FAQs – Billings County Property Appraiser

Homeowners, buyers, and researchers often need to locate Billings County GIS maps, parcel data, and tax information. The Billings County property search tool, tax estimator, and tax roll database give quick access to land parcel maps, property boundaries, and ownership records. Below you will find concise answers to the most common questions, step‑by‑step instructions, and real‑world examples that help you retrieve the exact data you need without a phone call.

Official website: www.billingscountynd.gov
Phone: (701) 786‑5600
Visiting hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (no appointments needed)

Property Search Tool FAQs

What is the Billings County Property Search Tool?

The Property Search Tool is an online portal that displays Billings County GIS maps, parcel numbers, owner names, and tax assessment values. Users type an address, parcel ID, or owner name and receive a map viewer that highlights property boundaries, easements, and zoning layers. The system pulls data from the Billings County GIS parcel database, which the Assessor’s Office updates each month.

Is the Property Search Tool free to use?

Yes. The county provides the tool at no charge. No registration, credit card, or subscription is required. All public records, including Billings County land assessment maps and tax parcel maps, are accessible without a fee.

How often is the Billings County property database updated?

Updates occur on the first Monday of each month. New deeds, subdivision plats, and assessment changes are uploaded after they are recorded at the County Recorder. The GIS parcel viewer reflects these changes within 48 hours of the monthly upload.

Can I search using only part of an address or owner’s name?

Partial searches work for both fields. Enter the first three letters of a street name or the first few characters of a last name, then click “Search.” The tool returns a list of matching parcels. For example, typing “Med” shows all parcels on Medora‑related streets, while “Smi” lists owners whose surnames begin with Smi.

What should I do if I can’t find my property in the search results?

First, verify that the spelling and parcel number are correct. If the property was recently subdivided, it may appear under a new parcel ID in the next monthly update. If the issue persists, contact the Assessor’s Office using the information below.

Contact Information for Assistance

  • Phone: (701) 786‑5600 (Assessor’s Office)
  • Email: assessor@billingscountynd.gov
  • Address: 307 2nd St, Medora, ND 58645

Online Tax Estimator FAQs

What is the Billings County Property Tax Estimator Tool?

The Tax Estimator calculates projected property taxes based on the most recent assessment value, local mill rates, and any applicable exemptions. Users select a parcel from the search tool, choose the tax year, and receive an estimate that includes school, road, and fire district levies.

Can I use the Tax Estimator for any property in Billings County?

The estimator works for all taxable real estate, from single‑family homes to commercial parcels. Agricultural land that qualifies for a reduced assessment also appears in the tool, showing the lower tax amount automatically.

Does the estimator show the exact tax amount due?

The figure is an estimate based on current rates. Final bills may differ if the county adjusts mill rates after the estimate is generated or if the property owner qualifies for a new exemption during the tax year.

Can I compare tax estimates from previous years?

Yes. The tool stores up to five years of historical data. Select “Compare” and choose the years you wish to view side by side. This feature helps owners track changes in assessment value and mill rates.

Billings County Tax Roll FAQs

What is the property tax roll?

The tax roll is a public record that lists every taxable parcel, its assessed value, and the amount of tax owed for a specific fiscal year. The roll includes owner names, parcel numbers, and exemption codes.

Who is responsible for preparing the tax roll?

The Billings County Assessor prepares the roll, while the Treasurer’s Office finalizes the billing. Both offices coordinate to ensure that the roll reflects the latest assessment data and mill rates.

When is the Billings County tax roll finalized each year?

Finalization occurs on August 15. After that date, the Treasurer’s Office begins mailing tax bills. Any changes after August 15 are recorded in a supplemental roll released in December.

Can I access previous years’ tax rolls?

All past rolls are archived on the county website. Download the PDF for the desired year from the “Tax Roll Archive” page. For example, the 2022 roll is available at www.billingscountynd.gov/assessor/taxroll2022.pdf.

Why accessing past tax rolls matters

  • Identify trends in property value appreciation.
  • Confirm that exemptions were applied correctly.
  • Support legal disputes or boundary clarifications.

Primary Residence Property Tax Relief FAQs

What is primary residence property tax classification in Billings County?

Properties used as the owner’s main home qualify for a reduced assessment rate. The county applies a 20 % exemption on the assessed value, which lowers the annual tax bill.

Who qualifies for primary residence property tax relief?

Owners who live in the home for at least 180 days per year and can provide proof of residency (driver’s license, voter registration, or utility bills) qualify. The exemption does not apply to rental properties or second homes.

How and where do I apply for this classification?

Applications are accepted online and in person. Submit the required documents through the “Residency Exemption” portal or bring them to the Assessor’s Office.

Online Application

  1. Visit the county website and click “Residency Exemption.”
  2. Enter parcel ID and personal information.
  3. Upload a copy of a driver’s license and a recent utility bill.
  4. Submit the form; you will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.

In‑Person Application

  1. Go to 307 2nd St, Medora, ND 58645.
  2. Ask for the “Primary Residence” form at the front desk.
  3. Complete the form and attach proof of residency.
  4. Return the package to the clerk; processing takes up to five business days.

What is the deadline to apply?

All applications must be filed by March 1 of the tax year. Late submissions are considered for the following year only.

How do life changes affect eligibility?

Changes such as marriage, divorce, or moving out of the home require a new application. The county reviews any status change within 30 days of notification.

General Property Appraiser FAQs

Can I view historical property records online?

Yes. The “Historical Records” section provides PDFs of deeds, plats, and previous assessments dating back to 1910. Each document is searchable by parcel number.

How can I appeal my property’s assessed value?

File an appeal within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice. Use the online “Assessment Appeal” form, attach a recent appraisal report, and schedule a hearing with the Assessment Review Board.

Can I verify property ownership online?

The “Owner Lookup” tool links each parcel to the current owner’s name and mailing address. Ownership updates appear after the county records are processed, typically within two weeks of a deed recording.

What should I do if my property details appear incorrect?

Contact the Assessor’s Office with the parcel ID and a description of the error. The staff will investigate and, if needed, correct the GIS data. Corrections are reflected in the next monthly update.

How does the Billings County Assessor protect personal data?

All online forms use SSL encryption. The county stores personal information on secure servers that comply with North Dakota’s privacy statutes. Data is retained only as long as required for tax administration.

Contact & Support FAQs

How do I contact the Billings County Assessor’s Office?

Call (701) 786‑5600 during business hours, email assessor@billingscountynd.gov, or visit the office at 307 2nd St, Medora, ND 58645. The staff can answer questions about GIS maps, tax rolls, and exemptions.

How do I update my name or mailing address?

Submit a written request with a copy of a legal name change document (marriage certificate or court order) and a recent utility bill showing the new address. The office processes updates within three business days.

For Name Changes

  • Download the “Name Change” form from the website.
  • Complete the form and attach supporting documents.
  • Mail or deliver the packet to the Assessor’s Office.
  • Receive confirmation of the update via email.

What services are available online?

The county website offers the following digital services:

  • Property Search Tool (GIS maps, parcel data)
  • Tax Estimator (current and historic estimates)
  • Tax Roll Archive (PDF downloads)
  • Assessment Appeal submission
  • Residency exemption application

Can I get assistance using Billings County’s online tools?

Yes. The “Help” button on each portal opens a live chat with a support representative. Phone support is also available during normal business hours.

ToolPrimary UseTypical Time to Retrieve
Property SearchView GIS maps & parcel dataUnder 2 minutes
Tax EstimatorCalculate projected taxesUnder 1 minute
Tax Roll ArchiveDownload historic tax rollsUnder 30 seconds
Assessment AppealSubmit value challenge5‑10 minutes

For any unanswered question, reach out to the Assessor’s Office using the contact details above. The staff is ready to guide you through Billings County GIS maps, parcel lookup, and tax relief options.

Embedded map shows the location of the Billings County Assessor’s Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding accurate land information helps owners, buyers, and researchers make informed decisions. The FAQs – Billings County Property Appraiser page gathers the most common queries about tax rolls, GIS maps, and parcel lookup. By following the short guides below, you can see property boundaries, view ownership history, and estimate taxes without leaving home. The site pulls data from the county’s GIS database, tax assessor records, and recent survey updates. Whether you need a quick parcel view or a full map download, each answer points to the exact screen you need to click.

How can I use the FAQs – Billings County Property Appraiser site to find my property’s tax details?

To see your tax bill, start at the Billings County Property Appraiser homepage and click the ‘Tax Search’ link. Enter the parcel number or street address, then press Search. The system returns a summary that lists assessed value, tax rate, and due dates. For example, entering 123 Main St shows a $45,000 assessment and a $720 total tax. You can print the page or download a PDF for your records. If the parcel number is unknown, use the ‘Parcel Lookup’ field to find it by owner name.

Where do I locate Billings County GIS maps for a specific address?

GIS maps appear in the county’s online viewer. Choose ‘Map Search’ from the main menu, then type the address into the search bar. The map zooms to the parcel and outlines its boundary in blue. A pop‑up shows the parcel ID, land use code, and last survey date. For instance, searching 456 Elm Ave highlights a 2.3‑acre plot and reveals a residential classification. You can switch layers to see flood zones, zoning, or tax districts. The viewer works on desktop and mobile browsers.

What is the best way to view Billings County parcel data in the online viewer?

The quickest way to view Billings County parcel data is the ‘Parcel Viewer’ link on the Appraiser site. After clicking, select ‘Search by Parcel ID’ and enter the 10‑digit number. The map loads the exact lot and shades it according to ownership type. A side panel lists acreage, market value, and tax status. As a real‑world example, parcel 0012345678 appears as a commercial lot with a $120,000 market value. You can export the view as a JPG or add the parcel to a favorites list for later reference.

Can I download Billings County land parcel maps for offline analysis?

To download a Billings County land parcel map, open the GIS viewer and click the ‘Export’ button at the top right. Choose ‘PDF’ for a printable file or ‘GeoJSON’ for GIS software. Select the area by drawing a rectangle around the parcels you need. After confirming, the system creates a file that includes parcel IDs, boundary lines, and layer legends. For example, a 5‑mile square around the town of Lindsay downloads in under a minute. Save the file on your computer, then open it in Adobe Reader or QGIS for further work.

I received a mismatched parcel number. How do I correct it using the Billings County property GIS system?

If the parcel number shown in the Billings County property GIS system does not match your deed, first verify the address in the ‘Parcel Lookup’ field. Note the displayed ID and compare it with the legal description on your paperwork. If they differ, click the ‘Report Issue’ link at the bottom of the map page and fill in the form with the correct ID and supporting documents. The Appraiser office reviews the submission within two business days and updates the record if needed. This process has corrected many mismatches for owners in recent years.