Glossary of Terms

Assessor Parcel Number (APN)

An Assessor Parcel Number (APN) is a unique identifier assigned to each parcel of land by a local government's assessor's office or tax assessor's office. APNs are used primarily for property tax assessment purposes and help government agencies and other entities track and manage properties within their jurisdiction. The APN system provides a standardized method for identifying and referencing individual parcels of land, making it easier for assessors to assess property taxes, track ownership changes and maintain property records. Each APN typically consists of a series of numerical digits that uniquely identify the parcel, although the exact format may vary depending on the locality. APNs are commonly used in real estate transactions, property tax assessments, zoning and land use planning, and other administrative processes related to land ownership and management. They are essential for accurately identifying and managing properties within a jurisdiction and are often included on property tax bills deeds, and other legal documents related to real estate.