Lincoln County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Lincoln County in 2026
LincolnMSRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Lincoln County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find ownership history, deed transfers, tax assessments, recorded liens, mortgage documents, and parcel identification data. Record categories include deeds, mortgages, tax records, plat maps, building permits, and encumbrance documents. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the custodial office and the time period of the record.
Property records in Lincoln County may be searched through several official channels maintained by county and state agencies. The primary custodial offices are the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk, the Lincoln County Tax Assessor, and the Lincoln County Tax Collector. 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 county and state portals at no cost for basic searches
- 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 abstractors provide comprehensive searches for a fee
1. Property Appraiser / Tax Assessor Website
The Lincoln County Tax Assessor maintains the primary database for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access the Lincoln County Tax Assessor's online search portal at no cost and 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
- 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)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Lincoln County Tax Assessor's official 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 ownership details, assessed values, sales history, and map data
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Chancery Clerk Official Records Search
The Lincoln County Chancery Clerk serves as the official recorder of property documents. Recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements are indexed and maintained by this office. Members of the public may search the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk's records for recorded documents.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and tax liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and subdivision surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA declarations and covenants
How to Search:
- Access the Chancery Clerk's official records index
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results and identify the relevant instrument
- Click to view the document image if available online
- Note the book and page number or instrument number for reference
- Request certified copies from the Chancery Clerk's office if needed
3. Tax Collector Website
The Lincoln County Tax Collector maintains records of property tax bills, payment history, and delinquency status. Members of the public may access tax information through the Lincoln County Tax Collector's office.
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
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquent tax status
- Payment options and due dates
4. GIS / Mapping System
Lincoln County maintains a geographic information system that provides visual access to property boundaries, zoning layers, flood zones, and aerial photography. The GIS system allows members of the public to navigate to a specific location, click on a parcel, and view linked property information including parcel identification numbers and ownership data.
In-Person Searches:
Lincoln County Tax Assessor
301 S. First Street, Suite 101
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3402
Lincoln County Tax Assessor
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk
301 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk
Lincoln County Tax Collector
301 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3404
Lincoln County Tax Collector
By Mail Requests:
Requests submitted by mail to the Chancery Clerk 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 written request with the applicable fee enclosed. The mailing address for the Chancery Clerk is 301 S. First Street, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Through Professionals:
Title companies provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys offer legal title opinions and representation in 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, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations
- For historical records not available online, contact the Chancery Clerk's office directly for assistance
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online indexes due to recording processing time
- Verify results using the parcel identification number when multiple results are returned
What Is Lincoln County Property Records
Property records in Lincoln County are official documents related to real property — including land and buildings — maintained by county government offices as permanent legal records of ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. These records establish the chain of title, document property transactions, record liens and mortgages, and support the assessment of property taxes. Under Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the Chancery Clerk of the county in which the property is located to provide constructive notice to the public.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Chain of title documents and transfer records
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
- Ownership history from original conveyance to present
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- HOA declarations and lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemption records
- Millage rates and special assessments
- Delinquency records and tax deed proceedings
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 violation records
- Zoning classifications and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk — Records and indexes all instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The Chancery Clerk is the official custodian of recorded documents under Mississippi law.
Lincoln County Tax Assessor — Maintains property valuation records, assessment rolls, property characteristics databases, ownership information, and exemption applications.
Lincoln County Tax Collector — Maintains tax bills, payment histories, delinquent tax records, and tax certificate information.
City of Brookhaven Building and Planning Department — Maintains building permits, certificates of occupancy, zoning records, and code enforcement files for properties within the city limits.
City of Brookhaven Building Department
201 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 833-2362
Building Permits – City of Brookhaven
Are Property Records Public Information in Lincoln County?
Property records in Lincoln County are public information. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., all public records are presumed to be open to inspection by any member of the public unless a specific exemption applies. Property records maintained by the Chancery Clerk, Tax Assessor, and Tax Collector are subject to this presumption of openness. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The public nature of property records in Mississippi is grounded in both statutory and common law. The recording system established under Mississippi Code § 89-5-1 requires that instruments affecting real property be recorded to provide constructive notice — meaning that once a document is recorded, the public is legally presumed to have knowledge of its contents. This principle has been a cornerstone of American property law for centuries and underpins the entire system of title insurance, mortgage lending, and real estate transactions.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency — The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns property, how it is taxed, and what encumbrances affect it
- Commercial necessity — Real estate transactions, title searches, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on open access to recorded documents
- Legal protection — Recording provides constructive notice that protects buyers, lenders, and lienholders from competing claims
- 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 ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification 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 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. Mississippi law provides address confidentiality protections for certain individuals, including law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims, who may request that their personal address information be shielded from public disclosure. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public inspection; members of the public should contact the Tax Assessor's office for specific policies regarding exemption application access.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access property records in Lincoln County, including prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, journalists, and out-of-state or foreign inquirers. No ownership interest in the property is required.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of public property records is permitted under Mississippi law. Title companies, data aggregators, appraisal firms, and marketing companies may lawfully use property record information for business purposes. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern how information may be used regardless of its public nature.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Lincoln 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 maintained by Lincoln County offices.
Chancery Clerk Copy and Recording Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Recording a deed or instrument (first page) | $12.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $2.00 per page |
| Online document viewing | Free (basic search) |
| Document image download | Fees may apply depending on system |
Recording fees in Mississippi are governed by Mississippi Code § 25-7-9, which establishes the schedule of fees that chancery clerks may charge for recording instruments and providing copies of public records.
Tax Assessor and Tax Collector:
- Inspection of assessment records and tax records: No charge
- Copies of tax bills or assessment records: $0.50 per page (standard)
- Certified copies: Additional certification fee applies
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Lincoln County Chancery Clerk or applicable office)
- Money order
- Credit and debit cards (availability varies by office; confirm in advance)
Fee Waivers:
No general fee waiver provision applies to property record copy requests in Mississippi. Indigent individuals and certain nonprofit organizations may inquire with the custodial office regarding reduced-fee arrangements, though no statutory waiver is guaranteed for property record copies.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of all public property records
- Online viewing of property assessment data through the Tax Assessor's portal
- Basic online searches of recorded document indexes through the Chancery Clerk's system
- GIS mapping and parcel data
What's Included in a Lincoln County Property Record
A complete Lincoln County property record draws from multiple custodial offices and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, 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 purposes. Previous ownership information provides 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, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds description), and a parcel identification number assigned by the Tax Assessor. Condominium units carry additional unit-specific identifiers.
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. Water source and sewer system type are also recorded.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, and taxable value. Historical assessed values for prior years are maintained and accessible. Agricultural classification values are recorded separately where applicable.
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, municipality, and special districts). Payment status, due dates, and discount information are included. Tax payment history and any delinquency records are also maintained.
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, gift, or inheritance), grantor and grantee names, deed document numbers, and qualified or unqualified sale designations. Documentary stamp amounts are recorded where applicable.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages are identified by lender name, original mortgage amount, recording date, and book and page reference. Liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens — are recorded with amounts, lienholders, and recording dates. Easements, restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens notices are also part of the official record.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, land use code, future land use designation, special district assignments (school, fire, water), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, and FEMA flood zone designation are included in the comprehensive property record.
Maps and Images:
Property records may include exterior photographs, aerial photographs, GIS maps with property boundaries, plat maps, property sketches, and historical aerial images where available.
Building Permit Information:
Where integrated with the property record system, building permit data includes permit dates, descriptions of permitted work, contractor information, permit values, certificates of occupancy, and inspection records.
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under state and federal law)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Confidential exemption application financial details
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Lincoln County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Lincoln County are maintained permanently. The Chancery Clerk is required by Mississippi law to preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property indefinitely, as these documents form the legal foundation of the chain of title for every parcel in the county. No recorded deed, mortgage, lien, plat, or easement is subject to destruction.
Legal Basis for Retention:
The permanent retention of property records is grounded in Mississippi's recording statutes and the state's records retention schedule administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Under Mississippi law, the Chancery Clerk's recorded instruments are classified as permanent records that must be preserved in perpetuity. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History provides guidance on records retention schedules applicable to county offices.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types) dating back to Lincoln County's formation in 1870
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- 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
- Any instrument submitted for recording that affects real property
Format and Storage:
Historical records from Lincoln County's earliest decades are preserved in handwritten ledger books maintained in the Chancery Clerk's vault. Mid-twentieth century records exist in typed book format and on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scans within an electronic document management system, with off-site backup and cloud-based redundancy for preservation.
Access to Historical Records:
Records from approximately the past 20 to 40 years are accessible online through the Chancery Clerk's index system. Older records are available in person at the courthouse in book or microfilm format. Staff at the Chancery Clerk's office can retrieve records from storage upon request. Very old records may require advance notice for retrieval. The same public access rights and copy fee schedule apply to historical records as to current records.
Property Appraiser / Tax Assessor Records:
Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum of five to seven years depending on the type of exemption. Recent assessment history (typically the past 10 to 20 years) is accessible through the online portal; older assessment records are available at the Tax Assessor's office.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax certificates are maintained until redeemed or until a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.
Building Permit Records:
Building permit records for major construction are retained permanently by the City of Brookhaven Building Department or the applicable municipal authority. Minor permit records may be retained for a shorter period depending on the jurisdiction's retention schedule.
Digitization and Preservation:
Lincoln County, in common with many Mississippi counties, has undertaken ongoing digitization of historical records to improve public access and ensure long-term preservation. Scanning projects convert original books and microfilm to digital images accessible through the Chancery Clerk's online system. Multiple digital backups and disaster recovery protocols protect against loss.
Contact for Historical Records:
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk
301 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk
Lincoln County Tax Assessor
301 S. First Street, Suite 101
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3402
Lincoln County Tax Assessor
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
200 North Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-6850
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
How To Find Liens on Property in Lincoln County?
Liens on property in Lincoln County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk. Members of the public may search for liens using the Chancery Clerk's grantor-grantee index, which catalogs all recorded instruments by the names of the parties and the type of document.
Types of Liens Recorded with the Chancery Clerk:
- Judgment liens — Recorded by creditors who have obtained a court judgment against a property owner; these attach to all real property owned by the debtor in the county
- Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers who have not been paid for work performed on the property
- State and county tax liens — Filed by the Mississippi Department of Revenue or Lincoln County for unpaid state or local taxes
- Federal tax liens — Filed by the Internal Revenue Service for unpaid federal taxes; these are recorded with the Chancery Clerk under 26 U.S.C. § 6323, which governs the validity and priority of federal tax liens
- HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Code enforcement liens — Filed by municipal authorities for unresolved code violations
- Child support liens — Recorded pursuant to court order
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Access the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk's official records index online or visit the office in person at 301 S. First Street, Brookhaven, MS 39601
- Search by the property owner's name as the grantor or debtor
- Filter results by document type to identify liens specifically (judgment lien, mechanic's lien, tax lien, etc.)
- Review each result to confirm the property address or legal description matches the subject property
- Note the recording date, amount, and lienholder for each lien identified
- Search for corresponding releases or satisfactions to determine whether any identified lien has been discharged
- Request certified copies of any lien documents for official purposes
Federal Tax Lien Searches:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Chancery Clerk and are searchable through the same grantor-grantee index. Members of the public may also search the IRS's centralized lien database through the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for confirmation of federal tax lien status.
Delinquent Property Tax Liens:
Unpaid property taxes in Mississippi result in a tax lien that attaches automatically to the property. Members of the public may check delinquent tax status through the Lincoln County Tax Collector's office. Properties with outstanding delinquent taxes may be subject to tax sale proceedings under Mississippi law.
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk
301 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3411
Lincoln County Chancery Clerk
Lincoln County Tax Collector
301 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3404
Lincoln County Tax Collector
What Is Property Owner Rule in Lincoln County?
The property owner rule in Lincoln County refers to the body of Mississippi law and local regulations that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Mississippi follows the common law tradition of real property ownership, under which any individual, business entity, or trust may hold title to real property subject to applicable state and federal law.
Establishment of Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Lincoln County is established through a recorded deed. Under Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, a conveyance of real property must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and recorded with the Chancery Clerk of the county in which the property is located to be effective against third parties. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties to the transaction but does not provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers or creditors.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Mississippi:
- Sole ownership — A single individual holds title in their name alone
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner or owners automatically receive the deceased owner's interest without probate
- 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 — Available to married couples in Mississippi; provides survivorship rights and certain protections against individual creditors of one spouse
- Trust ownership — A trustee holds legal title on behalf of beneficiaries pursuant to a trust agreement
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities may hold title to real property in Mississippi
Homestead Rights:
Mississippi law provides homestead protections for owner-occupied residential property. The homestead exemption under Mississippi law reduces the assessed value of a qualifying primary residence for property tax purposes. Homestead property also carries certain protections against forced sale by creditors under Mississippi's homestead exemption statutes. Applications for the homestead exemption are filed with the Lincoln County Tax Assessor.
Transfer of Ownership:
Property ownership in Lincoln County is transferred by recorded deed. The deed must identify the grantor and grantee, contain a legal description of the property, state the consideration (or nominal consideration), be signed by the grantor before a notary public, and be recorded with the Chancery Clerk. Mississippi does not impose a state real estate transfer tax, though documentary stamp fees apply to recorded instruments based on the consideration stated.
Adverse Possession:
Mississippi law recognizes adverse possession as a method of acquiring title to property through open, notorious, hostile, exclusive, and continuous possession for a period of ten years under color of title, or for a longer period without color of title. Adverse possession claims are adjudicated in Chancery Court.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Property ownership in Lincoln County is subject to applicable zoning ordinances and land use regulations. Within the City of Brookhaven, zoning is administered by the City's planning and building department. Members of the public may determine the zoning classification of a specific parcel by consulting the City of Brookhaven's zoning map and building permit resources. Unincorporated areas of Lincoln County are subject to county-level land use regulations administered by the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors.
Lincoln County Board of Supervisors
301 S. First Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Phone: (601) 835-3400
Lincoln County Mississippi