirm the property tax status through the Parcel Inquiry webpage. Through this platform, you can review tax information, payment history, and tax bills. Keep in mind that payments made on the same day, as well as other tax-related activity, may not appear on the webpage immediately.
County Recorder: Deeds, Deeds of Trust, and Plats
The Yavapai County Recorder is the official recording office for real estate documents. It is worth noting that Arizona typically uses deeds of trust rather than mortgages to secure real estate loans. The office handles documents that affect the ownership of properties. These records include deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, subdivision maps, land surveys, and other documents relating to real estate.
You can search historical and current land records through the Recorder's online portal, with records dating back to 1904.
County Recorder | |
|---|---|
Prescott Address | 1015 Fair Street, 2nd floor, Prescott, AZ 86305 |
Cottonwood Address | 10 South 6th Street, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 |
Phone | (928) 771-3244, (928) 771-3244, Option 6 |
Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Search portal | |
Search by | Grantor, grantee, document type, recording date, or document number |
County Assessor: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data
The Yavapai County Assessor is responsible for valuing every property and assigning parcel numbers that link the records system together. You can use the Parcel Search to find the current owner, parcel number, property characteristics, and other assessment-related documents.
County Assessor | |
|---|---|
Prescott Address | 1015 Fair Street, 1st floor, Prescott, AZ 86305 |
Cottonwood Address | 10 South 6th Street, 2nd floor, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 |
Phone | (928) 771-3220, (928) 639-8121 |
Search portal | |
Search by | Address, owner name, or parcel number |
County Treasurer: Tax Bills and Payments
The County Treasurer is responsible for issuing tax bills, collecting property taxes, and maintaining tax payment records. Like other Arizona counties, Yavapai County bills property taxes annually on a calendar-year basis, rather than a fiscal year. In addition, property taxes in Yavapai County are typically billed in two installments.
Tax bills and payments | |
|---|---|
Payment portal | |
Phone | (928) 771-3233, (928) 639-8123 |
First half due | October 1 (delinquent after November 1) |
Second half due | March 1 (delinquent after May 1) |
Delinquency | Sold at the annual February tax lien sale |
Property Tax in Yavapai County: Values, Exemptions, and Appeals
Property taxes in Yavapai County are calculated using the Limited Property Value (LPV). The Full Cash Value (FCV) represents the property's market value and is shown on the annual Notice of Value. However, LPV is the value used to calculate the property tax bill. To calculate the tax, the LPV is multiplied by the applicable assessment ratio to determine the assessed value. Then, the result is multiplied by the combined tax rates (county, school, and special district rates).
Full Cash Value and Limited Property Value
Arizona assigns two important values to real property. The Full Cash Value is equivalent to market value and is useful when reviewing whether the Assessor's valuation reflects the property's market value. Also, the Limited Property Value is the taxable value used to calculate property taxes. Yavapai County states that LPV is the sole source for property tax calculations and may generally increase by no more than 5% per year, unless changes have been made to the property.
Exemptions and relief
Arizona offers several statutory tax relief programs that lower property taxes for qualifying homeowners. Applicants must file their application forms with the Yavapai County Assessor’s Office, but deadlines vary by program.
Program | What it does |
|---|---|
Widow or widower exemption | Concerning A.R.S. 42-11111, widows and widowers who are permanent residents of Arizona are eligible for this exemption in Pinal County. Eligible applicants must provide a death certificate for their deceased spouse and have a total net assessed property value of no more than $36,454. Their income from all sources, excluding Social Security, must not exceed $39,865. If children under 18 reside in the household, the income limit increases to $47,826, while the allowable exemption is $4,873. Be aware that first-time applicants must apply in person between the first Monday in January and the last day of February at the Assessor’s Office. To maintain this exemption, eligible applicants must reapply every three years. |
Disabled veterans exemption | Here, applicants must be permanent residents of Arizona and totally and permanently disabled to qualify for this exemption, under A.R.S. 42-11111. Eligible applicants must be over age 17 and provide medical certification of a 100% total and permanent disability. Similarly, applicants must have a total net assessed property value of not more than $36,454. Their income from all sources, excluding Social Security, must not exceed $39,865. If a child under 18 or a totally and permanently disabled child resides in the household, the income limit increases to $47,826. Keep in mind that applicants must apply each year between the first Monday in January and the last day of February. |
Senior Property Valuation Protection | Pursuant to Section 18 of the state’s Constitution, homeowners who are at least 65 years old may qualify for this program. In addition, the property must be the owner’s primary residence and they must occupy the property for at least nine months of the calendar year. Applicants must have lived in the residence for at least two years before applying and meet the applicable income limit of $47,712 for one owner or $59,640 for two or more owners. The program freezes the property’s Limited Property Value (LPV) for three years, but it does not freeze the property tax bill. Note that first-time applicants must apply in person at the Assessor’s Office between March 1 and September 1 of the applicable year. Eligible homeowners must requalify every three years to maintain the protection. |
Agricultural and land classifications | Under the provisions of A.R.S. 42-12152, property owners may qualify for agricultural classification if their property meets the statutory requirements. Here, applicants must provide documentation showing that the parcel has been used for agricultural purposes for at least three of the last five years and have a reasonable expectation of operating profit. Qualifying uses include grazing, pasture, field crops, permanent crops, high-density agricultural operations, and certain equine operations. Keep in mind that property owners must submit a completed Agricultural Land Use Application form to the County Assessor, along with supporting documentation. New applications must generally be filed by June 1 to be considered for the subsequent tax year. If ownership changes, the new owner must file an application within 60 days to maintain the property's agricultural classification. |
Appealing your value
When you disagree with the Assessor's Full Cash Value, file a petition for review within 60 days of the date shown on your Notice of Valuation. You may provide additional information, including comparable sales, to strengthen your appeal. Should the County Assessor deny your petition, you may appeal to the Yavapai County Board of Equalization within 25 calendar days of the mailing date. If you disagree with the Board’s decision, you may appeal to the Arizona Tax Court.
GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer
You can access Yavapai County Geographic Information System (GIS) and land descriptions through the official Esri viewer. The webpage will reveal parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, zoning, school districts, and other geographic information.
Tax Lien Sales and Foreclosure
The foreclosure process in Yavapai County typically falls under the tax lien sales or deed-of-trust foreclosures.
Tax lien sales
Every February, the Yavapai County Treasurer holds a tax lien sale, where investors can purchase liens on properties with unpaid taxes. The successful bidder receives a Certificate of Purchase for the tax lien rather than ownership of the property. Interest rates start at 16% and are bid downward in 1% increments. If the lien remains unredeemed for at least three years after the sale, the certificate holder may file an action in Superior Court. This action seeks to foreclose the property owner’s right to redeem under A.R.S. 42-18201.
Deed-of-trust foreclosure
Most residential foreclosures in Yavapai County involve a deed of trust, conducted through a trustee’s sale in accordance with A.R.S. 33-807. The trustee conducts the public auction and sells the property to the highest bidder. Be aware that successful bidders must pay the bid by 5:00 p.m. on the following day, excluding Saturdays and legal holidays.
Costs to Access Property Records
In accordance with state law, you can record or obtain copies of Yavapai County property records for a small fee:
Service | Fee |
|---|---|
Online index search | Free |
Copy of a recorded document | $1 per page |
Certified copy | $3 per document |
Recording a document | $30 |
Affidavit of Property Value | Included in the $30 recording fee |
How to Record a Document
You must comply with A.R.S. 33-401 and 33-411 when recording a property document in Yavapai County. Also, the Yavapai County Recorder requires that documents meet the formatting and presentation standards established under A.R.S. 11-480.
Prepare the Document: Prepare the document according to Arizona recording requirements. It should include a legal description of the property, the names of the parties, the required signature, and the grantee’s mailing address. In addition, the document should be prepared with at least a 2-inch top margin on the first page. Be aware that an incorrect or missing legal description can prevent the property from being transferred to the Yavapai County Assessor's records. If a correction is needed, the original document must generally be corrected and re-recorded.
Complete the Affidavit of Property Value: The standard recording fee for instruments is $30, which includes the Affidavit of Property Value. For a property transfer that requires an Affidavit of Property Value, complete the form and submit it with the deed to the Recorder’s Office. If the transfer qualifies for an exemption, include the applicable exemption information on the deed.
Submit the Document: Submit the completed documents to the Yavapai County Recorder's Office in person or by mail. Also, you can submit these documents electronically via the approved electronic recording vendors, such as Simplifile, ePN, and CSC.
Obtain a Copy of the Recorded Document: After recording, you may view and download a copy of the recorded land document through the Self-Service Online Search webpage. In addition, you can visit the Recorder’s Office to obtain a certified copy of the recorded document.
FAQs
Yes. Anyone can access Yavapai County property records under the provisions of Arizona Public Records Law.
You can search the Parcel Search webpage using the property’s address, owner’s name, subdivision, parcel number, or parcel history search.
Yes. Individuals can search Yavapai County property records using an address or parcel number on the Self-Service Online Search and the Parcel Search webpages.
The Limited Property Value (LPV) is the statutory value used in calculating property taxes. Yavapai County explains that the Limited Property Value (LPV) is generally limited to the lesser of the property's Full Cash Value or the previous year's LPV plus 5%. This limitation helps prevent large increases in taxable value from year to year. The Full Cash Value is the only value that can be appealed.
Anyone can access digital copies of Yavapai County property records filed from 1904 to the present. These records are available to the public using the Self-Service Online Search portal.
Quick Reference: Your Yavapai County Property Records Checklist
If you want to … | Do this |
|---|---|
Verify ownership | Anyone can search for a property with its address on the Parcel Search portal. In addition, you can confirm ownership by carefully reviewing the latest deed using the Self-Service Online Search webpage. |
Pull a deed copy | Search the Yavapai County Recorder’s Self-Service Online Search webpage to obtain a copy of a deed. You may request uncertified or certified copies from the Recorder’s Office for a nominal fee. |
Check the tax bill | Use the Yavapai County Treasurer’s Parcel Inquiry webpage to view your tax bills. |
Appeal your value | You can file an appeal with the County Assessor within 60 days. If the issue is not resolved, appeal to the Yavapai County Board of Equalization. |
Apply for relief | Submit the appropriate application form to the Yavapai County Assessor. |
Record a new document | Ensure you prepare the deed in the required format. Also, include the signed and notarized deed, the completed Affidavit of Property Value, and the applicable recording fees. Then, submit the documents to the Yavapai County Recorder. |
Key Contacts and Official Portals
Office | Details |
|---|---|
Yavapai County Recorder | 1015 Fair Street, 2nd floor, Prescott, AZ 86305, (928) 771-3244, Recorder’s portal |
Yavapai County Assessor | 1015 Fair Street, 1st Floor, Prescott, AZ 86305, (928) 771-3220, Assessor’s portal |
Yavapai County Treasurer | 1015 Fair Street, 2nd Floor, Prescott, AZ 86305, (928) 771-3233, Treasurer’s portal |
Yavapai County GIS Department | |
AZ Department of Revenue, Property Tax |