Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)

January 1, 1 6 min read Assessor's Parcel Number APN Property Identification Real Estate Tax Property Records Parcel Number Tax Assessor Real Estate
An Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each piece of real estate by a tax assessor for purposes of identification and record-keeping.
On this page

Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)

Definition

An Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each piece of real estate by a county tax assessor for purposes of identification, record-keeping, and tax assessment. The APN serves as a critical tool in the management of property-related information within a county or municipality. It typically includes a series of digits and sometimes letters, representing information such as the county, parcel location, and subdivision.

Examples

  1. Single Family Home: A homeowner in Los Angeles County may find that their property’s APN is 1234-567-890. This number uniquely identifies their property within the county’s tax records.
  2. Commercial Property: A shopping center in Cook County, Illinois might have an APN like 16-21-402-004-0000. This identifier is used for management and tax purposes.
  3. Vacant Land: A piece of undeveloped land in Maricopa County, Arizona may be assigned an APN such as 302-50-920B, indicating its location and parcel specifics in the county’s records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Why is an APN important?

    • An APN is crucial for the accurate identification and record-keeping of real estate parcels. It is used by the county for property tax assessment, zoning, and land use planning.

  2. Where can I find my property’s APN?

    • You can typically find the APN on your property tax bill, deed, or via your county assessor’s online property database.

  3. Can an APN change?

    • Yes, an APN can change due primarily to property subdivision, mergers, or changes in county mapping systems.

  4. Is the APN the same across different counties?

    • No, APNs are county-specific and not standardized across different counties. Each county assigns its own APNs based on its own numbering system.

  5. Who assigns the APN?

    • The county tax assessor’s office assigns APNs based on their jurisdictional mapping and tax responsibility.
  • Parcel Number: Another term for Assessor’s Parcel Number, often used interchangeably.
  • Tax Assessor: The county official responsible for valuing property for tax purposes and maintaining property records.
  • Zoning: The municipal or county process that delineates land use categories such as residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
  • Property Tax: An annual tax paid by property owners to local government, based on the assessed value of their property.
  • Plat Map: A map showing the divisions of a piece of land.

Online Resources

  1. County Assessor Websites: Many counties have online databases where you can search for APN information:
  2. National Association of Counties (NACo): Provides resources about county government services, including tax assessments.
  3. Real Estate Portals: Websites like Zillow and Realtor.com often list APN information on property detail pages.

References

  • Los Angeles County Assessor Office. “Understanding Parcel Numbers.” LA County Assessor.
  • Cook County Assessor. “Property Search.” Cook County Assessor’s Office.
  • Maricopa County Assessor’s Office. “Parcel Viewer.” Maricopa County.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “Property Taxation and Assessment” by Richard Beites: A detailed guide on tax assessments and the role of APNs in property taxation.
  2. “Real Estate Principles and Practices” by Arlyne Eisler: A comprehensive textbook covering various aspects of real estate, including property identification and APNs.
  3. “The Appraisal of Real Estate” by Appraisal Institute: Discusses property assessment, valuation, and the usage of APNs for appraisals.

Real Estate Basics: Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) Fundamentals Quiz

### What is the primary purpose of an Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)? - [ ] To detail the architectural plans of a property. - [ ] To determine the age of the property. - [x] To uniquely identify each piece of real estate for tax and record purposes. - [ ] To specify the landscaping requirements for a property. > **Explanation:** An Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) is primarily used to uniquely identify each piece of real estate so that it can be accurately recorded and assessed for tax purposes. ### Where can property owners typically find their parcel’s APN? - [x] On their property tax bill - [ ] On a homeowner’s insurance policy - [ ] On a real estate agent's business card - [ ] On the back of the house deed > **Explanation:** Property owners can typically find their APN on their property tax bill, as well as in other official documents like the deed or county property records. ### Who assigns the Assessor's Parcel Number to a property? - [x] The county tax assessor's office - [ ] The real estate agent - [ ] The property's builder - [ ] The title company > **Explanation:** The Assessor's Parcel Number is assigned by the county tax assessor's office. ### Can an APN remain unchanged if a property is subdivided? - [ ] Yes, it remains the same. - [x] No, it changes because the property structure has been modified. - [ ] Only if the property is transferred - [ ] Only for commercial properties > **Explanation:** An APN can change if a property is subdivided, as the subdivision modifies the property's structure requiring a new identifier. ### Do different counties use the same system for generating APNs? - [x] No, each county uses its own system. - [ ] Yes, they all use a national standardized system. - [ ] Only in states with a central assessor - [ ] Only when mandated by federal law > **Explanation:** Different counties use their own systems for generating APNs and there isn't a standardized national system. ### Is the APN specific to particular types of properties? - [ ] Only residential properties - [ ] Only commercial properties - [ ] Only land parcels - [x] All types of properties > **Explanation:** APNs are assigned to all types of properties, including residential, commercial, and vacant land. ### Can an APN be used to determine a property's value directly? - [x] No, it is only for identification, not valuation. - [ ] Yes, it provides a direct value reference. - [ ] Only when linked to assessor reports - [ ] Only in specific counties > **Explanation:** An APN is used for the identification of real estate, not for determining a property's market value. ### What might indicate a necessity for an APN to be changed? - [x] Subdivision or merging of parcels - [ ] Property being sold - [ ] Change in property ownership - [ ] Renovation of the property > **Explanation:** A need for changing an APN usually arises when a property is subdivided, merged, or affected by jurisdictional boundary changes. ### Why might the format of an APN include characters/symbols beyond just numbers? - [x] To include location, zone, or block information within the county - [ ] To prevent easy copying - [ ] To link with police records - [ ] To denote property’s market value > **Explanation:** APNs may include characters or symbols beyond just numbers to represent additional information such as location, zone, or block specifics within the county. ### What type of map provides information on parcel divisions related to APNs? - [ ] Road map - [ ] Political map - [x] Plat map - [ ] Climate map > **Explanation:** A plat map provides information on parcel divisions and property boundaries, which are related to APNs.
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Asset
Assessor Parcel Number (APN)
Assessor Parcel Number (APN) January 1, 1
Assessed Value January 1, 1
Legal Description January 1, 1
Parcel Identification Number (PIN) January 1, 1
Property Tax January 1, 1
Revaluation or Re-evaluation: Understanding the Real Estate Concept January 1, 1
Tax Appeal, Tax Protest January 1, 1
Tax Roll January 1, 1
Title Plant January 1, 1

Real Estate Lexicon

With over 3,000 definitions (and 30,000 Quizes!), our Lexicon of Real Estate Terms equips buyers, sellers, and professionals with the knowledge needed to thrive in the real estate market. Empower your journey today!

Real Estate Real Estate Investment Real Estate Law Property Management Real Estate Transactions Real Estate Financing Real Estate Development Mortgage Property Valuation Commercial Real Estate Real Estate Appraisal Real Estate Valuation Property Rights Land Use Property Ownership Urban Planning Property Value Real Estate Finance Foreclosure Market Value Real Estate Contracts Depreciation Property Law Interest Rates Construction Estate Planning Lease Agreement Appraisal Investment Financing Mortgage Loans Financial Planning Real Estate Terms Legal Terms Zoning Real Estate Market Rental Income Market Analysis Lease Agreements Housing Market Property Sale Interest Rate Taxation Title Insurance Property Taxes Amortization Eminent Domain Investment Analysis Property Investment Property Tax Property Transfer Risk Management Tenant Rights Mortgages Residential Property Architecture Investments Contract Law Land Development Loans Property Development Default Condemnation Finance Income Tax Property Purchase Homeownership Leasing Operating Expenses Inheritance Legal Documents Real Estate Metrics Residential Real Estate Home Loans Real Estate Ownership Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Affordable Housing Cash Flow Closing Costs Collateral Net Operating Income Real Estate Loans Real Property Asset Management Infrastructure Mortgage Loan Property Appraisal Real Estate Investing Urban Development Building Codes Insurance Loan Repayment Mortgage Payments Real Estate Broker Shopping Centers Tax Deductions Creditworthiness Mortgage Insurance Property Assessment Real Estate Transaction