Montgomery County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Montgomery County in 2026
MontgomeryCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Montgomery County, Indiana. Members of the public may find ownership histories, assessed values, tax information, recorded deeds, liens, and related documents. Available record categories may include deeds and conveyances, mortgage and lien filings, property tax assessments, parcel identification data, sales histories, and GIS mapping data. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the source and the age of the document.
Property records in Montgomery County may be searched through several official channels, including online portals maintained by county offices, in-person visits to the courthouse, written mail requests, and through licensed professionals such as title companies or real estate attorneys.
Online Search Methods
1. Assessor's Office Property Search
The Montgomery County Assessor maintains the primary database for property assessment and ownership information. Under Indiana law, the County Assessor is responsible for locating, identifying, and assessing all taxable property in the county. The Assessor's online records are accessible at no charge and do not require registration.
Members of the public may search by:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel ID number
- Subdivision name
- GIS map location
Information available through the Assessor's portal includes:
- 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)
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and property photos
How to search the Assessor's database:
- Navigate to the Montgomery County Assessor's website
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select a property to view the full property card, maps, and sales history
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Treasurer's Office Tax Records
The Montgomery County Treasurer maintains tax payment records and accepts property tax payments both in person and online. Tax records are publicly accessible and may be searched by property address, owner name, parcel number, or tax account number.
Information available through the Treasurer's portal includes:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Outstanding balances and delinquency information
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates and installment plan status
- Payment options
Pursuant to Indiana's property tax framework, property tax due dates are established by state guidelines, and Montgomery County's tax statements are mailed by mid-April each year. As stated on the county's official portal, "Montgomery County's tax statements are mailed by mid-April each year, complying with the Indiana state guidelines."
3. GIS Mapping System
Montgomery County provides an interactive GIS mapping portal accessible through the Montgomery County, Indiana official website. The GIS system allows users to:
- Navigate an interactive map to a specific location
- Click on a parcel to view property information
- Access linked assessment and ownership records
- View aerial photography and property boundaries
- Examine zoning layers and flood zone designations
In-Person Searches
Property Appraiser / Assessor Office:
Montgomery County Assessor's Office
100 E Main St, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6440
Assessor – Montgomery County, Indiana
In-person services include access to public terminals, staff assistance, property cards, plat maps, and exemption application forms.
Treasurer's Office:
Montgomery County Treasurer's Office
100 E Main St, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6430
Treasurer – Montgomery County, Indiana
In-person services include tax payment processing, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.
Clerk of Courts / Recorder:
Montgomery County Clerk of Courts
100 E Main St, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6430
Montgomery County, Indiana
In-person services include viewing official recorded documents, requesting certified copies, and searching grantor/grantee indexes.
By Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Assessor's Office or Clerk of Courts by mail. Requests should include the property address or parcel number, the type of document sought, and a return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Certified copies of recorded documents are available upon written request to the Clerk's office.
Through Professionals
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments. These professionals have direct access to all recorded instruments and can identify encumbrances, easements, and gaps in the chain of title. Costs vary by provider and scope of work.
What Is Montgomery County Property Records
Property records 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 documents establish legal ownership, provide a chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and document all property transfers. They are essential for establishing clear title and are accessible to any member of the public.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Homeowner association (HOA) documents
- Lis pendens (notice of pending lawsuit)
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemptions
- 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 information
Who Maintains Property Records in Montgomery County:
The Montgomery County Assessor is responsible for property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications. As noted on the official county website, "Sherri Bentley is the County Assessor and is responsible for locating, identifying and assessing all taxable property in the County."
The Montgomery County Treasurer maintains tax billing and payment records. The Clerk of Courts records and indexes all instruments affecting title, including deeds, mortgages, and liens.
Legal Framework:
Under Indiana Code § 36-2-11-8, the County Recorder is required to record all instruments presented for recording that affect real property. Indiana's recording statutes establish the system of constructive notice, meaning that any instrument properly recorded is deemed notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3) further guarantees public access to government records, including property records maintained by county offices.
Are Property Records Public Information in Montgomery County?
Property records in Montgomery County, Indiana, are public information. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, any person may inspect and copy public records maintained by a public agency. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Indiana Code § 5-14-3 (Access to Public Records Act)
- Indiana recording statutes establishing constructive notice
- Common law tradition of public land records in American jurisprudence
- Constitutional protections for property rights
Why Property Records Are Public:
Property records serve the public interest by ensuring transparency in property ownership, enabling real estate transactions, supporting the title insurance industry, and facilitating accurate property taxation. The recording system provides constructive notice to all parties, protecting against fraudulent transfers and establishing the priority of competing interests in real property.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Indiana law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Assessor's Office should be contacted for specific policies.
Who May 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, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use:
Commercial entities may aggregate and use public property records for real estate marketing, property valuation services, title searches, investment analysis, and market research. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the use of information obtained from public records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Montgomery County?
Members of the public may access and view most property records online at no charge through the official portals of the Montgomery County Assessor and Treasurer. Fees apply when requesting physical copies or certified documents.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $5.00 per document + $1.00 per page |
| Online viewing of assessment records | Free |
| Online viewing of tax records | Free |
| GIS map access | Free |
Recording Fees (for new instruments):
Under Indiana Code § 36-2-7-10, the County Recorder collects recording fees for instruments presented for recording. Current standard recording fees in Indiana are set by state statute and include a base fee per instrument plus a per-page charge. Members of the public should contact the Montgomery County Recorder's office directly to confirm current fee schedules, as fees are subject to legislative adjustment.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order (in-person and by mail)
- Credit or debit card (where available online)
Fee Waivers:
Certain governmental entities and nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees under Indiana law. Members of the public requesting records for personal inspection — without requesting copies — are not charged an inspection fee. Online access to assessment and tax records remains free of charge as a matter of county policy.
What's Included in a Montgomery County Property Record?
A complete Montgomery County property record contains several categories of information drawn from the Assessor's database, the Treasurer's tax records, and the Clerk of Courts' recorded instruments.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) and ownership type (individual, joint tenants, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/instrument number reference
- Mailing address for tax billing
- Chain of title with previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range where applicable)
- Parcel ID / folio number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size (square feet or acres), lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
- Zoning classification and land use designation
- Total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, and construction type
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features: garage, pool, porch/patio, fireplace, HVAC, water source, sewer system, and accessory structures
Valuation Information:
- Assessed land value and building value
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Current year tax amount, taxable value after exemptions, and millage rate
- Breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural, conservation)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names, deed document numbers, and qualified/unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages (lender name, recording date, original amount)
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, deed restrictions, covenants, leases, life estates, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Special district assignments (school, fire, water, CDD)
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photo and aerial photograph
- GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
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 recorded with the Clerk
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Montgomery County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Montgomery County are maintained permanently. The permanent retention of recorded instruments is a legal requirement under Indiana law and is essential for establishing an unbroken chain of title from the original land grant to the present owner.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Under Indiana's records retention statutes and the requirements of Indiana Code § 36-2-11, the County Recorder is required to preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property. These records may never be destroyed. The chain of title depends on the permanent availability of every deed, mortgage, lien, plat, and encumbrance ever recorded against a parcel.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- Plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents affecting title
- Any instrument affecting title to real property
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Montgomery County exist in several formats depending on the era of recording:
- Very old records: Handwritten ledger books
- Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound record books
- Mid-20th century onward: Microfilm
- Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
All formats are maintained at the Clerk of Courts office, with climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and redundant digital backups for electronic records.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20 years) | Fully online in most cases |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Microfilm or digital; staff retrieval |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; advance notice helpful |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; staff assistance required |
Property Appraiser / Assessor Records:
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum of several years in accordance with the Indiana State Archives retention schedule. Recent assessment history is available online; historical assessments are accessible in person at the Assessor's office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution. Recent tax history is available online through the Treasurer's portal.
Contact for Historical Records:
Montgomery County Clerk of Courts
100 E Main St, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6430
Montgomery County, Indiana
Montgomery County Assessor's Office
100 E Main St, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6440
Assessor – Montgomery County, Indiana
How To Find Liens on Property in Montgomery County?
Liens on property in Montgomery County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record. Members of the public may search for liens through the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts, the Assessor's office, and federal agency databases.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
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Search the County Clerk of Courts / Recorder Index — Navigate to the Montgomery County official website and access the recorded documents index. Search by the property owner's name (as grantor or grantee) or by parcel number. Recorded liens — including judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and tax liens — will appear in the index with the recording date, instrument number, and lienholder name.
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Search the Assessor's Property Record — The Montgomery County Assessor property card may reflect certain encumbrances and tax-related liens associated with the parcel.
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Search the Treasurer's Delinquency Records — The Montgomery County Treasurer maintains records of delinquent property taxes, which constitute a statutory lien on real property under Indiana law. Delinquent tax information is accessible online and in person.
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Search Federal Tax Lien Records — Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the County Recorder. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the U.S. Tax Court or through the county recorder's index.
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Search Court Judgment Records — Judgment liens arise from court judgments and are recorded with the Clerk of Courts. Members of the public may search court records through the Indiana Courts online portal at mycase.in.gov.
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Request a Title Search — For a comprehensive lien search, members of the public may engage a licensed title company or real estate attorney to conduct a full title search. This process reviews all recorded instruments in the chain of title and identifies every lien, encumbrance, and cloud on title.
Types of Liens Searchable in Montgomery County:
- Property tax liens (delinquent taxes)
- Federal and state income tax liens
- Judgment liens from civil court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens (contractors and materialmen)
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
- Municipal special assessment liens
Montgomery County Clerk of Courts
100 E Main St, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 364-6430
Montgomery County, Indiana
What Is Property Owner Rule in Montgomery County?
The property owner rule in Montgomery County, Indiana, refers to the body of state law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Indiana follows the common law tradition of real property ownership, codified in the Indiana Code.
Establishing Ownership:
Legal ownership of real property in Montgomery County is established by a recorded deed. Under Indiana's recording statutes, a deed must be recorded with the County Recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded deed may be valid between the parties but does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Indiana:
- Sole ownership — A single individual holds title in fee simple
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one, the survivor(s) take the decedent's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each interest passes through the owner's estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety — Available to married couples; neither spouse may convey or encumber the property without the other's consent
- Trust ownership — A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of beneficiaries
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title to real property in Indiana
Transfer of Ownership:
Property in Montgomery County may be transferred by deed, by operation of law (inheritance, court order), or through a tax deed following a tax sale. Under Indiana law, a deed conveying real property must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and acknowledged before a notary public before it may be recorded. The Indiana Code § 32-21-1 governs the conveyance of real property and the requirements for valid deeds.
Property Tax Obligations:
Every owner of real property in Montgomery County is subject to property taxation. The Montgomery County Assessor determines the assessed value of each parcel, and the Montgomery County Treasurer collects the resulting tax. As described on the county's official taxes page, the Assessor's Office determines the property tax bill and the Treasurer's Office accepts payment. Property taxes constitute a statutory lien on real property from the date they become due, and failure to pay may result in a tax sale.
Homestead and Other Exemptions:
Indiana law provides a homestead standard deduction for owner-occupied residential property. Property owners who occupy their residence as their principal place of residence may apply for the homestead deduction through the Assessor's office. Additional deductions are available for seniors, disabled persons, veterans, and surviving spouses. Applications must be filed with the Assessor's office by the applicable deadline.
Eminent Domain and Property Rights:
Under Indiana law, governmental entities may acquire private property for public use through eminent domain, provided that just compensation is paid to the property owner. Property owners retain the right to challenge the necessity of the taking and the adequacy of compensation through judicial proceedings.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Property owners in Montgomery County are subject to local zoning ordinances and land use regulations that govern how property may be used, what structures may be built, and what activities may be conducted on the premises. Zoning information for specific parcels is available through the county's GIS mapping system and through the relevant municipal or county planning office.