Bend Property Records
Bend property records are maintained by the Deschutes County Assessor. Bend is the county seat and the largest city in Central Oregon with about 100,000 residents. The county assessor handles property valuations, ownership records, and tax data for all Bend properties. You can search records online through the DIAL system or visit the assessor in person. Bend also has a Community Development department that manages permits and land use records at the city level. All property records for Bend are public.
Bend Quick Facts
Where to Find Bend Property Records
The Deschutes County Assessor handles all property records for Bend. The office is located at 1300 NW Wall Street in Bend, right in the heart of the city. Staff can help you look up assessed values, ownership history, tax data, and recorded documents for any Bend property. The assessor's mission is to provide quality service through fair and accurate appraisals.
| Office | Deschutes County Assessor |
|---|---|
| Address | 1300 NW Wall Street Bend, OR 97703 |
| Phone | (541) 388-6508 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.deschutes.or.us/assessor |
Walk-in visitors can search records and ask questions during business hours. The staff can pull the full assessment history, sales data, and tax information for any Bend parcel. Bring a property address or account number to speed up your request.
Search Bend Property Records with DIAL
The DIAL property search system is the primary online tool for Bend property records. DIAL stands for Deschutes Interactive Access Library, and it lets you search by owner name, account number, property address, map and taxlot, subdivision, or through an interactive map. The tool is free and available at any time.
DIAL shows detailed property information for every Bend parcel. You can view account information, tax amounts, valuations, sales history, and aerial imagery. The system was updated with new aerial photos captured in the summer of 2024. For best results, use simple search terms with two or three words. Start with fewer terms and use the fast filters on the results page to narrow down your Bend property search.
The interactive map in DIAL lets you click on any Bend parcel to see its details. You can zoom in on neighborhoods, view lot lines, and compare nearby properties. This is useful for buyers, sellers, and anyone researching Bend real estate values.
Note: Clear your browser cache after updates to see the latest aerial imagery and data in DIAL for Bend properties.
Bend Community Development Records
The City of Bend's Community Development department manages permits, land use, and building records at the local level. Director Colin Stephens oversees several divisions that create and maintain records tied to Bend properties. These records complement the county assessor's data and give a fuller picture of each property's history.
All permits, applications, and licenses in Bend are processed through the Online Permit Center Portal. You can apply and pay for permits around the clock through this online system. The physical Permit Center is at Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street. Customer resources are available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and permit inquiries are handled from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can also call (541) 388-5580 or email permitcenter@bendoregon.gov.
Bend's Community Development has several divisions that generate property-related records:
- Building Safety for construction permits and inspections
- Code Enforcement for violation records
- Development Services for site plans and approvals
- Planning for zoning and land use decisions
- Private Development Engineering for infrastructure records
Each division keeps its own records, but all are accessible through the permit center. Checking these records before buying a Bend property helps you verify that past work was properly permitted and approved.
Bend Property Tax Values
The Deschutes County Assessor sets three values for each Bend property. Real Market Value shows what the property could sell for today. Maximum Assessed Value grows by up to 3% per year under ORS Chapter 308. Assessed Value is the lower of the two and determines your tax bill for your Bend property.
Bend has grown rapidly in recent years, and property values have climbed with demand. New homes and additions enter the tax roll at full value. This means a newly built Bend home may have a higher tax bill than an older home with similar market value. The 3% cap only applies to properties that have not changed, so new construction faces no cap in its first year on the Bend tax roll.
Deschutes County also offers a Property Change Tax Estimator tool. It provides estimates for tax increases from new construction, property divisions, and zone changes in Bend. The tool gives a rough figure so you can plan ahead before building or improving a Bend property.
Bend Property Tax Exemptions
Under ORS Chapter 307, certain Bend properties may qualify for tax exemptions. Religious buildings, schools, and government property are common examples. Charitable organizations that own property in Bend and use it for their stated purpose can also apply for an exemption.
Oregon's senior and disabled tax deferral program is available to eligible Bend homeowners. The state pays your property taxes on your behalf, and the amount becomes a lien that is repaid when the home is sold. Contact the Oregon Department of Revenue to learn if you qualify. Farm and forest land around Bend may also receive special assessment that lowers the taxable value based on the land's actual use.
Note: Exemption claims must be filed with the Deschutes County Assessor by April 1 each year to take effect for that tax year.
Bend Property Assessment Appeals
Bend property owners who disagree with their assessed value can appeal. Start by calling the Deschutes County Assessor at (541) 388-6508. The staff can explain how your value was set and check for errors. Many Bend property owners resolve their concerns through this informal review.
If the issue is not resolved, file a written petition with the Board of Property Tax Appeals by December 31. Gather recent sales of comparable Bend properties to support your case. Under ORS Chapter 310, tax rates are set by districts, but you appeal the assessed value. A relative, attorney, CPA, or appraiser can represent you. The board reviews each Bend property appeal and issues a decision.
Paying Property Taxes in Bend
Deschutes County collects property taxes for all Bend properties. Tax statements arrive in the fall. Pay the full amount by November 15 to get a discount, or split the payment into three parts due in November, February, and May. Late payments carry interest under ORS Chapter 311.
You can pay online, by mail, or in person at the county office in Bend. Unpaid taxes for three or more years may lead to foreclosure under ORS Chapter 312. Keeping your Bend property taxes current protects your ownership and avoids costly penalties. The county sends reminders before any enforcement action begins.
Deschutes County Property Records
Bend is the county seat of Deschutes County. The county assessor handles property valuations, tax records, and ownership data for Bend along with Redmond, Sisters, and La Pine. The DIAL system provides online access to all county property records. For the full county resource page with additional tools and details, visit the Deschutes County property records page.