How To Search for Plano Property Records

Plano is a popular choice for those looking for residential and commercial real estate in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. However, you should always review property records before buying or investing in property. These records contain a wealth of information, including ownership history, assessed values, liens, tax details, zoning designations, foreclosure filings, amenities, and other vital information that you can use for due diligence. Plano property records are public records, which means anyone can view them or request copies. The key to finding what you need is knowing where to look. This is quite important, considering that even though Plano is primarily located in Collin County, a small portion of the city also extends into Denton County. You can use the list of resources below to find different types of Plano property records.

County Clerks

Plano is located in both Collin and Denton Counties. The County Clerk for each of these counties serves as the official custodian for documents tied to property ownership in the city. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, maps, easements, and other related recorded documents. Each clerk's office offers a records search tool that you can use to look up information online. Searches can be performed by name, document type, document number, or subdivision; there is also an advanced search option that offers additional search criteria. You can also search and request copies of records in person at the clerk's office of the county where the property is located. Note that copy fees may apply. Below are the addresses and contact numbers for the Collin and Denton Counties' Clerk's Offices and links to their record search tools:

Collin County Clerk's Office:

Suite 2106, 2300 Bloomdale Road

McKinney, TX 75071

Phone: (972) 424-1460 ext. 4185

Official Records Search

Denton County Clerk's Office:

1450 E McKinney Street

Denton, TX 76209

Phone: (940) 349-2012

Official Records Search

Appraisal Districts

The Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD) and Denton Central Appraisal District (DCAD) are responsible for determining the value of real property in Plano for taxation purposes. Keep in mind that each appraisal district's jurisdiction is limited to its county's boundaries. This means that the CCAD only values Plano properties within Collin County, while the DCAD only values those in the Denton part of the city. The appraisal districts are great resources for comprehensive details on a property's ownership, physical characteristics and features, valuations, and sales data. Each office provides an online tool that you can use to search for this information by name, account number, address, and other criteria (depending on the county). You can also visit the relevant appraisal district's office to access property records in person. Here are the addresses and contact numbers for the Collin and Denton Counties' Central Appraisal Districts and links to their online search tools:

Collin Central Appraisal District:

250 Eldorado Parkway

McKinney, TX 75069

Phone: (469) 742-9200, (866) 467-1110, Property Search

Denton Central Appraisal District:

3911 Morse Street

Denton, TX 76208

Phone: (940) 349-3800

Property Search

Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector

Even though Plano is located in both Collin and Denton Counties, the Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector is solely responsible for billing and collecting tax payments for the city. The Tax Assessor-Collector provides a tax account lookup tool that you can use to find tax-related property records, including current and past tax bills, payment histories, outstanding balances, and more. You can also visit the Tax Assessor-Collector's Plano Office at Suite 100, 900 E. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75074, to access this information in person, or call them at (972) 547-5020 for general inquiries and assistance.

County Court Systems

The Collin and Denton County Court Systems are another valuable resource for Plano property records, particularly documents tied to legal cases, such as foreclosures, title disputes, landlord/tenant cases, and civil judgments. Each county offers a case search tool that you can use to look up records for its respective court systems. The Texas Judicial Branch also provides a centralized Re:SearchTX tool that you can use to access these records, though account registration is required. You can also visit the court where the case was filed to access copies of these records in person. Below are the addresses, contact numbers, and direct links to the Collin and Denton County Court Systems' case search tools:

Collin County Courts Building:

2100 Bloomdale Rd.

McKinney, TX 75071

Phone: (972) 424-1460 ext. 4320 (District Clerk) and (972) 424-1460 ext. 4185 (County Clerk)

Case Lookup and Court Schedules

The county also has a subcourthouse in Plano, located at 900 E. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75074.

Denton County Courts Building:

1450 E McKinney Street

Denton, TX 76209

Phone: (940) 349-2200 (District Clerk) and (940) 349-2012 (County Clerk)

Records Inquiry

Plano property taxes are a major funding source for various local services, including public schools, fire and police protection, community health services, road maintenance, flood control projects, trash collection, parks and recreation, and more. The Collin and Denton Central Appraisal Districts (depending on where the property is located within Plano) determine the value of properties in the city, while the Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector handles tax billing and collections. Property values are determined using a combination of sales comparisons, cost approaches, and income approaches (for commercial properties). The established value is then multiplied by the combined tax rates set by the city, counties, school district, and other local taxing entities to calculate the taxes owed.

Tax statements are mailed out each October and must be paid in full by January 31st of the following year. However, partial payments are allowed, provided the full amount is paid by the due date; you can also choose to pay the city, county, and school district portions of the tax bill separately. The Tax Assessor-Collector also offers a quarterly payment option for certain eligible seniors (65+) and disabled homeowners, with payments due on January 31st, March 31st, May 31st, and July 31st. Late payments begin accruing penalties and interest from February 1st (or after any missed installment for quarterly payments), starting at 7% and increasing monthly. If the delinquent taxes are not paid in full by June 30th, they will incur an extra penalty of 20% (in addition to the total amount owed). The taxes will also be referred to the delinquent tax attorney for enforced collection, and the property could eventually be sold at a tax sale. There are several options for paying your Plano property taxes, including online (via credit card or e-check), by mail, over the phone by calling 1-877-264-7533, and in person at the Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector's Plano Office.

Assessments

The Collin and Denton Central Appraisal Districts conduct annual assessments for properties in Plano to determine their taxable value. These assessments are done using mass appraisal techniques such as sales comparisons, cost analysis, and income potential to determine the property's fair market value. The appraisal district may also use a combination of field inspections, physical inspections, aerial images, and permit activity reviews to verify property characteristics and ensure accuracy. Properties are assessed at 100% of their fair market value, and assessments take effect from January 1st each year.

Property owners typically receive a Notice of Appraised Value in April (for residential properties) or May (for commercial properties). If you disagree with your property's assessed value, you may first request an informal review with the Collin Central Appraisal District or Denton Central Appraisal District (depending on which office handled the assessment). If the matter cannot be solved at this level, you can file a formal protest with the appropriate county Appraisal Review Board. This protest must be filed by May 15th or within 30 days of the mailing date of your value notice, whichever is later. You can call any of the following numbers for general inquiries and assistance with filing a protest:

• Collin Central Appraisal District: (469) 742-9200, (866) 467-1110 (toll-free).
• Denton Central Appraisal District - Appeals Department: (940) 349-3890.

Appraisals

Plano assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair market value of property by comparing it with similar properties that have sold recently in the local area. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

Because the City of Plano exists in both Collin and Denton counties, its property tax rates differ slightly depending on location. For properties in Collin County, the median effective property tax rate is 1.37%, while in Denton County, it's 1.47%. Both are above the national median of 1.02% but lower than the Texas state median of 1.67%. Likewise, the average annual tax bill in Plano varies significantly, ranging from $6,513 for properties in Collin to $10,191 for those in Denton, both of which are well above the national average of $2,400.

Here's a look at how Plano's tax rate compares to other counties in Texas:

• Bexar County 2.03%
• Dallas County 1.74%
• El Paso County 2.01%
• Grayson County 2.09%
• Harris County 1.66%
• Kendall County 1.25%
• Lubbock County 1.86%
• McMullen County 1.12%
• Potter County 2.16%
• Starr County 0.79%
• Stonewall County 3.00%
• Tarrant County 1.70%
• Travis County 1.65%
• Webb County 1.54%
• Winkler County 1.22%

Exemptions

Property taxes in Plano are well above the national average, and some homeowners may find it difficult to pay their tax bills. Thankfully, there are several tax exemption programs available to eligible homeowners in the city that can help ease the financial burden. These include:

• Homestead Exemption: Available to any homeowner in Plano who uses their property as their primary residence, and it lowers the taxable value of the property.
• Over 65/Disabled Persons Exemption: Available to homeowners aged 65 or older and disabled homeowners, and it reduces the taxable value of their property.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Available to disabled veterans and provides varying exemption amounts (up to full exemption) based on their disability rating. Surviving spouses of service members killed in action and first responders killed in the line of duty also qualify for this exemption.

You can call any of the following numbers for general inquiries and assistance with tax exemptions:

• Collin Central Appraisal District: (469) 742-9200 or (866) 467-1110 (toll-free).
• Denton Central Appraisal District: (940) 349-3800.

You will need a permit to construct a new building in Plano or remodel, improve, or demolish an existing one. Cosmetic improvements, such as painting, carpeting, and installing cabinets, as well as minor fixes like replacing switches and changing faucets, are usually exempt. The Plano Building Inspections Department handles the city's permitting process, and you can use their eTRAKiT portal to apply for permits, submit plans, and schedule inspections online. However, you'll need to set up a user account first. You can also visit the building inspections office at Suite 140, 1520 K Avenue, Plano, TX 75074, if you prefer in-person services, or call them at (972) 941-7140 for general inquiries and assistance.

Common types of permits issued in Plano include:

• Building Permits: Issued for the construction, alteration, or repair of structures.

  • Residential Building Permits: For residential properties (single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and accessory buildings).
  • Commercial Building Permits: For commercial properties.
  • Fence Permits: For new fence installation or major repairs.
  • Swimming Pool and Spa Permits: For in-ground and above-ground pools, hot tubs, and related equipment.

• Trade Permits: Issued for specific systems within a building and may be required even if a general building permit isn't.

  • Electrical Permits: For new installations, upgrades, or repairs to electrical systems.
  • Mechanical Permits: For installing or modifying heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
  • Plumbing Permits: For work on water lines, sewer connections, gas piping, water heaters, and other plumbing systems.
  • Irrigation Permits: For installing or modifying lawn sprinkler systems.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

Plano is the ninth-largest city in Texas and one of the principal cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, known for its strong economy, diverse community, and high quality of life. The city is home to several corporate headquarters, including Toyota Motor North America, J.C. Penney, Pizza Hut, and Frito-Lay. It also consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S., boasting excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, extensive parks, cultural amenities, and a thriving job market.

Plano, Texas, has a population of 285,494 residents. The city has 120,096 housing units, with approximately 95% of these units occupied and 57% owner-occupied. The city offers a wide range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, apartments, multi-family units, and active adult and retirement communities. Popular housing styles include Traditional, Ranch, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Mediterranean, Contemporary, Victorian, Spanish Revival, and Modern Farmhouse. The average home value in Plano, TX, is $503,767, representing a 4.6% decrease from previous years. Keep in mind that actual home prices can vary considerably depending on the area in Plano. Here are examples of home values in different Plano neighborhoods:

• Biltmore $451,508
• Carriage Hills $612,377
• Country Place $511,162
• Forest Creek Estates $706,595
• Kimberlea $541,927
• Parkway Estates $630,636
• Quail Creek $546,400
• Springcreek Parkway $450,637

The Plano, Texas, real estate market is somewhat competitive, with slightly declining home prices and increased inventory, making it more favorable for buyers than sellers. Homes typically go under contract in around 28 days of listing, and approximately 20% of listed homes sell above the listing price.