Simpson County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Simpson County in 2026
SimpsonRecords.us and other official government portals provide access to publicly available information related to property records in Simpson County. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and encumbrance documents. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the custodial office and the age of the document in question. Relevant record categories include property deeds, mortgage records, tax assessment rolls, lien filings, plat maps, and building permit records.
Property records in Simpson County may be searched through several official channels. The primary custodial offices are the Simpson County Clerk's office, the county property valuation administrator, and the state tax authority. Members of the public may access records online, in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient method; available through official county and state portals at no cost for basic inquiries
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted to the appropriate custodial office with applicable fees
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches on behalf of clients
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Simpson County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) serves as the primary resource for property assessment information. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 132.420, the PVA is responsible for assessing all real property within the county at fair cash value. The PVA's online portal allows members of the public to search records at no charge without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision name
- By map or GIS location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Square footage, year built, lot size, and building type
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Simpson County PVA portal
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the designated field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the relevant parcel to view the full property card
- Access sales history, maps, and assessment details from the property detail page
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search
The Simpson County Clerk maintains the official record of all instruments affecting real property title. Members of the public may search recorded documents through the Clerk's office, which indexes records by grantor name, grantee name, document type, and recording date.
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 declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens filings
- HOA documents and declarations
How to Search:
- Visit the Simpson County Clerk records portal
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results and select the relevant document
- View document images where available online
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
- Request certified copies from the Clerk's office if official documentation is required
3. Tax Collector Website
Tax information for Simpson County properties is administered through the County Clerk's office, which also handles delinquent tax records and collections. Members of the public may search tax records by property address, owner name, parcel number, or tax account number.
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Outstanding balances and delinquency information
- Exemptions applied and millage rates
- Installment plan status and payment options
- Tax certificate information for delinquent accounts
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Kentucky Division of Geographic Information provides statewide GIS resources that include parcel boundary data, aerial photography, zoning layers, flood zone designations, and environmental features. Members of the public may navigate the interactive map to locate a specific parcel, view property boundaries, and access linked assessment records.
In-Person Searches:
Property Valuation Administrator Office
Simpson County PVA
103 West Cedar Street, Suite 2
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4261
Simpson County PVA
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance with property searches, property cards, plat maps, and exemption applications.
Clerk of Court / Recorder Office
Simpson County Clerk
103 West Cedar Street
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-8161
Simpson County Clerk
Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor and grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document retrieval.
By Mail Requests:
Property Valuation Administrator
Written requests for property information may be submitted to the Simpson County PVA at 103 West Cedar Street, Suite 2, Franklin, KY 42134. Requestors should include the property address or parcel number, a description of the information sought, and a self-addressed return envelope. Copying fees may apply.
Clerk / Recorder
Written requests for recorded documents may be submitted to the Simpson County Clerk at 103 West Cedar Street, Franklin, KY 42134. Requestors should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy and certification fees must accompany the request.
Through Professionals:
Title Companies
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests affecting a property. Fees vary by transaction complexity and property value.
Real Estate Attorneys
Licensed real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership disputes, and advise on matters involving encumbrances or defects in title. Fees vary by scope of representation.
Real Estate Agents
Licensed real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and compile 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) and confirm correct spelling
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and consider maiden name or business name variations
- When searching by legal description, use the exact subdivision name, lot and block numbers, or section, township, and range designations from the deed
- For historical records not available online, contact the Clerk's office directly to arrange in-person access or retrieval from archive storage
Common Search Challenges:
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
- Very old records may not be digitized and require an in-person visit
- Common names or similar addresses may return multiple results; verify by parcel number or legal description
- Indexing errors may cause a record to appear under a variant spelling
What You Cannot Find Online:
- Unrecorded private agreements
- Pending sales prior to closing and recording
- Documents filed under seal by court order
- Some pre-digital historical records not yet scanned
What Is Simpson County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government as permanent legal records of ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. In Simpson County, Kentucky, these records are custodied primarily by the County Clerk and the Property Valuation Administrator. They are essential for establishing clear title, facilitating real estate transactions, and assessing property taxes, and they are accessible to any member of the public.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Assess property taxes and determine taxable value
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate lending, appraisal, and market analysis
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
Ownership records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, special warranty deeds, life estate deeds, and trust documents affecting real property. These instruments establish the chain of title from the original grant to the present owner.
Encumbrance Records
Encumbrance records include mortgages, deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens, easements, restrictive covenants, HOA documents, and lis pendens filings. These instruments notify the public of interests held by parties other than the record owner.
Tax and Assessment Records
Tax and assessment records include annual property tax assessments, tax bills, payment history, exemption applications, millage rates, special assessments, and delinquency records. The County Tax Rolls, 1818–1902 Series 1202 maintained by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History illustrates the historical depth of tax assessment records in the region, reflecting taxes assessed on personal property and land owned by county residents.
Legal Descriptions
Legal descriptions are contained in plat maps, subdivision plats, surveys, and recorded deeds. They identify property by lot and block number, metes and bounds, or section, township, and range.
Building and Permit Records
Building and permit records include building permits, certificates of occupancy, code violation notices, and zoning designations. These records are maintained by the county's building and planning department.
Who Maintains Property Records:
County Clerk of Court / County Recorder
The Simpson County Clerk records, indexes, and maintains all official instruments affecting real property title, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements.
Property Valuation Administrator
The Simpson County PVA maintains property valuation records, assessment rolls, property characteristic data, ownership information, and exemption applications pursuant to KRS § 132.420.
Tax Collector
The Simpson County Clerk also administers tax collection functions, maintaining tax bills, payment records, delinquent tax accounts, and tax certificate information.
Building and Planning Department
The Simpson County building and planning department maintains permit records, inspection reports, zoning designations, and code enforcement actions.
Legal Framework:
Kentucky's open records law, codified at KRS § 61.870 et seq., establishes the public's right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies. Property recording requirements are governed by KRS Chapter 382, which mandates that instruments affecting real property title be recorded with the County Clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. As stated by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, "Public records are the property of the Commonwealth and shall be managed, preserved, and made accessible in accordance with state law."
Are Property Records Public Information in Simpson County?
Property records are public information in Simpson County. Under KRS § 61.870, any person may inspect public records maintained by a government agency without stating a reason or demonstrating a particular interest. The recording statutes under KRS Chapter 382 further establish that instruments recorded with the County Clerk are available for public inspection as a matter of law.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq.
- Kentucky recording statutes, KRS Chapter 382
- Common law tradition of public land records dating to the colonial period
- Constitutional protections for property rights under the Kentucky Constitution
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency
Public access to property ownership records ensures accountability in property taxation, prevents fraudulent transfers, and supports transparent government operations. The public has a recognized legal interest in knowing who owns real property within the county.
Commercial Purposes
Open property records enable real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance underwriting, property appraisals, market analysis, and mortgage lending. The real estate industry depends on the public availability of these records to function efficiently.
Legal Protections
Recording an instrument with the County Clerk provides constructive notice to all subsequent parties, establishing priority of interests and protecting against fraudulent conveyances. This principle is foundational to American property law.
Public Interest
Property records support community planning, historical and genealogical research, journalistic investigation, and tax assessment transparency.
What Property Information Is Public:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
- 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 state and federal law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections that limit the public disclosure of their residential addresses. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Simpson County PVA for specific policies regarding exemption application access.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access Simpson 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 aggregation of public property records is legally permitted. Companies such as CoreLogic and First American compile public record data into subscription databases used by real estate professionals and lenders. Such use is lawful provided it complies with applicable privacy laws, fair housing statutes, and anti-harassment regulations.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Simpson County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Simpson County Clerk's office at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges as established under Kentucky law and county policy.
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspection of records (in person) | No charge |
| Copies (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded instrument | $5.00 for first page; $3.00 each additional page |
| Recording a new instrument | $33.00 for first three pages; $3.00 each additional page |
| Online document viewing | No charge for basic search |
| GIS/mapping access | No charge |
Kentucky recording fees are governed by KRS § 64.012, which establishes the schedule of fees that county clerks may charge for recording instruments and providing copies. Fee amounts are subject to periodic legislative adjustment.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person payments)
- Personal check or money order (mail requests)
- Credit or debit card (where available at the Clerk's office)
Fee Waivers: Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees under Kentucky law. Members of the public seeking fee waiver consideration should submit a written request to the Simpson County Clerk explaining the basis for the waiver.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online property record searches through the PVA portal
- Online recorded document searches through the Clerk's portal
- In-person inspection of records at the courthouse
- GIS mapping and aerial photography access
- Tax information searches through the Clerk's tax portal
What's Included in a Simpson County Property Record?
A comprehensive Simpson County property record contains multiple categories of information drawn from the records of the County Clerk, the Property Valuation Administrator, and the Tax Collector.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, or corporation), ownership percentage where multiple owners exist, the acquisition date, and the deed book and page or instrument number. Previous ownership records provide the chain of title, including prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by its site address, mailing address (if different), legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, or metes and bounds), parcel ID or folio 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 spaces, pools, porches, fireplaces, and HVAC systems.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, and taxable value. Historical assessed values for prior years are available, allowing review of value trends over time.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year 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 any delinquency records are also included.
Exemptions Applied:
- Homestead exemption
- Senior citizen exemption
- Disability exemption
- Veteran exemption
- Agricultural exemption
- Conservation or historic preservation exemption
Sales History:
Sales history records include sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, etc.), grantor and grantee names, deed document numbers, and qualified or unqualified sale designations.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages, lien filings, easements, restrictive covenants, HOA documents, and lis pendens notices are included in the official record. Mortgage records reflect the original recorded amount and lender name; outstanding balances are not reflected in public records.
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 records include exterior photographs, aerial imagery, GIS parcel boundary maps, plat maps, and property sketches where available through the PVA's online system.
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded instruments
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Simpson County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Simpson County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property title are never destroyed, as they form the legal chain of title upon which all subsequent ownership and encumbrance claims depend.
Legal Basis for Retention:
Kentucky's records retention requirements are established under KRS Chapter 171 and administered by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA). The KDLA's Local Government Records Retention Schedule mandates permanent retention for all recorded instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements. As the KDLA states in its retention guidance, "Recorded instruments affecting title to real property shall be retained permanently as essential public records."
Records Kept Permanently:
Deed Records
All recorded deeds are retained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Records date back to the formation of Simpson County in 1819 and, for some instruments, to the original land grants issued under the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Mortgage Records
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are retained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.
Lien Records
All recorded liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and releases thereof — are retained permanently.
Plats and Surveys
All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are retained permanently.
Other Recorded Documents
Easements, restrictive covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are retained permanently.
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the 19th and early 20th centuries exist in handwritten ledger books stored in the Clerk's vault. Mid-20th century records are available on microfilm. More recent records have been scanned and are maintained in electronic document management systems with off-site backup and cloud-based redundancy. The Simpson County Clerk's office continues digitization efforts to make older records accessible online.
Access to Historical Records:
Records from approximately the past 20 to 40 years are available online through the Clerk's portal. Older records may require an in-person visit to the courthouse, where staff can retrieve documents from vault storage or microfilm archives. Members of the public seeking very old records should contact the Clerk's office in advance to allow time for retrieval.
Property Appraiser Records:
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are retained permanently by the PVA. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum of five to seven years in accordance with the KDLA retention schedule. Recent assessment history is available online through the PVA portal; historical assessments are available at the PVA office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax deed records are retained permanently by the County Clerk. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.
Chain of Title:
The unbroken chain of title for any parcel in Simpson County can be traced from the present owner back to the original land grant. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review a minimum of 30 to 60 years of ownership history, though a full abstract may extend to the original grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a clear title can be conveyed.
Contact for Historical Records:
Simpson County Clerk
103 West Cedar Street
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-8161
Simpson County Clerk
Simpson County PVA
103 West Cedar Street, Suite 2
Franklin, KY 42134
Phone: (270) 586-4261
Simpson County PVA
How To Find Liens on Property in Simpson County?
Liens on property in Simpson County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Simpson County Clerk's official records system. A lien is a legal claim against real property that secures payment of a debt or obligation, and under Kentucky recording law, a lien must be recorded with the County Clerk to be enforceable against subsequent purchasers.
Types of Liens Recorded in Simpson County:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Kentucky Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from court judgments
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors and materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Navigate to the Simpson County Clerk records portal and select the official records search function
- Search by the property owner's name as grantee or grantor to identify all recorded instruments
- Filter results by document type, selecting lien-related categories (tax lien, judgment lien, mechanic's lien, etc.)
- Review each result for recording date, lien amount, and lienholder identity
- Note the book and page or instrument number for any lien identified
- Search the IRS federal tax lien database through the IRS online lien search for federal tax liens, which are also recorded at the County Clerk's office
- Search the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system for judgment liens arising from civil court proceedings
- Request a certified lien search from the County Clerk's office if official documentation is required for a real estate transaction
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Simpson County Clerk's office using the public access terminals available in the recording room. Staff can assist with identifying the correct index entries and retrieving document images.
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process for real estate transactions. A title commitment issued by a licensed title insurer identifies all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting the subject property. Real estate attorneys may also conduct or supervise lien searches on behalf of clients.
Releasing a Lien:
A lien is released when the underlying obligation is satisfied and a release or satisfaction instrument is recorded with the County Clerk. Members of the public should verify that a release has been recorded before assuming a lien has been extinguished, as an unrecorded release does not provide constructive notice to subsequent parties.
The DOCALERT notification service offered through the Simpson County Clerk's records system alerts property owners when any document — including a lien — is recorded against their property, providing an early warning against unauthorized or fraudulent filings.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Simpson County?
The property owner rule in Simpson County refers to the body of Kentucky law and local practice governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Under Kentucky law, any natural person, legal entity (including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trusts), or government body may hold title to real property in Simpson County.
Establishing Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Simpson County is established by a recorded deed. Under KRS Chapter 382, a deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized officer, and recorded with the Simpson County Clerk to be effective against subsequent purchasers and creditors. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties.
Forms of Ownership:
Kentucky law recognizes several forms of concurrent ownership:
- Tenancy in common — Two or more persons each hold an undivided fractional interest; interests pass by will or intestate succession upon death
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) take the decedent's interest by operation of law
- Tenancy by the entirety — A form of joint ownership available only to legally married spouses; neither spouse may convey or encumber the property without the other's consent
- Trust ownership — A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries pursuant to a trust agreement
- Entity ownership — A corporation, LLC, partnership, or other legal entity holds title; authority to convey is governed by the entity's governing documents
Transfer of Ownership:
Real property in Simpson County may be transferred by sale, gift, inheritance, court order, or operation of law. All voluntary transfers must be accomplished by a recorded deed. Involuntary transfers — such as those resulting from foreclosure, tax sale, or eminent domain — are accomplished by instruments recorded with the County Clerk following the applicable legal process.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Simpson County hold the right to use, enjoy, lease, mortgage, and convey their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and encumbrances of record. Owners are obligated to pay annual property taxes assessed by the PVA and collected by the County Clerk. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the property being placed on the delinquent tax list and ultimately sold at a tax certificate sale pursuant to KRS Chapter 134.
Adverse Possession:
Kentucky law recognizes adverse possession as a means by which a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely occupies another's property for a period of 15 years may acquire legal title. A claim of adverse possession must be established by a court judgment, after which a deed is recorded to reflect the new ownership.
Eminent Domain:
The Commonwealth of Kentucky and its political subdivisions, including Simpson County, hold the power of eminent domain — the authority to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. Eminent domain proceedings are governed by KRS Chapter 416 and require judicial oversight.
Fraud Protections:
The Simpson County Clerk's DOCALERT service, accessible through the Records page of the Clerk's website, notifies enrolled property owners of any unexpected activity involving mortgages or deeds recorded in their name, providing a practical safeguard against deed fraud and unauthorized transfers.