Scott County Public Records /Scott County Property Records

Scott County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Scott County in 2026

ScottCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Scott County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find ownership histories, deed transfers, tax assessments, recorded liens, mortgage documents, and parcel identification data. Record categories available through official channels include:

Deed and conveyance records
Mortgage and lien documents
Property tax assessment and payment records
Plat maps and legal descriptions
Building permit records

Records may be searched through official Scott County government resources, including the Chancery Clerk's office and the Tax Assessor/Collector. The sections below outline all available access methods, search procedures, and relevant legal requirements.

Official Resources for Searching Scott County Property Records:

Resource	Primary Use	Access
Scott County Chancery Clerk	Deeds, mortgages, liens, recorded documents	In-person, mail
Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector	Tax assessments, property valuations, tax payments	In-person, online
Mississippi Secretary of State	UCC filings, state-level liens	Online
Mississippi Department of Revenue	State tax liens	Online

Multiple Access Methods:

Scott County property records are accessible through four primary channels:

Online searches — The most convenient method for recent records and tax information
In-person visits — Required for certified copies and older documents not yet digitized
By mail — Written requests submitted to the Chancery Clerk or Tax Assessor/Collector
Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors

Online Search Methods:

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector maintains the primary database for property valuation and assessment information. Members of the public may access the Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector portal at no charge and without registration.

Search Options:

By property address
By owner name
By parcel ID number
By subdivision or legal description

Information Available:

Current owner name and mailing address
Property address and legal description
Parcel identification number
Land use and zoning classification
Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
Assessed value (land and improvements)
Taxable value and exemptions applied
Sales history
GIS map location

How to Search:

Navigate to the Tax Assessor/Collector website
Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
Review the results list returned by the system
Select the specific property to view the full property card
Review assessment data, sales history, and map location
Print or save the information as needed

2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search

The Scott County Chancery Clerk serves as the official recorder of all instruments affecting real property. The Chancery Clerk's recorded documents include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments. Under Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, all conveyances of real property must be recorded with the Chancery Clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers.

Searchable By:

Grantor name (seller)
Grantee name (buyer)
Book and page number
Document type
Recording date range
Instrument number

Documents Available:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and restrictions
Plats and surveys
Powers of attorney affecting property
Lis pendens notices
Federal tax liens
Construction and condominium liens

How to Search:

Contact the Chancery Clerk's office directly or visit in person
Request access to the grantor/grantee index
Enter the party name, document type, or date range
Review the index results
Request document images or copies as needed
Note the book and page or instrument number for reference

3. Tax Collector Website

The Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector also administers property tax billing and collections. Members of the public may search tax records by property address, owner name, parcel number, or tax account number. Information available includes current tax bills, payment history, outstanding balances, exemptions applied, millage rates, and delinquency status.

4. GIS / Mapping System

Scott County participates in Mississippi's statewide geographic information systems infrastructure. Interactive GIS mapping allows users to view property boundaries, aerial photography, zoning layers, flood zone designations, and environmental features. Users may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel, and access linked property information.

In-Person Searches:

Chancery Clerk Office

Scott County Chancery Clerk
100 East Main Street
Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-1922
Scott County Chancery Clerk

Services available in person include viewing official recorded documents, requesting certified copies, searching the grantor/grantee index, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document retrieval.

Tax Assessor/Collector Office

Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector
100 East Main Street
Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-4051
Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector

Services available in person include property tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, exemption applications, and assessment review.

By Mail Requests:

Chancery Clerk

Mail requests for recorded document copies to:

Scott County Chancery Clerk
P.O. Box 630
Forest, MS 39074

Requests should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the applicable fee.

Tax Assessor/Collector

Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector
P.O. Box 630
Forest, MS 39074

Requests should include the property address or parcel number and a return envelope. Copy fees may apply.

Through Professionals:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and issue abstracts of title and title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests in a property. Licensed real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership issues or disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and obtain comparable sales data as part of their representation services.

Search Tips:

When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations, including maiden names and business entity names
When searching by legal description, use the exact description from the deed, including subdivision name and lot and block numbers
For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the Chancery Clerk's office is required, as older records may be maintained in bound books or on microfilm

What Is Scott County Property Records

Scott County property records are the official legal documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government offices and accessible to any member of the public. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax administration.

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Title documents and transfer records
Ownership history and chain of title
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 documents
Lis pendens notices

Tax and Assessment Records

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and exemptions
Millage rates and special assessments
Tax delinquency records

Legal Descriptions

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
Lot and block information
Condominium declarations

Building and Permit Records

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violations and zoning information
Land use designations

Who Maintains Property Records:

The Scott County Chancery Clerk serves as the official recorder of all instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Chancery Clerk records, indexes, and maintains these documents as permanent public records. The Tax Assessor/Collector is responsible for annually locating, classifying, and assessing all taxable property within the county, and for maintaining property valuation and ownership records. The county's building and planning department maintains permit and zoning records separately.

Legal Framework:

Under Mississippi Code § 89-5-3, every conveyance of real property is void as against subsequent purchasers for valuable consideration without notice unless the instrument is first duly recorded in the office of the Chancery Clerk of the county where the property is located. This recording requirement forms the legal foundation for the public property records system in Mississippi. The Mississippi Public Records Act further guarantees public access to government-maintained records, including property documents.

Are Property Records Public Information in Scott County?

Property records in Scott County are public information. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, any member of the public may inspect and obtain copies of property records maintained by the Chancery Clerk and the Tax Assessor/Collector. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access these records.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

The public nature of property records in Mississippi rests on several legal foundations:

The Mississippi Public Records Act, which establishes the right of public access to government records
Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, which requires recording of conveyances to provide constructive notice
The centuries-old common law tradition of public land records in American jurisprudence
Constitutional protections for property rights that depend on transparent public recording systems

As the Scott County Chancery Clerk's office notes, "The primary records are deeds and mortgages relating to real property, but the Clerk also records construction and condominium liens, federal tax liens, Lis pendens, and other documents affecting real property." This broad scope of recorded documents reflects the public interest in transparent property ownership.

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency: The public has a right to know who owns property, enabling accountability in taxation and preventing fraudulent transfers
Commercial necessity: Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on access to recorded property information
Legal protection: The recording system establishes chain of title, provides constructive notice, and protects against fraudulent conveyances
Public interest: Property records support community planning, historical research, genealogical research, and journalistic investigation

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical property ownership
Legal descriptions and property 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 within property records is subject to protection. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under current Mississippi practice. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable state law. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Tax Assessor/Collector's office administers these policies.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any person may access Scott County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Commercial use of public property records is permitted under current law. Title insurance companies, property valuation services, data aggregators, and direct mail marketing firms may lawfully use publicly available property information. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the manner in which such information may be used.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Scott County?

Members of the public may inspect property records at the Chancery Clerk's office at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:

Copy and Certification Fees:

Service	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of recorded document	$1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee
Recording a new document (first page)	$12.00
Recording a new document (each additional page)	$2.00
Plat recording	Fees vary by size

Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Inspection of records in person does not require payment of a fee.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Check (payable to Scott County Chancery Clerk)
Money order

Tax Assessment Records:

Basic property assessment information available through the Tax Assessor/Collector's office is provided at no charge for in-person inspection. Copies of tax bills and assessment records are subject to standard per-page copy fees.

What Is Available at No Charge:

In-person inspection of all recorded documents
Online viewing of assessment and tax information through the Tax Assessor/Collector's portal
Basic property search results
GIS map access

Fee Waivers:

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made by government agencies. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request to the Chancery Clerk's office explaining the basis for the waiver.

What's Included in a Scott County Property Record?

A complete Scott County property record draws from multiple official sources and contains the following categories of information:

Ownership Information:

Current ownership records include the legal owner's name(s), ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, deed book and page or instrument number, and mailing address for tax billing. Previous ownership records provide the chain of title, including prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.

Property Identification:

Site address and mailing address
Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds)
Parcel ID number and tax account number

Physical Characteristics:

Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garage, pool, porch, fireplace, and HVAC systems.

Valuation Information:

Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, and taxable value. Historical values for prior assessment years are maintained and accessible.

Tax Information:

Current year tax records include the total tax amount, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts). Tax payment history and delinquency records are also maintained.

Sales History:

Sales history includes sale dates, sale prices, sale types (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, etc.), deed document numbers, and grantor and grantee names for recent transactions.

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages, tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, code enforcement liens, easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices are all reflected in the official record.

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Zoning classification, land use code, special district assignments (school, fire, water), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, flood zone designation (FEMA), and wetlands or conservation area designations are included where applicable.

Maps and Images:

Property photos, aerial photographs, GIS maps with property boundaries, plat maps, and property sketches are available through the Tax Assessor/Collector's system.

What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:

Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
Interior photographs
Social Security numbers (redacted under current practice)
Private agreements not recorded with the Chancery Clerk
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does Scott County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Scott County are maintained permanently. The Chancery Clerk retains all recorded instruments affecting real property indefinitely, as these documents form the legal foundation for chain of title and cannot be destroyed without eliminating the evidentiary basis for property ownership.

Legal Basis for Retention:

Mississippi law requires the permanent preservation of recorded instruments. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History establishes records retention schedules for county government offices, and recorded property instruments are classified as permanent records. This requirement reflects both the legal necessity of maintaining chain of title and the historical importance of land records.

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
All plats, subdivision plats, and re-plats
Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
Powers of attorney affecting property
Court documents affecting title
Lis pendens notices

Format and Storage:

Historical records in Scott County are maintained in multiple 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-to-late 20th century: Microfilm
Recent records: Digital scans and electronic document management systems

All formats are maintained at the Chancery Clerk's office, with climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and backup systems for digital records.

Access to Historical Records:

Recent records are accessible through the Chancery Clerk's office during regular business hours. Older records maintained in bound books or on microfilm are available for in-person inspection; staff can retrieve materials from storage, though advance notice may be helpful for very old documents. The same public access rights apply to historical records as to current records, and standard copy fees apply.

Property Appraiser Records:

Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently by the Tax Assessor/Collector. Exemption applications are retained for a period consistent with the state records retention schedule, which varies by document type.

Tax Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.

Chain of Title:

The unbroken chain of title from original land grant to present ownership is preserved through the permanent retention of all recorded instruments. Title searches in Mississippi review the chain of title for a period sufficient to establish marketable title, with full abstracts potentially extending back to original territorial grants.

Contact for Historical Records:

Scott County Chancery Clerk
100 East Main Street
Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-1922
Scott County Chancery Clerk

Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector
100 East Main Street
Forest, MS 39074
Phone: (601) 469-4051
Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector

How To Find Liens on Property in Scott County?

Liens on property in Scott County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Chancery Clerk's official records index. A lien search requires reviewing the grantor/grantee index maintained by the Chancery Clerk, as well as federal and state agency databases for tax liens not recorded at the county level.

Step-by-Step Lien Search Process:

Search the Chancery Clerk's grantor/grantee index — Visit the Chancery Clerk's office at 100 East Main Street, Forest, MS 39074, or contact the office at (601) 469-1922. Request a search of the index under the property owner's name as grantor. The Chancery Clerk records mechanic's liens, judgment liens, construction liens, condominium liens, and lis pendens notices, in addition to deeds and mortgages.
Search for federal tax liens — The IRS files federal tax liens with the Chancery Clerk in the county where the taxpayer resides or owns property. These are indexed in the same grantor/grantee system. Members of the public may also search the IRS federal tax lien database for additional information.
Search for state tax liens — The Mississippi Department of Revenue files state tax liens with the Chancery Clerk. The Mississippi Department of Revenue maintains information on state tax lien procedures.
Search for judgment liens — Judgment liens arise from court judgments and are recorded with the Chancery Clerk. A search of the grantor index under the property owner's name will identify recorded judgment liens.
Search for UCC liens — Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) fixture filings that may affect real property are filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State. Members of the public may search the UCC database online at no charge.
Review the Tax Assessor/Collector records — The Tax Assessor/Collector maintains records of property tax delinquencies, which may result in tax liens. Outstanding tax balances are searchable by parcel number or owner name.

Types of Liens Searchable Through the Chancery Clerk:

Mechanic's and materialman's liens (construction liens)
Judgment liens from state and federal courts
Federal tax liens (IRS)
State tax liens (Mississippi Department of Revenue)
HOA assessment liens
Code enforcement liens
Child support liens
Lis pendens notices (pending litigation affecting title)

Requesting a Lien Search by Mail:

Written requests for lien searches may be submitted to the Chancery Clerk at P.O. Box 630, Forest, MS 39074. The request should specify the property owner's full legal name, the property address or parcel number, and the time period to be searched. Standard copy fees apply to any documents retrieved.

Professional Lien Searches:

Title companies and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. These professionals search all relevant indexes and databases and provide a written report of all recorded encumbrances. This service is standard in real estate purchase and refinance transactions.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Scott County?

The property owner rule in Scott County refers to the body of Mississippi 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 within the county.

Establishing Ownership:

Under Mississippi law, ownership of real property is established by a recorded deed. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, a conveyance of real property is not effective against subsequent purchasers for value without notice unless the deed is recorded with the Chancery Clerk of the county in which the property is located. Recording the deed in the Chancery Clerk's office provides constructive notice to all subsequent parties of the ownership interest.

Forms of Ownership Recognized in Mississippi:

Mississippi law recognizes several forms of real property ownership:

Sole ownership — A single individual holds title in their name alone
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest automatically
Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death rather than to the co-owners
Tenancy by the entirety — A form of joint ownership available only to married couples in Mississippi, providing survivorship rights and certain creditor protections
Trust ownership — Property held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries
Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities may own real property in Mississippi

Homestead Rights:

Mississippi law provides homestead protections for owner-occupied residential property. The homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of a qualifying primary residence for property tax purposes. Under current Mississippi law, the homestead exemption provides a reduction in assessed value for qualifying owner-occupants. Applications are filed with the Tax Assessor/Collector, and the Tax Assessor's office notes that it "is responsible for setting fair, uniform and accurate assessments" of all taxable property within the county.

Transfer of Ownership:

Property ownership in Scott County is transferred by recorded deed. The deed must identify the grantor (seller), the grantee (buyer), the legal description of the property, and the consideration paid. The deed must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Chancery Clerk. Documentary stamp taxes may apply to the transfer depending on the consideration amount.

Property Tax Obligations:

All owners of real property in Scott County are subject to annual property tax assessment and taxation. The Tax Assessor/Collector is required to annually locate, classify, and assess all taxable property within the county. Property owners who disagree with their assessment may appeal through the county's administrative appeal process.

Adverse Possession:

Mississippi law recognizes adverse possession as a means of acquiring title to real property. Under Mississippi's adverse possession statute, a person who openly, notoriously, continuously, and exclusively possesses another's property for a period of ten years under a claim of right may acquire legal title. Adverse possession claims are adjudicated in Chancery Court.

Restrictions on Ownership:

Property ownership in Scott County is subject to deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, zoning ordinances, and other regulatory requirements. Zoning regulations administered by the county govern permitted land uses, setback requirements, and building standards. Deed restrictions and HOA covenants run with the land and bind all subsequent owners.

Lookup Property Records in Scott County

Scott County Tax Assessor/Collector — property assessments, valuations, and tax records
Scott County Chancery Clerk — deeds, mortgages, liens, and all recorded instruments affecting real property