Tazewell County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Tazewell County in 2026
TazewellRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Tazewell County, Illinois. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, mortgage documents, tax information, and lien filings. Available record categories include transfer documents, parcel data, tax assessments, encumbrances, and plat maps. Information presented reflects official county sources and may not capture the most recent filings or unrecorded private agreements.
Property records in Tazewell County may be searched through several official channels maintained by county government offices. The primary resources include the Tazewell County Assessor's Office, the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder, and the Tazewell County Treasurer. Each office maintains distinct record sets, and members of the public are encouraged to consult multiple sources for a complete property profile.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — the most convenient option for current ownership, assessed values, and recorded documents
- In-person visits — required for certified copies, historical documents not yet digitized, and staff-assisted research
- By mail — written requests submitted with applicable fees and identifying information
- Through professionals — title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches
Online Search Methods
1. Property Assessor Website
The Tazewell County Assessor maintains a publicly accessible database of parcel-level property information. No registration is required, and basic searches are provided at no cost.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel identification number
- By subdivision name
- By GIS map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms)
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location and aerial imagery
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Tazewell County Assessor property search
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select a specific parcel to view the full property card
- Review ownership details, valuation history, and sales records
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk and Recorder Official Records Search
The Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder indexes and maintains all documents recorded against real property. Basic search access is available to the public at no charge.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Lis pendens filings
- HOA-related recorded documents
How to Search:
- Access the Tazewell County Clerk recorded documents portal
- Select the applicable search type
- Enter grantor or grantee name, document type, or date range
- Review the results list
- Select a document to view the image (fees may apply for downloads or certified copies)
- Note the instrument number or book and page reference for future use
3. Tax Collector (Treasurer) Website
The Tazewell County Treasurer maintains tax payment records and delinquency information for all parcels. Public access is provided at no cost.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and due dates
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing district
- Tax certificate information for delinquent parcels
- Installment plan status
Members of the public may access current and historical tax data through the Tazewell County Treasurer's Office.
4. GIS and Mapping System
Tazewell County maintains an interactive GIS mapping system that allows visual property searches overlaid with parcel boundaries, zoning layers, flood zones, and aerial photography.
How to Use:
- Navigate the map to the subject property location
- Click on a parcel to retrieve linked property information
- View multiple map layers including zoning, flood zones, and environmental features
- Measure distances and access linked assessment records
In-Person Searches
Property Assessor Office
Tazewell County Assessor
11 South 4th Street, Suite 200
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2275
Tazewell County Assessor
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, plat maps, and exemption application processing.
Clerk and Recorder Office
Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder
11 South 4th Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2264
Tazewell County Clerk
Members of the public may inspect official records, request certified copies, search grantor and grantee indexes, and access historical record books with staff assistance.
Tax Collector (Treasurer) Office
Tazewell County Treasurer
11 South 4th Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2284
Tazewell County Treasurer
Services include tax payment processing, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests
Property Assessor
Written requests for property information may be submitted to the Tazewell County Assessor at 11 South 4th Street, Suite 200, Pekin, IL 61554. Requests should include the property address or parcel identification number, a description of the records sought, and a self-addressed return envelope. Applicable copying fees must accompany the request.
Clerk and Recorder
Requests for copies of recorded documents should be directed to the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder at 11 South 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554. Requestors should specify the document by instrument number, book and page reference, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for copying and certification fees must be included. Certified copies are available upon request.
Through Professionals
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull ownership histories, and compile comparable sales data as part of their representation services. Costs for professional services vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips
- When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and check spelling alternatives
- When searching by owner name, try last name first, then full name, and consider maiden name or business entity variations
- When searching by legal description, use the exact subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section, township, and range designations as they appear on the recorded deed
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the Clerk's office or a written request with advance notice is recommended
What Is Tazewell County Property Records
Property records in Tazewell County are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government offices as part of the public record. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax assessment. Under 765 ILCS 5 (the Illinois Conveyances Act), instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Chain of title and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting real property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- HOA documents and lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemption records
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning designations
- Land use classifications
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Tazewell County Assessor maintains valuation records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications. The Tazewell County Treasurer maintains tax billing, payment history, and delinquency records. The Tazewell County Zoning and Building Department maintains permits, inspections, zoning records, and code enforcement files.
Are Property Records Public Information in Tazewell County?
Property records in Tazewell County are public information. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), public records maintained by government bodies are accessible to any person upon request. The recording system established under 765 ILCS 5 is premised on the principle of constructive notice — recorded documents are deemed known to all members of the public, which requires that they remain openly accessible. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement applies to accessing property records.
As the Illinois Secretary of State has noted in guidance on public records, "the public has a right to access information about the operations of government," a principle that extends to the recording functions of county offices.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and supports accountability in property taxation
- The real estate marketplace depends on open access to ownership, encumbrance, and valuation data
- Title searches, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all rely on publicly accessible recorded documents
- Historical and genealogical research depends on the permanent public availability of deed and transfer records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected within otherwise public documents. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded instruments pursuant to state law. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully public. Under Illinois law, certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may request that their home address be withheld from public disclosure in specific contexts.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, journalists, and property owners reviewing their own records.
Commercial Use:
Commercial aggregation of public property records is legally permitted. Companies such as CoreLogic and First American compile and resell public record data through subscription services. Such use is subject to applicable anti-harassment statutes, fair housing laws, and other legal restrictions on the use of personal information.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Tazewell County?
The cost to obtain property records in Tazewell County depends on the type of record, the format requested, and the office providing the record. Online viewing of assessment data and basic recorded document indexes is available at no charge through official county websites.
Standard Fee Schedule — Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a document (first page) | $10.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Non-certified copy of a recorded document | $1.00 per page |
| Document search (staff-assisted) | Fees may apply |
Recording fees in Illinois are governed in part by 55 ILCS 5/3-5018, which establishes the authority of county recorders to collect fees for recording and copying services. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder, as fee schedules are subject to legislative adjustment.
Assessment and Tax Records:
- Online access to assessment data through the Tazewell County Assessor is free of charge
- Printed property record cards may be subject to a per-page copying fee
- Tax payment history and current tax bills are available at no cost through the Tazewell County Treasurer's online portal
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order (in-person and by mail)
- Credit or debit card (where available; convenience fees may apply)
Fee Waivers: Illinois law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Governmental agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may be entitled to reduced fees in specific circumstances. Members of the public seeking fee waivers should inquire directly with the applicable office.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of parcel assessment data
- Online viewing of recorded document indexes
- GIS mapping and aerial imagery
- Tax payment status and history (online)
What's Included in a Tazewell County Property Record
A complete Tazewell County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
- Legal owner name(s) and ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument reference
- Mailing address for tax billing
- Chain of title with previous owner names and transfer dates
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, metes and bounds)
- Parcel identification number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size, dimensions, frontage, and depth
- Zoning classification and land use designation
- Total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, and construction materials
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features: garage, pool, porch, fireplace, HVAC, water source, and sewer system
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Assessed land value and building value
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification data where applicable
Tax Information:
- Current tax bill, taxable value, and millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and discount information
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, widow/widower, agricultural, conservation, historic preservation)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names
- Qualified or unqualified sale designation
- Documentary stamp amounts and deed instrument references
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing district assignments (school, fire, water, CDD)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation and wetlands information
Maps and Images:
- Exterior property photograph
- Aerial photograph and GIS parcel boundary map
- Plat map and property sketch
Building Permit Information (where integrated):
- Permit dates, descriptions, contractor information, and permit values
- Certificate of occupancy and inspection records
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Confidential exemption application details
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Tazewell County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Tazewell County are maintained permanently. The chain of title depends on an unbroken historical record of every instrument affecting ownership, and no recorded deed, mortgage, lien, plat, or easement is subject to routine destruction. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of establishing clear title and the public interest in transparent land ownership.
Under the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205), local government bodies must follow approved retention schedules for public records. Instruments recorded in the official records of the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder — including all deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are classified as permanent records and are never destroyed.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types) dating to county formation
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- All easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- All court documents and powers of attorney affecting title
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Tazewell County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording:
- Pre-20th century: Handwritten ledger books
- Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound record books
- Mid-20th century: Microfilm
- Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
All formats are maintained in climate-controlled storage at the Clerk and Recorder's office, with off-site backup and digital redundancy for electronic records.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Typical Access Method |
|---|---|
| Last 20 years | Fully online; immediate free access |
| 20–50 years ago | May be online; microfilm available in person |
| 50–100 years ago | In-person or written request; microfilm or original books |
| 100+ years ago | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Assessor Retention:
- Current and historical assessment rolls: Permanent
- Property cards: Permanent
- Exemption applications: Retained for a minimum of five to seven years per state retention schedules
Tax Collector (Treasurer) Retention:
- Tax payment records: Minimum seven to ten years
- Tax certificates: Retained until redeemed or tax deed issued
- Tax deed records: Permanent
- Delinquency records: Several years per retention schedule
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records older than those available online should contact the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder directly. Requests should specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the document type sought. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several business days for very old materials. Standard copying fees apply regardless of record age.
Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder (Historical Records)
11 South 4th Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2264
Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder
Tazewell County Assessor (Historical Assessment Records)
11 South 4th Street, Suite 200
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2275
Tazewell County Assessor
Digitization projects are ongoing in many Illinois counties, and the scope of online historical access continues to expand. Members of the public retain the right to inspect all permanent records regardless of format, and staff assistance is available for historical research requests.
How To Find Liens on Property in Tazewell County?
Liens recorded against real property in Tazewell County are maintained in the official records of the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder. A lien search requires reviewing the grantor-grantee index for the subject property owner's name and the parcel's legal description across the relevant time period.
Types of Liens Recorded:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Illinois Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors and materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Access the Tazewell County Clerk recorded documents search and search by the current owner's name as grantor
- Filter results by document type to isolate lien filings
- Review all results within the ownership period for the subject property
- For federal tax liens, search the IRS lien index maintained by the Clerk's office, as federal liens are filed separately from state and judgment liens
- For judgment liens, cross-reference the Tazewell County Circuit Court records through the Illinois Courts case search to identify judgments that may have been docketed against the property owner
- For mechanic's liens, search by the property owner's name and review filings within the statutory period following construction activity
- For tax delinquency, review the Tazewell County Treasurer's records for outstanding balances or tax certificate issuances
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder's office. Staff can assist with grantor-grantee index searches and retrieval of specific documents. Certified copies of lien documents are available for the standard per-page fee plus the certification charge.
Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder
11 South 4th Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2264
Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder
Title companies routinely conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process and issue title insurance commitments that identify all recorded encumbrances. For transactions involving significant value or complex ownership histories, engagement of a licensed title company or real estate attorney is the standard practice in Illinois.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Tazewell County?
The property owner rule in Tazewell County refers to the body of Illinois law and local regulations that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Illinois follows the common law tradition of fee simple ownership, under which a property owner holds the broadest possible interest in real property, subject only to governmental powers of taxation, eminent domain, police power, and escheat.
Establishing Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Tazewell County is established by a recorded deed. Under 765 ILCS 5/28, all deeds and instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors without notice. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties.
Forms of Ownership:
Illinois law recognizes the following forms of real property ownership:
- Sole ownership — a single individual holds title in fee simple
- Joint tenancy — two or more persons hold equal undivided interests with right of survivorship; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) take the decedent's interest by operation of law
- Tenancy in common — two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal and are freely transferable; no right of survivorship
- Tenancy by the entirety — available to married couples in Illinois; provides survivorship rights and protection from individual creditors of one spouse
- Trust ownership — a trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title to real property in Illinois
Transfer of Ownership:
Property in Tazewell County is transferred by recorded deed. Illinois imposes a real estate transfer tax under 35 ILCS 200/31-1 et seq., collected at the time of recording. The state transfer tax rate is $0.50 per $500 of consideration (or fraction thereof). Some municipalities impose additional local transfer taxes. Documentary stamps affixed to the deed evidence payment of the transfer tax.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Tazewell County hold the following rights and obligations under Illinois law and local ordinance:
- The right to use, occupy, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise real property within the limits of applicable zoning and land use regulations
- The obligation to pay real property taxes assessed by the Tazewell County Assessor and collected by the Tazewell County Treasurer
- The right to apply for applicable exemptions, including the homestead exemption, senior citizen exemption, disabled persons exemption, and veterans exemption, through the Tazewell County Assessor's office
- The obligation to comply with applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and code enforcement requirements administered by the Tazewell County Zoning and Building Department
- The right to appeal assessed valuations through the Tazewell County Board of Review
Tazewell County Board of Review
11 South 4th Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2275
Tazewell County Board of Review
Adverse Possession:
Illinois law recognizes adverse possession as a means of acquiring title to real property. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-101, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and adversely possesses real property for a period of twenty years may acquire legal title through a court action to quiet title. Adverse possession claims are adjudicated in the Tazewell County Circuit Court.
Eminent Domain:
The government retains the power to acquire private property for public use through eminent domain, subject to the constitutional requirement of just compensation under both the Illinois Constitution and the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Eminent domain proceedings in Tazewell County are conducted in the Circuit Court of Tazewell County.
Tazewell County Circuit Court
342 Court Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone: (309) 477-2214
Tazewell County Circuit Court