Broadwater Public Property Record offers instant access to ownership details, tax assessments, and parcel maps for every lot in the county. Users can retrieve data by address, APN, or owner name with just a few clicks. The platform aggregates county clerk records, GIS layers, and recent deed filings into a single searchable dashboard. Advanced filters let researchers isolate vacant lands, recent sales, or properties with outstanding liens. All information is refreshed nightly to reflect the latest public filings.
Broadwater Public Property Record also supports batch downloads for title companies and real‑estate investors. Export options include CSV, XML, and shapefile formats for seamless integration into mapping software. Security protocols comply with state data‑privacy regulations, ensuring user credentials remain protected. Helpful tutorials and a responsive support team reduce the learning curve for new users. Whether you are verifying a purchase or conducting market analysis, the tool delivers reliable public data in seconds.
Search Broadwater County Public Records
The Broadwater Public Property Record system gives anyone free access to land and housing details stored by the county. Users can look up a single parcel, check who owns a piece of land, or study past sales in just minutes. The data comes straight from the county clerk, the assessor, and the GIS mapping office. Every record shown here matches the public record a person would see at the county courthouse in Townsend.
- Open the Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder portal at https://www.broadwatercountymt.gov/departments/government/clerk_recorder/index.php.
- Type a name, an address, or a parcel number into the search box.
- Pick the record type you need, such as a deed, mortgage, lien, or plat map.
- Review the list of results, then click any record to open the scanned image.
- Save the file to your computer, print it, or pay the small fee for a certified copy.
What a Broadwater Public Property Record Holds
A Broadwater Public Property Record holds the basic facts about one parcel of land in the county. Each record lists the owner’s name, the mailing address, the parcel number, and the legal description. The file also shows the year the house was built, the size of the lot, and the number of rooms. Tax value, sale history, and any open liens appear in the file too.
Who Maintains Broadwater County Property Records
Two county offices keep the property records for Broadwater County. The Montana Department of Revenue Townsend Field Office handles property assessment and tax classification. The Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder office records deeds, mortgages, and other land documents. Both offices share data so the public can see one clear file for each parcel.
Records Filed at the County Assessor
The county assessor keeps the appraisal file for every parcel in the county. The file tracks the value of the land, any buildings, and any improvements like a garage or shed. The assessor also stores the property classification code, which affects the tax rate. Buyers, sellers, and title agents check these files to confirm a fair price.
| Record Type | What It Holds | Office of Record |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel record | Parcel number, legal description, lot size | Montana Department of Revenue Townsend Field Office |
| Appraisal record | Land value, building value, total value | Montana Department of Revenue Townsend Field Office |
| Improvement record | Year built, square feet, room count | Montana Department of Revenue Townsend Field Office |
| Tax record | Current tax bill, payment status, balance due | Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder |
Property Classification Codes in Broadwater County
Every parcel in Broadwater County carries a classification code used for tax purposes. Residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural are the most common codes used in the county. Vacant land, timber, and farm equipment each have their own code as well. The classification drives the tax rate and the appeal window for the owner.
Agricultural Land Classifications and Use Codes
Broadwater County sits in a farming and ranching region, so agricultural land gets its own set of codes. Cropland, pasture, and grazing land are tracked under separate agricultural codes. The assessor uses these codes to value the land based on its productive use. Owners of agricultural land can apply for a special tax rate based on the actual farm output.
Records Filed at the Clerk and Recorder
The Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder office is the official home for all deed filings in the county. This office records warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, and trust deeds each time a property changes hands. The office also files mortgages, releases, easements, and liens against a parcel. Anyone can view these scanned pages online or at the office counter.
Types of Deeds Recorded in Broadwater County
Warranty deeds protect the buyer from any prior claim on the land. Quit claim deeds transfer whatever interest a person has without any promise about clear title. Trust deeds act like a mortgage and give the lender a security interest in the parcel. Each deed type has a different purpose and a different effect on ownership.
How Deeds Get Recorded in Broadwater County
Every deed that transfers land in Broadwater County must be filed at the clerk office to be valid. The clerk office stamps the deed with a recording date and an instrument number. The recorded deed is then scanned to the public portal so anyone can pull a copy. Recording puts the world on notice that ownership has changed hands.
Document Standards for Recording
The clerk office only records documents that meet Montana recording standards. Each document must have a legal description, a return address, and the proper notary stamp. The clerk office also requires a cover sheet with the grantor, grantee, and parcel number. A document that misses any of these parts can be rejected and sent back to the filer.
Mortgages, Liens, and Releases on File
Mortgages, deeds of trust, and liens are all filed at the clerk office after they are signed. A lien is a legal claim tied to the parcel until the debt is paid. Releases are filed when a loan is paid off and the lien ends. The clerk office indexes each filing by grantor, grantee, and parcel number.
Broadwater Property Tax Records
Broadwater property tax records show how much each owner pays each year to support local schools, roads, and services. These records list the amount billed, the amount paid, and any balance that remains unpaid. The files also note whether a tax lien has been placed on the parcel. Buyers always check these files before closing a sale.
| Tax Status | Meaning for the Owner |
|---|---|
| Paid in full | No money owed to the county for the year |
| Partial payment | Some tax remains on the parcel |
| Delinquent | Past-due amount with possible penalty |
| Lien filed | County has a legal claim on the property |
Reading a Broadwater County Tax Statement
A Broadwater County tax statement shows the assessed value of the land and any buildings. The statement lists the mill levy, the tax amount, and any special district charges. The form also shows the due date and the late penalty rate. Property owners use the statement to plan their annual tax payment and to track any changes in value.
Property Tax Exemptions Available in Broadwater County
Broadwater County offers several property tax exemptions to qualifying owners. The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a primary residence for the owner who lives there. Other exemptions target senior owners, disabled owners, and disabled veterans. Each exemption has its own application, deadline, and set of rules to qualify.
Homestead Exemption for Montana Residents
Montana offers a homestead exemption for residents who own and live in their home. The exemption lowers the taxable value of the home, which lowers the yearly tax bill. The owner files a one-time claim with the Montana Department of Revenue to claim the exemption. The exemption stays in place as long as the owner keeps the home as a primary residence.
Broadwater County GIS Map and Parcel Viewer
The Broadwater County GIS map layers parcel lines on top of aerial photos and topographic data. Users can zoom in to see the exact shape of a lot, its road frontage, and the nearest roads. The viewer also shows flood zones, school district lines, and voting precincts. These layers help surveyors, builders, and home buyers see the full picture.
Map Layers Available in the Viewer
Each parcel shows up as a colored shape with its parcel number on the screen. Clicking the shape brings up the owner name, the assessed value, and the land area. The map can also turn on layers for zoning, soil type, and elevation. All data is pulled from the same assessor and clerk files used for printed reports.
Property Ownership Search Broadwater
Broadwater County offers three main search fields to find a parcel of land. The name search looks up all parcels tied to one person or a business. The address search finds the parcel tied to a street number and road. The APN search uses the Assessor Parcel Number to pull a single file at once.
| Search Field | Best Use Case | Result Returned |
|---|---|---|
| Owner name | Find all parcels owned by a person or company | List of parcels, deed book, page |
| Street address | Look up one house or one building | Single parcel, owner, tax link |
| Parcel number | Pull the exact file you need | Full record with sales, deeds, and tax |
| Subdivision or lot | Browse parcels in a platted area | Map view of all lots in the plat |
Search by Owner Name
The name search field accepts a last name, a first name, or a business name. The system returns every parcel where that name shows up in the current owner line. The result page also shows past owners if the user clicks the history tab. Researchers use this method to track holdings of one person across the county.
Search by Street Address
The address search field accepts a house number and a road name from anywhere in the county. The system finds the parcel tied to that address and shows the owner, the lot size, and the year built. Users can also click straight through to the tax record and the sales history. This method works well for home buyers and neighbors.
Search by Parcel Number
The parcel number, also called the APN, is a unique code for each piece of land. Users who know the APN can pull the full record with one search. The result page shows the legal description, the current owner, the assessed value, and the chain of title. Surveyors and title agents use this method the most.
Broadwater Real Estate Lookup and Sale Records
The Broadwater real estate lookup tool shows recent sales prices for parcels in the county. Each sale record lists the date, the price, the buyer, and the seller. The tool also stores the deed book and page where the transfer was recorded. Appraisers and investors use this data to set prices and study the local market.
Recent Sales and Transfer Reports
Recent sales are pulled from the deed filings at the clerk office. Each transfer shows up in the public record within a few days of recording. The transfer report also lists the type of deed used for the sale. Real estate agents use these reports to build a market snapshot for their clients.
Broadwater County Land Records and Legal Descriptions
Broadwater County land records include the legal description for every parcel in the county. The legal description locates the land on the ground by metes and bounds or by lot and block. The description sits in the deed and in the assessor file. Survey files and plat maps sit in the same clerk office and can be ordered as scanned copies.
Broadwater Parcel Information and Plat Maps
Broadwater parcel information includes the lot size, the parcel number, and the zoning code. Plat maps show the layout of a subdivision, the road widths, and the easements. A plat map is recorded at the clerk office after the developer finishes the streets and lots. Buyers and builders order a plat map before they design any work on a lot.
Property History and Chain of Title
Property history shows every transfer of a parcel back to the first filing in the county. The history file lists each owner, the date of sale, and the deed that recorded the change. Lien files list any mortgage, tax lien, mechanic lien, or judgment tied to the parcel. Title companies pull all three files before they issue a title insurance policy.
Liens, Judgments, and Encumbrances on Property
A lien is a legal claim on a parcel until a debt is paid. Tax liens, mechanic liens, and judgment liens all show up in the public record. Encumbrances can include easements, covenants, and homeowner association rules. A full lien search shows every claim tied to a parcel and lists the dollar amount of each one.
Homestead Records on File
Montana homestead records protect a portion of a homeowner’s equity from creditors. The owner files a homestead declaration at the clerk office to claim this protection. The clerk office keeps the declaration as part of the parcel file. Buyers and lenders check the homestead file to see the protected amount tied to the property.
Water Rights and Mineral Rights on File
Water rights and mineral rights are separate from the surface rights in Montana. These rights can be sold, leased, or transferred apart from the land itself. The clerk office records deeds and contracts tied to water and mineral rights. The records show who owns each right and how much of the resource is included.
How to Request Certified Copies of Property Documents
Certified copies carry the clerk’s stamp and serve as proof in court, at a bank, or for a title company. A regular printout from the website works for casual research. For a certified copy, the requester must contact the clerk office and pay the per-page fee. The office mails the certified page or hands it out at the front counter.
Document Fees at the Clerk Office
The clerk office charges a small fee per page for a regular copy of a recorded document. A certified copy costs more per page and adds a flat certification fee. Plat maps and survey files are sold at a flat fee per sheet, with an extra fee for certification. Mailing fees may apply when the requester wants the copies sent to their home.
Appealing a Property Assessment in Broadwater County
A property owner can appeal the assessed value set by the Montana Department of Revenue. The first step is to file an appeal with the Townsend Field Office during the open appeal window. The owner should bring photos, a recent appraisal, or sales of similar parcels. If the appeal is denied, the owner can take the case to the state tax appeal board.
How Property Records Get Updated in Broadwater County
Property records in Broadwater County are updated whenever a new deed, mortgage, or lien is recorded at the clerk office. The assessor then reviews the file and updates the ownership line on the appraisal record. Tax records are updated after the treasurer posts a new payment or after a lien is filed. Each office follows a set cycle so the data stays current for the public.
Practical Uses for Public Property Records
Public property records serve many real-world needs. Home buyers check the records before they close on a house. Title companies use the records to issue title insurance. Lenders review the records before they fund a mortgage. Real estate agents, appraisers, and surveyors also rely on the same files for their daily work.
Privacy Rules for Montana Property Records
Montana state law keeps most land records open to the public. Owner names, sales prices, and legal descriptions are part of the public file. Phone numbers, social security numbers, and bank details are not part of the public file. The clerk and assessor redact sensitive details before they scan a document to the public portal.
Montana Department of Revenue – Broadwater County Townsend Field Office
The Townsend Field Office of the Montana Department of Revenue handles property assessment duties for Broadwater County. Staff at this office set the market value of each parcel and assign the tax classification. They answer questions about the appraisal cycle, the value used on the tax bill, and the appeal process. Call the office at (406) 444-3515 or email DORPADTownsend@mt.gov for help with any property assessment issue.
Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder Office
The Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder office records deeds, mortgages, and other land records in the county. Staff at this office issue certified copies, file new documents, and keep the public index. The office serves as the main place to order plats, surveys, and other recorded land files. Call (406) 266-3405 or email clerkandrecorder@broadwatercountymt.gov with any question about a recorded document.
Contact & Local Details
Use the contact details below to reach the two offices that hold Broadwater County property records. These details come straight from each office and are current as of the date on this page.
Montana Department of Revenue – Broadwater County Townsend Field Office (Tax Assessor)
Department Name: Montana Department of Revenue – Broadwater County Townsend Field Office
Official Website: mt.gov
Direct Public Search Portal: https://www.broadwatercountymt.gov/departments/government/clerk_recorder/index.php
Main Phone: (406) 444-3515
Official Email: DORPADTownsend@mt.gov
Physical Address: 515 Broadway Street, Townsend, MT 59644
Mailing Address: 515 Broadway Street, Townsend, MT 59644
Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder (Deed Recorder)
Department Name: Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder
Official Website: https://www.broadwatercountymt.gov/departments/government/clerk_recorder/index.php
Direct Public Search Portal: https://www.broadwatercountymt.gov/departments/government/clerk_recorder/index.php
Main Phone: (406) 266-3405
Official Email: clerkandrecorder@broadwatercountymt.gov
Physical Address: 515 Broadway St., Townsend, MT 59644
Mailing Address: 515 Broadway St., Townsend, MT 59644
Frequently Asked Questions
The Broadwater Public Property Record gives anyone free access to land and housing details kept by the county. Use it to find who owns a lot, see past sales, or verify tax information. All data comes from the Broadwater County assessor, clerk‑recorder, and GIS office, so what you view matches the public record at the Townsend courthouse. The portal works on computers and phones, and no fee is charged.
How can I search the Broadwater Public Property Record for a specific parcel?
First, open the public search portal at https://www.broadwatercountymt.gov/departments/government/clerk_recorder/index.php. Next, type the parcel number or address into the search box. Then click the Search button. The system returns the current owner, legal description, and tax status. Finally, print or download the page if you need a copy for personal use.
Where can I find Broadwater County property tax records online?
The Broadwater County assessor posts tax bills on the Montana Department of Revenue website. Go to mt.gov and select the Broadwater County Property Assessment Division. Enter the parcel ID or owner name in the tax search field. The page shows the current tax amount, due dates, and payment history. If a bill is missing, call the assessor office at (406) 444‑3515 for help.
What steps does the Broadwater County assessor follow to update parcel information?
First, the assessor receives data from field surveys and building permits. Next, new values are entered into the county’s assessment database. Then the system checks the GIS map for correct boundaries. Finally, the updated record appears in the public property record within a few days, ready for anyone to view.
How do I locate a deed in the Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder system?
Open the clerk‑recorder portal at https://www.broadwatercountymt.gov/departments/government/clerk_recorder/index.php. Choose the Deed Search link and type the grantor, grantee, or document number. Click Submit. The list shows matching deeds with dates and pages. Click a record to see a PDF copy, then print or save it for reference.
Can I view Broadwater County GIS map layers for a neighborhood?
Yes. Visit the GIS map page on the county website. Select the layer menu and turn on parcels, streets, or flood zones. Zoom to the neighborhood you need. The map displays property lines, lot numbers, and elevation data. Use the Print button to capture the view or the Measure tool to check distances.
What should I do if the Broadwater public property record shows incorrect owner data?
First, gather proof such as a recent deed or tax bill. Then call the clerk and recorder office at (406) 266‑3405 or email clerkandrecorder@broadwatercountymt.gov. Explain the error and attach the proof. The staff will verify the documents and update the record. After the change, refresh the search page to confirm the new owner appears.