Tom Green County Property Records
What Is Tom Green County Property Records
Property records in Tom Green County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county.
The primary purposes of property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
In accordance with Texas Property Code § 13.001, all instruments concerning real property must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice of their contents. The Tom Green County Clerk's Office maintains these official records as mandated by state law.
Property records in Tom Green County include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and other documents affecting real property interests. These records form a comprehensive history of ownership and encumbrances for each parcel of land within the county boundaries.
Tom Green County Clerk's Office
113 W. Beauregard Ave.
San Angelo, TX 76903
325-659-6556
Tom Green County Clerk's Office
Are Property Records Public Information In Tom Green County?
Property records in Tom Green County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code § 552, establishes the fundamental right of access to government records, including property records.
The public nature of property records is based on several important principles:
- Property ownership is a matter of public record to establish clear title and prevent fraud
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Any person may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
The Tom Green County government maintains these records as public information, allowing citizens to research property ownership, verify tax status, and conduct due diligence for real estate transactions. This transparency supports the integrity of the real estate market and protects the interests of property owners and potential buyers.
Under current Texas law, while property records are public, certain personal information may be redacted to protect privacy, such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain financial account information, in accordance with privacy provisions in the Texas Property Code.
How To Search Property Records in Tom Green County in 2026
Tom Green County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
In-Person Search:
- Visit the Tom Green County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a records search request form at the public counter
- Provide specific information about the property (address, owner name, or legal description)
- Staff will assist in locating relevant records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
Online Search:
- Navigate to the Tom Green County Clerk's official records search portal
- Create a user account if required (free registration)
- Select the appropriate search type (name, property address, document type)
- Enter search criteria in the designated fields
- Review search results and select documents for viewing
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply)
Mail Request:
- Submit a written request to the County Clerk's Office
- Include specific search parameters and contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable search and copy fees
Tom Green County Clerk's Office
113 W. Beauregard Ave.
San Angelo, TX 76903
325-659-6556
Tom Green County Clerk's Office
For property tax and appraisal records, citizens should contact:
Tom Green County Appraisal District
2302 Pulliam St.
San Angelo, TX 76905
325-658-5575
Property Tax Records
How To Find Property Records in Tom Green County Online?
Tom Green County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official platforms. Members of the public may access these digital resources using the following methods:
-
County Clerk's Official Records Search:
- Visit the Tom Green County Clerk's official website
- Select "Official Public Records Search" from the menu options
- Create a user account if required (free for basic searches)
- Search by name, property address, document type, or date range
- View, download, or print documents as needed (fees may apply for certain documents)
-
Property Appraisal Records:
- Access the Tom Green Central Appraisal District website
- Select "Property Search" from the available options
- Search by owner name, property address, or property ID number
- View property details, including valuation, tax information, and property characteristics
- Access property maps and related documents
-
Tax Records Search:
- Navigate to the Tom Green County Tax Office online portal
- Search by property address, owner name, or account number
- View current and past tax statements
- Check payment status and tax rates
- Access property tax exemption information
-
GIS Mapping System:
- Access the county's Geographic Information System (GIS) portal
- Search by address or parcel number
- View property boundaries, zoning information, and related spatial data
- Access linked property records and documents
The online systems are maintained in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 191.008, which authorizes counties to maintain electronic record systems. These platforms are updated regularly to ensure accuracy and compliance with state regulations regarding public records.
How To Look Up Tom Green County Property Records for Free?
Tom Green County offers several no-cost options for accessing property records. Residents and interested parties may utilize these free resources to obtain basic property information:
Public Access Terminals:
- Available at the Tom Green County Clerk's Office
- No fee for on-site viewing of digital records
- Self-service computer stations with search capabilities
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
- Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Public Library Resources:
- Tom Green County Library System provides free access to certain property databases
- Public computer terminals with internet access
- Reference librarians can assist with basic property research
- Access to historical property records and maps
Online Basic Searches:
- The Tom Green County website offers free basic property searches
- Limited information available without registration or fees
- Includes property ownership, legal description, and valuation data
- Property tax information through the Central Appraisal District
Mobile County Services:
- Periodic mobile county clerk services in rural areas
- Free property record lookups during community outreach events
- Schedule available on the county website
While basic property record searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Extensive research assistance
- Bulk data requests
- Document printing or reproduction
- Access to certain specialized databases
The provision of free access to basic property records aligns with the Texas Public Information Act principles of government transparency and public right to information.
What's Included in a Tom Green County Property Record?
Tom Green County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county boundaries. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the County Clerk's Office and the Central Appraisal District.
Property records in Tom Green County distinguish between:
- Real Property - Land and permanently attached structures
- Personal Property - Movable assets such as equipment, inventory, and vehicles
A complete Tom Green County property record typically contains the following elements:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
Property Identification:
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Survey and abstract information
- Lot and block numbers for platted subdivisions
Transaction History:
- Deed records showing transfers of ownership
- Purchase price and sales history
- Mortgage and financing information
- Date and type of each transaction
Property Characteristics:
- Land size and dimensions
- Building size and specifications
- Year of construction
- Number of rooms and bathrooms
- Construction materials and quality
- Improvements and additions
Financial Information:
- Current appraised value
- Assessment history
- Property tax information
- Tax exemptions applied
- Payment history
Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Mineral rights information
- Zoning restrictions
Legal Instruments:
- Warranty deeds
- Quitclaim deeds
- Special warranty deeds
- Deeds of trust
- Mechanics liens
- Tax liens
- Judgments affecting title
- Probate records related to property
These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Property Code § 11.001, which establishes requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
How Long Does Tom Green County Keep Property Records?
Tom Green County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These retention periods ensure the preservation of vital property information while managing county resources effectively.
The standard retention periods for various property records in Tom Green County are as follows:
Permanent Retention:
- Deeds and conveyances of real property
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Annexation records
- Original subdivision plats
- Abstracts of title
- Deed record indexes
Long-Term Retention (50+ years):
- Tax rolls and assessment records
- Property valuation records
- Zoning change records
- Condemnation proceedings
Medium-Term Retention (10-20 years):
- Building permits and inspections
- Temporary easements
- Variance applications
- Zoning permits
- Property tax correspondence
Short-Term Retention (2-5 years):
- Routine property inquiries
- Temporary property use permits
- Duplicate copies of property records
- Working papers related to property transactions
The Tom Green County Clerk's Office has implemented digital preservation systems to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records. Many historical records have been digitized to protect against deterioration and provide easier public access.
For records that have exceeded their retention period, the county follows formal disposition procedures in accordance with state regulations. However, many property records are maintained indefinitely due to their historical and legal significance, particularly those establishing property ownership and boundaries.
How To Find Liens on Property In Tom Green County?
Locating liens on property in Tom Green County requires searching specific public records maintained by various county offices. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to identify liens and encumbrances affecting real property:
County Clerk's Office Search:
- Visit the Tom Green County Clerk's Office in person or online
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Request a lien search for specific property
- Review the following lien types:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's and materialman's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Homeowner association liens
Tax Office Search:
- Contact the Tom Green County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office
- Request information about property tax liens
- Verify if delinquent taxes have resulted in tax liens
- Check for trustee tax sales related to tax foreclosures
District Clerk's Office:
- Search court records at the District Clerk's Office
- Look for civil judgments that may have resulted in judgment liens
- Check for lis pendens notices indicating pending litigation affecting the property
- Review foreclosure proceedings
Online Resources:
- Access the county's official records search portal
- Search by property owner name and property address
- Filter results by document types such as "lien," "judgment," or "notice"
- Review documents to verify current status of liens
Professional Title Search:
- Engage a title company to conduct a professional title search
- Receive a comprehensive report of all liens and encumbrances
- Obtain title insurance to protect against undiscovered liens
Liens in Tom Green County are recorded in accordance with Texas Property Code § 51.0001, which establishes requirements for the creation and perfection of liens on real property. It is important to note that some liens may have priority over others based on the date of recording and the nature of the lien.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Tom Green County?
The Property Owner Rule in Tom Green County refers to a set of regulations and principles governing property ownership, rights, and responsibilities within the county jurisdiction. These rules are derived from Texas state law and local ordinances that establish the legal framework for real property ownership.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Registration Requirements:
- All property transfers must be properly recorded with the Tom Green County Clerk's Office
- Deeds must contain specific elements to be valid, including grantor/grantee names, property description, and proper execution
- Recording must occur within a reasonable time after execution to establish priority
- Failure to record may affect the validity of ownership claims against third parties
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners must register with the Tom Green Central Appraisal District
- Annual property tax payments are required based on assessed value
- Tax exemptions must be properly claimed and documented
- Delinquent taxes may result in liens and potential foreclosure
Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must disclose known property defects to potential buyers
- Flood zone status must be disclosed in accordance with state law
- Lead-based paint disclosures are required for properties built before 1978
- Mineral rights ownership must be clearly documented in property transfers
Property Use Restrictions:
- Compliance with zoning regulations and land use restrictions
- Adherence to subdivision covenants and deed restrictions
- Respect for established easements and rights-of-way
- Compliance with building codes and permit requirements
Adverse Possession Provisions:
- Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.021, adverse possession may establish ownership after continuous possession for statutory periods
- Color of title adverse possession requires 3-5 years of possession
- Possession without color of title requires 10 years of continuous possession
- Payment of property taxes strengthens adverse possession claims
The Property Owner Rule also encompasses regulations regarding property tax transparency and financial transparency in county operations affecting property owners. These rules ensure that property ownership in Tom Green County is clearly established, properly recorded, and subject to appropriate legal protections and obligations.
Lookup Property Records in Tom Green County
Tom Green County Property Tax Records
Tom Green County Tax Directory Information
Tom Green County Official Website