Burke County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Burke County in 2026
BurkeRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Burke County, Georgia. 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 title records
- Property tax assessments and payment histories
- Recorded mortgages and lien documents
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- Building permit records
Records can be searched through official county and state resources. The primary agencies responsible for maintaining Burke County property records are the Burke County Tax Assessor, the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court, and the Burke County Tax Commissioner. Each office maintains distinct record sets, and members of the public may access these records through multiple methods.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient option for current ownership, assessed values, and recorded documents
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted with applicable fees and identifying information
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Burke County Board of Tax Assessors serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Under Georgia law, the Burke County Tax Assessor determines the fair market value for all real and personal property in the county. The office provides free public access to property records without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By map or GIS location
- By legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site 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 separately)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location and property card
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Burke County Tax Assessor's property search portal
- Select a 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 parcel to view the full property card
- Review ownership details, valuation history, and sales records
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search
The Burke County Clerk of Superior Court records and indexes all instruments affecting title to real property. Members of the public may search the grantor-grantee index to locate deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
- 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 declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA documents and condominium declarations
How to Search:
- Access the Clerk of Superior Court's official records index
- Select the appropriate search type (grantor, grantee, or instrument number)
- Enter the name or document reference
- Review the results and identify the relevant instrument
- Note the book and page or instrument number for retrieval
- Request document images online or in person; fees may apply for copies
3. Tax Commissioner Website
The Burke County Tax Commissioner maintains records of property tax billing, payment history, and delinquency status. Members of the public may access this information free of charge.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied and millage rates
- Delinquent tax status and tax certificate information
- Payment options and installment plan status
4. GIS / Mapping System
Burke County maintains a geographic information system that provides visual access to parcel boundaries, aerial photography, zoning layers, flood zones, and environmental features. Members of the public may navigate the interactive map, click on individual parcels, and access linked property records.
In-Person Searches:
Burke County Board of Tax Assessors
524 Monroe Street, Suite 100
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2607
Burke County Tax Assessor
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, plat maps, and exemption applications.
Burke County Clerk of Superior Court
602 Liberty Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2279
Burke County Superior Court Clerk
Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor-grantee indexes, and accessing record books with staff assistance.
Burke County Tax Commissioner
524 Monroe Street, Suite 100
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2309
Welcome to Burke County, Georgia
Services available in person include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court at 602 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830. Requests should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties and pull comparable sales histories 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 subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section-township-range designations from the deed
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the courthouse is required; staff can assist with microfilm and archived record books
What Is Burke County Property Records
Property records in Burke County are official legal documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government agencies. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the foundation for property tax assessment. They are essential for conducting real estate transactions, obtaining title insurance, and protecting property rights.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- 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
- HOA documents and lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemption records
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Burke County Board of Tax Assessors maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications. The Burke County Clerk of Superior Court records and indexes all instruments affecting title, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Burke County Tax Commissioner maintains tax billing and payment records. The Burke County Planning and Zoning Department maintains permit, zoning, and code enforcement records.
Legal Framework:
Under O.C.G.A. § 44-2-1, all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting title to real property in Georgia must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the property is located. This recording requirement provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors. Georgia's recording statutes establish a race-notice system, meaning that a subsequent purchaser who records first and has no notice of a prior unrecorded interest takes priority. The constitutional protection of property rights under Article I of the Georgia Constitution further underpins the legal framework governing property records in the state.
Are Property Records Public Information in Burke County?
Property records in Burke County are public information. Under Georgia's Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., all records maintained by public agencies are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.
As the Georgia Attorney General's office has noted, "The Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's intent that public records be open to the public." This principle applies fully to property records maintained by the Tax Assessor, Clerk of Superior Court, and Tax Commissioner.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency: Public access to ownership records prevents fraudulent transfers and ensures accountability in property taxation
- Commercial necessity: Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on open access to recorded instruments
- Legal protection: Recording provides constructive notice, establishes chain of title, and enables enforcement of property rights
- Public interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records
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 histories
- 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 Georgia law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Georgia's Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Tax Assessor's office for specific policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access Burke County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, property investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of public property records is permitted under Georgia law. Title companies, data aggregators, appraisal firms, and marketing companies may lawfully compile and use property record information. However, anti-harassment laws, fair housing statutes, and other applicable regulations continue to govern how that information may be used.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Burke County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges maintained by Burke County offices.
Burke County Clerk of Superior Court — Recording and Copy Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a deed or instrument (first page) | $25.00 |
| Each additional page | $2.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $2.50 per page + $2.50 certification fee |
| Uncertified copy of a recorded document | $0.25 per page (in-person) |
| Online document viewing/download | Fees may apply per document |
Georgia recording fees are governed by O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77, which establishes the schedule of fees that clerks of superior court may charge for recording instruments and providing copies.
Burke County Tax Assessor — Copy Fees:
- Inspection of property records: No charge
- Printed copies of property cards or assessment records: $0.10–$0.25 per page (standard copy fee)
- GIS map prints: Fees vary by size and format
Burke County Tax Commissioner — Copy Fees:
- Inspection of tax records: No charge
- Copies of tax bills or payment records: Standard copy fees apply
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order (mail requests and in-person)
- Credit or debit card (accepted at most offices; convenience fees may apply)
Fee Waivers: Georgia's Open Records Act does not provide a general fee waiver for members of the public. However, agencies may waive fees at their discretion, particularly for requests that serve a significant public interest. Indigent requesters may inquire about fee reduction on a case-by-case basis.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online inspection of property appraiser records
- Online inspection of tax records
- In-person inspection of recorded instruments at the Clerk's office
- GIS map viewing online
What's Included in a Burke County Property Record?
A complete Burke County property record contains several categories of information drawn from multiple county offices.
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), acquisition date, deed book and page or instrument number, and mailing address for tax billing purposes. 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 a site address, mailing address (if different), legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes-and-bounds description), and a unique parcel identification number assigned by the Tax Assessor.
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 garages, pools, porches, fireplaces, 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 available, allowing members of the public to track value trends over time.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year's total tax amount, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, city or municipality, and special districts). Tax payment history and any delinquency records are also included.
Sales History:
Sales history records document prior transfers including sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, etc.), grantor and grantee names, and deed instrument numbers. Documentary stamp amounts paid at recording are also reflected.
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 part of the official property record maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court.
Maps and Images:
Property records include exterior photographs, aerial imagery, GIS maps with parcel boundaries, plat maps, and property sketches where available.
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted under state law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Burke County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Burke County are maintained permanently. The legal requirement to preserve recorded instruments arises from the fundamental role these records play in establishing chain of title and protecting property rights across generations.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Georgia's records retention schedules, administered by the Georgia Archives under the authority of O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90, classify recorded instruments affecting title to real property as permanent records. The Clerk of Superior Court is required by law to maintain these records indefinitely and to make them available for public inspection.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all other conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens (tax, judgment, mechanic's, and other statutory liens)
- All plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- All easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- All powers of attorney affecting property
- All court documents affecting title
- Assessment rolls and property cards maintained by the Tax Assessor
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Burke County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very old records are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records may be available on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scans in electronic document management systems with off-site backup. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and employs digital backup systems for electronic records.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20 years) | Fully or largely available online |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | May be online; microfilm available in person |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; microfilm or original books |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser Records:
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently by the Burke County Board of Tax Assessors. Online access covers recent assessment years; historical assessments are available in person at the Tax Assessor's office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained until resolved. Members of the public seeking historical tax records beyond what is available online should contact the Tax Commissioner's office directly.
Accessing Historical Records:
Burke County Clerk of Superior Court
602 Liberty Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2279
Burke County Superior Court Clerk
Burke County Board of Tax Assessors
524 Monroe Street, Suite 100
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2607
Burke County Tax Assessor
Members of the public requesting very old records should contact the Clerk's office in advance to allow staff time to retrieve materials from archive storage. The same public access rights and copy fee schedules apply to historical records as to current records.
How To Find Liens on Property in Burke County?
Liens on property in Burke County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court. Members of the public may search for liens using the grantor-grantee index maintained by the Clerk's office.
Types of Liens Recorded in Burke County:
- Federal tax liens (filed by the IRS with the Clerk of Superior Court)
- State tax liens (filed by the Georgia Department of Revenue)
- County and municipal tax liens
- Judgment liens arising from court judgments
- Mechanic's and materialman's liens (filed by contractors and suppliers)
- HOA assessment liens
- Child support liens
- Code enforcement liens
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Access the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court's official records index, available through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority online portal
- Select the lien or UCC search function, or use the general grantor-grantee index
- Enter the property owner's name as the grantor to identify any liens recorded against that individual or entity
- Review all results within the relevant time period
- Note the instrument number, recording date, lien type, and lienholder for each result
- Request document images to review the full lien instrument; fees may apply
- For federal tax liens specifically, search the IRS lien index maintained through the Clerk's office or the IRS online lien search tool
- For judgment liens, search the civil judgment index maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Clerk of Superior Court's office. Staff can assist with identifying the correct index and retrieving documents.
Burke County Clerk of Superior Court
602 Liberty Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2279
Burke County Superior Court Clerk
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A professional title search will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and clouds on title, including those that may not appear in a basic name search due to indexing variations.
Important Notes on Lien Searches:
- Liens are indexed by the name of the debtor (property owner), not by property address; searching by address alone may not reveal all liens
- Name spelling variations can cause liens to be missed in a basic search; try multiple spelling variations
- Mechanic's liens in Georgia are governed by O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361, which establishes the requirements for filing and enforcing contractor and materialman's liens
- Federal tax liens are effective against all property of the taxpayer upon filing and do not require a separate filing for each parcel
What Is Property Owner Rule in Burke County?
The property owner rule in Burke County refers to the body of Georgia 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.
Ownership Under Georgia Law:
Any natural person, corporation, LLC, partnership, trust, or other legal entity may own real property in Burke County. Georgia law does not impose residency requirements for property ownership. Foreign nationals and out-of-state entities may hold title to real property in Georgia subject to applicable federal and state regulations.
How Ownership Is Established:
Legal ownership of real property in Burke County is established by a recorded deed. Under Georgia's recording statutes, a deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, attested by two witnesses (one of whom may be a notary public), and recorded with the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Forms of Co-Ownership:
Georgia law recognizes several forms of concurrent ownership:
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) take the deceased's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common — Each co-owner holds an undivided fractional interest that passes through the owner's estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety — Available only to married couples in Georgia; provides certain protections against individual creditors of one spouse
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Burke County hold the right to use, enjoy, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, HOA covenants, and state and local law. Property owners are obligated to pay ad valorem property taxes assessed by the Burke County Board of Tax Assessors and the Tax Commissioner. Failure to pay property taxes may result in a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax sale under Georgia's tax sale statutes.
Homestead Exemption:
Georgia law provides a basic homestead exemption of $2,000 off the assessed value of a primary residence for all qualifying homeowners under O.C.G.A. § 48-5-44. Burke County and the State of Georgia offer additional exemptions for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of military personnel. Applications for homestead exemptions must be filed with the Burke County Board of Tax Assessors by April 1 of the tax year.
Property Tax Assessment and Appeal:
The Burke County Board of Tax Assessors determines the fair market value of all real and personal property in the county annually. As stated on the official county website, "The tax assessors office determines the fair market value for all real and personal property in the county and the various cities." Property owners who disagree with their assessed value may file a written appeal with the Board of Tax Assessors within 45 days of receiving the notice of assessment. Appeals may proceed to the Board of Equalization and, if necessary, to the Superior Court.
Adverse Possession:
Under Georgia law, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely possesses another's property for a period of 20 years (or 7 years under color of title) may acquire legal title through adverse possession. Claims of adverse possession must be established through a court proceeding, and a court-ordered deed must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court to perfect title.
Eminent Domain:
Burke County and the State of Georgia retain the power of eminent domain — the authority to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. Property owners subject to a taking have the right to contest the amount of compensation offered through condemnation proceedings in the Superior Court.